Rotherham United v Luton Town: Leeds United loanee Harry Gray on his development and Lee Clark's impact
Rotherham v L Harry Gray says standards have gone up at Rotherham United since Lee Clark was installed as manager.
The former Newcastle United midfielder has been unable to save the Millers from relegation but as is so often the case, they won their first game after it was confirmed, 2-0 at Leyton Orient, with on-loan Leeds United forward Gray on the scoresheet.
They will be expected to show the same qualities at home to a Luton Town team still in contention for the League One play-offs. Clark will not settle for less.
"The standards have gone up," said Gray of the impact Clark has had since replacing Matt Hamshaw in March. "He's demanding more from players. It's good, it's what you need."
Gray was injured for Clark's first two matches in charge, but has played the last five.
"He's just given me the opportunity to express myself but also given me instructions when I don't have the ball," said Gray, who scored twice in 12 appearances under Hamshaw.
"There's a bit more responsibility when you're playing against wing-backs and there's moments where I switch off. There's sides to my game I need to improve."
It has taken relegation for the Millers to find their best form.
"We've not shown how good we can be," admitted Gray. "There's been moments where we've shown it but in a 90-minute performance we've not been at our best at times.
"Saturday showed we can do it but it's too little, too late, I guess.
"It's not very different to me (since relegation) but I guess it can lift the pressure of it all."
Victory could put the Hatters into the top six with two games left but they would need favours from Bradford City and Barnsley, who play the teams directly above Jack Wilshere’s side.