Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United boss Paul Warne says Ben Wiles’ new deal is a fitting reward for his continued development and desire to impress within the first team setup,
Warne, who entrusted Wiles with his first Championship start in the December fixture with Bristol City at Ashton Gate and has regularly included the youngster in his matchday squad, believes the example that the midfielder is setting displays the clear pathway between the Academy and the senior setup.
“Wilesy has been excellent and has worked hard to earn this new deal,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“He has impressed us in both his physical and technical development since he’s been with us as a professional and we hope that this contract is just one of many more he signs with Rotherham United.
“We’ve used him in a lot of games this season and we trust him like we trust any other first team player here and I think we showed that when we brought him on at Middlesbrough.
“The deal is great for both parties because it means we can look forward to working with him and developing him further and for Wilesy because the commitment from the club reinforces how highly we think of him.”
The relationship between the Academy and Warne’s senior side is continuing to become stronger with scholar Jake Southern-Cooper the most recent to be involved in the matchday squad against Preston North End.
The Millers boss believes Wiles’ pathway in becoming a regular in the senior ranks should give hope to other young players at the club, whilst praising the midfielder’s continued desire to improve.
“We want the lads in the Academy here to look at what Wilesy has achieved and believe that with hard work they can achieve the same,” Warne continued.
“We have a fantastic working relationship with Richard Hairyes, John Williams, Ciaran Toner and everyone involved with the Academy setup and Matt Hamshaw does a fantastic job in helping us to bridge that gap between youth team and our lads.
“Don’t get me wrong, Wilesy has worked incredibly hard to get to where he is and still has more work to do, but there is no reason that others can’t look at his example and strive to make that same breakthrough.
“It’s up to Ben now to maintain those levels and try and keep hold of that shirt.”