Kenny Jackett post Reading...
New Rotherham United manager Kenny Jackett praised the effort from his players after a narrow defeat in his first game in charge against Reading.
The Millers tested Reading stopper Ali Al Habsi on numerous occasions but Jackett’s side fell to late goal from substitute Paul McShane, as the Royals secured maximum points at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
“There was a big effort by the players today and a lot of commitment,” Jackett said after the game.
“There was some naivety in some situations, but we can work on that and we created a lot of chances and I felt we deserved a goal or two.
“We started the second half very well as well and we had several chances. Danny Ward’s one and even the one late on where we’re down and young Forde got through on the ‘keeper who made a very good double block.”
After accepting the position of first team manager yesterday, the former Millwall and Wolves manager wasted no time in taking to the dugout, receiving a terrific reception from the home faithful.
His side responded too with a performance full of effort, as Jackett restored the likes of Richard Wood and Joe Mattock who struggled for a regular berth under the previous regime.
Whilst Jackett was pleased to recall two of his more senior players he admitted the younger members of his squad still looked to be learning the rigours of The Championship, but praised them for their wholehearted attitude.
“As a group it’s making sure we’re experienced enough which is a big thing because there’s a lot of young players putting a lot of effort in,” he added.
“Their knowledge and understanding of winning games in the Championship is something that needs to come.
“It was an end-to-end game and they’re a good possession side but we created a lot of chances against them and gave them a lot of problems. We’re on the right lines, we’re disappointed with the result but we need to keep the commitment as high as that.”
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