Warne and Barker ready to push on after contracts boost

MANAGEMENT duo Paul Warne and Richie Barker intend building upon the foundations they have laid at Rotherham United after penning new contracts.
Paul Douglas, Richie Barker, Mike Pollitt, Tony Stewart, Paul Warne and Matt Hamshaw celebrate the League One play-off final win over Shrewsbury at Wembley.Paul Douglas, Richie Barker, Mike Pollitt, Tony Stewart, Paul Warne and Matt Hamshaw celebrate the League One play-off final win over Shrewsbury at Wembley.
Paul Douglas, Richie Barker, Mike Pollitt, Tony Stewart, Paul Warne and Matt Hamshaw celebrate the League One play-off final win over Shrewsbury at Wembley.

As expected, the pair have agreed new three-year deals in the wake of promotion back to the Championship, reward for turning the team’s fortunes around following relegation a year ago.

Warne said it was not just good news for him and his number two, but the rest of the coaching team, and that the current ways put in place will continue.

“All of the staff are equally pleased that we've got the assurance of the new contract because they're people that I have brought in and they've worked really hard for us, so it's good for them to know that we have the backing of the chairman,” he said.

“Every decision we make, whether it be concerning recruitment or the staff and players, we're always respectful of the budget and we try not to waste a penny. We always try and invest to the benefit of the club and we fully endorse the lads and all the hard work both on the pitch and in the community.

“We'll keep trying to sign good people and good footballers and I think with that team ethic we've seen this season how crucial their allegiance to this club is. It's not about the 'me' it's about the 'we' and that's what we want here at Rotherham United.”

Barker added: “I think if you'd have told me that we'd be promoted from League One at Wembley this time last season then I wouldn't have believed it, but we were always striving to achieve that.

Paul Warne with two-goal Wembley hero Richard Wood.

 

“Initially our success was about making the football club better and in the short-term that's resulted in a promotion and a really enjoyable day at Wembley. We're really grateful to the chairman for the loyalty that he has shown the pair of us by giving us a new deal off the back of this season.”

 

Warne took permanent charge just over a year ago and had been on a rolling one-year contract.  

Chairman Tony Stewart told the Advertiser: “There is a lovely relationship and dialogue between us. We’re all sat on the same settee, if you like, and there is no doubt that this is the best feeling I have had in my ten years in charge.”

Having released six players this week, Rotherham will now push on with strengthening the squad, the run to the League One play-off final having cut the turn-around time. Pre-season training is due to start before the end of the month.

The first warm-up game will again be against Parkgate at Roundwood on Saturday, July 7 (1pm) and a trip to Mansfield Town is pencilled in for Saturday, July 28 (3pm).