AFTER Rotherham United’s game last Saturday, Wayne Carlisle drove down to his family’s Devon home, unsure whether he would make the long north-bound trek on Britain’s road network back to work in South Yorkshire. The Millers players held their Christmas party and were given the day off on Sunday and Monday.
It was not simply a little breather after preparing the club for three games in eight days for Carlisle and his temporary management team, but maybe farewell; certainly.
The man himself was convinced.
Nathan Jones had been given the opportunity to become the Millers’ permanent successor for Matt Taylor, who had been fired three weeks earlier.
Another oddity in what has become a mini-saga since Taylor’s resignation on November 13 was the Welshman’s refusal to attend the club play at Birmingham City last Saturday.
Leam Richardson was lined up for the full-time position at the end of this week, and he is likely to be confirmed soon.
For the time being, Carlisle is in charge of Saturday’s game against another managerless club, Swansea City.
It is something he did not expect when he returned home to the south west with his family six days ago.
Football can be unpredictable, and Carlisle has learned to focus entirely on what he can control.
“It was nice to go back to Devon and spend some time with the family because I hadn’t seen them in a long time,” Carlisle added.
“I suppose the biggest issue at the time was the uncertainty.” I was expecting a phone call on Sunday, but it never arrived.
“It didn’t come on Monday, and I thought, ‘Right, I need to get back up here,’ because we need to get ready for Tuesday (training).”
“Then, as time passes, you sort of realize, ‘you know what, I can’t worry about this, it’s out of my control – all I can do is do what I do.'”
“Towards the end of the week, it reappeared with rumors and stuff.”
“I’m not concerned about them and have no control over them.” All I can do is focus on what I’m doing.
“I had hoped for a resolution by Saturday or Sunday. This week has been particularly tough because we’ve had to take things one day at a time.
“Some days, when I’m heading in, I’m uncertain if there will be anyone there or not. All we can do is prepare, organize ourselves, and present our best selves for the players.”
It hasn’t been an easy time for Carlisle, especially dealing with this unpredictable situation. However, as part of his second career in football post-playing, this experience has been incredibly valuable and is something he won’t soon forget. Maintaining a positive attitude has been crucial.
As Taylor’s trusted assistant during his time at the Millers and previously at Exeter City, this Northern Irishman has been vocal about his ambition to eventually become a full-time ‘number one’ and strike out on his own in the football world.
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