Chance for Millers to prove they should be cherry-picked
ROTHERHAM UNITED manager Paul Warne believes that a number of his squad can secure moves to high-profile rivals in future years – if they perform on the Championship stage in 2018-19.
The promoted Millers start life back in the second tier at Brentford on Saturday with the club firmly bracketed among the relegation favourites this term.
Alongside proving the doubters wrong in their quest to secure their Championship status in the forthcoming season, the Millers players also have plenty of motivation on the personal front, according to Warne.
The manager said: “In fairness, our lads are really eager to impress and if some have really good seasons, they will get cherry-picked off.
“The lads have got a lot to play for. If, say Joe Newell or whoever, gets a dream move from here, he goes with our blessing, we will be really pleased for them.
“To do that, they will have to play well and perform for this team – and it is a reward for everyone.”
Whereas a surge of optimism was noticeable ahead of the start of last season for the new-look Millers, a sense of realism and perspective pervades this time around, with staff and supporters under no illusions about the size of the task in hand as the club seeks to re-establish themselves in the Championship.
For Warne, that is certainly no bad thing ahead of the openingday trip to Griffin Park, with the Millers chasing a first Championship away win in 26 matches.
“I remember the hype before the Fleetwood game (first match of 2017-18) and the ‘new era’ (talk) and we lost and it was like the end of the world,” said the Millers manager.
“I am a year wiser now and I will not judge it on the first game or first three games – but I would like to get off to a good start.
“Even if the results do not come, we need to be competitive.” CAMERON MCGEEHAN has revealed his determination to prove his worth to Barnsley – second time around.
The ex-Luton Town midfielder endured a harsh baptism at Oakwell last season, with the 23-year-old failing to justify the expensive six-figure outlay to secure his services last summer.
After signing for the Reds while he was still recuperating from a broken leg at Luton, McGeehan was loaned out to Scunthorpe United in January to boost his game-time levels, with the 2017-18 season representing a toughening-up process.
Ready to make his mark after playing catch-up on the fitness front, he said: “After a long injury and you are on the sidelines a lot, you have to be tough.
“I came to Barnsley and jumped up two leagues and thought I did well. But looking back now, I think: ‘was I fully fit?’ At the time, you think you are, but now I know I am back to myself, mentally and physically.
“Hopefully, I can now show the fans what I am about.
“It was a big investment and they signed me when I had that injury and it is up to me to repay that fee.
“It was a big year in terms of everything and with all the things at the time, it was tough. I had three managers and played for two different clubs in two different leagues.
“Now it is lovely to come back as you forget how big a club Barnsley is with the stadium and facilities. There’s even a new £80,000 gym.
“With the new owners and management, it’s really fresh and you get that feeling. It bodes well.
“With our manager now, it is about understanding that work off the ball is just as important as on the ball with the counterpressing.
“The first few weeks were just about pressing and really hard in intensity and all the lads enjoyed it.”