Evans out to atone for Moore’s Spireites hurt

That is because the Millers’ defeat on their first visit to the b2net Stadium 18 months ago signalled the end of Ronnie Moore’s second reign in charge.

Evans has always considered Moore to be a good friend and has sought his advice countless times since agreeing to take the helm at Rotherham towards the end of last season.

So, ahead of United’s first visit to Chesterfield since that 5-0 humbling, the Rotherham chief admits there is an element of wanting to avenge such a comprehensive defeat.

“I did see that game on television,” said Evans, who at the time was just a few weeks away from leading Crawley to the Conference title.

“Ronnie Moore is a good friend of mine and rightly considered one of the true Rotherham United heroes. That defeat at Chesterfield was the final straw and he went afterwards. I was sorry about that.

“Ronnie has been a big help to me since I came to Rotherham so it would be nice to put right that defeat – not only for him but also all the fans who travelled to the game.

“Losing 5-0 to a neighbouring club is never easy so let’s hope we can make amends.”

Rotherham make the short trip to Chesterfield looking to bounce back from a midweek loss to Northampton Town.

Evans added: “I am not entirely sure how we lost. We had 62 per cent of possession across a game and 82 per cent in the last 10 minutes. But we didn’t (score) after getting hit with a late sucker punch and that was disappointing. Having said that, I won’t change our approach as if a game is there to be won then we will go all out to win it.

“What was clear about Tuesday was just how much Rotherham are now seen as a big name in this division and a scalp that everyone wants.

“At Crawley, we had exactly the same – both in the Conference and then when we got into League Two. Everyone wanted to beat us but we got used to it.

“I know we have the same quality of lads at this club to do the same. They can cope with it.

“To be honest, us being the team everyone wants to beat surprises me. People talk about us as the big spenders but this summer we have been beaten to players by Chesterfield, Bradford and Fleetwood.

“So, I am not sure how that tallies with us being the big spenders. Maybe the others have just managed to stay under the radar, I don’t know.”