Rotherham United boss Paul Warne heaps praise on veteran Richard Wood

Warne has assembled a squad that has a close bond, which is needed in their against-the-odds fight against Championship relegation.

Wood, now 35, is the elder statesman of the dressing room and is also the longest-serving player, having joined in 2014. Before that he spent seven years with the Owls from 2003 to 2010, making almost 200 appearances.

He is Warne's lieutenant, but there are other people at play too.

“He is the leader. He is fundamental to us with his organisation, his aggression and what he can do at set-pieces,” Warne said. “His will to win has never diminished since the day I met him.

“There are different ways to lead. There's the barrel-chested, fist-pumping leader, then there are the ones I quite like: the silent assassins who just go round and say the odd word to the odd player at the right time.

“Shauny MacDonald is a definite leader. Joe Mattock is as well, which is strange because I've always joked about his lack of quiz and crossword skills. The lads definitely respect him.

“Michael Ihiekwe has grown into his role as well.

“You can lead in many ways. You can lead through comedy. Dan Barlaser is hilarious but he also really wants to win.

“ He doesn't realise he is a leader but he is. He'll be surprised that I think this of him when he reads these words.

“I see the way he trains, way he always does extra. It's practice, practice, practice with him and that resonates with other players and spurs them on to do more.

“He doesn't take his position in the team for granted at all. Maybe 'leads' is the wrong word for him. He is more of an influencer.

“The spiritual leader is definitely Woody and then there are a few others who play a part.”

The Millers currently occupy the final relegation spot in the second tier and are three points from safety – but they have three games in hand over Birmingham City one place above them on 35 points.