Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Steve Evans was back at his desk as he watched the DVD from yesterday’s derby day victory over Chesterfield, whilst also assessing Tuesday night's opposition Bristol Rovers. We caught up with the Boss for his weekly feature.I’ll start with Chesterfield yesterday, having watched the DVD, what was your view nearly 24 hours after the game?
The DVD only confirms most of what I thought and said yesterday. The team performance was outstanding, electric at times if I can use that word. The lads had great energy, passed the ball quickly and affectively, it was great to watch.
We made a host of chances but it was great to see the only goal come from a set-play we have worked tirelessly on. The lads here are good players, no, they are very good players. The team spirit really is one of togetherness and we will need all of that in the weeks ahead, it really is team Rotherham from the Chairman down, Tony Stewart sets the standards and we all try and match them every day when we come to work.
The only surprise on the day is that we only got the one goal, it really could and should have been a few more but winning the derby match was the most important thing on the day. Chesterfield have a good manager, some excellent players and their supporters again did there club proud but it was our day from start to finish.
I asked the Millers supporters to create a great atmosphere, they were brilliant and on behalf of everyone I thank them accordingly. We all know you only get the same three points for beating Chesterfield but in derby matches it always feels like more. It was a reward for our supporters, they really are incredible and I hope they enjoy the banter rights they will hold for some time now over a rival who I really do have a lot of respect for.
There will be many different opinions as to who deserved the man of the match, who was your choice?
That really is a good question and one I simply cannot answer. I thought it was a brilliant team performance on the pitch and a brilliant team performance from the supporters. I can also look at my staff who are working incredibly hard, they could also be in the running so for this match let us call the man of the match, 'Team Rotherham'.
You are also studying a DVD of Tuesday night's opposition Bristol Rovers, what are your thoughts ahead of the game?
Statistics can often be misleading but one fact I know is that since the start of 2013 Bristol Rovers are the best team in League Two. That really does not surprise me; they have some top class players for our level and now have the enthusiasm of a new manager in John Ward.
Rovers have a set system of play under John and it is proving to be very effective, the run of results they have had is staggering. Our task is very tough but we all know that.
Back in the summer Rovers where third favourite's for the League Two title and they have added some real quality players since then. Rovers also have a great support; it is another very big football club in League Two so we know they will have a good support behind them on Tuesday night.
Our preparation will again be excellent; no stone will be left un-turned as we head to Bristol tomorrow morning. We have a couple of players who have picked up knocks yesterday and may be struggling but I will not be telling anyone who they are, I am not manager of the Millers and here to help Bristol Rovers, no chance, they will know my team an hour before kick-off.
Given what has been said in the press, are you expecting to add to the Millers squad in the near future?
It would be fair to say that the Chairman and myself are looking at a couple of players with a view to perhaps getting something positive done but as yet nothing is imminent today.
Our squad looks we'll balanced, Craig Morgan is back fit and Michael O' Connor will return from suspension after Tuesday night.
The Chairman here is very supportive as is our Chief Operating Officer Paul Douglas, as I said if we can make something happen and add to the squad we will do it. I think it is only recently some have noticed we do not have the biggest squad but at the same time it is full of quality and therefore if we add to the group the players now need to be of the standard that adds to what we have, not just more of the same.
Do you have you a message for the fans?
As I have said many times, the Millers support is fantastic. I ask my teams to give what our supporters offer every day, passion and commitment. Rotherham United is more than a football club, it is a group of people with a common cause.
If we are to achieve our objectives this season we need the Millers support right with us in every minute of every match, togetherness is the only way. There will be good days, great days like yesterday and there will be down days but let us fight together, it really is a common cause and no secret that we all want the same thing.
Up The Millers
Steve Evans