Experienced operator Joe Mattock insists that he relishes the opportunity to lead the Millers into Sky Bet League One battle, by admitting that he is fulfilling a childhood dream in captaining the team.
In the absence of club skipper Richard Wood and the recently departed Will Vaulks, Millers boss Paul Warne has entrusted Mattock with the responsibility of being his on-field lieutenant in recent games.
Speaking exclusively to themillers.co.uk, the former Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday left-back was quick to express his pride at taking the skipper’s armband.
“It’s always been a dream for me since I was a young boy that I wanted to lead a team out and I’ve got that opportunity now.” Mattock enthused.
“The gaffer trusts me to take the role and it was great to get the win at home against Bolton Wanderers the other week, especially going one-nil down as it shows a little bit of character from the lads.”
It is widely acknowledged in footballing circles that some players can shoulder the burden of the captaincy, by taking their game onto greater heights while some can feel hampered by the weight of expectation. Mattock, on his return to the starting eleven following injury, seemed to relish the chance to lead by example, as he marshalled his troops to a comfortable victory against the Trotters.
Speaking afterwards, Mattock was quick to play down his individual contribution by insisting that it was vitally important that his side bounced back from the disappointing nature of their derby day defeat to local rivals Doncaster Rovers, at the first available opportunity.
“It’s nice to come back into the side and make a bit of an impact.” Mattock added.
“That’s what you want to do. You want to make an impression. It’s not about me, it’s about the rest of the team. Anything I can do to push the team and help the team to victories then I will do.
“The best thing to do after a defeat like that, is to bounce back with a win and that’s what we have done. You can’t dwell on the past.”