Rotherham United: Mattock upbeat for Millers' Bolton clash

Joe Mattock has stressed the need for positive thinking as Rotherham United prepare for another crunch game in their battle for Championship survival.
Joe MattockJoe Mattock
Joe Mattock

The Millers travel to bottom club Bolton Wanderers on Saturday on the back of a shock 4-1 home defeat against another struggling side, Charlton Athletic, last weekend.

And that setback has intensified the need for points for Neil Redfearn’s men who could be dragged back into the bottom three if results don’t go their way.

Neil RedfearnNeil Redfearn
Neil Redfearn
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“Bolton is another big game, a six-pointer for us,” defender Mattock said.

“The main thing is to not stay negative after Charlton. That’s going to get us nowhere. We are still outside the drop zone, so as long as we stay positive I am sure we will be all right.

The Trotters drew in midweek at Wolves but are four points adrift of the Millers who also drew their last away match, at Cardiff City.

Mattock has been in fine form for Rotherham, who hammered Bolton 4-0 at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Boxing Day, since overcoming the injury problems which affected him early in the season following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday.

Neil RedfearnNeil Redfearn
Neil Redfearn
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“It’s good to get a run of games and stay injury-free,” the left-back said.

“Coming out of pre-season, I was in for a couple of games, out for a couple of games. It was tough for me.

Now I have got some games under my belt, my legs feel strong. Hopefully I can just keep going, stay in the team help and help us push away from that relegation battle.”

The Millers are hoping to have their international centre-half, Aimen Belaid, available again after a groin complaint kept him out of the Addicks game. Meanwhile, the club should have their new assistant manager in place before Saturday’s showdown at the Macron Stadium.

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Boss Redfearn has identified the man he wants to replace Eric Black, who has left to become first-team coach at Premier League Aston Villa, and an official announcement is expected shortly.