Clark Robertson talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Scottish defender Clark Robertson says his time spent so far as a Rotherham United player under the tutelage of Paul Warne and his coaching staff has seen him improve ‘massively’ on the pitch following his summer arrival from Blackpool.
Robertson, who arrived in South Yorkshire keen to play second tier football and put his name into the frame for a potential call-up for the national side, has become an established figure this season after impressing to earn his place at the heart of the Millers’ rearguard.
Speaking to www.themillers.co.uk after the club’s brave fight to preserve their Sky Bet Championship came to an end at West Bromwich Albion, Robertson, whilst disappointed, explained that there were positives to take from the 2018/19 campaign.
“I think I've improved massively.
“Richie Barker is always working on the defensive side of our game and I think I've definitely become more aggressive in my style.
“I think that's shown in my performances and hopefully I can take the things I've learned this season into the next one.
“At the start of the season it was difficult for me coming in behind Woody.
“I think since I've had my chance, I've taken it well and I've shown that I can play at the level. I just hope that next season we can get ourselves back up the table in League One and hopefully back in the Championship.
“I came here wanting to get into the Scotland squad and I thought I'd have to play Championship football to do that and I've had that for the last 10 months. Hopefully people out there have recognised my performances and in the near future I get a chance to show what I can do.”
Robertson also took time to reflect on the Millers’ season-long battle to stay in the Championship, explaining that despite their relegation, they had exceeded the expectations of many.
After relegation to the third tier was confirmed last weekend at The Hawthorns, the Scotsman explained that he and his teammates can be proud of their efforts, whilst adding that the fans' appreciation has been gratefully received within the Millers dressing room.
“I think at the start of the season everyone in the league was expecting us to be long gone by now,” Robertson continued.
“That wasn't the case and we managed to take it to the second to last game of the season.
“I think everyone can be proud of their efforts this season and we're just gutted we haven't managed to stay up. That said, we've all fought well and our team spirit almost got us over the line in the end.
“I think the fans can see the amount of effort that we've put in over the course of the season and we've never gone out not trying to win a game.
“We've given it a right go in every match and we're just all gutted that we haven't managed to stay in this division for the fans, ourselves and the staff.
“I think we were unlucky not to have picked up more points than we have done and our performances meant we probably should have picked up more. Everyone has fought right until the end and there's no disgrace in going down on the second to last game of the season.”