Rotherham United: No rift with departed Jackett, says Millers chairman Stewart

Rotherham United chairman Tony Stewart is adamant there was no behind-the-scenes fall-out in the build-up to Kenny Jackett's shock resignation as Millers manager today.
Kenny JackettKenny Jackett
Kenny Jackett

Jackett has quit after just five games in charge of the Championship club who brought him in after the sacking of Alan Stubbs last month.

The 54-year-old presided over four defeats and leaves Rotherham 11 points adrift of safety at the foot of the table, but had been assured by Stewart that he was seen as their man for a long-term mission.

Tony StewartTony Stewart
Tony Stewart
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“I’m shocked, but life goes on. It happened on Saturday night (after a 2-1 home loss against Leeds United) when he said he thought he should resign,” Stewart told The Star.

“I said we’re in it for the long fix not the short fix and told him to sleep on it. Sunday morning came up and he said he felt the same and that was it.

“Nothing whatsoever had gone off behind the scenes. It was his decision. There was no aggro or fall-out.”

Stewart says he has already taken calls from candidates wanting the post.

Tony StewartTony Stewart
Tony Stewart
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“You just move on. I’m not one for moping,” he added. “ You get the shock, then you pick yourself up and say ‘right, let’s get on with it’. It’s all about what we can do, not what we can’t do.”

Fitness coach Paul Warne has been placed in charge of first-team affairs and will lead the side at Burton Albion on Saturday.

“We have to look to the next match, Warney will do a good job and we’ll carry on,” Stewart said. “We want someone now who will roll up their sleeves, get in the trenches and get battling.

“There’s a job to be done. We’ve got to try our level best to stay in this league. We need to be winning games.

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“I said to Kenny two games ago: ‘If we lose the next seven, I’m not bothered because we want to get the procedures and the planning for the future right.’”

Jackett hasn’t replied to a message left by The Star inviting him to comment

Stewart said: “It was really unexpected. There was no row. He was here for only five games. We haven’t had time to exchange harsh words!”