Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Manager Paul Warne has described the character within his ranks as ‘unbelievable’ as preparations are stepped up for Saturday’s trip to Reading.
Warne and his staff have presided over two days on the training ground following Saturday’s draw with Sheffield Wednesday, as attentions turn to the weekend and a showdown with the Royals.
The Millers had to contend with differing emotions last week after another pulsating experience in the Sky Bet Championship.
Last Tuesday night, Warne was elated after witnessing his side produce a stunning comeback to earn a point at Hull, but watched local rivals Sheffield Wednesday net a last second equaliser to deny his side a deserved three points at the weekend.
Whilst disappointed, the late drama has already been cast aside with Warne insisting his squad have shown a determination to move forward, as they look to extend their unbeaten run to five Championship games this weekend.
Warne told www.themillers.co.uk: “I think we have a great group here which I have maintained from day one. Their character has been unbelievable, not just since the weekend, but all season.
“We have shown the lads all the positives about the game Saturday, of which there were many. We will build confidence from that for the remaining games. We look forward to the game on Saturday, with a strong number of players available and strong competition for places.”
There has been further evidence on the field of the iron will of Warne’s troops.
At half-time at the KCOM Stadium on Tuesday the Millers were staring defeat firmly in the face, until a stirring second-half display saw an inspired comeback from two goals down.
The Millers faced another character assessment at the weekend when they fell behind against the run of play, but Jon Taylor’s equaliser came within seconds of going behind.
Warne believes the recent examples show the key ingredients of his side’s make-up, and he expects to see the same fighting spirit for the remaining 13 games of the campaign.
Warne continued: “We were 2-0 down at Hull and came back to 2-2. We played really well against Sheffield Wednesday in the first-half but found ourselves a goal down. The lads then went straight down the other end and scored. We have shown there is a real fight and desire on countless occasions.
“It was disappointing to concede so late on Saturday, but it wasn't like they had numerous chances and we were hanging on. I was really proud of the performance and aside from the last 10 seconds, I really enjoyed the day.
“The fans were brilliant, the atmosphere was great - it was a brilliant occasion. Unfortunately we didn't get the points we wanted, but the performances were excellent and on another day, if we'd have taken our chances, we would have won comfortably.”