Rotherham United v Brentford – No rest for Paul Warne’s Millers as Championship matches come quickly

Much has rightly been made about how taxing this season is for footballers but whereas managers like Rotherham United’s Paul Warne are constantly looking for opportunities to give them a rest, for him it is unrelenting.
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. Picture: Richard Sellers/PARotherham United manager Paul Warne. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

With Michael Ihiekwe suspended, and Richard Wood, Matthew Olosunde and unspecified others doubtful, plenty of those who played in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against former Premier League side Bournemouth will do so again at home to Brentford this evening.

“The lads have to take different information on,” says Warne. “We had about 45 minutes on Brentford and it was only two or three days ago they had all of that with Bournemouth. I need one of those Men in Black pens they look into and forget everything!

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People will think playing football twice a week is a right laugh and it is rewarding but it is very hard. You can hear them stomping now without crowds in, they’re like horses.

Rotherham United's Freddie Ladapo (left) celebrates scoring against Bournemouth at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday, the Millers drawing 2-2. Picture: Richard Sellers/PARotherham United's Freddie Ladapo (left) celebrates scoring against Bournemouth at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday, the Millers drawing 2-2. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA
Rotherham United's Freddie Ladapo (left) celebrates scoring against Bournemouth at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday, the Millers drawing 2-2. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

“There’s only so much you can squeeze out of your lemons. Every team’s doing it, but it probably affects the non-Premier League clubs more.

“Teams like Bournemouth get parachute payments, they fly to games, they have the top nutritionists, ice baths, swimming pools and hydrotherapies and the best players so you are swimming against the channel but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your goggles on, get your head down and have a right go.

“It’s not boo hoo but this league is some step up.”

The mental demands on coaches are greater still.

SUSPENDED: Rotherham United's Michael Ihiekwe misses tonight's CHampionship encounter with Brentford. Picture: Richard Sellers/PASUSPENDED: Rotherham United's Michael Ihiekwe misses tonight's CHampionship encounter with Brentford. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA
SUSPENDED: Rotherham United's Michael Ihiekwe misses tonight's CHampionship encounter with Brentford. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

“It’s not as tough when you’re winning,” admits Warne. “Saturday I went home, watched Strictly with my wife and was in bed by 10 o’clock, awake by 11, then one, and out of bed by five o’clock, thinking about the next team, I need to watch the game, watch a bit of Brentford, speak to Rich (Barker, his assistant). It’s a constant drum in your head.

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“Even though Saturday was probably one of my favourite memories of being a manager because I was so proud of how they performed, within an hour of the final whistle it had worn out. After I did the press I went into the staff changing room and laid down for 10 minutes.

“Hopefully if I’m still in the job by May I’ll get some time then.”

Last six games: Rotherham United DLLWLL; Brentford WWDDDW

Referee: T Robinson (West Sussex)

Last time: Rotherham United 2 Brentford 4, January 19, 2019, Championship.

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