Leighton Baines an outsider for Rotherham job as Everton hero eyes career-first managerial role
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Credit: Imago Wed 18 March 2026 16:50, UK Everton legend Leighton Baines has been named in the running for the vacant Rotherham United job after Matt Hamshaw was sacked on Wednesday.The Millers are 22nd in League One, with nine games left to overturn a six-point gap to safety and avoid the drop.Under Hamshaw, Rotherham had failed to win any of their last four games, and had won just one of their last nine league games.Baines has remained with the Toffees since his 2020 retirement, initially working with the academy before eventually working as part of David Moyes’ staff. The former left-back has been mentioned in conversations surrounding Everton’s next manager in the future, but he will likely need to gain experience elsewhere first. 👔 Everton Manager News 👔 Get the inside track on the Hill Dickinson Stadium dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates, live betting market shifts, and key boardroom decisions.
VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Leighton Baines in Rotherham contentionBaines was linked with Barrow in December, but the League Two club eventually opted to hire interim boss Paul Gallagher.As a player, the defender enjoyed a long and fruitful career, and there is hope that he can replicate that in his managerial exploits.Leighton BainesEverton Appearances420Goals38Assists 64Baines was capped 30 times by England and made more than 400 appearances for the Toffees over the course of 13 years. The 41-year-old already has had a taste of it, guiding Everton to a 2-0 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup in 2025 after Sean Dyche was sacked.But that is where his experience of first-team management ends, with at least another role likely required before such an appointment could be made.The club can confirm that we have parted ways with first team boss Matt Hamshaw.The process to appoint a new first team manager is under way and updates upon its conclusion will be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity. #RUFC | #TownCountyUnited— Rotherham United (@RotherhamUnited) March 18, 2026 View Tweet Rotherham could be the right move for Baines, with one major bookmaker placing him at 20/1 to be named the next manager.
The midfielder spent the first half of the season on loan at Preston North End but was brought back in January amid a string of impressive performances.🗣️ Armstrong on Men's first-team 'dream' and relishing new role.— Everton (@Everton) March 11, 2026 View Tweet He told Everton’s website earlier this month that Baines has been a key part of his development. “Leighton [Baines] was important for me as well – first as an Under-18s coach, now I’m working with him in the first team – but it was strange working with him at first because I used to watch him every week,” he said. 🔵 Everton FC Master Hub 🔵 The definitive digital directory for the Toffees.