It’s fair to say, it has been quite the week for Billy Mercer.
Having played over 100 times for the club between 1989 and 1994, Mercer was set to be John Breckin’s guest in the lounge for this Saturday’s clash with Wigan Athletic.
However, following the departure of Paul Warne and his coaching staff to Derby County, he’ll now be finding himself in the dugout.
“Five or six weeks ago, John Breckin asked me whether I’d want to be his guest in the lounge, I picked a game that was suitable for me, which turned out to be Wigan," Mercer told www.themillers.co.uk.
“We spoke last week, just for a catch up more than anything else and to plan ahead for it and I just mentioned to him about the goalkeepers.
“I asked him whether they’d found anyone to do it, because I’m in between jobs and sat twiddling my thumbs at the minute.
“There’s only so many times you can cut the garden!
“I just offered my services, for however long I was needed, whether that be a day, a week, whatever. I’m more than happy to help.”
Billy arrives at Roundwood with a wealth of experience, both as a player and a goalkeeping coach.
The Liverpool-born operator has coached at the highest level during a 12 year stint at Burnley, where he worked under Sean Dyche and helped the Clarets qualify for the Europa League.
Now between jobs and living locally, Mercer felt it was a perfect opportunity for him to take, as he looks to lend a helping hand to a club which holds a special place in his heart.
“I class this as my team. I started my career with Liverpool, but I made my first steps at Rotherham. I’ve lived here since 1989, married a local girl and I feel like I’m very much part and parcel of the town now," Mercer explained.
“I’m going to be here for as long as I’m wanted. Obviously, I have to be respectful to my old manager Sean Dyche, who I’ve worked under for many years, but for the time being I’m happy to be involved.”
“I’ve enjoyed it. First and foremost they are great lads and great footballers as well. I have to say as well, all the players have been first class.
“They’ve been so respectful and very welcoming to me, as well. I must add that Richard and Pelts have been absolutely brilliant. It has been really good and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
The Millers’ defence so far this season has been steadfast, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the ‘goalkeeping union’ who have kept five clean sheets, only conceding six goals in the opening nine games of the Championship campaign and Mercer believes continuity has been key during the interim period.
“You don’t want to change too much, because what they have been doing has been really successful.
“For me it, has just been a case of maintaining what they’ve been doing and offering a shoulder for them to lean on."
“It’s just about having that empathy with them and providing them with a little bit of experience as someone who has done what they are doing. I’ll be there for them, that’s for sure.”
Having originally been down to be suited and booted in the lounge this Saturday, Mercer will be trading the smart attire for a Rotherham United tracksuit this Saturday, as the Millers take on Wigan Athletic, a challenge he is looking forward to.
“I’m looking forward to it, my family are all going to be there, because I was coming down anyway, so I can’t let the kids down!
“I’ve been to a few games already, I love the stadium and everything about the place, it feels like this is very much my club now.
“The weekend is about Richard and Pelts really, I’m just there for them and whatever they need me for.
“I’ve agreed with John that I’ll go upstairs after the game and do a few questions and answers for him.
“The preparation has been absolutely first class this week and hopefully, the boys will take that into the game.”
