Rotherham United: Eaden confident Millers can beat the drop

Eaden, placed in caretaker charge when Neil Redfearn was sacked on Monday, has seen plenty to make him optimistic about the Millers’ survival prospects despite them sliding into the bottom three.

“I think there is enough quality here for us to stay up,” he said.

Eaden, who had been brought in as No 2 by Redfearn, must wait to find out what role he will play now Neil Warnock has been confirmed as the new Rotherham manager.

The 43-year-old was assistant boss at Peterborough in 2010 when Posh were relegated from the second tier.

“When I went into Peterbrough about five years ago they were probably in a worse position,” he said.

“They were bottom of the Championship. There is far more quality in this squad than there was in that one. There’s definitely enough quality here.”

Eaden, who had a short spell as a coach at Rotherham in 2011, says there was no warning that the man who appointed him was about to lose his job.

“It’s been quite eventful this week. It’s not how I saw it panning out when I came here,” he said.

“There was no inkling at all. We took training on Monday as normal and then Redders was going to see the chairman about potential loan signings.

“Then we got the phone call about 1.30pm.”

The players found out about the decision via a group text from fitness coach Paul Warne, said midfielder Joe Newell.

Eaden, who had no interest in filling the hot-seat himself on a permanent basis, has been given assurances that the Millers want him to stay despite Redfearn’s departure.

“I possibly wouldn’t have come here if I’d known what was going to happen to Neil,” he said.

“But I was told, once he left, that I had a future at the club. I’ve spoken to Redders since and he said ‘If they still want you to work there, then carry on’.

“It’s a club I know well. I enjoyed working here last time and I’ve enjoyed the short time I’ve had already this time. I’m more than happy to stay if the new manager sees a role for me.”

Warnock, aged 67, was confirmed as new boss last night and is set to bring Kevin Blackwell to the Millers with him.

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