Watford v Rotherham United - Paul Warne demands high standards to arrest slump

Saturday’s poor performance and result at Coventry City was one such time when he did.

Warne, who also held a frank inquest in locked away dressing rooms after what he viewed to be unacceptable displays which did not reach his high standards at Doncaster Rovers and Bristol Rovers last season, cut a downcast figure after his side’s weekend loss to the Sky Blues.

It was the Millers’ fifth successive away reverse, although it was not this latest defeat that irked him, more the manner of it.

The Championship fixture list has offered Warne no kindness tonight by way of a trip to Vicarage Road to face a Watford side who are likely to be smarting after a surprise home setback against Cardiff City.

Warne is the first to acknowledge the tough nature of tonight’s challenge.

But he is unequivocal in his desire to witness the non-negotiable qualities which have been the hallmark of his time at the club, namely fight, spirit, desire and organisation.

They were conspicuous by their absence at St Andrew’s.

Warne, who had an ‘open-hearted conversation with his players after Saturday’s setback, admits that the events have given him ‘plenty to think’ about for the trip to Hertfordshire.

He said: “We encourage them and are positive with them, but maybe a few thought that Saturday would be earlier than expected. The performance came out of nowhere.

“Our job is to be open and honest and give players feedback to be the best they can be, but they were not.

“My job and all my staff is judged on results, I understand that. But we have to drive performances. I can handle losing, but I cannot handle a poor performance.”

Suffice to say that the manner of Saturday means that Warne has some issues regarding the make-up of his side today.

He commented: “I need to make sure I pick the 11 who are prepared to fight for the shirt. There are quite a few issues throughout.”

Last six games: Watford WDDWDL; Rotherham WLLDLL.

Referee: J Smith (Lincolnshire).

Last time: Watford 3 Rotherham 0, February 24, 2015; Championship.

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