Walsall opposition watch: Rotherham
Rotherham manager Paul Warne had a defiant message for his players following their late win over Bury on Saturday.
“I said to the lads, when they drive home, they should be pleased with the result but also know they’re on the precipice of being great,” the boss boldly declared.
Victory over the Shakers came just seven days after Warne’s men impressed in a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth.
And those back-to-back wins have seen a feel-good factor return to the New York Stadium.
That is no more than Millers fans deserve following a hugely disappointing campaign last year.
The 2016/17 season proved the worst in Rotherham’s history as they were relegated from the Championship having lost 33 games, conceding a staggering 98 goals in the process.
Things got so bad that many experts predicted another relegation battle would be on the cards this year. But over the summer, Warne worked tirelessly to get rid of the deadwood and freshen things up.
Out of 12 out-of-contract players, only two were kept on while top scorer Danny Ward sealed a £1.6million move to Cardiff.
And so far, Warne’s new arrivals have made an impressive start. Michael Iheikwe has quickly become a fans’ favourite following some towering displays at centre-back following his capture from Tranmere.
Darren Potter provides the steadying presence in midfielder many Rotherham fans thought they’d miss following the departure of Richie Smallwood to Blackburn, while striker David Ball and winger Ryan Williams are also shrewd additions having previously impressed in League One with Fleetwood and Barnsley respectively.
It is the loan addition of Kieffer Moore though that has really got fans purring.
Snapped up from Ipswich, the giant striker has six goals in six games and is currently joint top scorer in League One.
Such is Rotherham’s strength in depth, ex-Saddler Anthony Forde has primarily been used as a substitute this season.
Now though the challenge for Warne’s men is to put together a consistent run of results. In their six League One games so far, the Millers have won three and lost three – with individual errors costing them dear in those defeats.
They may be on an upward curve, but with the attacking quality at their disposal Walsall will be confident they can get among the goals this evening.
Dangerman: Kieffer Moore
Snapped up on loan from Ipswich, the 6ft5in striker has made a flying start to life at the New York Stadium.
Alongside netting six goals in six League One appearances, Moore has also chipped in with a number of assists.
Millers fans are already clamouring to make his move permanent.
