Rotherham United: Wood keen to team up with Frecklington

Richard Wood has led the Millers during the three-game absence of regular captain of Lee Frecklington who is expected to return to the first-team fold for Saturday’s Championship clash at Derby County.

Grizzled centre-half Wood has been man of the match in two of those three matches and is determined to remain in the side after being given his chance by new manager Kenny Jackett.

Rotherham are bottom of the table and Wood said: “It will be good to have Frecks back. We need all our experienced players at time like this. I really enjoy being skipper, but Frecks is our captain.

“I’ll keep giving my all, as I always do. We’ve conceded too many goals this season and it’s my job to help change that.

“I’ve been around a long time and I know what I’m good at. I’m physical, direct, no-nonsense. I want strikers to know they’re in a game when they play against me.”

Frecklington is hoping his ankle problem is behind him, while fellow midfield man Tom Adeyemi could also be fit for the Rams test after a calf injury.

Wood was frozen out by Alan Stubbs, the manager who took the Millers to the foot of the division before being sacked, but Jackett brought the 31-year-old straight back into the side and has praised his impact.

Rotherham need committed characters like their central defender as they look to bridge an eight-point gap between them and safety, starting at the weekend at the iPro Stadium when they return from the international break.

Even if Frecklington is back, little will change in Wood’s approach.

“I like to think I’m one of the leaders on the pitch,” he said. “It comes naturally to me.

“I’m loud. I’m always talking and encouraging. Hopefully that helps to bring out a little bit more in the players around me.”

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