Rotherham United: Millers out to avoid opening-day blues

The Millers were well beaten 2-0 when they travelled to Fleetwood last term following their relegation from the Championship.

However, Warne is hoping his charges - who secured their return to the second tier via the play-offs in May - can get off to a winning start for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign

“We will learn lessons from last season’s opening day, no doubt about that,” admitted Warne.

“That was a big disappointment for us and we want to get this season off to the right start.

“We built it up as a bit of a cup final and probably made it a bit too big for the players and we didn’t perform.

“That’s football. You make those mistakes, move on and learn from them.”

Meanwhile, Warne has revealed it feels like his bid to re-sign midfielder Richie Towell on loan feels hasn’t progressed for a month.

Warne has been in constant contact with parent club Brighton, Towell’s agent and the Irishman himself.

However, wages appear to be one of a number of issues, with Portsmouth also keen to take the player on loan to help their League One promotion bid.

The Millers’ chief is eager to bolster his central midfield options.

Will Vaulks and Matty Palmer are the only senior options among his squad - although Semi Ajayi can fill in if needed.

Warne said: “If we can’t make it work for both parties, it just won’t happen. I don’t believe as I sit here now that we are closer than we were a month ago. That doesn’t mean that I have given up hope because anything can happen, but it doesn’t seem any more likely.

“If someone else buys him before the transfer window closes then it’s game over.

“If it goes past the window and there is the opportunity for the loan then we will try and get him, but at the moment it will feel a bit of a stalemate.”

All of Warne’s squad are available for selection, with Zak Vyner back from a muscle niggle much quicker than expected.

It was first feared the right-back would be out for at least a month, but a speedy recovery meant he ws back after missing just over a week’s training.

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