It is a crucial time for Rotherham United with the managerial position vacant after Neil Warnock's departure.

Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs is looking more and more like the next Millers manager after both clubs released statements saying that Rotherham and Stubbs were indeed in talks.

Stubbs, who has just ended a 114-year Scottish Cup drought at the Edinburgh-based club, is seen as a long-term appointment and is certainly a gamble considering he has only ever managed at one club.

However, winning the Scottish Cup two years into your managerial career is no small feat and it is clear how much Hibs fans want Stubbs to stay.

It will be a tough season ahead for the former Bolton man. In their two seasons back in the Championship the Millers have battled relegation both times and this season Tony Stewart, the club's chairman, is looking to steady the ship.

Football League World writer Rafie Thompson takes a look at four things Rotherham must do this summer to ensure that they begin to progress in the second tier of English football.

[ffc-gallery]

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FOUR THINGS THAT MUST HAPPEN!

Funding the new manager

stubbs

One of the most important things Tony Stewart must do is to fund the new manager.

If it is Stubbs that takes over at the New York Stadium, you can bet that Jason Cummings will be linked with a move to South Yorkshire as well.

If Stubbs is to be a long term appointment, Tony Stewart must ensure that he provides the 44 year old with the freedom to mould and develop a stable, fighting Championship side.

The diversity in playing styles from the previous three managers has meant that the Millers have never been able to settle into a winning formula and if Stubbs is to implement his brand of football then he must be given the allowance to tinker at will.

Signing a prolific striker

matt derbyshire

Not since Kieran Agard played in the 2013/14 season have Rotherham had a player with over 20 goals. Throughout the red and white's two year stay in the Championship they have had a plethora of strikers all with patchy form. Jonson Clarke Harris was in form at the start of the season, but it ended up being Matty Derbyshire who was a vital figure at the end.

Short term replacements in Leon Best and Luciano Becchio have had mixed results and one of the main goals at Rotherham this summer is to attract a striker who will get 15-20 goals a season.

The new manager will be given the funds and it is up to the club to find the right fit. Without a free-scoring forward, Rotherham will struggle again.

Replacement goalkeeper

camppp

Fan favourite Adam Collin has now departed the club and is a free agent. The back-up goalie has slowly faded out of the club after being sent on loan to Aberdeen and has now left altogether.

Paddy Kenny, who Neil Warnock seems to sign everywhere he goes, also was released after playing little to no time for the club.

This just leaves Lee Camp. The former Bournemouth 'keeper has undoubtedly been Rotherham's player of the season and there is little doubt that he will be the No.1 goalkeeper at the start of the 2016/17 season.

Therefore, the club must look for a new back-up goalie. It is essential one is found and the new manager will have to delve into the market at the first opportunity.

New contracts for Matt Derbyshire and Kirk Broadfoot

Kirk Broadfoot

While there are five players under contract offers, these two are the most important. Matt Derbyshire has spent two years with the Millers now and hit an impressive run of form towards the end of the season while Kirk Broadfoot has been ever present in the defence since he came back from a ten game ban.

Both players provide experience and have been vital to the team over the past two seasons. One of Steve Evans' problems when he got Rotherham to the Championship was the fact that he changed the team far too much.

Keeping these two players will be important for the new manager as they are experienced and know the club well.

Rotherham fans, do you agree that you must do these four things in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!