The Millers celebrated more than three points in their recent victory at Market Drayton Town, they celebrated a managerial milestone.
Chris Baguley, who took charge during one of the club’s most challenging periods, oversaw his 100th game as manager, marking the moment with a performance that reflected both the progress and the personality he has instilled into the team.

From Chaos to Stability: The Baguley Effect
When Baguley first stepped into the dugout, the club faced an uphill struggle. His debut line‑up, Billy O'Carroll, Declan Nolan, Darius Photiou, Kyle McGovern, Max Lewens, Luke Merrill, Joe Haggerty, Antony Hall, Sam Deering, Ollie Havens and Robert Payne, now feels like a snapshot of a different era. It was a team full of players who had been fighting week to week for survival, with a couple of his own additions, and Baguley inherited more questions than answers. Yet what followed became folklore.

The Great Escape (2023/24)

The 2023/24 season will forever be associated with Baguley’s early legacy. Against all odds, The Millers produced what supporters now refer to simply as “The Great Escape.” Written off by many, the side dug deep, stringing together the results they needed at the most crucial point of the campaign. The resilience forged during those months still forms the backbone of the club’s identity.

A Defence to Be Proud Of

During that same season came another remarkable achievement, a stunning run of clean sheets from goalkeeper Joey Oldham, and defence led by the likes of Darius Photiou and Chris Pauley, that not only saved the campaign but set new standards. The discipline, structure, and togetherness behind that defensive transformation were hallmarks of Baguley’s management. It was the first real sign that something was building.

FA Vase Run of 2024/25

Momentum carried into the following season, where The Millers embarked on a memorable FA Vase run in 2024/25. Though the journey did not end with silverware, it reaffirmed that the club were becoming competitors again. The squad played with confidence, belief, and a clear identity, another imprint of Baguley's tenure.

A Third Strong Season

The current campaign has been another step forward. Performances have been consistent, the squad looks balanced, and the football is both organised and ambitious. The win at Market Drayton Town, fittingly on Baguley’s 100th game, felt like a summary of his time in charge: disciplined, determined, and marked by players who reflect their manager’s work ethic.

A Century of Matches, A Transformation Completed

Reaching 100 games is an achievement in its own right, but the true significance lies in the transformation he has overseen. The Millers today are a completely different proposition compared to the side that walked onto the pitch for his first match.

Looking Ahead

With Baguley at the helm, The Millers have built year on year, strengthening the squad, the culture, and the expectations within the club. If the last three seasons are any indicator, upcoming games promise even more progress, and perhaps more history to be made.
For now, though, the club can proudly celebrate both a well-earned victory and a manager who has shaped a new era.