Paul Warne challenges ailing Rotherham United to go down fighting

PAUL WARNE is urging Rotherham United to follow the attacking traits of one of Yorkshire's most famous footballing sons in their quest to salvage some pride from the toughest of seasons.
Rotherham's Paul Warne.
 (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe)Rotherham's Paul Warne.
 (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
Rotherham's Paul Warne. (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

Twelve matches remain in a campaign that is destined to end in relegation for the Millers, who are effectively 17 points adrift of safety and without any realistic hope of survival, with League One football likely to be confirmed in April.

But interim boss Warne remains conscious of the need to build some impetus between now and May to at least provide a touch of positivity for the summer and he believes that Saturday’s showing at Brentford was a step in the right direction.

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The Millers turned in a much-improved attacking performance and were on the cusp of their first away point since October 29, only for two stoppage-time goals to cruelly dash their hopes in a 4-2 loss.

After the previous weekend’s five-goal thrashing at Cardiff, it represented a step in the right direction according to Warne, who wants his side to follow the template of entertaining, attacking football made focus by Kevin Keegan during his first managerial stint at Newcastle.

Warne said: “I just think the lads really showed a desire to play for this great club on Saturday. I have asked them to just go out and play and give the crowd some entertainment and play like a Kevin Keegan side.

“Score goals, be attacking and enjoy playing football. It is a great job. If the players are here next season and we manage to get a bit of impetus to take into next season, then great.”

Warne said: “Last week was my hardest in the job. After the Cardiff game, I was humiliated and a bit embarrassed. This will be an easier week. I will show them their good bits (from Saturday).”