Paul Warne talks to iFollow Millers ahead of the clash with Blackburn Rovers...
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers duty ahead of the hosting of Blackburn Rovers for this weekend's Sky Bet Championship game at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Warne spoke to the club regarding a local guest speaker at the training ground on Thursday, the behind closed doors game with Scunthorpe United and how big the remaining second tier fixtures are, with full video content available shortly HERE on iFollow Millers…
Warne on inspirational speakers at the training ground…
“Mark [from SAS: Who Dares Wins] kindly came in after his night shift as a fireman and spoke to the lads.
“He explained how hard the SAS programme was. He was saying how in times of trouble you have to dig deep and anything that helps the lads we'll do.
“Everyone has demons. Mark was good at explaining that. Every single day his body was telling him to quit but he talked about how you just have to put them aside.
Warne on further examples of how a strong mentality can help his side…
“I watched the Conor McGregor film for the first time yesterday, after Hammy and my son had told me about it.
“I didn't have a great opinion on him before it, but watching that changed it. He watches his fights back and look where he went wrong and watches his clips and always tries to come back stronger.”
Warne on usefulness of behind closed doors game with Scunthorpe United…
“The lads needed some minutes and most of them played 90. It was a competitive game and that's what we wanted. In that respect we got everything we needed. Pottsy is training with the first team today.”
Warne on current injury situation…
“Ihiekwe is training today, as are Jon Taylor and Joe Mattock. Sean Raggett has had a little bit of a problem with his comeback.
“We manage their loads all the time. If they're carrying something we don't take any unnecessary risks. The staff are really good at trying to monitor everything we can.
“Sean was really close. His straight line running was fine but when he strikes a ball, the bone in there is now showing a slight crack. He's Norwich's player so we have to confirm where we go with that.
“I don't have a date for Kyle. I think it might be the end of March that he should easily be back with the group.
“I think Pottsy will play in the Port Vale game or possible against Notts County next week.
“He is still an amazing player and his dedication to being the best he can be is brilliant.”
Warne on magnitude of the remaining Championship fixtures…
“I think every game is crucial.
“Saturday is a really big game for us and we'll go out and try to win it. The League table could look really good for us if we were to win. I think it's a good opportunity for us, as all the games are. At home especially. This league is full of exciting games all the time.
“I hope the fans get right behind the team again and hopefully we have a better end to the game than we did last time we were at home.”
Warne on Blackburn Rovers…
“They've been good games and we've been in the same league for a while. Blackburn have had a really good run and picked up loads of points.
“Dack is one of the best number 10s in the league. We know them really well but they know us really well as well.
“I sat and talked to Tony [Mowbray] at the [Northern Sports Writers] awards. He's a really nice bloke and he's done well in management.”