TRANSFER WINDOW: Redfearn talks about strengthening

Love it or loathe it, this transfer window is sure to be an exciting one for Millers fans as boss Neil Redfearn gets his first real opportunity to sculpt the squad he inherited just under three months ago.

And he has admitted he won’t be wasting any time in getting the ball rolling when it comes to adding to the ranks.

He said: “There are a couple of things which might happen quickly. As January goes on, there are other targets we've got in mind.

“The ideal scenario is to bolster your squad with players better than the ones you already have.”

Along with new arrivals, something else that has to be considered is the outgoing contingent, of which there is sure to be at least a couple.

Redfearn said: “We don’t have to get players out but, obviously, once you bring players in and your squad grows then some players are not going to get a clear sight of the first team and that’s not healthy.

“Naturally, there will be some players who perhaps do depart. There will be interest in some of our players from other clubs, no doubt. There will be people who go out, but we’ve got to wait and see who comes in before we decide on that.”

Redfearn has earmarked the areas of his squad that need to be strengthened but one aspect he has been happy with recently is the spine of the side.

The upturn in form – which includes four wins in eight games and a leap out of the drop zone – has coincided with the return to the team of skipper Lee Freckington and defensive stalwart Kirk Broadfoot.

But Redfearn believes that all of the regulars through the middle of the park have played their part in recent successes.

He said: “I think the spine of the team has done really well, they have been the spine of everything we have been doing.

“That work ethic has been infectious on other parts of the team.

“Then what you have is the bits of quality starting to come to the fore, people like Joe Newell and Grant Ward are starting to blossom, which is a good sign."

And the good signs are something Redfearn will be looking to build on over the next month, rather than a total change of direction.

He added: “What you want is for that to grow together, in an ideal world if you don’t pick up too many injuries or suspensions then that can grow together.

“I think Frecklington and Richie Smallwood really complement each other well in there.

“The three of Frecklington, Smallwood and Newell really understand each other’s games and that is really apparent.

“That is ours and we want it to grow.”