Redfearn post Reading...
Rotherham United boss Neil Redfearn insists his side’s 1-1 draw against high-flying Reading at AESSEAL New York Stadium has given them a platform to build on in the Sky Bet Championship campaign.The Millers manager took to the AESSEAL New York Stadium dugout for the first time since his appointment and saw his side come from behind with Danny Collins rocketing home a volley to cancel out Nick Blackman’s opener.
“We’re upbeat because we’ve gone a goal down against a team that I think are the best in the division and to come back like we did is a real plus and has given the lads a real lift,” Redfearn told www.themillers.co.uk
“The thing that pleased me more tonight was that we battled and we fought and competed and we stuck to the game plan. We passed the ball as well and there was some great passing movements up the pitch and we created chances against a good side.”
Reading arrived in South Yorkshire as the division’s second placed side but were forced to turn in a performance by a battling Millers’ display which left Royals’ boss Steve Clarke impressed.
“I spoke to Steve Clarke after and he said that’s as much as their centre backs have been messed about this season, so I’m pleased with that it’s a big plus for us,” Redfearn enthused.
“That’s a point gained for us and we’ve got to build on that now. We played well at Brentford and didn’t get anything but the signs are there that we can pick up points and I think there was a real determination from the boys today to get over the line.”
Norwich City loanee Harry Toffolo was thrown straight into the fray at left back and Millers’ boss Redfearn was delighted with the 20-year-old’s showing in the defence.
“I thought it was a great performance. We gave him a tough ask because he was up against Blackman who is as good as you’re going to get as an outside right.
“I thought he stuck to his task really well and as the game went on he grew and grew. He made some fantastic interceptions and defensive play and I thought his passing was excellent as well.”
Former Manchester United man Tom Thorpe came back into the side in place of the suspended Richie Smallwood and turned in an accomplished performance in berth at the base of the Millers midfield.
“I thought Tom played well and I think that position suits him,” he explained.
“He’s a passer and he’s a good build for a sitting midfield player and he gives you that extra defender when you’re defending in the final third.
“I think he’s another player that’s a young boy and has got more strings to his bow. I said when I came in that I wanted to open these players’ minds up to what they’re capable of and Tom Thorpe is a prime example of that."