Rotherham United: Boss Paul Warne targets wingers to develop a Millers Plan B

Rotherham United boss Paul Warne is keen on adding some wingers to his squad to help his side develop a Plan B.
Rotherham manager Paul Warne, pictured. Picture: Marie CaleyRotherham manager Paul Warne, pictured. Picture: Marie Caley
Rotherham manager Paul Warne, pictured. Picture: Marie Caley

The Millers have adopted a 4-3-3 system this season, but it's limitations and subsequent ability to change things around were laid bare during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Lincoln.

Playing with wingers is something that Warne has always done, but he lost contract rebels Jon Taylor, Ryan Williams, Joe Newell and Anthony Forde over the summer as they all rejected new terms.

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He did not bring any out-an-out replacements in, playing a new formation instead, but that is something he will look to rectify before the end of the transfer window.

The Millers still have three weeks to bring fresh blood in as the League One and League Two window does not shut until September 3.

"I do love wingers, that is true. I'm still chasing wingers in this window,” Warne said.

"We're trying to get some wingers in,. That isn't a criticism of the 4-3-3 system. We need different ways to play. We're looking to bring a couple in."

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Warne is also looking for a new centre-half and there is no update on the pursuit of a free agent, who the boss originally thought might get signed for the early part of this week.

"It has moved quite slowly," Warne said. "We still have the same target in mind."

Rotherham have the chance to bounce back from their disappointing defeat against Lincoln on Saturday as they head to Shrewsbury for their Carabao Cup first-round match.

Warne has hinted at changes, though they are unlikely to be widespread.

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The good news from that defeat against the Imps is that no one picked up fresh injuries and the four that were pre-match doubts – Joe Mattock, Dan Barlaser, Kyle Vassell and Matty Olosunde – all came through fine.

Billy Jones has had another injection on his injured heel and is possibly nearing a return, but Julian Lamy's injury is looking worse than first feared.

He is joined in the injury room by Trevor Clarke, who the Millers might not see before October.

“The surgeons are saying three months.,” Warne said.

“We're hopeful of getting him back before then. It's a slow process. He's walking around in a leg-brace and it's going to take a bit of time.

“I don't think we'll see him in a Rotherham shirt before October. There is a lot resting on Joe Mattock staying fit.”