Paul Warne post-Bristol Rovers...
Millers Manager Paul Warne addressed the press after his side booked a Play-off spot in Sky Bet League One this afternoon.
Warne’s men ran out 2-0 winners in a high-tempo affair against Bristol Rovers at the AESSEAL New York Stadium this afternoon.
“I’m really pleased,” said Warne. “We started with this group 10 months ago and it’s been a long, hard winter. As everyone knows it’s been freezing but the sun’s out and it came out on my team today. We’ve played a lot better than that.
“The lads looked really jaded today. We had Gillingham away Tuesday night and Bristol Rovers didn’t have a midweek game. I thought they looked fresher than us which I don’t normally say about my team.
“We’ve asked the lads to step up the last three games and they’ve done that. As a manager of the group of men, I’m really proud.”
Michael Smith, voted man of the match for his performance by the sponsors, broke the deadlock with a delightful finish after racing clear down the left flank on nine minutes before Caolan Lavery secured the points in the last minute of normal time.
“In fairness, when Smudge went clean through I thought he was taking his shot too early!” said Warne. “I was ready to shout at him and then it went right in the top bin. He’ll be really pleased with that. His work-rate is phenomenal. He takes a bit of a beating, so far him to get a goal is good.
“’Lavs’ went on and got a goal as well, so it’s always nice when the strikers score.
“I’m really proud of what the lads have achieved,” he continued. “I’ve got a great backroom staff who all work really hard. We set out what we wanted to achieve at the start of the season. We haven’t achieved anything, but at least we’ve given ourselves a chance to try and get promoted. We have to try and refresh the lads now and deal with these last two league games where I can freshen it up a bit.
“We’ll try and hit the play-offs football-fresh and football-fit, and just try and get through to the final. It’s still really good what we’ve done. What we’ve achieved is exciting and I’m really proud of them. All of the lads in the dressing room have played a part; some of them have played 10 games and some have played 30. But they’ve all played a massive part. Today I asked them to give me everything again and they definitely did that.
“Woody was excellent again. I don’t know how many times he got cracked in the head! I thought Icky did really well. The two centre-halves, I thought, were excellent today. Bristol Rovers had a lot of the ball and put a lot into the box but I thought we were pretty comfortable to deal with it.
“Generally, I’m pleased with the way we defended and it’s just nice to get over that finishing line.
“On a sunny day today, winning 2-0 with a loud crowd is a proud moment for me.”