Kevin Blackwell talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Assistant manager Kevin Blackwell is using the break to prepare for the defining month in Rotherham United’s Championship campaign.
The Millers have a weekend away from competitive action for the international break, before gearing up for what is set to be a hectic month, with seven games in April.
After collecting 10 points from a possible 12 during March, the Millers have moved out of the Championship drop-zone, but Blackwell insists the job needs to completed with eight crucial games remaining.
“We know that this is the big month,” said Neil Warnock’s second in command.
“The month leading up to this was all about getting all the hard work done to put us in a position to hopefully use the next month to get us out of trouble.
“We are focused on what we are doing, we know where we are going and hopefully when we need that little break, we’ll get it.”
With the Millers currently one of the form sides in the division, some observers have noted the break may have come at a bad time for Warnock’s improving side.
Whilst Blackwell acknowledges that the Millers are carrying momentum, he believes the break is just what is required, as he looks to patch up his squad ahead of the vital home straight.
“There have been some that have been carrying injuries, and in an ideal world we wouldn’t have involved them,” Blackwell continued.
“This fortnight now will hopefully give them the chance to recover from some of the niggles.
“It is great when you are doing your job and it is all coming together. Everyone is enjoying being here and long may that continue.
“Our job now is to keep Rotherham United on this winning run, but more importantly we are focused on retaining our Championship status, and that is all that we want to do.”