Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
League Two leaders Gillingham arrive at New York Stadium on Saturday and manager Steve Evans warned they are very much a team to be respected.Martin Allen's Gills have been in fantastic form this season and lead the League Two table amassing an impressive 41 points from just 20 matches.
In his first season at Priestfield, Allen has assembled a useful squad but Evans believes with the help of the fans, the Millers can continue their good recent form which has seen them unbeaten in their last three games.
''We are now preparing for Gillingham on Saturday, an outstanding team who also have a very talented manager in Martin Allen so we can all be prepared for another tough afternoon of football come the weekend,” Evans told www.themillers.co.uk
''Last night I had my first look at some of the DVD footage of Gillingham in action and they really have some talented players. When you look in detail at the players the Gills have, it shouts at you we are a league title challenger. I like to look at the quality of player on an opposition substitute’s bench, this often tells you of the strength they have in the squad. On Saturday at Preston Gillingham had the likes of Frampton, Whelpdale, Lee, Kedwell and Strevens listed so that demonstrates the quality they have.
”Martin Allen and John Schofield are two men who I respect and they will ensure their team are well organised, efficient and prepared to face us so we have a lot of work to do this week ourselves to ensure we are ready for this match.”
Despite an impressive display against Notts County at the weekend, Evans admitted that subject to training there are likely to be changes for the top-of-the-table clash.
''Subject to training this week and our reserve match tomorrow I know my team and shape for Saturday,” he added.
“There will most likely be two or three changes from our match with Notts County but as I said I need to look at how things progress this week.
''We have some big players in our squad getting back to fitness and that is great news, we have missed those guys for sure. Nothing gets players performing better than competition for a starting shirt and hopefully we are not far away from that being the case. I really do get excited when I see the likes of Shearer, Agard, Noble and especially Arnason getting ready to return to first team action.
''We will need our supporters to turn out again in big numbers for this match with Gillingham, how good was our support against Notts County on Saturday? Incredible is the word I would use. Our supporters, if they don't realise it already need to know how big a part they play in helping the team, together we can make this a fantastic season.
''Saturday is another big test for us and is another big match to look forward to. There will again be a great atmosphere as I am sure Gillingham's supporters will travel up in good numbers. Those supporters are very passionate too, good people who love the club they follow but I have to say I really love the passion our Millers support has, all I can say is a big thank you to all of them from all the players and staff, it really is appreciated.”