Richard Wood column: All eyes on Evans clash after rare Easter break

Typically, Easter weekend is a hectic time for a footballer. Two games in the space of two or three days is the norm and it's a chance for sides at both ends of the table to get those much-needed points on the board at the business end of the season.
Richard WoodRichard Wood
Richard Wood

That was, however, not the case this Easter as the manager had given the squad a few days off due to the international break.

It felt strange not playing at this important time of the season. I found myself swimming, going to the cinema and hitting some golf balls at the driving range, all to keep my two young boys entertained!. Saying that, I did enjoy my weekend off with the family.

Steve EvansSteve Evans
Steve Evans
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Training this week has, therefore, been very high tempo and the squad look sharp. We’ve had our little rest now and the focus now is on Leeds United this Saturday.

The game is now a sell-out and it’s going to be some atmosphere at the New York Stadium. Add into the mix that the game will also see the return of former Rotherham manager Steve Evans and it has the makings of a mouth-watering clash.

Millers fans, I’m sure, will always be grateful to the man who led the team to successive promotions and also maintained our Championship status last season. He was very successful at Rotherham and his record in management speaks for itself.

Come three o’clock on Saturday, though, past memories and ties disappear as we look to triumph over his Leeds side and earn the three points that would set us up perfectly in what is going to be a very important week for the club, with games at Bristol City and MK Dons to follow.

Leon BestLeon Best
Leon Best
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I have a lot of friends and family who are avid Leeds supporters. I grew up in an area within a strong Leeds United community and I had a season ticket at Elland Road for a few years.

We need the victory on Saturday first and foremost for the three points but also so I can gloat to everyone after the game. I don’t want to even think about tasting defeat because it will take a while for the ridicule aimed at me to die down.

Leon Best is among the March nominees for Fans’ Championship Player of the Month. He’s scored three vital goals in his last two games and has contributed greatly to our unbeaten run. It’s pleasing to see one of our players getting recognition for the good performances he’s put in over the last few weeks.

I am disappointed, though, that goalkeeper Lee Camp didn’t make the list of nominees. He deserves credit for his displays over March. Hopefully he will be nominated for the official Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award.

Lee CampLee Camp
Lee Camp
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I feel we are often over overlooked for such things and don’t often get the praise the club and players warrant. Hopefully, we can carry on our rich vein of form and in turn the team’s performances will be rewarded.