Rotherham United v Doncaster Rovers: Matt Hamshaw fights for air and aims to avoid unwanted history
ASKED at his pre-match press conference whether Rotherham United's home derby with Doncaster Rovers was the best game to have in his side's current situation but also the worst, Matt Hamshaw briefly thought for a moment and replied: 'Good question.'
It helps to convey the magnitude of the biggest meeting between these two clubs in donkey's years.
For much of the last half-century, the Millers have come into these meetings in a position of strength and flexed their muscles accordingly.
Six-goal shows have arrived at Rovers’ former home of Belle Vue and their current one in the Eco-Power Stadium, while Rotherham's record on home soil - whether at Millmoor or the AEESEAL New York Stadium - is a remarkable one.
On Saturday, the Millers, Hamshaw's Millers, head into the game in a precarious position.
The natives are restless. Should Doncaster claim their first-ever win at the NYS, then the atmosphere among home supporters - a number of away followers vented their spleen in furious fashion towards Hamshaw at Burton on Tuesday - is likely to turn truly toxic towards their manager.
A home victory, meanwhile, could change a fair bit. It would cut the gap between the second-from-bottom Millers and Doncaster to two points with Hamshaw's side having a game in hand. It might even prompt a chant of 'You'll never beat the Millers.' Well, in Rotherham at any rate.
But back to the aforesaid question in the opening paragraph, tabled by The Yorkshire Post.
Hamshaw said: "I would see it as best.
"I understand why people would see it as worst, because obviously there's a bit more riding on it, but I think it's a game that we should embrace and attack.
"And I'd like to think that the lads kind of knew, and I know myself, that we were a little bit off at Burton.
"The fact it is a derby, and there will be a decent crowd there probably adds to that."
Brazen individuals among the Millers' fanbase have previously taken great delight in mockingly stating that this is the derby that really matters to Rovers and not necessarily their own club.
Not this time. Not for Hamshaw, who is not blind to the fact that he is under big pressure. A win would provide oxygen. A loss? Well…
In terms of some Millers followers' attitude towards this derby, sustained success can do that.
Rovers' last victory in Rotherham was over four decades ago in March 1985, when the visitors struck gold just after the end of the Miners' Strike. In 14 meetings in all competitions in the town since, the Millers have won 13 times and drawn the other.
That said, Doncaster won the reverse fixture at the end of last summer on an afternoon that hurt Hamshaw deeply. Should Rovers win again on Saturday, then it would see them record a first derby double over Rotherham since 1949-50.
It is something that Hamshaw certainly does not want to see against his name and further adds to the hosts' motivation, which is not short.
"I'm not too sure I wanted to hear that," he continued.
"I think that you use that as motivation. We had it at Barnsley, didn't we (earlier this season)? We'd not won in 50-odd years, and I used it.
"No doubt Grant (McCann) will be using that with the Donny players, but we've just got to make sure that that doesn't happen.
"I was fortunate enough that last time we were here (with Paul Warne), I think we won five and six-nil, so that probably won't ever happen again.
"If you ask our fans now, they'll still probably remember those games and I don't want Donny fans remembering these two games.."
Back in October, a high-profile derby occasion at the NYS helped serve as a catalyst for the Millers, who impressively kicked on afterwards, restoring confidence levels and hope in the process.
Hamshaw's depleted side, despite being shorn of options, clipped the wings of early-season pacesetters Bradford City in a 2-2 draw. It was the precursor to an eight-match unbeaten run at league level, which extended until early winter. A repeat would be timely.
Hamshaw continued: "I'm not sat here going: 'we're the best team ever' and I'm not sat here going: 'Wow, we're in trouble'.
"The league table suggests that we're in trouble, and people from outside would suggest we're in trouble. However, the league's that tight.
"But, games are running out, aren't they? So, consistency has to be better than what it's been."