REACTION: Content boss contemplates next challenge

With a League One play-off place long ago confirmed and a relaxed atmosphere among the short-sleeved crowd at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, the Millers manager didn’t want his players to take their eyes off the ball.

They were asked some serious questions by the Seasiders in the second half but Will Vaulks’ left-footed strike just before the hour mark was enough to bag the points.

“I didn’t want the players to play like it was a celebratory game, a testimonial or anything like that,” said Warne. “We were good in the first half without creating many clear cut chances. I told them at half time that they weren’t moving the ball quick enough and a few of them took selfish options. I wasn’t best pleased with that but in the second half everyone played more like a team and to come away with a win was great.

“If we’d have got a second goal we would have been a little bit calmer but it was just a nice way to end the regular season.”

Ryan Williams contests a high ball with Blackpool's Ollie Turton.

The press conference was briefly interrupted by the appearance of Gary Bowyer. He popped his head round the door to wish Warne all the best in the play-offs. “Make sure you win it,” said the Blackpool boss.

Rotherham will now try to do that, starting with their two-legged semi-final against Scunthorpe.

Added Warne: “They will be two different kinds of games because their pitch is tight and narrow.

“I’m also aware that they lost in the play-offs last year and so will have experience of it.

“It will be tough, I watched Scunthorpe last week and they’ve got their key players back, but if we play to our best then we should be able to compete with them home and away.”