Ahead of this Saturday’s trip to The New York Stadium, I was asked to speak to a Rotherham fan about the game and also to get their opinions on their situation and the season ahead.
I was luckily able to speak to Rotherham fan, UCFB student and Media and Communications Officer at Maidenhead United Grace Scott (@gracerufc18) to get her insights on what Millers fans are expecting this season, who Lincoln fans should watch out for this Saturday and how Lee Frecklington will be adored by both sets of supporters.
1. After relegation last season what are the expectations ahead of this year in League One?
As most people have realised now, we are a yo-yo team. I strongly believe we are a strong League One side but a weak Championship side, which unfortunately can’t work.
My personal expectations are to see progress. I want to see a group of lads and staff that have a desire and will try their best; that’s all I ask. Of course, I would like promotion but this league is becoming stronger and I would be happy with a top-half finish.
2. Looking at the squad Paul Warne has built this season, what players should Imps fans be worried about ahead of Saturday?
Over the past week, a few of our youth breakthrough players have now been sent out on loan to Non-League sides, which is a positive.
I think the real danger man is Freddie Ladapo. He is a proven goal scorer and with a goal in his first league game in a Millers shirt, proves the quality of him. I also feel like Matthew Olosunde is one to watch, he is young and wants to prove a point at this level. As well as the strong outfield players that Warne has brought in, goalkeeper Daniel Iversen is superb.
3. How do you feel Rotherham have performed so far against Wimbledon and Man United’s U23s?
As I work for a football club I am unable to get to the Millers game now so I rely on my grandparents’ expert summary of the game over the phone.
However, I was at our pre-season fixture with Leicester City and thought we showed desire and class on the ball to put up a fight and take the game to a 2-2 draw.
4. Looking towards the entire division, who do you think the likely contenders are for those automatic/play-off spots as well as those likely to go down?
A very very good question, as always. I know a lot of people jumped straight to Sunderland, Portsmouth, Ipswich and at one point even Peterborough, but look at what happened on the opening day to the Posh and it shows perfectly how League One is.
In my opinion, I don’t think it is all about budget. The Imps have shown that they can win games in League One and will be a tough outfit this year. Of course with the sad situation at Bolton and Bury, it is unknown what state they will be in even after matchday two but I think it will be tight at both ends of the table.
5. So the tough question, how do you think Saturday’s game will go?
This is extremely tough for me as my boyfriend Josh is a huge Imp. For weeks I have been dreading the day. We will probably keep our distance until the Sunday morning when the tension has blown over.
My prediction is 2-1 to the Millers, a tight game where we go ahead through a Ladapo goal before Michael O’Connor equalises before half time and a last gasp winner from Richard Wood steals all three points for us. (I can dream)
6. I’m expecting a great reception for Lee Frecklington, as a Rotherham fan do you see the feeling being mutual?
I completely agree he will receive an outstanding reception, and so he should. It will be a great atmosphere at the New York Stadium and hopefully, the sun will be shining unlike the last meeting of the two teams.
I will, of course, be working at Maidenhead United v Hartlepool United but my goal notifications are on and I will be winding up my boyfriend over text messages I’m sure. I wish all the Imps a safe journey to Rotherham and I hope you enjoy your time at the game.
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