Forde hoping for payback in derby return at Hillsborough
ROTHERHAM UNITED winger Anthony Forde has painful memories of his last derby visit to Hillsborough.
The Irishman is one of just a handful of players who still remain at the club from the last occasion that Rotherham crossed the Tinsley Viaduct to face hosts Sheffield Wednesday just under two years ago in December 2016 – and is intent on securing some payback tomorrow afternoon.
The visitors were on the receiving end of a hugely controversial 94th-minute penalty award, which enabled the Owls to register a flattering 1-0 win after former Wednesday defender Richard Wood was harshly dismissed for a foul on Lucas Joao.
Forde told “It was one of our better away performances that season and a hard one to take. This year, everyone knows what to expect and I think we owe them one, to be honest.”
No Millers supporter needs to be reminded of their epic wait for an away win at Championship level and you have to go back to April 9, 2016 – 35 games ago – for their last success in a 4-0 verdict at MK Dons under Neil Warnock during the club’s ‘Great Escape from relegation.
And Forde acknowledges that Hillsborough would represent the perfect place for the Millers to end that barren run.
The 25-year-old, who made his first Championship start of the season in last week’s 3-1 loss at leaders Norwich City – when United threatened a shock after leading 1-0 at the break – “If we can get a win there on Saturday, which we can more than do, it will be fantastic and we have prepared well and hopefully it will go well.
“For the money they have spent and everything that goes with it, they are expected to be higher.
“But the way we have been playing and the positives we have been showing in recent performances and results should hopefully make the game interesting.” DONCASTER ROVERS manager Grant McCann has revealed that he is close to finalising deals to sign two new players in January – with his squad overhaul set to continue apace in 2019.
Rovers are being linked with a move for attacking midfielder Kieran Sadlier, a free agent after recently leaving Cork City and have also bid for his team-mate, defender Seán McLoughlin, according to reports in Ireland.
McCann remained coy on any potental links with the pair, but remains confident of doing incoming business in the New Year.
He said: “At the minute, we have a squad which is doing well and we will add to it.
“There are a couple of deals which we are not far off with. They have not been signed, sealed and delivered yet, but they are quite far down the line. Hopefully, they will come in and help us.
“I think that is exactly what myself, the board, the chairman and the owners all spoke about on Tuesday after training. We are all in agreement that we are in a good position, so let’s make sure we strengthen the group.”
After throwing down the gauntlet last month to his 23 players who are coming off contract in the summer to earn new deals, recent performances are likely to have been duly noted by the Northern Irishman, whose side are unbeaten in their last five matches.
Despite Rovers’ promising recent form, McCann is demanding no let-up from his players in their quest to be part of the club’s long-term future.
He added: “The challenge for the ones who are out of contract at the end of the season is to keep playing well to keep us where we are around the play-offs.
“That, in turn, will give me the best opportunity to give them a new deal and if it is not at this club, give them the best chance to find a new one (elsewhere).”