Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Steve Evans was still a very disappointed man this morning after defeat against fellow high-flyers Peterborough United but he again spoke of being equally proud of his teams’ display. We put a number of key questions to him:
It is obvious you are still downbeat this morning, how do you reflect on the game now?
The players here produced nothing short of a brilliant performance and it really does hurt that for all the efforts we have nothing to show for them.
We dominated the match and I can re-call at least six clear cut chances, if I add the half chances we are in double figures and we should all remember this was against a quality team in Peterborough United.
Posh only had one effort on target in 90 minutes and that was from their penalty which, in my view, should not have been given. I thought there was a push on Kari Arnason, it is strange that he could miss that but he did. The referee yesterday is a good man, an honest man but for me he should be giving us a free-kick instead of giving the visitors a penalty.
My players played outstanding football, had lots of energy and got through the Peterborough United defence readily but sadly for us we could not take any of the numerous chances we created. What do we do now? We get back on the training ground and work towards next Saturday when we travel to Brentford, another team I expect to be competing at the top end of the league.
I caught up with Darren Ferguson after the match, he was obviously delighted to get the win but did comment his team had been "battered", at least for once we had an honest appraisal from an opposition manager.
Did any of our players’ performance stick out for you yesterday?
We always talk about the team and that is the way it should be, however, I have to say I was especially delighted for big Scott Shearer, he was commanding, kicked well and his distribution by hand was outstanding. He made a mistake last week but as a manager I am never going to take any player out the team on a mistake or two, I demand loyalty and attitude from my players whilst at the same time I give it back to them two fold.
Rob Milsom was excellent as was the likes of Joe Skarz, Craig Morgan and Kari Arnason, in fact I cannot do anything other than praise every one of them. This is an excellent squad of players, honest lads who want to represent the Millers with pride, they are doing that.
What have you got planned for the week ahead?
As normal the lads will be on the training ground each day as we prepare for Brentford next Saturday. Later today I will leave here and take in the Coventry v Brentford match, I look forward to watching these two excellent teams.
We are also hoping to arrange a closed door reserve match for some of the lads who need a game and I would also expect to be watching a couple more matches throughout the week.
Can you update us with the injury situation?
Michael O' Connor - The lad is about two weeks away from playing for us. He will start training tomorrow but it will be a two week build up to get him back to full fitness.
Claude Davis - I would think we are about two weeks for the big man, again his training routine will be stepped up from today.
David Worrall - Not good news with Wozza. The lad needs a minor operation to repair a little hernia and will be missing for four weeks.
Last week you were close to signing a player, are you still looking to add to the squad?
Attitude is very important. At present we have no bad apples in the camp and I certainly do not intend adding any of those because they are difficult to shift when you have them. Our squad is in great shape, they are a pleasure to work with and being as talented as they are gives us a chance of having a good season.
I have one player in mind that I would like to bring here so we will see where that goes in the week ahead but it has to be right and I need to ensure his off the field references are as good as his ability.
The atmosphere yesterday was fantastic, I’m sure you’ll agree?
I could put a tape recorder on to answer that question, the Millers support is brilliant. The backing they give the team and myself is simply stunning and I cannot put into words that would be appropriate enough, thank you again is the least I can say.
Peterborough United supporters played a part too and the match was played in a brilliant atmosphere, it is just a shame we were robbed after what was a terrific performance.