Black takes charge as Millers seek rare hat-trick of victories

But this is the pleasant scenario afforded Rotherham United interim chief Eric Black as the Millers start out life after Steve Evans in tonight’s televised Roses test with visiting Burnley (7.45pm).

Victory this evening would see the Millers record three consecutive wins at this level for the first time since December, 2003.

The former Coventry and Motherwell manager, who says he has not entertained any thoughts about his potential suitability for the permanent managerial post, admits that the Millers’ recent results make it somewhat easier for him.

Black, who arrived at the club as first-team coach in the summer, said: “It is different because it’s normally on the back of three defeats when the manager goes and this is not the case. Hopefully, that will be of benefit.

“The players aren’t down; we have looked at a few clips and we showed them an awful lot of positives from the last few games so, hopefully, they can take that into Friday’s game.

“It is always easier taking on a team which is a little bit confident and getting good results. I would rather do that than take on one that are at the bottom of their boots and haven’t won for four games.”

He added: “I’ve spoken to the chairman (Tony Stewart) and he’s been unbelievably supportive. He came to the training on Wednesday and watched the session for about 20 minutes or so. I had a meeting with him on Tuesday and he just said if there’s anything he can do to help me and assist me, then I’ve just got to let him know.”

The shock news on Monday that Evans was to leave the club after differences of opinion in how it should move forward were exposed in a meeting with Stewart, surprised many in football.

But given his own experiences in the game, Black has learned not to be shocked by anything.

On Monday’s developments, Black, who confirmed that Lee Frecklington and Paul Green are doubtful for tonight’s game, added: “That’s football today in a nutshell. It encapsulates it.

“It’s a transient sport. People are in and out of clubs, whether they be players, managers, directors or whatever. They’re in and out and people have to react to that and they get hardened to these situations.

“I knew an hour or so after Steve was told. I must admit, I’m never surprised in football. I’ve been in it for 35 years now and there’s not a lot of things that surprise me any more.

“The important thing is that the club needs to move on. That’s the way it works.”

Stewart, meanwhile, said last night that the club have received 50 applications from home and abroad for the vacant Millers post – with one or two having really caught the eye.

The Millers’ hierarchy could start to speak to candidates as early as Tuesday, Stewart revealed.

“This morning, I was told there were over 50 applicants and they are coming from home and abroad. From those there are young, old, experienced and those in jobs and out of jobs,” said Stewart. “We have a mixed bag.

“The quality is outstanding. There are big names and we have got a task to pick and shortlist first of all the persons we will interview, starting next week.

“It’s a different level and class of managers.

“I have no doubt that we will be – probably from Tuesday onwards – sitting down and talking to these people who have put their names down.

“I do have a view, but others do as well and I will take that into account as I always have done.”

Last six games: Rotherham LLDLWW Burnley WWWWDL.

Referee: P Bankes (Merseyside).

Last time: Rotherham 0 Burnley 0; August 10, 2004; Championship.