Leon Best talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
New signing Leon Best says that the belief shown in him by Millers boss Neil Redfearn was the main driving force behind his decision to sign for the club.
The Republic of Ireland international joined the club on a deal until the end of the season after a successful two-week trial, where he impressed boss Redfearn and his staff with some accomplished displays behind closed doors.
The striker has been searching for the right club since departing fellow Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn Rovers, and he says that Redfearn was key to his decision to put pen-to-paper at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
“As soon as I came here I was welcomed with open arms,” the 29-year-old told www.themillers.co.uk
“The manager was really nice to me and there’s a great bunch of boys here. It was a matter of getting my head down and showing what I could do, so I’m delighted to have finally got a contract and be given a chance.
“It’s hard when you’ve not been playing for a while and you’ve been in and out. It’s about having somebody to believe in you and know that when you do get fit you can show them why they’ve given you that chance.”
Best has proved his fitness over the past fortnight where he was put through his paces at training headquarters at Roundwood. The Nottingham-born hot-shot has kept himself in good shape during his short time away from the game, which ensured he wasn’t caught short when given his opportunity by the Millers.
“The manager gave me that belief and he helped me in my training,” Best adds.
“I always work hard off the pitch to keep my fitness up and I eat right and look after myself, so hopefully now it will all pay off on the pitch and I can get back to scoring goals.
“I’m raring to go and it’s felt like I’ve been out for years. I’ve scored goals at every level, so it’s not a matter of not being able to do it. You don’t lose your talent, in this game you lose your confidence and if you get someone behind you to give you that, it all comes back.”