Jamie Proctor's message for the Rotherham United doom-mongers

STRIKER Jamie Proctor is inviting the doubters to keep writing off Rotherham United as a force to be reckoned with in the Championship.
Jamie ProctorJamie Proctor
Jamie Proctor

The Millers, whose budget is dwarfed by larger clubs in the division, are clear of the drop zone despite being an almost universal choice for relegation at the start of the campaign.

And Proctor, set to be in manager Paul Warne's squad for Saturday's home clash against Reading, is happy for Rotherham to continue to be tipped to struggle.

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“To be brutally honest, what others say doesn’t bother us at all,” said the centre-forward who has scored four goals despite being unable to oust Michael Smith from the starting 11.

“We can sort of understand where they are coming from if they do say it. It could be seen as a little bit disrespectful, but those outside our club simply look at the budgets and attendances.”

The Millers, promoted from League One in May, are in 20th spot after losing only once in nine games and count big guns Derby County and Swansea City among their second-tier scalps this season.

“People automatically see us a weaker side and think that we should get relegated,” Proctor added. “But, as has been proved over the years, that is not true at all. So-called smaller clubs can prosper at this level if they do things right.

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“Some opposition managers have been complimentary, saying their game against us has been their toughest of the season.

“The group we have and the staff we have, we never roll over for anyone.”

Meanwhile, Warne has revealed that he would like defender Joe Mattock to extend his stay at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The 28-year-old left-back is out of contract at the end of the season and his manager would love to see him sign a new deal.

Joe Mattock

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“I've always been Joe's biggest fan,” the boss said. “The managers who were here when I was fitness coach always heard me encourage them to play Joe. He has a good footballing brain.

“His performances this year have been pretty admirable. Our defenders have to work hard. When he's shooting up the left - especially when Newelly (Joe Newell) is playing, because those two have a good understanding - he's a key player for us.

“Full-backs always get forgotten, don't they? I'm not going as far as to say Joe is the new John Breckin but he has been performing really well and he is someone I want to keep at the club.

“If you have a left-back at the club who you like, why would you go out and get another one, unless they're significantly better? Players like Joe, I want them to be here for years and years. I have not had an official chat with him but he is one I would like to keep.”

A version of this article appeared in last Friday's Advertiser