Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
The manager was back at his desk this morning and we took the exclusive opportunity to catch up with him to get his thoughts on a number of key topics, and the perfect place to start was yesterday and the win at Steve's old club Crawley Town.
What are your thoughts this morning on the victory yesterday at your old club Crawley Town?
First let me thank the supporters of both clubs. You never know what reception you will get when you return to your previous club but the Crawley Town supporters were fantastic and generous in the reception they gave me. We had some incredible times together and they will never be forgotten, thank you to each of them. At the same time I must thank the Millers supporters who travelled in good numbers and gave the team some outstanding vocal backing. Our supporters are key to us achieving success and given the length of the journey to get to West Sussex I was delighted we could send them home with a thoroughly deserved victory.
As for the match itself, we were by far the better team, played the better football and in reality we created enough chances to have won comfortably. I normally win football matches at The Broadfield Stadium and at no stage prior to or during yesterday's match did I think it would be anything different, I really do believe in this squad of men we have.
As a team we had a real work ethic, add that to the talent we have and it has the makings of being a good team. I do not kid myself, there is a lot of hard work to be put in but this squad of players are focused and ready to meet that challenge head on. I have a number of players chomping to be in the team and very good players at that.
Another busy week ahead is predicted as we prepare for the visit of Shrewsbury Town next Saturday, what is going to take your focus?
It is a busy week but it is equally exciting. Obviously the lads will be in daily for training plus we have an away reserve match at Scunthorpe United on Tuesday. That is an important match as again it will be used to give a number of the first-team squad players some match time and at the same time they get the opportunity to impress and get a first-team shirt.
On Wednesday night I will be at Chelsea to watch Aston Villa as we also prepare in advance of our trip to Villa Park next week.
Are we likely to see any new faces this week?
The transfer deadline is also getting nearer and I am hoping we can do some business. The odd player or two may or may not leave, I will watch with interest to see what happens.
Let me be very clear, us bringing in a player or two has nothing to do with anyone leaving. I have a couple of players on my radar but they must add something to our squad and secondly we need to get value for money. My Chairman is supportive as always, he has that same winning desire as me and the fans so if it is right for Rotherham United he will sanction the signings I want but at times it is me who holds back as I want to be extra sure.
What are your early thoughts on Shrewsbury Town next Saturday?
We will watch some DVD footage of them later today so I will know a lot more then.
They got a great 2-0 victory yesterday and an early verbal report said they won comfortably. What I already know is that they have a top manager in Graham Turner. He has managed at the top level, I really do have the utmost respect for this man. His team as a minimum will be organised, have several talented individuals and will be educated on what we are all about, the rest I will educate myself with in the week ahead starting today.
You mentioned your admiration for the fans earlier, have you a word for them ahead of next weekend?
Our support has been nothing short of fantastic. I have said previously and maintain for the team to be successful we need them with us every step of the way. The vocal support they give the team is brilliant and drives the lads on at key times.
We need a big and noisy support at the New York next Saturday; these are the type of matches we lost last season. The team has an incredible desire to win for you and I know how much they appreciate the vocal backing. Bring a mate, a family member, a neighbour, just let us come together and have another fantastic season.
On a personal level our supporters have been awesome, I cannot put into words what it means, Thank You!