Rotherham United Deliver Stunning 4-0 Win Over Exeter City Amid Transfer Speculation

By Sports Desk | February 1, 2026

Rotherham United produced one of their best performances of the season, thrashing high-flying Exeter City 4-0 at St James Park in League One. The victory, coming just days after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Northampton Town, has lifted the Millers out of the relegation zone and injected new life into their campaign for survival.

The match saw Rotherham dominate proceedings, ending Exeter's impressive run of five consecutive home wins and four straight clean sheets. Goals from Jamal Baptiste, captain Joe Rafferty, Harry Gray, and Shaun McWilliams sealed a comprehensive win that manager Matt Hamshaw described as "unbelievable."

"It was an unbelievable performance; this is not an easy place to come," Hamshaw said post-match. "They have had four clean sheets on the bounce here. I am a real big fan of the way they play the game—they are a well-supported club that get behind their team."

Hamshaw praised his team's execution of the game plan, noting how they neutralized Exeter's attacking threats. "We felt that if we could stop them from playing in certain areas, we could get something," he added. "I saw them play at Huddersfield recently and thought they should have won that game; they play good football and have some good players. We dealt with that really well."

The scoring opened in the 29th minute when Baptiste headed in from Joe Powell's free-kick, breaking Exeter's defensive resolve. The game exploded in the second half with three goals in quick succession. Rafferty fired into the roof of the net in the 71st minute, Gray capitalized on a defensive error just a minute later, and McWilliams headed home Nombe's cross in the 74th minute.

Sam Nombe, a former Exeter player, was instrumental, stretching the defense and creating opportunities. "I said all along that we need more of a threat up front," Hamshaw remarked. "Harry got his goal, but I thought Sam stretched their defense quite a lot, and it is nice to score four goals."

However, the win was bittersweet as on-loan Manchester United midfielder Dan Gore suffered a shoulder injury in the 38th minute after a challenge from behind by Jake Doyle-Hayes. Gore, who had recently returned from a groin injury, was substituted and seen with his arm in a sling. Hamshaw expressed concern: "It's a shoulder injury... He got smashed late from behind. He's in a bit of pain. I'm hoping it's not serious. It's a case of wait and see."

The injury could strain Rotherham's squad depth, with Hamshaw emphasizing the need for unity: "It was a Rotherham United performance. I've spoken to the team about togetherness and effort and that accountability we need to take—not just the players, but me as manager and the staff as well."

As the transfer window nears its close on February 2, Rotherham are active in the market. They are targeting a loan move for Manchester United's 19-year-old forward Gabriele Biancheri, who has impressed with five goals and four assists in Premier League 2 this season. The move could provide Biancheri with valuable first-team experience, though competition from Real Betis complicates matters.

Additionally, Rotherham are in a tug-of-war with Oxford United for Sheffield United midfielder Alex Matos. The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Oxford, has seen limited action this term and seeks regular minutes. Rotherham's proximity to Sheffield—just a short drive—could sway the deal in their favor, offering Matos stability amid the Millers' relegation battle.

These potential additions follow recent signings like Emmanuel Adegboyega from Norwich City and Harry Gray on loan from Leeds United, who made an immediate impact with his goal against Exeter.

Looking ahead, Rotherham face Cardiff on February 7, followed by fixtures against Burton Albion and others. With seven points from their last nine, Hamshaw remains optimistic but cautious: "I'd have taken seven points from nine before this run, but I am a little disappointed not to take all nine as I felt we should have beaten Wimbledon."

This resurgence has boosted morale at the New York Stadium, as Rotherham aim to build on their momentum and secure their League One status.

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Home of Rotherham United FC

Opened 2012

Capacity 12,021

History (from Wikipedia)

Rotherham United announced their intention to construct a new community stadium when they moved away from Millmoor to the Don Valley Stadium in May 2008 after a dispute with the ground owner Ken Booth.[2] In January 2010 the club purchased the former site of the Guest and Chrimes Foundry to be used for the new stadium.[3] Outline planning permission for the stadium was granted in November 2010, and the first images were sketched shortly after.[4]

The name of the stadium was announced as the 'New York Stadium' on 19 December 2011, chosen ahead of 'The Foundry' and 'The Waterfront Stadium'. The reason for the name is that the area of land that the stadium lies upon is called 'New York'[5] and it was thought that it would be better to name the stadium after history and/or where the stadium is situated, like nearby stadiums Bramall Lane and Hillsborough. Also Guest and Chrimes used to make fire hydrants for New York City. Chairman Tony Stewart also hopes that the name could bring investment from New York City or further afield, as the New York Yankees chairman had recently said that he wanted to invest in an English football team.[6]

Construction started in June 2011 and the stadium was officially opened by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent on 12 March 2012.[7] The first game played at the stadium was a pre-season match between Rotherham and Barnsley, held on 21 July 2012.[8] The Millers won 2–1; the first goal in the stadium was scored by Jacob Mellis of Barnsley, and David Noble scored Rotherham's first goal in their new home.[8] The New York Stadium made its league debut on 18 August 2012, in which Rotherham beat Burton Albion 3–0,[9] Daniel Nardiello scoring the first competitive goal in the ground.[9]

The naming rights to the stadium were announced as having been bought by local company AESSEAL, in a press conference on 21 November 2014. Club chairman Tony Stewart said the deal was worth six figures annually, as a result of the deal. It was also suggested as being the biggest sponsorship deal of the club's history.[10]

On 8 April 2016, England women's national football team played a UEFA Women's Euro 2017 qualifying match versus Belgium at the stadium in front of 10,550 spectators.

On 17 August 2018, the funeral of entertainer Barry Chuckle was held at the stadium. Chuckle had been an honorary president of Rotherham United and was a regular at the team's matches.[11]

Design[edit]

The stadium has a 12,000 all-seated capacity, with the option to be able to increase the stadium's capacity if needed.[12] It cost approximately £17 million to construct.[8] The stadium includes The 1925 Club, a corporate hospitality suite.[13] Local businesses such as Norton Finance[14] and Premier Hytemp[15] were some of the first members.

At the beginning of the 2014–15 season, a large video screen was installed in the north west corner of the stadium.

Stands[edit]

North Stand
The North Stand, known as the KCM Recycling Stand for sponsorship reasons, and often referred to as the New Tivoli, is the kop stand of the stadium. The KCM Recycling Stand holds 2,000 home fans, and has the lettering of the club's initials – RUFC – in white across it. The stand is located behind one of the goals, opposite the away end.

West Stand
The West Stand, known as the Eric Twigg Pukka Pies Stand for sponsorship reasons, is the main stand of the stadium. It features the executive 1925 Lounge, and is the stand the players walk through when entering the field of play. It holds 4,000 home fans.

East Stand
The East Stand, known as the Ben Bennett Stand, is the stadium's family stand. It holds 4,000 home fans, as well as two built-in balcony-type structures for disabled people.

South Stand
The South Stand, known as the Mears Stand, is a 2,000-seater away stand. It is located behind a goal, with the family stand to the right, the main stand to the left, and the kop directly opposite.

Things to do in Rotherham.