Rotherham United going back to the future as connections get restored between players and supporters
NO-ONE has taken more points in their last six League One games than Rotherham United.
That's seriously impressive in itself, more especially given that the Millers were in the bottom four in early October and are now just four points adrift of the top six.
For those like Dale Tonge who know a fair bit about Rotherham's recent history and the DNA of what historically goes into every successful Millers' side, there is the bigger picture to consider.
For most of last season and certainly the one before that as well, the Millers had lost their playing identity and mojo. Rather than watching a team, supporters were effectively viewing a gathering of individuals thrown together and they was very little to buy into.
For the Millers management team of Matt Hamshaw, assistant Tonge, first-team coach Richard Wood and goalkeeping coach Andy Warrington - all with strong previous links to the clubs - their job has not just been about getting results but restoring the connection between players and long-suffering fans.
That is starting to happen once again. There will be bumps along the way in terms of results, going forward, but an identifiable team in the traditional Rotherham United image at this level is coming to the fore again.
Tonge said: "The fans have got values of working-class people as we have as a backroom staff.
"They know that, come what may, graft is the bare minimum they will see (expect) on the grass.
"Performances will go up and down, but what they will see in terms of endeavour and that Rotherham grit will be there in abundance and then hopefully we can add something different in terms of style of play and exciting to watch.
"There’s no shying away from it. Last season was very difficult.
"The opportunity is to bring something back to the club and add a bit of excitement and get the fan engagement back and making sure we get bums off seats. All those things that the club used to have is what we want back.
"Hopefully, some success comes with that as it wasn’t too long ago that the club were getting it every other season. That’s the ultimate aim."
The Millers make the trip to fellow form side Luton Town on Saturday.
Despite having three players called up on international duty in the shape of George Saville, Ali Al-Hamadi and Marvelous Nakamba, the Hatters have elected to press ahead with the fixture.