Rotherham United: Paul Warne calls for realism in face of struggles on the road

Paul Warne with Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka

The Millers suffered more heartbreak on the road when Saturday's late 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest made it 30 Championship away games in a row with a win.

It is also five defeats from five this season as Warne's side were previously beaten at Brentford, Leeds, Wigan and Aston Villa.

While they have competed well in four of those matches before falling just short '“ with the opening day hammering at Brentford the exception '“ it has been a tough run of fixtures.

And Warne reckons that if his side give it their all when there is such a gulf in resources between them and the opposition then supporters cannot have too many complaints.

'If you're a true Rotherham fan you know what we're up against,' he said.

'I am not going to say what we're up against but it is pretty obvious and apparent to most people. The fans who went are true fans.

'I don't think anyone left the ground and thought we haven't had a go or the lads haven't tried their best.

'That's all you can ask of your team.

'If you are a Rotherham fan and you aren't impressed with the work ethic or what the lads are trying to do then you see the game differently to me.

'If we were rubbish I would be the first to come out and say I was disappointed with the performance.

'But I was really proud of the lads and I am sad for them they didn't get a draw at least.

'The five games we have played away, I don't want to put sugar on it, but three of them were top three and then Villa and Forest so they are not easy away games by any stretch.'

Warne may be judged differently in forthcoming away games at Birmingham and Preston next month where supporters might be less sympathetic against teams who are struggling.

But the Millers is certain his side can produce the goods at some point soon.

'I have complete belief, I honestly thought we were going to win at Forest,' he said.

'It would have been a good marker to put a point on the board at Forest, I don't think many teams will come here and pick much up.'