Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
A little later than normal we caught up with Steve Evans this afternoon after a Sunday training session for this week’s Gaffer on a Sunday.You were disappointed that yesterday's match at home to Exeter City fell victim to the weather, who did you go and see?
Yes, we were all disappointed the match was off and this was despite the great efforts of the Millers groundstaff.
I travelled south to take in the AFC Wimbledon versus Morecambe match. It was a very comfortable win for the home team but it was important I watched them ahead of next Friday's match. Wimbledon looked strong, had total command of the match and we have another tough encounter coming up.
How much did the weather effect today’s plans for training?
Due to the snow we had to have the lads indoor but they worked hard as always. At this time of the season it is important we stay very focused and we gave them yesterday off so they are looking fresh. It was a major disappointment yesterday was off, the lads had trained very well and looked very sharp.
Do you feel you still need to strengthen the squad this week?
We will continue to try and add to the squad. We are still making phone calls to managers and agents, something may well happen. The players that join us now will most certainly be looked upon as playing a part next season.
You have always stated how much you appreciate the support you have received as manager, how much will this be a factor in your quest for success?
The Chairman is very supportive and when I first joined the Millers he made it clear he wanted me here long-term and to build a team and an infrastructure to back it up. I am delighted with a lot of the work we have done but there is still much work to be done, now, next season and beyond.
I am pleased the Chairman has stated his thoughts publicly but more importantly he tells me most days how highly he regards the job that my staff and players are doing. League 2 is very tough and the promotion and relegation spots are far from being confirmed.
The end of the season when you are involved in the fight for promotion really is exciting and of course what comes with that is nervousness. We have an excellent squad in place, great supporters and staff that will work every hour of the day to help make us successful.
You have two reserve matches this week; will any of the first-team squad be involved?
Yes we will be sending a few of the lads up to Morecambe tomorrow, but I will finalise just who is playing tomorrow morning. None of the senior squad will be involved on Wednesday as we of course play ourselves on Friday and again on Monday.
A friend of yours, Paul Sturrock, has lost his job at Southend, I know you would like to pass on your best?
Yes I do, it is a surprising decision. ‘Luggy’ has his team on the verge of the League Two play-off places and he has his team in a Wembley final, for me there can be no basis for him to be sacked.
I will be ringing him shortly and reminding him that he will bounce back. The amount of managers being sacked is concerning and Richard Beavon at the League Manager's Association has made his views clear. It would happen in no other industry and as the great Sir Alex Ferguson will tell you, it is those clubs with stability that ultimately are successful.
Back to the Millers and a big bank holiday football weekend ahead?
Yes it is something to look forward to. We have AFC Wimbledon at home on Friday and that is my only concern, thereafter we can think about Gillingham on the Bank Holiday Monday.
The lads know the importance of every result and every point gained has to be earned. We are very much part of the promotion race in League 2, but it is now that we must produce the results that make the difference. The fight is tough and believe me no one will give us anything for nothing!