Warne’s admiration for Millers duo affected by Sinnott tragedy
ROTHERHAM UNITED manager Paul Warne praised grieving duo Richard Wood and Matt Crooks following their performances against promotion rivals Ipswich Town on Tuesday night.
The Millers pair were close friends of ex-Huddersfield Town and FC Halifax Town player Jordan Sinnott, who tragically died on Saturday.
Yet, despite having endured a “horrendous weekend” as Warne put it, both men played their part in a fine Millers display at the New York Stadium.
Indeed, captain Wood scored the only goal of the game, helping his team leapfrog the Tractor Boys and re-claim top spot in League One.
“I was really pleased with him [Wood] and with Crooksy. Obviously they’ve lost a really close friend and it’s difficult for them,” said Warne.
“I spoke to them on Sunday and they’ve gone through a horrendous weekend.
“I’m not sure if Crooksy has had anything to eat for three days, so the fact that I got 70odd minutes out of him was just a pure adrenaline thing, so it [Tuesday’s victory] is fitting for them two and the group as a whole.
“It’s been an emotional week.” Sinnott, 25, was found unconscious in Retford in the early hours of Saturday morning having sustained a fractured skull. On hearing the news, midfielder Crooks – who counted Sinnott as his “best mate” – left Rotherham’s team hotel and missed Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Peterborough United. Sinnot died in hospital later that day.
“It’s a difficult one because he [Crooks] is a really emotional guy,” added Warne.
“When he gets news like this it obviously hits him hard. It’s his best mate so it’s gonna hit him hard. I think maybe it’s a bit of sanctuary coming in and training and playing football. It just takes your mind off it.”