Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
It may have appeared to be a low key transfer deadline day for the Millers, but not according to boss Steve Evans.
David Noble joined League Two side Cheltenham Town on loan until January, and that proved to be the only business of the day, despite attempts for number of deals to add to the Millers playing staff.
Despite the best efforts of Evans, his staff and Chief Operating Officer Paul Douglas who were working late into the night, they had little to show for their efforts.
“It was a long day,” Evans told www.themillers.co.uk
“I eventually gave up at around 10pm and left the stadium but I was still talking to Paul Douglas who remained there till well past the 11pm deadline.
"David Noble was allowed to join Cheltenham Town until January. The manager down there has been a long time admirer of him and he made an approach to myself yesterday morning. I discussed this with my staff and we all felt the lad needed to play football, it is something he lives and breathes but we have a few players currently in front of him. He has come to see me a few times recently; he really is a brilliant lad who I have a great relationship with. He was hurting at not starting matches so this is a great opportunity for him.”
Evans admitted he was close to adding to his squad but the 11pm deadline passed with no further transfer activity.
"In respect of players coming in, we got so very close but for one reason or another we could just not get any of those deals completed,” added the Millers boss.
“In fairness to us we have been working on three possibilities since last week or in one case two weeks, and it really was frustrating for all of us and I suppose the players involved also.
"Two of those being chased by us may not be lost as the emergency loan window opens again next Tuesday and you can be assured a lot more work will be put in before then. Our squad is currently hammered by injuries and the loss of two very important players to International duty, but we cannot get caught up in that, we have available who we have.
"Transfer deadline day always witnesses panic signings and I was not going to go down that road. We have a great squad of lads, a very talented and focused group. I have to be careful with who we add to the dressing room, what is it they say about bad apples?
"My Chairman Tony Stewart has again been with me every step of the way, we win, lose or draw together, not all managers out there have that benefit. We will be doing some business next week, that I am very confident about.
"I would also like to acknowledge and thank Paul Douglas, he like myself will be tired this morning but us Millers have a lot to smile about. Our supporters will again back us in big numbers and with big voices on Saturday, they are just incredible. A full house will be in the New York for the visit of Sheffield United on Saturday, the type of match our new home deserves.”