Kenny Jackett talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Newly-appointed Rotherham United boss Kenny Jackett has asked for the home support to get behind his side in his maiden outing as Millers boss and has promised a committed performance to make them proud in return.
Jackett, who was unveiled as the man to take up the hotseat at AESSEAL New York Stadium, will assume a position in the home dugout tomorrow for the first time as the Millers welcome Jaap Stam’s Royals’ side in the Sky Bet Championship.
The 54-year-old insists that the decision to join the Millers was an easy one and explains that he fully understands the task he is undertaking in his new position in South Yorkshire.
“I want all of the fans to get behind myself and the players tomorrow, but I understand that the fans react to what they see on the pitch and tomorrow they’ll see a Rotherham side that is full of commitment and will make them proud to wear the shirt,” Jackett told www.themillers.co.uk following his appointment.
“I’m delighted to be at Rotherham. I understand the position but that’s the reason I’m here.
“I’m determined to do everything I can about it and I’m confident in my own ability to be successful as the manager of Rotherham.
“I’m delighted to join and it didn’t take either of us very long to work things out. I’ve been here and came into the training ground on Friday morning so it was a little bit of a whirlwind meeting all the players and getting things sorted out before training, but I’m pleased to be here and now I can look forward to tomorrow.”
The Watford-born boss has a wealth of experience at second tier level with the likes of Millwall and Wolverhampton Wanderers and says his early impressions of the squad at his disposal are positive.
“It’s an enthusiastic group and there’s certainly some talent there,” Jackett added.
“I think there is the ability to put on good performances and get results and we have to start that tomorrow. There has to be a close link between the players and the supporters, it’s a vital one at every football club, and I really want to show the fans tomorrow a passionate and an enthusiastic group of players that want to play for the shirt.
“The players are the most important thing at the moment and they have to work very hard to get themselves out of the position we’re in. It’s a poor position and we’ve won one game out of the first 13 but the good news is there’s a enough to play for and the best part of 100 points to play for and that’s a lot.
“We have to get ourselves off the bottom of the league and get competitive and we have to pick up more points and really identify what we need to do to be able to do that.”
Jackett also took time to praise Millers Chairman Tony Stewart, who he says played a pivotal role in his decision to take up the role at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
“The Chairman came across really well and made me feel wanted which is a big thing and that I could fit in here and make a difference,” he added.
“He convinced me I’m the person they need at this particular moment to take the club forward.”