Rotherham United coach says boss Paul Warne doesn't need to prove his class

The Millers ended a six-game winless run with an excellent 2-0 victory over opponents who were in the Championship play-off spots at the start of play.

Matt‌ ‌ Crooks ‌ and ‌ Michael ‌ ‌Smith struck first-half goals and the South Yorkshire club could easily have had more given the quality of some of their enterprise.

It came at the end of a week where manager Warne had admitted feeling the pressure given recent results but this was the perfect tonic.

“It was just an excellent afternoon’s work,” said Hamshaw.

“Our performances at home against Brentford and Bournemouth had been very good and we’ve not got the points we’d want in the last three games.

“But you saw the signs there.

“Today, we got an early goal which was a massive confidence boost for the players.

“But I just thought all afternoon we kept a very good Bristol City team very quiet.

“We just had one save to make in the second half but other than that, from back to front, everyone played to their capabilities.

“You saw the strength and togetherness of the group and squad and we’ve got what we deserved.

“The Gaffer has made no secret we’re on a bit of a bad run but it’s going to happen to every team in this league. It’s a tough one to be in.

“Teams at the top will drop off and you saw a Bristol City team get beat by us and I’m sure not many people saw that coming.

“But this division is capable of any results. We’re all in it together.”

Asked about Warne’s pre-match comments, Hamshaw added: “I’ve just seen him have a little sip of red wine downstairs which is unheard of for him!

“So obviously he’s not feeling pressure any more.

“But he should not feel pressure. It’s easy for me to say as I’m part of his backroom staff.

“But the job he’s done at this football club over the last four years has been remarkable

“The turnaround at the football club. Sometimes when you’re in the thick of it you don’t see what is happening here.

“We have assets on the pitch, have sold players in the past, been in League One twice and got promoted straight out of it. Obviously, it’s difficult in the Champioinship.

“But the fact he’s even had questions about him, I totally disagree.

“People are entitled to their opinions. You are always going to get a small number who want change. That’s the game. We’re well aware of what industry we’re in.

“However, in my opinion he’s the best man for the job, is a great manager and he will have a great successful career as a manager.

“I think he showed today what we’re all about and what the lads think about him and the staff here.”

It is rare for Warne not to conduct post-match press conferences but Hamshaw said: “He just said it’s a different voice.

“I don’t think there's any real reason for it; he just thought it’d be good for me and my development.”