Rotherham United manager Paul Warne feels 'massive relief' after promotion finally confirmed

MILLERS chief Paul Warne says it is a massive relief to have finally got the promotion nod, adding: "It doesn't feel like someone is sitting on my chest any more."

This weeks EFL vote signalling the club's return to the Championship on an average points per game calculation ended weeks of uncertainty over whether or not teams would be called back to complete the remaining matches amidst the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

As manager, Warne has felt the pressure as much as anyone, particularly as jobs at the club could have been on the line the longer the issues over resolving the 2019/20 season went on.

"It is a massive relief for me. It doesn't feel like someone is sitting on my chest any more." he said.

"I know it sounds dramatic and I'm the voice box of the football club and not everyone might agree with that but everything ends up at my door so the fact that has all been taken away is a massive relief.

"It was getting a bit of a stress but it was the whole job security thing that didn't sit well with me. I understand that teams win football games and managers get sacked on defeats but it is not fair if your physios or your masseurs or others lose jobs through no fault of their own.

"It is the same in every job, I know, but these are my staff, my family, my club and my responsibility.

"I haven't slept very well for the last few nights."

Warne praised everyone at the club for sticking together and keeping the promotion push going in the face of many difficulties and bereavements for staff, players and fans. Tuesday's good news also came on the first anniversary of the death of his father, Russell.

"We've had a lot of headache at the club, some really sad stories within my coaching and players staff and on the terraces," added Warne.

"To go up the way we have gone up isn't ideal. I wouldn't have chosen this route but it is probably the fairest end to the season.

"The lads have thoroughly deserved to be in the top two and were there for the final seven or eight games."

Rotherham's players are expected to report back at the end of June for an elongated pre-season, potentially for a September start to the 2020/21 campaign.

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