Ben Wiles talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United midfielder Ben Wiles says he has enjoyed every moment in the build-up to signing his new contract, which will see him remain with the club until June 2022, and insists he is keen to keep improving under boss Paul Warne.
The midfielder, who progressed through the club’s Academy system from the U9s age group, was handed his first league start last month and has been a regular in the first team setup over the last couple of seasons.
Wiles was quick to point to the influence of the Millers coaching staff who have allowed him to express himself and continue his development, despite the 19-year-old admitting there have been some tough times along the way.
“It's been a good road and I've enjoyed every moment of it, so I'm delighted to have the chance to keep doing it,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“At the moment I'm really happy with the way things are going. I'm getting involved down at the training ground and they're treating me with so much respect and I'm really glad that I've sat down to sign this contract.
“I've had big influences from coaches like Hammy, who push me every day and the Gaffer and Richie trust me and show me off a lot and I owe a lot to them.
“There have been rocky parts to it but in football you just have to ride the wave as they say and get on with it. “
Wiles also conceded that he has had to be patient in waiting for his opportunity and after having a taste of first team football in the EFL Cup tie at Everton earlier in the season, was rewarded for biding his time with a first league start following at Bristol City last month.
“At Everton I was really excited, but when you're not quite there you know within yourself that you have things to work on and I just kept my head down and working in training to get to what I'm doing now,” he added.
“After I got the news that I was playing [at Bristol City] I was buzzing and I couldn't wait to get out. I've been itching for some minutes and I was really glad that I got my chance.
“I just want to try and stay in the team for as long as possible and give the manager everything I've got. I'll work my socks off and hopefully we have a good end to the season.”