Matt Taylor is approaching the end of his first month as Millers boss, and it would be fair to say that he may not experience another in his tenure as hectic as this one.
The new manager has been tasked with trying to settle in and implement his ideas into the core of his Rotherham side, whilst also navigating an incredibly congested Sky Bet Championship schedule but has impressed captain Richard Wood in the process, who says he has enjoyed working alongside his new manager so far, despite the challenges brought about by the fixture list.
Wood, who has seen a number of managerial faces come through the door at Roundwood since being signed nearly 10 years ago, spoke highly of the latest incumbent of the hotseat when talking to www.themillers.co.uk on Monday afternoon.
“It's a new voice and he’s very knowledgeable." Wood explained.
"Everything is good and the transition has been seamless. Personally, he understands me and what my needs in training are. He’s been very respectful of that.
“He’s brought with him fresh ideas, a fresh structure to training sessions, and a fresh outlook on the game.”
“As players, we’ve had to adapt to that but it’s done us nothing but good. The new management staff have come in and taught us a new way of playing football.
“For me, even at a late stage in my career, it’s really beneficial for me to see different ways of how the game is played.”
Since Taylor assumed position at Rotherham, first league starts have been handed to strike duo Tom Eaves and Georgie Kelly, as well as Hakeem Odoffin, signifying a fresh start for everyone at the club.
“As grateful as we are for the last six years under the previous management, the change has done us good," Wood continued.
"It means we’ve had to prove ourselves again and it’s really revitalised the competition within the team.”
Heading into the midweek game, the Millers face perhaps their toughest opponents yet in the form of a Burnley side top of the league under Vincent Kompany. Speaking ahead of the trip across the Pennines to Turf Moor, the skipper admitted that he and his Millers teammates will embrace their role as the lesser-fancied side on the night as they look to get back to winning ways on the road.
“They’re top of the league, they’re obviously doing really well, and we’re the underdogs – but that’s how we like it," Wood reaffirmed.
“We just need to put last weekend behind us, refocus and get back to where we were at Coventry.”
“With us being underdogs, we can express ourselves. As per, the onus is on the home side, so we’ll play with no pressure and we’re going out there to cause an upset.”