Steve Evans returns to Rotherham following Leam Richardson sacking
Rotherham have appointed Steve Evans for a second spell in charge after sacking Leam Richardson.
Richardson left the Millers on Wednesday morning after losing 18 of his 24 games in charge, overseeing relegation to Sky Bet League One, with Stevenage manager Evans swiftly named as his replacement a few hours later on a three-year deal.
Evans previously managed at the New York Stadium between 2012 and 2015, when he guided the club from League Two to Championship safety.
He leaves Stevenage having also taken them from the bottom of League Two to sitting just outside of the League One play-offs.
Evans’ returns sees a change in structure, with director of football Rob Scott reverting to head of recruitment and the Scot coming in as manager rather than head coach.
Chairman Tony Stewart said: “On behalf of everyone at Rotherham United, I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Steve Evans and Paul Raynor back to the football club.
“Leam and Rob’s (Kelly, assistant manager) departure was not something we took lightly, but following extensive conversations at board level, it was unanimously agreed that a change of direction was needed to give us the best possible chance of bouncing back to the Sky Bet Championship at the first time of asking.
“In Steve and Paul, we have two individuals that understand the Rotherham United ‘DNA’ and know what it takes to build a successful team. They have a proven track record of success at a plethora of clubs, including our own.
“Finally, I would like to place on record my thanks to Leam Richardson and Rob Kelly for their efforts and it goes without saying that they leave with the very best wishes of everyone here at Rotherham United.”
The former Wigan boss took over from Matt Taylor in December but endured a miserable time at the New York Stadium.
His appointment was with a view to rebuilding the club in the third tier but he has not made it until the end of the season, with his assistant Kelly also leaving with immediate effect.
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FC Barcelona
'He was a disaster!' - Xavi reveals who is to blame for Barcelona's Champions League exit
Barcelona eliminated from PSG 6-4 on aggregate after 4-1 loss at home on Tuesday
Ronald Araujo sent off for hosts when 1-0 up in second leg
Head coach Xavi bemoaned the performance of referee Istvan Kovacs
By Sean Walsh
Apr 17, 2024
Xavi was furious with the manner of Barcelona's defeat
Xavi was furious with the manner of Barcelona's defeat / Pedro Salado/GettyImages
Barcelona head coach Xavi branded referee Istvan Kovacs a 'disaster' in the aftermath of their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Having beaten PSG 3-2 in the first leg of their quarter-final last week, Barca were favourites to advance to the semi-finals. Their second got off to a brilliant start when Raphinha put them 1-0 up on the night.
However, Ronald Araujo was sent off for the hosts after 29 minutes for hauling down Bradley Barcola on the edge of the box as the last defender. Barcelona pleaded that contact was minimal and fellow centre-back Pau Cubarsi was there to cover him, but the red card stood even after a VAR review.
In the second half, Joao Cancelo conceded a penalty for a late tackle on Ousmane Dembele, while Ilkay Gundogan was denied a spot-kick at the other end after falling under a challenge from Vitinha.
Xavi and goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon de la Fuente also received red cards for continued and angry protestations on the touchlines. In his post-match press conference, the Barcelona boss unleashed his fury towards the referee.
Istvan Kovacs
Kovacs was at the centre of attention / Jean Catuffe/GettyImages
"We are annoyed, the red card marked the tie," Xavi began. "We were well organised [at] 11 vs 11. It completely changed everything. For me, it's too much to send [Araujo] off there.
"The referee was really bad. I told him, he was a disaster. He killed the tie. I don't like speaking about referees but it has to be said. I don't understand it.
"It's not good going down to 10 players and from that point on it's another game. For as much as we speak [about the match], the red card marks everything."
When asked about his own red card for dissent, Xavi admitted: "That was an error by me, it was my fault.
"It's just a shame that the hard work of an entire season ends because of one refereeing decision. I would have liked it to be 11 vs 11 for the whole game. It's an unnecessary red."
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Manchester United
INEOS select Man Utd star to be 'new face of project'
Man Utd in talks with Kobbie Mainoo over new contract
INEOS want midfielder to be core part of project
Current deal expires in 2027 but pay rise is on the cards
By Sean Walsh
Apr 17, 2024
Mainoo's stock has risen
Mainoo's stock has risen / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
Manchester United are in talks with Kobbie Mainoo over a new contract amid plans to make him one of the 'faces' of the club, according to a report.
Mainoo last signed a new deal with United in February 2023, agreeing terms on a contract running until 2027 with the option to extend by a further year.
But Fabrizio Romano claims the two parties are back in negotiations having held initial talks two months ago.
INEOS, the club's new minority shareholders through Sir Jim Ratcliffe, want to make Mainoo 'one of the faces of the new project' and are prepared to offer him a salary increase plus several bonuses.
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The Ratcliffe era is underway / DARREN STAPLES/GettyImages
Mainoo had been linked with a move to rivals Manchester City last year, with the reigning Premier League champions retaining a long-term interest in the midfielder. A move away has never come close to materialising, however.
The 2023/24 season has seen the 18-year-old establish himself as an integral part of both United's present and future. He made three appearances in the 2022/23 campaign, while his beginning to this campaign was heavily delayed by a pre-season ankle injury.
But since making his return in November, Mainoo has been essentially undroppable and indispensable to Erik ten Hag's setup and he has already made 24 appearances across all competitions this season.
Mainoo has also contributed three goals, and two have come in dramatic circumstances. His first Premier League goal for United was a 97th-minute winner in a 4-3 victory at Wolves, putting the Red Devils back in front just seconds after they were pegged back to 3-3.
More recently, the new England international scored in United's 2-2 draw at home to rivals Liverpool, putting them 2-1 up on the day with a delicious strike from the edge of the box reminiscent of Federico Macheda's famous goal against Aston Villa in 2009.
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