It's been an eventful start to proceedings, both on and off the field, and having played 10 games in the league and two in the Capital One Cup, it's a suitable time to pass judgement on the first two months of the season.
So, here's five things we have learned.
Steve Evans and Tony Stewart weren't as in sync as we were made to believe
While the ins and outs of exactly why Steve Evans left his position at the club after three memorable years are the subject of speculation, rumour and conspiracy theory, it's clear there was a terminal break down to his relationship with Tony Stewart. That was a union that we were led to believe was rock solid but proved not to be the case when, despite back-to-back wins, Evans left his role after a meeting with his chairman where it was decided the two parties wanted to go in "different directions" and had issues they were unable to get around. It brought about a surprise end to a success-laden three and a half years in charge for Evans, who insists their parting remained entirely amicable. As we wait for the the exact bearings of their different directions to come out, which it inevitably will one day, we are left to wonder was everything as it seemed?
It's vital to have a top-class goalkeeper
As was the case when Emi Martinez was brought in on loan towards the back end of last season, the arrival of Lee Camp has highlighted just how important it is to have a top-class goalkeeper in your ranks. Unfortunately for the Millers, they found out the hard way just how expensive it can be to have an unreliable man in between the sticks as the performances of rookie Kelle Roos, on a season-long loan from Derby, was a major factor in the their dismal start to the campaign. Despite a raft of errors which led to goals, Evans tried backing him for a while but soon had to act and after two games of Adam Collin, was able to bring Camp in on deadline day. And the former Bournemouth man's performances in the first few games of his Millers career have highlighted how limited Roos - and to an extent Collin - are. He has brought a high percentage of shot-stopping, complete commandment of his area and impeccable handling and distribution. The Millers are without question a better side with Camp in it.The Millers are likely to be in another relegation scrap
Despite assertions from Evans that the Millers have a team capable of finishing in mid-table, it would be premature to think another scrap against relegation is not on the cards, regardless of who the new manager will be. Their poor start, which saw them take just one point from home games against MK Dons, Preston and Fulham - all sides that are likely to be candidates for the drop - could end up proving costly as they have had to play catch-up in recent weeks, meaning their recent upturn has merely brought them back into the pack. Although undergoing a vast improvement, they are still showing their defensive vulnerability - as evidenced by the two goals conceded against Burnley - while also sticking chances away at the other end is a long-standing problem. The strength of the division and the relentless resources clubs have at their disposal means there are only likely to be a handful of sides in the relegation battle. The Millers have to find a way of finishing top of that pile.Jonson Clarke-Harris is becoming the real deal
After being ready to throw the towel in with Jonson Clarke-Harris, Evans' faith in his record-buy was restored and it was rewarded as the striker finally began to show his true potential. Given an extended run of games for the first time at the club, Clarke-Harris has announced himself as the focal point of the Millers attack, currently leading the scoring charts with three goals. He is looking sharper than last season, prepared to work harder, fitter and stronger - there's no doubt about it, the JCH 2.0 version is much more exciting. There's still areas to improve, but that will come in time and the promising partnership he has developed with Matt Derbyshire can only get better the more they play together. Clarke-Harris' performances have probably been the biggest positive of the season so far.
A lot of signings may not be up to scratch
Much was made of the Millers' recruitment drive this summer and how it was going to be quality over quantity. It didn't end up being that way, of course, with Evans making 15 signings, though on paper a lot of the new arrivals looked like ticking the quality box. However, Evans will probably admit that he was left wanting with the early-season performances of some of his players and might even hold his hands up to making mistakes with some of them - his actions when in charge went some way to suggesting this. Greg Halford, who was hailed as a marquee signing, was jettisoned out of the side and stripped of the captaincy after just six games while Roos was sent back to Derby from his season-long loan. Tom Thorpe has not featured since the 4-2 loss at QPR in August, both of Aidy White's starts in the league have ended in half-time withdrawals and Emmanuel Ledesma has featured in just three of the 10 Championship games. And Evans seemed to lose all faith in Jordan Bowery, with the striker not featuring in any of the matchday squads after the 0-0 draw with Preston in the second week of the season.
