Redfearn delighted with first look at Academy...
Rotherham United boss Neil Redfearn insists the future is bright for the club’s Academy after getting a first look at them during the Final Third Development League fixture against Hartlepool United on Tuesday.The young Millers’ side, marshalled by Garreth Barker, slipped to a narrow defeat against a vastly experienced Pools’ outfit in a game that finished 3-2 at Roundwood on Tuesday afternoon.
Jerry Yates and Kuda Muskwe were on target for the hosts but replies from Brad Walker and a Scott Fenwick double was enough to ensure that Hartlepool returned to the North East with maximum points.
Newly appointed manager Redfearn watched on from the sidelines and was delighted with the young Millers side despite the scoreline.
“I thought it was an absolutely outstanding performance,” Redfearn told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I thought it was a really close game and I thought we did some very good things. We’ve got some bright, young players and I was incredibly pleased.
“The actual ability and technique and know-how of the lads was good and we looked organised. We looked bright going forward and we’ve got pace in the wide areas. Young Jerry did well up top and got hold of the ball and I thought we generally played very well.”
The Pools’ side included a number of recognisable names with notable experience including the likes of Alan Tate and Matthew Bates and Redfearn was pleased with how the Millers’ youngsters fared against tough opposition.
“I think what you’ll find is that we were always going to be giving a little bit away physically because they had years on us and I think in the end that physicality told,” he explained.
“I knew Tatey when he was at Leeds and he’s a vastly experienced player who has played in the Premier League, so these are top players for our young players to play against.
“They’ve got to get used to playing at this level now. By and large this is the level that they’ll play at and when the seniors need a game we’ll arrange that but this league is a great opportunity for the young players to play."