Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
The manager was at the training ground early this Sunday morning not only reviewing the DVD action from yesterday but awaiting any early prognosis on injured duo Lionel Ainsworth and Dale Tonge.What are your thoughts on yesterday's performance and win over a well organised Plymouth Argyle yesterday?
The performance was very dominant from start to finish and the statistics tell you that. We went from 63% possession in the first-half to around 85% for spells in the second-half, we had 19 efforts on goal but most importantly we got another three very important points. We have played much better but this was as comfortable 1-0 victory as any manager could get.
In the first-half I did not think we were on the front foot, perhaps more reactive than pro-active but there was certainly an abundance of effort. In the second-half we moved the ball much quicker and with a lot more intent in the final third, some of our football was outstanding at stages and I was so pleased for the lads.
We had two or three players who did not play like they can but most importantly they never went hiding and always wanted the ball, that is what a manager terms being brave. Our opponents had one effort on our goal in the entire match and Plymouth Argyle are a good team so that perhaps is the biggest indicator to how dominant the performance was. I have a lot of respect for Carl Fletcher the Argyle manager, he would have done his homework, he was very complimentary when we chatted much later after the match too.
Our goal on the day was a fantastic team goal. Great work involving Arnason and Frecklington got the ball to Nardiello in the penalty box, he twisted and turned to pick out young Kieran Agard who it has to be said finished expertly. That young man was excellent when he came on, he is someone who gives his best every day and loves playing for Rotherham United, everyone at the club was delighted for him.
I must again mention our supporters who created a brilliant atmosphere. It seems to me like the noise levels are increasing and the backing of the team is just superb, from all of us, thank you.
Lionel Ainsworth was withdrawn in the warm-up and Dale Tonge went off injured after four minutes, what is the early prognosis on both?
In the case of Lionel he has dislocated his shoulder and will now have an operation which will in turn see the wee man missing for three months. This is a loss for us as we were just starting to see the best of him but these things happen and are sent to test our resolve.
Dale has damaged his knee joint but his ankle ligaments are the main issue. It looks like he will be out for six weeks or so and again comes at a time where the lad was in really good form.
Given the injuries to both lads yesterday and Scott Shearer and David Noble how do plan to compensate for their loss?
First let me say David Noble will only be out with his ankle for another week or so but yes the options for selection within the squad have been substantially reduced, but let us not forget we still have some players who have not been involved recently like Nicky Hunt and Mitchell Rose.
I will now discuss with my staff what if anything we need and when I have concluded I will talk with the Chairman who I know will be wholly supportive.
Moving back to a positive, you must have been delighted with the debut of new loan signing from Blackburn Rovers, Josh Morris?
Yes absolutely but it was nothing more than I expected. We must not forget that Josh is only a kid but he is certainly a talented one for sure.
He really came into his own in the second-half as we surged forward and it was clear to see and hear that our supporters had taken to him given the vocal backing the supporters gave him.
Our reserves have a home match with Mansfield Town on Tuesday, (Parkgate 2pm), will there be any of the first team involved?
Yes for sure, we need all our players match fit. I would think most if not all the players who started on the substitute’s bench yesterday plus the likes of Nicky Hunt, Laurie Wilson, Mitchell Rose and Alec Denton will feature.
When you are out of the first-team the way back in is to perform well in the reserve matches and work hard in training, that is the only way here.