Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United’s first team braved the snowy weather conditions to turn in one final training session before they head to the Banks’s Stadium tomorrow in search of a third win in as many games in Sky Bet League One.
Millers boss Paul Warne had a full echelon of players in attendance for this morning’s session, with a number of his squad making alternative arrangements to ensure they made it to the club’s snow-covered training base at Roundwood, where the mood is positive following a run of recent successes.
“Everyone was in, Joe Mattock struggled initially and so did Alex Bray and Kieffer Moore but they sent us videos of their cars slipping everywhere,” he explained.
“They managed to get taxis in the end and everyone was in and on time.
“They're in pretty buoyant mood. It was snowing on us today when we were training but we still managed to get everything done that we wanted to and they'll rest up for the rest of the day and be ready to try and win a game at Walsall.”
The Millers boss hinted he is tempted to make changes to his starting 11, despite the club’s good run of form, with the likes of Kieffer Moore pushing Jerry Yates and David Ball for a place in the forward line.
“Richie Towell joined in training today and everyone is fighting fit,” Warne explained.
“Although the games come thick and fast the lads are pretty physically resilient. If I need to freshen it up, I will, but the lads are ripe and ready to go.
“We've worked on the team today but I will sleep on it and see what they look like tomorrow. I don't really like to change a winning team but this time of year is a bit of an unusual situation. The lads looked pretty bright today and if I don't change for Saturday, I may have to change for Monday and vice-versa.”
Saturday’s opponents will be keen to capitalise on their improved showings at home, with their most recent result coming in the form of a Boxing Day draw with Bristol Rovers and whilst Warne admits he recognises the threat that the Saddlers will pose, he has been pleased with the mood in the Millers camp.
“They're a good home side and they work well for the manager. They're pretty athletic and their front players always chase down and harry the defenders,” he continued.
“It's not a small pitch but because the ground is so close it makes it feel a bit tighter. It's always a good atmosphere at this time of year and they're not on bad form. They've had two games at home over the Christmas period and they've played well and it’s probably the best they've played in the last couple.
“Our lads are good. Winning football matches is obviously why everyone is involved so we're on a good little run and they're feeling confident in each other.
“They're highly-motivated at the moment to do well and to get through these next two games with points on the board, then we can have a couple of days off and then really go for it for the second half of the season.”