Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
This morning we caught up with Steve Evans to reflect on yesterday's fantastic local derby success over local rivals Sheffield United.
One day on, how do you reflect on the victory?
First let me say I am a lot more upbeat than I was for an hour or so after the match. I was unhappy with our first-half performance and as I told my players and staff I accepted full responsibility for that. Sheffield United are a good team with very talented players but In planning for the match I paid them too much respect. There was no blame apportioned to my players, it was solely my fault and I had to sort it out, thankfully we did.
In the second half we were like ourselves and that resulted in a totally dominant performance. We scored three goals and it could and should have been more such was the quality and application in our play. After the match I applauded my players, to a man they were fantastic in that second half.
The match was played in a brilliant atmosphere; both sets of supporters were outstanding in the backing of their teams. We only get three points for winning this match but for the lifeblood of our football club, our supporters, I know it means so much more.
You had to withdraw Captain Craig Morgan at half time, can you update on his injury, and others that are currently on the sidelines?
Yes of course, I will outline it for you by player;
Craig Morgan - The lad twisted his ankle about 15 minutes into the match and his lack of movement further compounded our problem of trying to get further up the pitch. He tried to play on but he was getting worse and at half time it was an easy decision to substitute him. It will be a few days before we know how long he will be out of action.
Mark Bradley - We are hopeful that Bradders may be fit for the visit of Oldham Athletic next Saturday. His groin injury is responding to treatment and each day there is an improvement so let us hope that continues.
David Worrall - His training programme will be stepped up this week but it is thought that he will not be available for next Saturday and Walsall away is looking very likely. Wozza was just starting to hit top form prior to his injury so I am hoping for big things from him when he is back.
Mitch Rose - The young man will have a knee operation on Tuesday morning. He is likely to be out until February or March given the nature of his injury. I have a lot of time for the lad and hopefully he will come back stronger.
The emergency loan transfer market opens up again on Tuesday, consider the injuries will you think about adding cover?
The answer to that is a very clearly yes. I need to be very clear as to the above injury situation in respect of when each of those players will be back available for selection as that will obviously be a factor on what we do. I am talking to a few managers about certain players I have in mind and that will continue over the next few days, hopefully we can do some good business.
This morning we sit 4th in League One, some would say a superb start, what is your view?
I would say we have made a steady start, nothing more and nothing less. League One in real terms is a big step up from League Two, everything is a little better which makes every match we play more difficult. However, I would also add that we have a great squad of players, the team spirit is just fantastic and it is well known they love coming to work as they try to improve as footballers.
I have said for some time that I believe in my players and my staff, they are dedicated, loyal and great to work with. We all get terrific support from our Chairman, he sets the standards and we follow. We are all enjoying the challenge of League One, it is full of good teams, excellent managers and hopefully over the season we can embrace the challenge.
What have you got in the diary for the week ahead?
To be honest there is never a week when we are not busy. Obviously the lads will be in for training each day, I have two hospital visits and one to a Hospice already scheduled plus of course I will be attending the Preston North End v Oldham Athletic match on Monday night and our reserve match on Tuesday evening at Mansfield Town.
As we discussed the emergency loan transfer window opens on Tuesday so there is a lot of work to be done in that area too.