As part of Youth Development week, we caught up with our first year pro Curtis Durose, who has been enjoying a loan spell with Northern Premier League side, Gainsborough Trinity.
Rotherham United are joining clubs from around the EFL in celebrating the achievements of their respective Academy staff and players, as part of Youth Development Week which takes place between Monday 7th November and Friday 11th November.
Durose – one of a trio of academy graduates who signed pro-terms in the summer – has established himself as a mainstay in the Trinity side and is hoping to keep impressing.
“As a young pro, you just want to be playing football week in, week out and I’m delighted that I’ve been given the opportunity to do that,” Durose told www.themillers.co.uk.
“It has certainly helped me improve my game and fitness, but also given me an introduction to senior men’s football.
“I’ve settled in really well and have over 20 games under my belt now, I’m really enjoying it.
“The big difference in senior football is definitely the physicality, because there are people playing who are on different ends of the scale in terms of that.
“The staff at Roundwood have been brilliant with me and have shown a real interest in my progress, it’s nice to see that everyone is keeping tabs on what is happening in terms of my development."
“I’m just determined to keep impressing and working hard, because the ultimate goal is to play for this club one day.”
The young midfielder has also been benefitting from playing alongside experienced operators such as former Sheffield United and Birmingham City forward Clayton Donaldson, as well as player-manager Neal Bishop, who enjoyed spells in the EFL with the likes of Scunthorpe United and Notts County.
And Durose believes having such figures to learn from has only helped enhance his game during his spell in Lincolnshire.
“There are players at the level who have had great careers, Clayton Donaldson plays up front for us and he’s a great person to have around because of his experience.
“The gaffer there has been excellent, he’s a very good person to learn from and I get on really well with him.
“I think its crucial when you arrive at a football club to feel comfortable off the pitch and he has certainly helped with that.
“Obviously, when you’re on that pitch you want to push yourself out of your comfort zone all the time but to know I’ve got someone who will look out for me is really appreciated."
“He’ll give me guidance and advice on my own game and he’ll be the first to praise me when I’ve done something well. I’m really enjoying learning from him.”