Rotherham United’s First Team Development Coach Matty Hamshaw says that although he always wanted to run out at Wembley as a Rotherham player he is getting the next best thing on Sunday, sitting in the dugout (though, I doubt there will be much sitting involved).
Speaking to iFOLLOW the thirty-six year old said, ‘It’s really exciting, especially for myself being a local lad.
‘Thinking back to this time last year and how we felt, me and the Gaffer, we so much wanted to keep this club in the Championship, it was a tough blow to take. But we’ve put a group of players together who we feel represent ourselves and the club and to achieve what they have is fantastic.
‘Last year we were so stressed, had no sleep and every day we came in and felt like we were fire fighting. This year is totally the opposite.
‘The Gaffer brought Richie Barker in (as his number two) and Polly (Mike Pollitt) was already here (goalkeeping coach), physio’s etc changed, a lot of the playing staff changed and we had numerous meetings during the summer with many players.’
The former midfielder began his career with neighbours Sheffield Wednesday playing over seventy-five times for the Owls before moving to Stockport County. He also had spells with Mansfield, Notts County, Macclesfield and Matlock before playing his last game for Stocksbridge Park Steels. He joined the back room staff at the New York Stadium coming in as Development Phase Lead Coach before 2015 saw him step up to the Head of Academy Coaching. With Paul Warne taking over the Manager’s job Matty was promoted to First Team Development Coach.
Matty might never have played for the Millers but he has always been a fan and was amongst the Rotherham contingent the day we won the Auto Windscreen Trophy in 1996 saying, ‘Myself and all the family had our faces painted red and white and I have really good memories of it. And I was lucky enough to go down four years ago when we beat Leyton Orient on penalties. This year the fact that I can turn around and see my family in the stands will fill me with pride.’
