ALEX RHODES never imagined that life at the bottom of the Football League could feel this good.

His club, Rotherham United, may be ranked 89th in the country but he is still enjoying his football.

That is because the Millers are a far better side than their league position suggests. Had they not been docked 17 points for breaking rules when exiting administration, they would be just a point behind today's opponents Bradford City, who are sixth.

As it stands, they have wiped out the deficit and moved 12 points clear of the relegation zone. Survival may not yet be assured but few are betting against it.

With the added possibility of a Wembley appearance in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, it is easy to understand why Rhodes is smiling. Victories over three Championship sides in the Carling Cup also did wonders for pride.

Just six months ago, however, Rhodes was on the scrapheap after being released by Bradford manager Stuart MCall.

It would be tempting now for the player to criticise his former employers but Rhodes, 26, holds no bitterness.

His stay at Valley Parade might have lasted more than one season if Rhodes had not been held back by hamstring problems and started less than a dozen games.

Looking back, Rhodes says: "I didn't play as many times as I would have liked for Bradford but I did think I played as well as I should when selected. At the end of the day, it's always down to the manager who plays and he preferred other options.

"When the season was over, I expected to be released, it was just a case of waiting for the verdict," he added. "But, thankfully, I got a few phone calls quite quickly from other clubs which was a relief when you consider how many other footballers are out of work."

Rotherham manager Mark Robins informed Rhodes that he had been interested in his services for several months – the result of one of his best displays in a Bradford shirt against the Millers in February.

Since signing a one-year deal, Rhodes has been a regular in the Millers side and his performances have played a key role in the club's revival.

He openly admits that he would like to extend his stay in South Yorkshire, saying: "Why not? It has been a while since I have been able to say I am enjoying my football!

"Our priority was to stay in the league this season and then progress next year but, hopefully, we will keep surprising people and get into the top half."

Bradford manager McCall, meanwhile, will be on familiar ground today as the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield hosts its first Football League derby.

The Bantams travel south looking for a repeat of last season when they had the upper hand in two meetings with the Millers

A 3-2 win at Valley Parade was followed by a 1-1 draw at Millmoor and although Rotherham have since been forced to decamp to the Don Valley, McCall is looking forward to renewing rivalries with Robins's men.

Unlike the vast majority of managers in League Two, the former Sheffield United coach has previous experience of a stadium that was built to host the World Student Games in 1991.

"I have been to the Don Valley a few times, the most recent being Tuesday's FA Cup defeat to Aldershot," he said. "Sheffield United reserves also played a couple of times there one season when I was at the club so I know what to expect.

"It is a good pitch and although it is unlikely to have a real derby atmosphere due to the distance the stands are from the field, it should still be a good occasion and one we are looking forward to."

McCall, whose side lost 1-0 at unbeaten Wycombe Wanderers in their last outing, is full of admiration for the manner in which Rotherham have responded to what was a traumatic summer.

"The manager, the players and the supporters deserve tremendous credit for what they have done after a really difficult summer," he said. "Without the points deduction, they would be a point behind us and that says a lot.

"As for ourselves, there was nothing in the Wycombe game so it was disappointing to lose. But there were plenty of encouraging signs that we can take into the Rotherham game."