Steve Evans talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Steve Evans has confirmed that he will prepare the Millers for next Sunday's big match at Wembley exactly the same as he has done for every away match this season.
The players and staff have been given the weekend off to relax but they will all be back in for training on Monday morning as the team preparations begin for the League One play-off final against Leyton Orient at Wembley.
The team coach will depart for Wembley from New York Stadium next Saturday (24th May) at 2pm and the manager wants as many Millers as possible to attend and send the team off to London in the best possible way.
Speaking exclusively to www.themillers.co.uk, Steve confirmed the above but first he reflected on a wonderful night at the New York stadium and the defeat of Preston North End.
“Thursday night at New York has to be the best yet. Everyone played an important part in us beating a top class Preston North End team, a superb football club.
“We asked our supporters to turn up in big numbers and deliver a huge performance, they certainly did not let us down. I have to be honest and say it was the best atmosphere in my time as Rotherham United manager, the support was simply stunning. On behalf of my players and staff I thank each and every one of those supporters, Thursday evening will remain in my memory forever.
“My players responded to the Millers faithful and the team performance was not only full of energy but had some real quality too.
“I loved the performance of the three injured lads I thought we would be without, namely Lee Frecklington, Kieran Agard and Ben Pringle but they were no better than the rest of the team. I thought every player played a huge part and my Captain Craig Morgan led the team with the type of performance that has the word, 'example' written all over it.”
Looking ahead to the big match at Wembley and the League One play-off final against Leyton Orient, Evans confirmed that preparation that has served him well this season won’t change.
"I know now just how tough our task will be. We are playing a London based club in London and that makes it extra hard but we will prepare as we have done for every other away match this season.
"Orient have an excellent manager in Russell Slade, a man I not only respect but have a liking for too. Like me he is a grafter, a man who gives his job everything. He has a superb team with a number of top class players, I do not see too many weaknesses. They also have fantastic supporters who give them the most wonderful vocal support.
"As for us, we will be having our normal week. The team will leave New York stadium en route for Wembley next Saturday at 2pm. I hope as many Millers supporters as possible can turn up and give the lads a good send off, everything will help and there will be no better sight for the players than leaving Rotherham surrounded by the fantastic Millers support.
"The week ahead will be kept as normal as possible, there will be plenty of hard but enjoyable work for the players too. We must not for one minute forget we are going to Wembley to win, we are not going for a day out and I will be making that very clear. My staff are very focused, they all know their jobs and in fairness they do them very efficiently.
"My players, staff and Chairman deserve Wembley; our supporters deserve it even more. We have had a fantastic season but it is far from over. The players look fresh, more importantly they feel fresh and picking the team for Wembley will be tough especially given how Leyton Orient play. They are different to Preston so we may have to change one or two players, telling the lads the team will be tough but I will do so with one intention, that is to win the match.
"I know to be successful at Wembley we will have to produce a season’s best performance. Orient will be many people’s favourites but we will be doing our best, I can ask no more than that. Our dressing room spirit is fantastic, I am proud of the team we have built. What a great time it is to be a Miller.
"Finally on a personal level may I thank you for all your support. I am humble to serve you and let us all now prepare for what is a fantastic occasion but a huge task.”