Harry Gray celebrates his goal today for Rotherham United against Exeter City. Picture: Jim Brailsfordplaceholder image
Harry Gray celebrates his goal today for Rotherham United against Exeter City. Picture: Jim Brailsford
HAPPY boss Matt Hamshaw highlighted the impact of his new-look strikeforce as he reflected on the biggest League One win of his time in the Rotherham United hot-seat.
The manager was delighted with the performances of all of his players as they made the long trip to Exeter and turned on the style to put a 4-0 triumph on the board and climb out of the relegation places.
But he reserved special praise for fit-again Sam Nombe and Leeds United loan starlet Harry Gray whose partnership has coincided with a seven-point haul from the Millers' last three matches.
The former ran his old side ragged and set up Shaun McWilliams to make it 4-0 while the latter hit the target for the second match in succession.
"Harry got his goal and I just thought that Sam stretched their back players quite a lot," Hamshaw said. "It's nice to score four goals."
Nombe has returned to fitness in January after a third injury absence of the season and 17-year-old Gray has arrived from Elland Road for the rest of the campaign.
Rotherham had lacked penetration when Jordan Hugill - now out of action with a knee complaint - was leading the line and they suffered seven straight third-tier defeats in recent matches.
"I've said all along, we've needed a bit more threat up front," said Hamshaw whose team are now up to 20th spot and looking more like the side that were on the edge of the play-off frame in early December.
"Harry and 'Noms' - and Ar'Jany (Martha) when he came on at the end - were a real danger and we could have arguably scored more goals."
The manager hopes add more attacking options to his squad on Monday's transfer-window deadline day.
Gray is from a famous footballing dynasty that includes great-uncle Eddie, grandad Frank, father Andy and older brother Archie.
"Top player, top lad, top family," said Hamshaw. "I think I've said everything I need to say about Harry. A few eyebrows were raised when Leeds sent him to us, but I think that that was down to the the relationship I've got with the lad and his family.
"He's playing week in, week out and scoring goals. I've said all along, I think he's going to be a top, top player - as the Leeds fans know and more of our fans now know.
"I've always said, if you're good enough, you're old enough."
Rotherham were cheered on in the south west by around 300 travelling supporters who were a long, way from South Yorkshire.
"When the fans make a 500-mile trip here and back to watch this game today, that display and that result makes it a lot better journey home for them," Hamshaw said.
"I've said how expensive it is to be a fan and the fact that we had so many down here speaks volumes. Their support and commitment to the cause has never been questioned, certainly not by me.
"From the bottom of my heart, I can't thank them enough for travelling down."
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