Rotherham United: Fresh Millers start for Halford under Warnock

Neil Warnock says he doesn't care about the past as he gives Greg Halford the chance to resurrect his Rotherham United career.
Greg Halford prepares to come onGreg Halford prepares to come on
Greg Halford prepares to come on

Utility man Halford had been out of favour under previous managers Steve Evans and Neil Redfearn but has been brought straight back into the reckoning by the new boss.

“When you go into a club, you can’t be worried about what has happened previously,” said the man who was appointed last Friday until the end of the season.

Neil WarnockNeil Warnock
Neil Warnock
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“The last manager might not have liked some players and I might not like some other players.

“You just have to give everyone a chance, and that’s what I do.

“That’s what I said to the players in our first meeting, I haven’t got time to make friends or like people. That’s the least of my worries.”

Halford was a hate figure for fans after a poor start to the season and a series of swipes at management on social media, but impressed as a substitute in Warnock’s first match in charge, the 0-0 Championship home draw against Birmingham City.

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He had been training in a group away from the first-team squad until Nicky Eaden, installed as No 2 by Redfearn, brought all the players together just before Warnock’s arrival.

Defender Frazer Richardson revealed there had never been a problem between Halford and his teammates.

“It’s always been okay with Greg as far as the players are concerned,” the right-back said. “Greg hasn’t been training with the first-team squad now for a number of weeks. Obviously, he’s come back into the fold. The new gaffer has brought him back in and everyone is fine with that.”

Halford, who played at centre-half against the Blues after the sending-off of Richard Wood, is likely to be in the matchday 18 when the third-bottom Millers travel to promotion contenders Burnley on Saturday.

Frazer RichardsonFrazer Richardson
Frazer Richardson
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“As footballers, all you can do is go out on to the field and give your all,” Richardson added. “That’s all anyone will ever ask of you.

“As long as we’ve got more people doing that than not doing it, we should be able to stay in this league.”

Warnock’s last job before he took over at AESSEAL New York Stadium was at QPR and the 67-year-old said: “When I went there, I was told that Junior Hoilett had been bombed out and was no good.

“The first day I was there, I told him I had tried to sign him three times and that he was in my plans. He’s their best player now.”

Striker Leon Best, who hasn’t played since November, is back in full training after a groin operation and is in contention for Saturday.