Neil Warnock post Wolves...
Rotherham United manager Neil Warnock admitted that securing Championship safety at the Millers’ helm is one of the greatest achievements of his decorated managerial career.
The Millers banked their place in the second tier for the 2016/17 season with a goalless draw at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Warnock conceded that he was ‘immensely proud’ of his players as they extended their unbeaten run to 11 games.
“It ranks alongside me getting Scarborough promoted in my first managerial success,” Warnock beamed.
“The Championship is a lot higher standard with a group of players who didn’t really believe they could do it. To put the pride back in the club and see the fans and players as they are is great.
“I feel immensely proud because of what we have done. We haven’t brought anybody in really, just a couple of fringe lads like Paddy and Doyley, but all of them have responded in a magnificent way to me.”
“When you see us putting bodies on the line today to keep that goal in tact, that’s when I get very proud. I do realise this is my level and it’s the kind of football that I enjoy and I like pleasing the fans, our fans will be really happy tonight.”
The Millers boss conceded that he would raise a glass to his side’s achievement in the wake of the point in the Midlands and paid tribute to Chairman Tony Stewart and his players after ensuring a place in the second tier next season.
“Fortunately I’ve got someone driving me back to Cornwall tonight and I will crack open a bottle of champagne at some point,” Warnock explained.
“The Chairman has been fantastic to me since I’ve been here and now the club can build for the future.
“You look at the dressing room now and everyone wants to be in there. That is what football is all about, getting victories and getting results and the camaraderie that it brings.
Rotherham United’s 11 game unbeaten run marked their best run in the second tier for 50 years and Warnock was delighted as his side added their name to the history books at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
“To get the record that we have means they’ll be talking about this in another 20 odd years. They’ve talked about a reunion in 20 years, but I mentioned to Derbs that I might not be here then!” he joked.
“They know that I have been around the block and seen it a few times but I just said to them, trust me and you’ll enjoy it and they have done”
The Millers can now play their final two games without pressure but Warnock is keen to ensure standards don’t drop despite being without midfielder Joe Newell who will miss the remainder of the campaign with an ankle injury.
“Joe Newell is going in for an operation on Monday and he’ll be out for the rest of the season, which we planned. It’s a matter of getting over the line now.
“We’ve had tired legs in the last couple of games but we’ve done ever so well to get points out of it. I want to finish on a high now and in our last home game let’s give it a go."