Let's talk about the Rotherham United game

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I've got a feeling McCann will shake things up a bit to put Rotherham off the scent. I think he'll start with either Sharp or Hanlan, backed up by either Clifton or Lee, basically a front two, five at the back with Senior and Sterry as touchline huggers, Moly tucked in with Haks on the other side, Gotts in the middle as the pivot. Very bold but we could get off to a fast start and get the home crowd on Hamshaws back early.

                          TLT

          Byrne, Bailey, McGrath

Sterry, Mols, Gotts, Haks, Senior
                    Lee (Clifton)
                            Sharp (Hanlan)

Obviously we can change the shape at will

[DonnyBazR0ver]

No Gibson, please no Gibson

He doesn’t have the minerals for a derby game

Tell that to Bradford fans.

[graingrover]

I do wish they would bring back Numbers 1 to 11 .

[Alan Southstand]

Not a chance he goes with that DBR! With the ball  - frightening, without it - disaster!

The big question is - will Okoronkwo make a surprise return to the side? He joined in with training on Monday, prior to Huddersfield, and if he’s had a couple of days training then it’s possible. Maybe the bench might be an option?

I think the midfield 3 did ok on Tuesday, but I wonder whether it’s not a game for Close, as they’ll want it to be physical. Maybe Broadbent takes his place?

I’d stick with the back 4, but could Pearson come in to look after Noombe? Whether they have pace up top may affect that decision.

Hopefully, we can get the first goal, which could upset their applecart early doors. We can’t afford to hand them any impetus at all - much like what we did to Huddersfield.

Worth mentioning that Northampton face Orient this weekend as well. Be interesting to see how things pan out.

[Friendly Miller]

I don’t  think I’m the only Miller to be dreading Saturdays match. We have currently got the worst squad we’ve had in 30 years and one of the worst managers we’ve ever had.

Against Burton the other night we were dreadful  and I honestly can’t see where the next win is going to come from. Hopefully Saturday but I can’t see it.

[ncRover]

Not a chance he goes with that DBR! With the ball  - frightening, without it - disaster!

The big question is - will Okoronkwo make a surprise return to the side? He joined in with training on Monday, prior to Huddersfield, and if he’s had a couple of days training then it’s possible. Maybe the bench might be an option?

I think the midfield 3 did ok on Tuesday, but I wonder whether it’s not a game for Close, as they’ll want it to be physical. Maybe Broadbent takes his place?

I’d stick with the back 4, but could Pearson come in to look after Noombe? Whether they have pace up top may affect that decision.

Hopefully, we can get the first goal, which could upset their applecart early doors. We can’t afford to hand them any impetus at all - much like what we did to Huddersfield.

Worth mentioning that Northampton face Orient this weekend as well. Be interesting to see how things pan out.

Frankie needs easing back in. I think his lack of match sharpness going straight in to lots of minutes may have contributed to his injury in the first place.

[Move DRFC]

Big fan of Ben Close and he was great on Tuesday, but I'd maybe go Clifton for Close on Sat with Gotts in front of the back 4.

McGrath has been defending better recently, but he needs to take a leaf out of Byrne's book with regards to trying these ridiculous passes. McGrath is possibly the worst passer of a football I've ever seen at Rovers and needs to stop trying defence splitting passes/hollywood balls. It's crazy the management aren't telling him to stop. Like Byrne, he's a head it kick it centre half (not sure he himself thinks so though).

[sedwardsdrfc]

Think we should play Gotts and Bailey in with him both as 6s then have Lee as a proper 10 behind Hanlan. If we have two central midfielders who stick in the central position we can afford 4 forward players.

Whatever people say about Hanlan he’s our best player for the centre forward role, until Frankie is back, that will occupy centre halves and give Lee some space to use his quality.

Haks to start for me too and McGarth under strict orders to keep it simple.

[Move DRFC]

Think we should play Gotts and Bailey in with him both as 6s then have Lee as a proper 10 behind Hanlan. If we have two central midfielders who stick in the central position we can afford 4 forward players.

Would also be fine with that. Keen to see Lee in his best position soon.

[ncRover]

Not a chance he goes with that DBR! With the ball  - frightening, without it - disaster!

The big question is - will Okoronkwo make a surprise return to the side? He joined in with training on Monday, prior to Huddersfield, and if he’s had a couple of days training then it’s possible. Maybe the bench might be an option?

I think the midfield 3 did ok on Tuesday, but I wonder whether it’s not a game for Close, as they’ll want it to be physical. Maybe Broadbent takes his place?

I’d stick with the back 4, but could Pearson come in to look after Noombe? Whether they have pace up top may affect that decision.

Hopefully, we can get the first goal, which could upset their applecart early doors. We can’t afford to hand them any impetus at all - much like what we did to Huddersfield.

Worth mentioning that Northampton face Orient this weekend as well. Be interesting to see how things pan out.

Nombe isn’t an aerial specialist type striker that’s what you’re suggesting with Pearson, Alan. He’s pretty quick.

[Bentley Bullet]

I don’t  think I’m the only Miller to be dreading Saturdays match. We have currently got the worst squad we’ve had in 30 years and one of the worst managers we’ve ever had.

Against Burton the other night we were dreadful  and I honestly can’t see where the next win is going to come from. Hopefully Saturday but I can’t see it.

Hey, we're renowned for curing opponents' bad runs these days, so perhaps now's the best time to play us.

They don't call us Doctor Rovers for nowt!

[NickDRFC]

I don’t  think I’m the only Miller to be dreading Saturdays match. We have currently got the worst squad we’ve had in 30 years and one of the worst managers we’ve ever had.

Against Burton the other night we were dreadful  and I honestly can’t see where the next win is going to come from. Hopefully Saturday but I can’t see it.

Hey, we're renowned for curing opponents' bad runs these days, so perhaps now's the best time to play us.

They don't call us Doctor Rovers for nowt!

They don’t call us Doctor Rovers at all. We’re not Tottenham.

[drfcsteve]

I don’t get all this talk of we can’t play Close if it’s a physical game. The lad punctured his lung recently being physical, he is one of our best players at breaking up play.

[sf9944]

Agreed regarding Close. He’s got a lovely knack of being in the right place at the right time, especially defensively.

A clever footballer who reads the game well. I’ve always thought Rovers fans underestimate him.

[Metalmicky]

Rotherham manager seems under the cosh...

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united-manager-matt-hamshaws-admission-regarding-chairman-tony-stewart-ahead-of-doncaster-rovers-derby-5605062

Also note that they had two injuries on Tuesday...

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Currently abroad I can get it on the website to watch can't I?

[Fal]

Currently abroad I can get it on the website to watch can't I?

Not sure, but another option is putting a bet on something like bet365 and it should allow you to watch via them

[Move DRFC]

Currently abroad I can get it on the website to watch can't I?

Not sure, but another option is putting a bet on something like bet365 and it should allow you to watch via them

Yes you can get it on Rovers+ mate.

[mushRTID]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

[Jersey Rover]

Keep the same line up for me. Worked Tuesday.

[Albert Trousers]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

I hope Grant has pointed out to the players the importance of this game, 41 years since we won there is a disgrace, had a fair few goes at it too, I was lucky enough (or old enough) to be at Millmoor in 85 & also saw us win in a friendly at DVS but that hardly counts.

[mpc123]

It looks like their manager is trying to get their fans onside for positivity. Lets make the difference when we are there and get behind the lads from the off.

[Fal]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

It'll probably be out today

[mushRTID]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

I hope Grant has pointed out to the players the importance of this game, 41 years since we won there is a disgrace, had a fair few goes at it too, I was lucky enough (or old enough) to be at Millmoor in 85 & also saw us win in a friendly at DVS but that hardly counts.

Pretty certain he will, he usually comments on things like this.

[GazLaz]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

I hope Grant has pointed out to the players the importance of this game, 41 years since we won there is a disgrace, had a fair few goes at it too, I was lucky enough (or old enough) to be at Millmoor in 85 & also saw us win in a friendly at DVS but that hardly counts.

Pretty certain he will, he usually comments on things like this.

Alluded to the opposite in the interview. Just prepared as normal.

[Fal]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

https://youtu.be/wDgTTdArKp4?si=qp8DUdAck6S50Qv1

I get the impression by his little smile at the beginning that Frankie might be back tomorrow in some form or another whether that be on the bench to start.

[ForsolongaRover]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

I hope Grant has pointed out to the players the importance of this game, 41 years since we won there is a disgrace, had a fair few goes at it too, I was lucky enough (or old enough) to be at Millmoor in 85 & also saw us win in a friendly at DVS but that hardly counts.

The only saving grace is that we haven't played them much in those 41 years - largely because they've been in a higher division - and it perhaps reflects in the keenness of the rivalry - I feel more strongly about us and Barnsley who we have encountered more frequently.

[Albert Trousers]

Strange how we all see rivalries, I'm not fussed about Barnsley either way but really dislike Rotherham.

[Avsuptem]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

https://youtu.be/wDgTTdArKp4?si=qp8DUdAck6S50Qv1

I get the impression by his little smile at the beginning that Frankie might be back tomorrow in some form or another whether that be on the bench to start.

Another briliant interview performance by our Grant, he always comes across as canny, intelligent and articulate. There are no better managers in our division. It's almost incredible that some people believe he should be sacked.

[mushRTID]

Has anyone seen our usual pre match interview with Grant?

https://youtu.be/wDgTTdArKp4?si=qp8DUdAck6S50Qv1

I get the impression by his little smile at the beginning that Frankie might be back tomorrow in some form or another whether that be on the bench to start.

Another briliant interview performance by our Grant, he always comes across as canny, intelligent and articulate. There are no better managers in our division. It's almost incredible that some people believe he should be sacked.

Focused, calm and confident.

A million miles from Hamshaw's interview, who looks a nervous wreck.

COME ON YOU REDS