Warne happy to have "moaner" Richie Towell back on board

BOSS Paul Warne says it’s great to have Richie Towell back in the Rotherham United camp – even though he does like a grumble.

The Brighton man got back to work in earnest at the Roundwood training ground this week as he embarks on his second season-long stay in South Yorkshire.

Because he has hardly played any competitive games this summer, the Irishman has been doing extra work to get up to speed and his manager is only too aware that if everything isn’t to the player’s liking, he’ll tell him.

“Richie has been doing a little bit extra with us this week and in fairness he’s in good shape. He’s just match rusty really,” Warne told the Advertiser.

“He’s good to have around. He’s a good trainer and a moaner. If training isn’t to the standard, he moans, which I always like. He’s been good since he’s been back in. It’s good to see his white teeth back, we’re all happy.”

The Millers don’t pick up their Championship campaign again until next Saturday at home to Derby County, allowing players who are carrying knocks some extra recovery time. Jon Taylor returned to training yesterday after a problem with a sore ankle.

“We have a few battered and bruised bodies but they should be alright for next week,” said Warne. “To be honest the international break has come at a good time for us.”

Sean Raggett...sidelined with a fractured ankle.

In contrast Sean Raggett will need months, not weeks, to get back from the injury that forced him off in last week’s defeat at Wigan.

The centre-half got his foot caught in the turf, fracturing his ankle and damaging his knee. He will need surgery.

“With any luck he will be back this side of Christmas,” added Warne. “He is hugely disappointed and upset but we’ll support him and look forward to getting him back.”

Former Rotherham United promotion winner chief Steve Evans, meanwhile, has been named the League One Manager of the Month for August after leading Peterborough United to the top of the table while Paul Warne's old Millmoor team-mate, Martin McIntosh, has been appointed manager of Ilkeston Town.

McIntosh (47) has previously managed Worksop and Buxton. Another of his ex-Rotherham team-mates, current Ipswich chief Paul Hurst, also bossed Ilkeston during his rise up the managerial ladder.

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