The Warne Revolution: Rebranding Rotherham United

Some thoughts and analysis of the Paul Warne era at Rotherham United, from a reluctant imposter to “Warnieola”

Paul Warne applauding the fans during the post 2018/19 Season “Lap of Honour”

Prefacing this with the note that I’m a fan of the club myself, and that in conjunction with that, I have a deep interest for the whole ‘analytical’ Aspect of the game and approach matches with a clear picture of events regarding stats, context, in-play action etc. And that the following is just that interest on show as I contextualise the last 4 years under Warne’s tenure and explore the clubs evolution as a whole. Little personal side note as well, this is a project I’ve had the intention of pursuing for a long time and in light of the current suspension of all football thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic I’ve now got the opportunity to craft this piece.

Chances are this might just reach an audience who aren’t exactly all massive football and/or Rotherham United fans so where better to start than the man himself, Paul Warne? The Norwich born Midfielder/Utility player didn't declare as ‘professional’ until the age of 23, where, after a successful number of years in the ‘non-league’ he earned a move to Division Two side: Wigan Athletic. Following a modest 36 league appearances and a brief loan spell at Kettering Town, he switched allegiances to the county of Yorkshire, particularly South, where the love affair with ’The Millers’ began.

Picture (Left to Right): Ben Wiles, Michael Smith, Kyle Vassell (obscured), Chiedozie Ogbene

(Bracketed below is a good start, essentially chart why Warne was a legend as player, how the club was yo-yo ing prior to his promotion to manager, how he assembled the play off winners, gave a respectable season in the championship, rebuilt after a mass exodus, turned to the academy, cultivated a better culture of players, staff, media and community roots, then Helmed another promotion in 19/20 season)

(Sections on Vaulks as surrogate manager on pitch, looking to integrate academy players, emphasis on fitness, a new ethos, better press links, roots to the community and area of Roth, humanising the stars i.e. FIFA streams, Social media engagement etc.)