REACTION: A massive step for us, says Millers chief

They went into their first home game against Ipswich with memories of their 5-1 opening-day beating at Brentford still fresh and question marks hanging over the team.

The way the players dug in and managed to eke out a victory through Michael Smith’s late strike was hugely satisfying for the boss.

“The scoreline was kind to us but to get a win, any which way we can, I’ll take it,” said Warne.

“In the first half we got outplayed. I don’t know whether the lads were a bit nervy but they weren’t as good on the ball as I like. We changed the shape at half time and put Kyle Vassell out wide left and I always thought there was a chance we were going to score.

“If you stay in a game and get a set piece or something then you might just nick it, and that’s what we did. It was very pleasing we scored so late and it will give the group a lot of belief.

“Last year we’d dominate possession and opportunities. This is different, it’s a massive step for us.”

Ryan Williams tussles for possession.

Warne had resisted calls to make wholesale changes, making only one. Vassell, the summer signing from Blackpool, came in for David Ball and turned in a strong display alongside Smith.

Vassell won the man of the match award while Warne said that Smith deserved his goal for the way he played in the second half.

The boss added:  “People would have expected us to make wholesale changes after Brentford but I don’t manage like that. You have to have trust in people. They earned the trust, they were brilliant for us last season and were entitled to have another crack.  I was pleased with their response.”

The win was Warne’s third on the spin over his former team-mate Paul Hurst after the clashes with his then Shrewsbury side at the top end of League One last season.

“I will never be sick of the sight of Rotherham,” said Hurst. “The times I spent here were very good and I wish them well every time I’m not up against them.

“With the way the game was going, to lose is hard to take. I’m sure there are positives to take but at this moment in time it is difficult to see them.”

Warne,meanwhile, will now get back to scanning the loans market in his hunt for a midfielder. He revealed that one target had been due to sign in yesterday, only for the move to be scuppered by the parent club. The player and his agent and his agent had wanted it to go through.

The Millers are next in action on Tuesday at home to Wigan in the first round of the Carabao Cup.