Why the international break will mean no let-up for Rotherham United manager Paul Warne

The Championship season may have its first two-week hiatus due to the international break, but the work carries on for Rotherham boss Paul Warne.
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Here, the Star takes a look at what might be occupying his in-tray during the next 10 days.

Monitoring the transfer market

The international transfer deadline day was never going to be a manic day at the AESSEAL New York Stadium as the Millers still have 10 days to do business in the domestic window. Warne is happy with his squad but he may be drawn towards the market following the injury to Chiedozie Ogbene. The flying winger has been ruled out for two months after needing surgery on a knee problem and with no like-for-like replacement, Warne may be tempted to try and bring in a replacement. He was already looking for a winger so this could firm his desire. The Millers have until 5pm next Friday to do a deal.

Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Try and move players out

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The Millers dressing room is getting very full at the minute as Warne is operating with a bloated squad. He has six central defenders, three right-backs and five strikers so when it comes to naming his 25-man squad when the domestic transfer window opens he will have some decisions to make. Warne has openly expressed his willingness to let some players out so he will be working closely with his recruitment team to try and help them find new clubs. The likes of Jamie Proctor, Adam Thompson and Trevor Clarke could all be let out on loan while Curtis Tilt is attracting interest from his former club Blackpool.

Build confidence in his squad

The good thing about the international break for the Millers is that with all of their players staying around it is valuable time for them to work on things on and off the pitch. They will have 10 days' of solid training, where they are not building up to a match. Warne will want to use this time to build belief up in his squad that they are good enough to compete in the Championship. Performances have shown that they should be able to hold their own this season, even if they have not been able to force through some results. Warne has said on a number of occasions this season already that his side are better than they think, so now his job is to tell them. His man-management skills are second to none, so he will have a funky or off-the-wall idea to do this no doubt.

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Chris Holt, Football Editor