Aidy White talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Summer signing Aidy White is enjoying clocking up the minutes on the pitch following his arrival at AESSEAL New York Stadium.The 23-year-old was hampered by injuries during his time at Elland Road but has hit the ground running following his switch to the Millers in the close season.
He recorded his first competitive 90 minutes in Millers’ colours in the Capital One Cup clash with Cambridge and has since featured as a substitute when called upon by boss Steve Evans.
“It’s been a long time since I played 90 minutes so for me it’s a great bonus to get a full game under my belt,” he enthused exclusively to www.themillers.co.uk.
“I’ve had a good pre-season and I managed 45 minutes on the opening day, so it was great to be involved again.
“The most important thing at the moment is playing time but I’m not here to go through the motions. I’m here to do well, make an impact where I can and do my all for Rotherham.”
White endured a frustrating campaign with Leeds United last term as injury restricted his season to just a cameo appearance against the Millers on the final day of the season, ironically a performance which helped him catch the eye of gaffer Steve Evans, who had no hesitation in snapping up the services of the left-sided player, who was released by the West Yorkshiremen in the summer.
Since making the switch down the M1, White has stayed injury-free and he has been one of the Millers’ standout performers during their pre-season campaign with his energetic style endearing him to the home faithful, while his ability to beat his opponent was evident during convincing victories over non-league Parkgate and Stocksbridge.
The Otley-born winger also demonstrated his versatility as an injury to Joe Mattock during the tour of Scotland saw him asked to fill the left-back berth which he did with consummate ease, showing that he is equally adept at the defensive side of the game as his instincts to track back was plain for all to see.
With new signing Joe Newell also joining the Millers revolution, Evans is suddenly blessed with a multitude of options down the left flank, which could see the 23-year-old dovetail with his full-back when the need arises - a point not lost on the likable Yorkshireman.
“I think the gaffer sees me more as a winger, I think that’s where I will play most of my games,” he admitted.
“As a player, I’m quite direct. I like to get the ball and run at people. In a nutshell, I bring energy and pace and hopefully I can chip in with a few goals.
“Joe got injured in pre-season, so I had to do a job at left-back but I will play wherever the gaffer wants me to play.
“The fact we have got competition for places can only be beneficial. The more players you have in all positions, the stronger your team is. You know you have to play well to keep the shirt and it helps you raise your game."