ROTHERHAM UNITED

LAST SEASON

CHAMPIONSHIP 22nd FA CUP 3rd Round LEAGUE CUP 2nd Round TOP SCORERS Semi Ajayi, Michael Smith, Will Vaulks (8)

FANFILE ROSS KNAPTON @Rossknapton

The big talking point among the fans is whether Semi Ajayi will follow Will Vaulks out of the door, and for what fee. They deserve higher-level football. This season will be different because expectations in League One are much higher than in the Championship. We seem to be too strong for one league but not strong enough for the other.

I won’t be happy unless we make the play-offs, at least, after a few signings. Our best celebrity fan is Paul Chuckle. He’s the club president and he attends every Rotherham home game.

The opposition player I secretly admire is James Norwood. He’s the complete lower-league forward.

The pantomime villain will be Chris Maguire. He likes to wind up opposition fans and players and, as an ex-miller, he’ll definitely be up for it.

Look out for 20-year-old midfielder Ben Wiles [below], our best youngster last term. There’s a potential Premier League footballer in there... The one change I’d make to the club would be to hire a defensive coach. We have conceded 234 league goals since the start of 2016-17.

Our most underrated player is Kyle Vassell. Last year he was injured a lot, played out of position and unlucky in front of goal at times. He’s proven at this level and should be good when fit. Our key player will be Michael Smith. For a strong 6ft 3in targetman he has pace, quick feet and a great touch, and he brings others into play expertly. The best thing about the matchday experience at the New York Stadium is how close it is to the town centre. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that Paul Warne [above] is, in every aspect, a Rotherham United legend. The fans have a real connection with him and understand the tough task he has. His biggest asset is his ability to motivate a team, and his biggest weakness is organising a defence.

If he left, he should be replaced by Micky Mellon, who has done a great job on a small budget at Tranmere. We’ll finish 2nd, if the recruitment is right. The staff know the league well. But Ipswich will be top.