Paul Warne’s Rotherham United will carry more attacking threat on Championship return, pledges Tony Stewart

The Millers are making the most of the extra time afforded them to prepare for life back in the second tier, which is likely to begin in early autumn, with Paul Warne and his staff having been busy watching the Championship action unfold following its return on June 20.

Stewart says that Rotherham will head into next season in a good place, boosted by their second promotion in three full seasons under the command of manager Warne.

Only one side, Peterborough United, scored more goals in League One last term than the Millers, who shared the second best record with Oxford United and Stewart believes that their attacking options – possibly augmented by some new signings – will stand them in good stead for next season.

Potentially playing some early season matches at the homes of former Premier League clubs who usually count on the backing of big crowds may also be another positive factor, he feels.

Stewart said: “The difference is that when you go to teams like Derby, it is going to be behind closed doors and we don’t know for how long.

“Clubs like that are not going to have 30,000 in the stands and a 12th player. We have got that as an advantage and I think the fact that it will be our fifth season in the Championship in six years is as well.

“We know a bit about the Championship and know where we have failed. I think that we took a bit of knowledge from that at the beginning of the season when we had five strikers.

“We know it is about goals and I think we lacked that a little bit last time. We got 16 draws and 40 points.

“We are more equipped and have had that experience and have got to used it and will make sure we can have fun and enjoy football at a higher level.”

Stewart also believes that the club’s status as a Championship outfit once more will also prove advantageous in any transfer dealings in the close season.

He added: “What it does is mean that more players might well come to Rotherham in the Championship than if we are in League One. That is a difference, how much it makes, we will see.

“We will get our heads together and plan for the future. Things are already taking place. The manager and his assistant have been busy preparing.”