Paul Warne speaks to iFollow Millers ahead of the final game of the 2018/19 season...
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers duty ahead of the final game of the 2018/19 season against Middlesbrough at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Among the topics of conversation were; ongoing talks with players on new deals, his thanks to the fans and aiming to finish on a high.
Full video content available shortly HERE on iFollow Millers…
Warne on whether he is proud of his side this season…
“Definitely. I think last week was a microcosm of our season. We were excellent in parts.
“I think we did really well last week but just didn't have enough at the end.
“It would have been great if we'd won that game coming into this one with Millwall having not beaten Bristol City in midweek.”
Warne on going full strength for the final game against Middlesbrough and trying to reward the fans with a win on Sunday…
“I think it would be disrespectful to the league if I did anything other than that.
“We have got a few issues but we'll definitely go out with our strongest team.
“It isn't one of those games where we turn up with flip flops on. We've trained all week at the stadium. We'll prep them the same as we do every week. I don't like losing at anything.
“It would be a nice ending to a really good season, relegation aside. It would be a nice gesture to the fans for them to see their team win one more time.
“It's a big game for them obviously. They need to win the game. They'll have to come here and go for it, which will suit us.”
Warne on ongoing negotiations with current players and his desire to keep the majority of his group together…
“I know the ones I hope to keep. I think our performances this year have been overachieving and some of our lads have caught the eye of other clubs, who might throw gold and diamonds at them.
“I don't want to get too deep about it but the last two years these lads have been brilliant. This summer it will need a bit of a rebuild but I'm hoping to keep the skeleton together.
“Some will leave through my choice and some will leave through their own.
“We're quite a long way through it and hopefully we'll have some more news in the next few weeks.
“Virtually all the core were under contract when we went up. They've now played at the championship level and quite rightly want to play at that level. If that is the case and the club gets a good fee then that's the general evolution of the football club.
“If we get a reputation of bringing players through that go on to do bigger and greater things that is a healthy thing.
“With two or three we're at the third offer. It's like buying a house really, sometimes you make a cheeky offer, they come back too high and you meet somewhere in the middle.
“The players we want to renegotiate with - there will be a deadline.
“Generally we've come to a conclusion but sometimes you have to thank a player and wish him all the best.
“The people we're trying to get in will definitely improve us. I want different options up front, in the middle of the park and out wide.”
Warne’s praise for 2018/19 loanees and future targets…
“I think the loan lads we have had have been excellent. Richie Towell and Marek have had two great years here. Zak is a young lad and he has been outstanding.
“I am a pretty patient man, I'm a bit of a fatalist, what will happen will happen.
“I'm hoping to tie one of the loans up pretty quick and one of the signings even quicker.”
Warne on soon-to-be announced award winners and thanks to supporters…
“The awards will reward excellence but I think excellence runs throughout our team. The greatness has only been there because their effort has been spot on.
“Sincerely, I'd like to thank the fans for coming, home and away. One of the players I'm trying to renegotiate with says he loves it here because the fans make him feel alive when he plays.
“The away games have been difficult, but the fact they travelled and sung. I'll always remember what they were like at West Brom at the end, I was pretty emotional.”