Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Club News

READ | Warne's pre-Blackpool press highlights

30 December 2019

Club News

READ | Warne's pre-Blackpool press highlights

30 December 2019

Sponsored by

Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on press duties ahead of the clash with Blackpool on New Year's Day.

He spoke about the Peterborough win, squad news and the threat the Tangerines will pose. You can find video content over on iFollow Millers by clicking HERE

Warne on Peterborough United win...

"It was a bit more like us. I want to get the ball wide and I want to get crosses into the box, I want to have attempts on goal and I've harped on about it for a while, but at home we haven't been at our fluent best. 

"Although we have created chances, we just haven't taken them. We had the run of the green and I hope we just haven't used it all up in one game.

"It is nice to win, especially around Christmas, and nice to send people back home happy.

"I thought second half we were really good and obviously the sending off influenced the game but we were pretty pleased."

Warne on Robertson injury and Mattock suspension...

"He's had a scan today and he's got a hernia problem. He is seeing a surgeon on Thursday. Whether or not it is operable I don't know. If it is, I don't think we'll be seeing much of Robbo in January put it that way.

"I don't honestly know, that is just my medical guess.

"That accompanied with Joe Mattock. Luckily for me, it [Robertson's injury] coincided with Woody coming back to full fitness but obviously, with Billy out for another six weeks or something, I can't afford to have any more injuries along the back line.

"Thommo is playing really well at right back and we'll probably look at playing Matt [Olosunde] or Trev [Clarke] at left back. I'm down to two centre halves fit, so we go from feeling in a really good place to being one injury away from bad news."

Warne on Shaun MacDonald...

"He's pretty close which is good. In fairness, in the middle of the pitch it is one of our stronger positions really. Shauny should hopefully be back - he's got this week and next week with the physio - then he should be in full training."

Warne on Dan Barlaser's set piece delivery and recent form...

"We've been doing loads of work with Hammy and Woggy on attacking set plays and in fairness a lot of credit has to go to Dan [Barlaser]. His delivery on set plays have been excellent. 

"I think he's been playing really well recently and we ask him to take risks with his passing because his range is brilliant.

"He hits diags and he makes us play really well. One every few doesn't work but to us it is worth the risk. Anyone can play in midfield if they go sideways and backwards. I'm really pleased for Dan and the way he's been playing has made him a real asset.

"Sometimes just a good run in the team helps. Whenever you see a player for the first couple of times you're not so sure, unless they really hit the ground running. It takes a few games and then you see them when they're really match fit, which is the same with Wilesy.

"Then they get their rhythm and they're in. Crooksy is playing really well at the moment and Icky is bordering on outstanding.There's been some really good performances recently so I'm pleased."

Warne on the New Year's Day clash with Blackpool...

"Blackpool are a force this year, there's no disputing it. I would've thought they'll be finishing in the top six and they'll recruit in January so that they can come stronger in the second half of the season.

"They've probably not had the best run of results lately, but their performances have been really good. We've just watched their last three games and they have threats - I really like their forward play and they've got square pegs in square holes so to speak.

"It will be a different game to the one against Peterborough, but it's another that we want to try and win as we always do. Hopefully if we play at our best and have some lady luck, it might be enough."


Advertisement block

iFollow Next Match Tickets Account