Andy Hughes was delighted with the Millers reserves following their win over Scunthorpe United...
First team development coach Andy Hughes was delighted with his side’s application as a Millers’ second string side containing a number of senior professionals ran out 3-1 winners against Scunthorpe United.Luciano Becchio, Tom Thorpe and Lewis Buxton were amongst the first team members that were handed shirts for the trip to Glanford Park on Tuesday night and all completed 90 minutes as the Millers recorded victory with boss Neil Redfearn watching from the stands.
Hughes was tasked with overseeing proceedings from the dugout for the Final Third Development League fixture and was left pleased with the endeavour of his players in the aftermath of the victory in Lincolnshire.
“These games on a Tuesday night are about application and if you’ve got energy and a professional attitude you’ll win and we had all of that at Scunthorpe,” he enthused.
“It was really refreshing and it’s like the manager says players shouldn’t turn the opportunity down to play and they haven’t.
“At the minute we have a strong squad and it was a good chance for some of those first team players to play rather than just train and I thought the application was superb.
“Players like Clarke-Harris, Luciano and Lewis Buxton all got 90 minutes and it’s hard to single anyone out but there are a few players that turned in good performances.”
The Millers’ first team development coach continued to recall his days playing in similar fixtures and says the match action will only aid the players involved at Glanford Park.
“These games are not easy and I say that having played in a lot of them myself,” Hughes explained.
“You need minutes and you want them as a player. Nothing replicates the fitness you get from matches.”
Redfearn joined Chairman Tony Stewart in the stands on Tuesday night and both came away pleased with a dominant Millers’ display despite Hughes admitting there were things that could be improved on.
“The gaffer was here and he was delighted. We were in the game for a reason and the ball was sticking up front. There are one or two things we could have done better and we can work on but that’s what training and coaching is all about.
“We got going from the off and dominated the game and it was brilliant to get some of the young lads out there later on with our experienced players because it will benefit them."