Tony Stewart talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Chairman Tony Stewart has moved to explain the circumstances behind the resignation of former boss Kenny Jackett - whilst providing an update on the club’s search for a new permanent first team manager.
The Millers confirmed Jackett’s departure yesterday evening, and have now begun the process of searching for his replacement.
The chairman explained that Jackett’s resignation was disappointing, but was keen to stress that the Millers are viewing the vacancy as an opportunity to appoint the right man to take the Club forward.
“We appointed a manager in Kenny Jackett who had a first class reputation in football,” Mr. Stewart told www.themillers.co.uk
“We sat down with Kenny and discussed at length our plans for the future, and he brought some good ideas to the table - plans that we wanted him to implement at this Club.
“We held talks regarding our transfer policy in January, and the feeling was very much one of positivity. From my point of the view the project with Kenny was always a three-year plan. I spoke to him last week to say even if we lost the next seven games, the plan would always remain long term.
“I was very focused on building for the future but right out of the blue I received a call after the Leeds game from Kenny to say that he wanted to resign. We decided that Kenny would go away and sleep on it, with more discussions to be held on the Sunday.
“Paul Douglas and I met with Kenny and following further talks he was still adamant that he wanted to resign. It was clear that he had made up his mind so we were left with no option but to accept his resignation. We have parted on good terms, and whilst I am very disappointed, we won’t dwell and the search for his replacement is now ongoing.”
On the search for a new first team manager, Mr. Stewart added that the Millers will not be rushing into the next appointment.
“I think we have to think long and hard. When you look at the successful managers we have had in the past, they had the combination of enthusiasm and passion, coupled with the skill to get the best out of the playing staff. Those are the characteristics we are looking for.
"Paul Warne has agreed to take charge of first-team matters in the interim, and we are pleased to have someone like him, a committed Miller, in caretaker control.
“This is now another challenge. I welcome challenges, and I remain positive that we will find someone who can take this Club forward. And I mean take this Club forward.
“As you would expect, we have already had a number of enquiries but what we want to try and avoid is rushing what will be a very important appointment for the football club.”