Paul Warne speaks to iFollow Millers ahead of the visit of Brentford...
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers duty this week ahead of the visit of Brentford.
Below are the key topics and highlights from the interview, with full video content available shortly HERE on iFollow Millers…
Pre-Brentford team news…
"It could be better, it could be worse. We've got a couple of issues and we have to see how Raggett is. Vass has trained but I don't think he's ready and Newelly is out. I've got another out but I don't want to name him.”
Update on Raggett’s dental injury…
"He's a bit of a warrior and he saw the dentist on Tuesday. He can feel pain when he heads the ball. It's later in the week now so he might feel a bit better today, we'll see how he is later on.
"The physios don't think it's a major issue. Psychologically he's alright but I don't want him to be uncomfortable. He wants to play and his name is in the selection hat.”
Talking about midfield options following the addition of Matt Crooks and the return of Richie Towell…
"I've got a few more options now. Will has been our most consistent performer and Wilesy is our most exciting performer. Richie is coming back and Matt Crooks has trained well.”
On the injury front…
Vassell…
"He's getting better but he's not pain free. We're hoping he'll get stronger as the week goes on but if it goes the other way it might be something longer-term. His attitude has been spot on.
Newell…
"He has an issue with his groin. He's rested it for a week and he's doing strength work today with a view to be back in training next week. If that doesn't work then we'll have to go down a different route and he could be out for 3 or 4 weeks.”
Potter…
"Pottsy is now running at 85% of his body weight on the treadmill. Hopefully when he comes back he will be like a new signing for us.”
On new signing Matt Crooks settling into life at Rotherham United…
“The lads have nicknamed him ‘Tree’ because he's like 7ft tall. We get judged on the people we recruit, not the ones that we don't. Matt bedding into the dressing room is as important as him performing on the training pitch.
“Monday he was top trainer. I said to the lads on Tuesday that a new lad shouldn't come in and out-train anyone here. He's a goal threat and he's good with the ball. It's our job to polish him up really.
“He can definitely shift, he can handle the ball in tight areas and hopefully he'll settle in and be a good player for him.
“I'd like to thank Paul Douglas and Jamie Johnson for sorting it out. We offered a fair amount and it shifted along with the player quite quickly.”
Warne talks January transfer window activity behind-the-scenes…
“I’m speaking to a couple of people again today. It's a constant thing. Unfortunately, all the players I'm after have other clubs looking at them as well. We do need one or two in.
“We're trying to get people in and I don't really want to have more than 5 loans. Ideally I'd get a permanent and a loan.
“All of the lads that are on the periphery I'm getting phone calls about as well. We'll probably let a couple go out on loan. That may then mean we can get a fresh face in as well.”
On Brentford…
“They were amazing and in fairness they've picked up again recently. The way they play is really good. I need the fans to stay with us because it will be a really tough game for us.
“Any team in this league, including ourselves, on their day are unbelievable. Reading were excellent against us. None of these teams are poor. I think we're a great team, this league is so tough but so enjoyable.
“Brentford replace like-for-like with players, managers and coaches. They haven't changed a great deal. They're organised out of possession, they're quick and athletic and my love for the way they play hasn't diminished. “