Millers chief tries to strike the right balance

ROTHERHAM United chief Paul Warne won't be pressed into too many radical changes for tomorrow's clash with high-flying Wigan.
Paul Warne talks tactics during last week's clash with Shrewsbury.Paul Warne talks tactics during last week's clash with Shrewsbury.
Paul Warne talks tactics during last week's clash with Shrewsbury.

Recent results have put the preferred playing formation under scrutiny, in particular the deployment of Kieffer Moore as a lone striker.

While Warne acknowledges he re-assesses personnel and tactics after every defeat, he says the recent lack of wins doesn't necessarily current methods are wrong. Had some close decisions gone the Millers' way in recent matches, he believes they would have had more points on the board.

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"We don't want to change everything we're doing because I don't think we're too far away," he told the Advertiser. "We had the penalty shout turned down late on against Shrewsbury last week and the one at Oxford with the headed 'goal' from Kieffer. There was also the  'goal' at Crewe in the FA Cup which didn't stand.

"It's just unfortunate that during our sticky run we haven't been on the greater side of decisions.

"At Doncaster we didn't play well but you could see the togetherness. Then, when Richie Towell equalised for us last week, he was more concerned about getting the ball back to the halfway line and starting again because he could sense a win.

"In that respect I've got a really good group and it makes my job easier, but I'm also well aware I need to win games."

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The Millers have had a bit of illness in camp, with Richie Towell, Joe Newell and Jonson Clarke-Harris all affected. Jon Taylor (knee) and Ben Purrington (hamstring) miss out against the Latics while Will Vaulks will also be monitored.

Warne watched Wigan, second in League One, ease past Doncaster Rovers 3-0 on Tuesday night and is aware of their goal threat.

He added: "They have goals throughout the team and if I had to put my house on anyone getting promoted this year then it would be them.

"They're playing with confidence at the minute but I always feel we play quite well at our place against teams when there's a big atmosphere and there will be a few there on Saturday and Wigan will bring a lot.

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"Me and Mike Pollitt used to play for Wigan as well, so that adds a bit to it, but really it's about us getting back to winning ways because once we get through to December, on paper there is a good chance to pick up points.

"These two home games have been a good test. We stood up to the test last week, it was just unfortunate to come away with the result we did."

See today's Advertiser for a special feature on Paul Warne's first year in charge as well as exclusive columns from the man himself and skipper Lee Frecklington. It's all in our 24-page sports pullout.

PLUS...keep tabs on developments before, during and after tomorrow's game on our Live Matchday Blog.