Paul Warne post Ipswich Town...
Rotherham United Manager Paul Warne reflected on his side’s 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at the AESSEAL New York Stadium this afternoon.
A fairly entertaining encounter between two teams with nothing to play for except pride was won by the Millers thanks to Tom Adeyemi’s fairly late strike.
Speaking to the press, Warne said: “I’m obviously pleased it was a victory. It’s nice to have a first penalty of the season which almost got a Mexican wave in the New York! Then to miss it was a massive blow. It affected the lads massively in the first half. They weren’t as energetic or as dynamic as I wanted. I told them at half time and I thought, second half, they were a lot better.
“We created good chances and I’m pleased to get a clean sheet and a win. It means a lot to a lot of people, including myself.
“I understand how the fans want to play football here. With the short corner, we wanted to try something different because we haven’t scored many off corners and they had more of a physical presence than we did.
“We kept the ball which is good play. We went back to the half-way line and then back in where we scored, which is quite ironic!”
The Millers boss had particular praise for the match-winner, Tom Adeyemi, who smashed home the winner with 10 minutes to play.
“Him (Adeyemi) and Frecks are the same,” continued Warne. “We’ve missed both of them on occasions. He’s had a big impact and what I did notice today was what we are missing. I’m pleased for Tom because he’s always trying to get goal-scoring opportunities and I thought he was going to get one in the first half. It was a great strike and with him being a Norwich fan, scoring against Ipswich will mean even more.
“I spoke to the lads after the game and told them I was happy with the result. I think we’ve been better in previous games and not picked up any points. It shows just how tough football is at this level.
“I said a few harsh words at half time and some after the game. You’ve got to have a little bit more belief in yourself. If they’re lucky enough to be kept here, they can expect a tough pre-season and to be the fittest side in the league next year.
“I’m over the moon today because we kept a clean sheet. The lads have performed really well before and not got the points they deserved.”
After seeing his side’s first penalty of the season saved from Danny Ward, the striker was then substituted at half time after pulling his hamstring, to be later followed by Semi Ajayi.
“Danny Ward’s injury is obvious, he’s pulled his hammy,” continued Warne. “Which, with the season he’s had an the effort he’s put in, I feel for him because he’s been injury free all year, so that’s his season done.
“Ajayi tightened up as well but he wanted to carry on. He then signalled to the bench so he had to come off.
“It’s bad news for Sem. I’m hopeful he’ll be all right for next week.”