Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
The team arrived back late from London last night but the manager and his players were back on the training ground this morning as they started preparations for the trip to Notts County on Tuesday evening.We caught up with Steve Evans before training to reflect on yesterday's win at AFC Wimbledon and a number of other key topics.
Having watched a DVD and reflected on the win yesterday against AFC Wimbledon what are your thoughts on the match and great victory?
During the entire match I always felt we would go on to win but like every match in League Two, the lads had to work very hard to achieve it.
There was nothing in the first-half, if anything, the home team had slightly more of the match although we did get ourselves in some great positions only not to take advantage of them.
I was very satisfied with the second period as we dominated that from the start to the finish. We missed some good chances and should have won comfortably but the important thing was that we got the three points that was on offer, considering the other results it was a positive day for us all round.
We changed the shape and style of our play when we introduced youngsters Courtney Cameron and Kieran Agard, both it has to be said made a real positive impact. Wimbledon could not handle either of them, their pace giving them a real problem but I must also credit our other players who gave them some fantastic service of the ball. It is all about a squad of players at Rotherham United, and over the season we will need all of them to stand up and play a part.
The spine of the team looked very strong but it should be when you consider the quality of players we had in it or who is trying to get into the team. It was a very solid away performance and I was especially pleased for the supporters who made the long journey, once again the vocal support was excellent, - thank you.
Have we come through yesterday's match injury free?
I am pleased to report that we have come through yesterday's match unscathed.
Today will see both Dale Tonge and David Noble back in full training and that is a real boost for all of us as both are excellent players. Scott Shearer who missed out yesterday as a precaution with a bruised elbow will be back on the training ground tomorrow so the news on the injury front is all positive and long overdue.
It looks like being January before we see Lionel Ainsworth or Craig Morgan but both lads are making good progress and working hard to ensure their core fitness levels remain high.
What are your thoughts as we now all look forward to the FA Cup, Notts County away on Tuesday evening?
We all know just how difficult that match will be, they are a quality team and are packed full of good players.
Like the Millers they have a great support and an owner in Ray Trew who has invested millions in his football club. Manager Keith Curle has his team fighting for promotion to the Championship and I do think they could achieve that this season; they certainly have a lot going for them.
County will rightly be odds on favorites to progress to the FA Cup third round but in this cup competition that is not always the case. County are a quality passing team who can also be very physical so we will need to be at our very best on the night. We will as always take a great support with us, it is the FA Cup and what comes with that is magic.
The January transfer window is fast approaching, will there be the possibility of players coming and going?
I do not want to get hung up on this subject but the answer is yes.
The fact is that I know the players I would like here and my Chairman Tony Stewart is very supportive in making that happen so we are busy working on a few additions but they must remain confidential for now. Let me be clear we have transfer funds available and monies left in our player budget to spend but we will not pay one penny more than the valuation we place on our player targets. I only want players at the Millers who want to be here and who have the greatest desire to help this football club make progress, if not I don't want them near the place.
Let me say, despite some significant interest, none of our top rated players will be leaving and my Chairman has re-confirmed that to me. We are trying hard to build a team here and bring the success that both our supporters and indeed our Chairman deserves.
I will be looking to move on two or three players in the January window, good players in my opinion but given the options I have within the squad those lads will not be getting the match time their talents deserve.