Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Goalkeeping coach Mike Pollitt will once again be entrusted with identifying a new stopper to come in and compete with Lewis Price and Laurence Bilboe, with Millers boss Paul Warne confident in his colleague’s ability to find a replacement for the outgoing Marek Rodak.
The Rotherham United manager insists that Pollitt, who played a key factor in bringing Rodak to the club for his two successful years at AESSEAL New York Stadium, will once again have the final rule on any potential new goalkeeper, provided they fit in with the club’s values.
With the summer recruitment drive continuing to gather pace as the 2019/20 campaign draws nearer, Warne is keen to add another ‘keeper to his ranks.
“I was talking to Hammy about it recently and I was saying that I fully back whatever Polly wants,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“Whichever goalkeeper he wants, as long as he ticks the attributes that we want from a goalkeeper, will be the one we try and get.
“Obviously, it's a big deal. Polly has his list of who he wants and we've still got Pricey and Laurence here, so they will definitely still be competing with whoever I bring in.
Following the success of Rodak’s loan, Warne has hinted that the club could once again look to a ‘modern’ goalkeeper to join Bilboe and Price under Pollitt’s tutelage, but admits they will thoroughly assess all areas of the market before reaching a decision.
“All options are available but I do like the modern goalkeeper,” he continued.
“When I say that, I mean the U23s coming through, who are very good with their feet, brave coming the ball and hopefully make the odd save.
“I think the goalkeepers that we are looking at will be of a similar ilk to Marek. I thought he was excellent for us for two years and he had to be, to keep the likes of Pricey out of the team.
“We're trying to improve all the time but that is the sort of ilk of player we're looking to bring in.”
Warne continued to point to the departing Rodak’s desire to play games as a key factor in the Millers’ decision to recruit him initially, as well as taking time to praise the Slovakian for his contribution in Rotherham United colours.
“I loved Marek. One of his outstanding features other than his goalkeeping was the fact that he went to Accrington on loan,” he explained.
“A lad who leaves London and goes and plays up north, whatever the club is, I always think has the right character.
“That was a massive tick box for us and then we watched his games and I think he came in and really improved under Polly. He had two great years in fairness to him and it wasn't his fault that we ended the season the way that we did.
“I know that he wanted to stay, but Fulham want him back and I can understand why.”