Realistic Evans is refusing to contemplate automatic spot

STEVE EVANS insists Rotherham United are minding the gap between themselves and tomorrow’s League One opponents Walsall while refusing to get carried away about the outside prospect of automatic promotion
Rotherham United Manager Steve Evans. Picture: James Hardisty.Rotherham United Manager Steve Evans. Picture: James Hardisty.
Rotherham United Manager Steve Evans. Picture: James Hardisty.

Many Millers supporters, enthused by their side’s 11-game unbeaten run in the league since January 1, believe a play-off spot is nailed on, with their sights set higher on a possible tilt at the top two.

But Evans’s sole concern is inflicting a damaging blow tomorrow to play-off chasing Saddlers’ hopes of gatecrashing the top six and making it virtually impossible for them to catch his fifth-placed Millers.

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As for the South Yorkshire club’s hopes of breaking into the automatic places, Evans is keeping his power dry, but believes the picture will be much clearer late on Monday following a pivotal few days of action at the top of the table.

As well as Rotherham hosting Walsall, six other teams in the top 10 square off this weekend, with second-placed Leyton Orient hosting Brentford, Peterborough visiting MK Dons and Preston welcoming Sheffield United on Monday.

Evans said: “The next step for us is securing a place in the play-offs and the minute that is assured we’ll have a little look above us and see what the gap is.

“The only gap I am interested in at the minute is the points differential between Rotherham United and the team in seventh place and when that gap is enough and they can’t leapfrog us in the table, then we will have a real go at the top two.

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“The next games will tell us a lot and it will probably have unfolded by 10pm on Monday.

“Most teams will have got 10 matches left after this weekend and ‘squeaky-bum time’ is no longer a talking point – it will be here.

“It is easier to win games when the pressure is not on you to win games.”