Clark Robertson is enjoying the return to match action this season...
Stylish defender Clark Robertson insists that fierce competition for places amongst the Millers ranks could be the catalyst for League One success, this term.
With the heralding of the new season bringing with it the relative overhaul of the Rotherham squad, due to the inevitable comings and goings, which is very much a feature of modern day football, Robertson has been visibly impressed by the abundance of playing riches at boss Paul Warne’s disposal, this term, as he looks to plot a return to the Championship.
The Scottish defender insists that the new-look Millers have, impressively, bonded both on and off the pitch, during their tough training camp in Germany, and in the subsequent pre-season campaign.
“When you get seven or eight weeks off, after about two you are ready to get back into it and its good to be back,” Robertson explained.
“There are a lot of new players and we got to know them in Germany. We’ve got a good group of lads here, I think.
“It’s a good blend of players. We have got some young and experienced players. A few have left but the gaffer has recruited some quality players and we can hopefully do well this season.
“There is competition all over the pitch and it brings out the best in myself and in the team and hopefully that will push us on.”
Following his move to South Yorkshire at the start of last season, Robertson gradually made his mark in Rotherham colours – with some commanding displays at the heart of the Millers rearguard.
Robertson’s assured presence gives the club’s defence, a natural balance with his cultured left-foot while he rarely looks troubled by opposition strikers. With Robertson being one of the club’s top performers during last year’s campaign, the Aberdeen-born defender is hoping that his return to England’s third tier is a brief one – with the club targeting an immediate return to the Championship.
“All the boys have showed what they can do in pre-season.” Robertson insisted.
“We have some good technical players in midfield, and we hope to show that on the pitch and get to where we want to be.
“There are some good quality teams in this league. There is no reason why we can’t be up there with the squad of players we have got. That’s what we will be looking to do.
“The aim is to bounce back straight away but it’s going to be difficult for us. We need to be on our game every week to win games at League One level. It’s a tough division but I’m sure we can do well.”
Robertson is no stranger to League One football following his previous stint in the division with former club, Blackpool. Despite the likes of Sunderland, Portsmouth, Ipswich and Bolton lying in store for the Millers, in the coming months, Robertson admitted that his return trip to Bloomfield Road was the first fixture he looked for when they were announced, due to the special affinity he holds with his former employers.
“I’m looking forward to going back to Blackpool (in October).” Robertson revealed.
“It’s one I’m looking forward to especially as the fans will be back with a new owner coming in. I’ve not experienced a full house at Bloomfield Road so that will be a good one for me.”