Tempo increases as the Millers prepare for Ayr...
Rotherham United’s Assistant Manager Paul Raynor continues to be impressed by the players, after seeing them come through another tough test, this time against Livingston, but insists that the tempo will continue to be raised as pre-season preperations continue
“We’ve said to the boys that we need to see an improvement in every game and the pleasing thing is that we’ve seen that. The Parkgate game was a good workout, but it was better at Morton, then last night better still, and there were some very good individual performances as well which really is pleasing,” said Raynor.
Speaking at the National Sports Centre in Largs, Raynor explained why it was important for the players to continue working hard during this period of pre-season despite two games in two days.
“The lads were a bit stiff so we were out having a little jog and a stretch this morning, getting the cobwebs off and getting rid of the lactic acid that’s built up. They’ll feel better for it and it’s a lovely day to get some fresh air but it’s important after quite an intense game yesterday, and although the majority of the lads only played 45 minutes, we’ve stepped up the pace and we’re closer to playing at our tempo now.
There will be some tired legs, but it’s important we get them moving before a free afternoon where they can have a walk down to the sea front and stretch their legs a bit.
After today’s practice, they will train tomorrow ahead of the trip south to Somerset Park to face Ayr United on Saturday, a game where Steve Evans suggested will be used to start shaping his team for the forthcoming campaign.