Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United interim boss Paul Warne says he will set his side up to win and put the 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture behind them, as they lock horns with Barnsley at AESSEAL New York Stadium this weekend.The Millers’ caretaker, who is an open admirer of Paul Heckingbottom’s side, insists his players have been made well-aware that the nature of the defeat at Oakwell earlier this season was unacceptable and will ensure that they do everything in their power to overcome a Reds’ side that he has been thoroughly impressed with.
“It's a big game for them and a Yorkshire derby,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I really like them and I've always liked them. I've seen a lot of them this year and I went to see them play against Blackpool in the cup the other weekend.
“They'll be a hard team to play and we've watched the game with the lads today when we played away at their place and explained to them the embarrassment of that. In the highlights of that game we didn't have one and that is not what I'll be expecting on Saturday.
“I expect a completely different game and the lads are keen to put that memory to bed.”
The tight knit nature and industrious approach of Heckingbottom’s side has been well-documented in recent seasons and Warne believes that despite losing key players in James Bree, Conor Hourihane and Sam Winnall, Barnsley are already well-equipped to ensure their absences go unnoticed.
“They're not dissimilar to us and they play with a bit of passion and they all want to do well for themselves and the team and they have a good team ethic,” he explained.
“I know they've lost a couple of players but they've replaced them with good acquisitions as well.
“They've got a good side and the people that come in will think 'it's my chance on Saturday' and if they play well then the gaffer might not have to sign anyone to replace them. “
The popular fitness coach concluded by calling upon the home faithful to raise the roof in Rotherham for the weekend’s South Yorkshire derby, adding that their support will play a vital role in any success they may have on Saturday.
“The fans' backing is crucial and it has been especially this year,” Warned said.
“It's well-documented that we've struggled but our home form has been pretty good, especially in recent times.
“The fans have had a big part to play in that. I've said to the lads today that they need to start well and get the fans on-side and get them vocal and it will be a much easier game to play."