Darren Potter talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
While League One may be unchartered territory for the majority of the Rotherham squad, one player who will need little introduction to England’s third tier is recent recruit Darren Potter.
Millers chief Paul Warne has kept to his word to bring pace and dynamism into the squad within the close season but the arrival of the seasoned campaigner will undoubtedly give his side a nice blend of youth and experience.
It is widely perceived that Potter will give Warne’s men a steadying influence in the no-holds barred midfield area, which proved to be the case after an impressive performance in the 5-0 victory over Southend.
After spending the vast proportion of his career with MK Dons before the close season switch to the AESSEAL New York Stadium, Potter admitted the move north has given him a new lease of life, as he has settled back into life in South Yorkshire, following a spell with local rivals Sheffield Wednesday earlier in his career, with a minimum of fuss.
"I've enjoyed it,” the Liverpool-born midfielder enthused.
“It's been different coming into a new set-up for the first time in a long time for myself. It's interesting to see how a different club works and how a new manager works.
"I've known Richie (Barker) a long time but I know a few of the lads, from previous clubs and it always makes it easier to settle in.
“However, we are professional footballers, so we expect to move around. You have to fit in and do what you do best. You have to integrate the best you can.”
The 32-year-old acknowledges that the central midfield role is often pivotal to a team’s success in that it largely encompasses all facets of the game, both in defence and attack.
"It's about everything,” Potter insists.
“It's about putting a shift in and working hard for the team. It's important to keep the ball while creating and scoring goals where possible and keeping them out at the other end. You have to try and complete all parts of it to the best you can.”
Despite being in the fledgling stages of his Millers career, the Republic of Ireland international has been visibly impressed by the abundance of riches, in particular in the midfield areas, at Warne’s disposal.
Potter has featured prominently alongside club skipper Lee Frecklington, where the duo have seemingly struck up an immediate understanding in the heart of midfield.
However, the ex-Liverpool ace is refusing to take a first-team spot for granted, by stressing that competition for places will be fierce in all areas of the pitch.
"Frecks has got a lot of experience and I'd like to think I have as well so we have played a lot of games between us,” Potter added.
“But we have a big squad, with plenty of lads who can come in and do well and we are all fighting for a shirt.
"It's a big, strong squad and we are all fighting like mad, to be part of the first 11. I've not come here to be a bit-part player in a bit-part team, in the league. I've come to hopefully make the team stronger and hopefully, we'll be one of the strongest teams within the division.”