The following is edited from a pre-season article by Graham Large giving the views of Millers fan Gareth Simmons from the excellent football site www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk, many thanks.
What would be a dream season for you?
The dream season would be to finally get promoted. After two failed attempts, it would be really nice to get out of League Two. With the new stadium set to be finished for the start of next season, it’d be great to be playing League One football there.
What would be your worst nightmare?
Relegation. Simple as that. Or in a relegation fight. I don’t think I could bare it. I’m sort of worried that it could happen as well. With all the upheaval we’ve had over the summer with new coaching staff and squad, it’s going to take time for people to get used to each other. Pre-season has hardly filled me with confidence and I think if we did go down, it’d finish us off.
I highly doubt that we’ll be in a relegation fight, but, there is always that bit of fear when the club has seen big changes and you’re not quite sure how it’s all going to work out.
What do you think of your club’s summer transfer activity?
It’s been alright. We’ve got rid a lot of the deadwood from last season, but, we’ve also lost two of our best players and look likely to lose Le Fondre as well. What concerns me with our transfer policy so far is that we’ve fetched in a lot of players who are versatile, which to me says they’re not really that good in any position, but can do a job.
Another concern about the players we’ve fetched in is that they appear to be a little bit light weight and small in height. This wouldn’t be a problem in the higher leagues, but in League Two it’s vital your squad has these attributes. Hopefully it won’t be a big problem but I think it may be, especially with set pieces and when you’re facing sides like Macclesfield and Southend.
There are some signings I’m pleased with like Lewis Grabban. He looks a real threat upfront and could cause teams trouble. I also think that the signing of experienced midfielder Danny Schofield could prove to be a master stroke. We’re still a couple of players short, especially a target man and down the left side. If we can get them, then maybe we’ll be at the right end of the table.
Who will be your most important player/s this season?
If Adam Le Fondre does go, which is looking very likely, Chris Holroyd and Lewis Grabban. We’re going to need someone to replace the goals that he scored. Hopefully these two will be able to do it, but I’m not sure yet.
Any players you would happily see the back of?
Danny Harrison. It’s about time he went. I’m sure he’s a nice bloke, but, for me he brings nothing to the team. He does have the odd good game, but, on the whole, I think it’s time he moved on.
Do you have the best manager for the job?
No idea. In his first full season at Brentford he got them promoted from League Two as champions. Hopefully, he’ll do the same for us. Only time will tell whether he is the right man for the job and we’ll know that come May.
Opposition players that you respect?
Ian Sharps. Former player and captain for us he was with us through our most troubled times. He is a model professional and an all round good defender. We’ve never really replaced him since his move to Shrewsbury, which shows what a key player he was for us.
Opposition players that you despise?
Most of the players I despise are no longer in League Two. The likes of Lee Hughes are now in the division above. I don’t particularly like Curtis Weston of Gillingham after his stamp on Andy Warrington’s head. There probably is someone, I just can’t think of them right now.
Best away fans/ground in your league?
I’m not sure who the best away fans are. As we’re playing at Don Valley it’s very hard to create an atmosphere, so there never seems to be much noise from the away end. In terms of numbers, Oxford and Bradford always seem to bring a few.
The best ground to go to is probably Burton and Crewe. They have great away ends for creating an atmosphere and I just like going to their grounds. Bradford isn’t bad either, as the view is one of the best and they have the biggest attendance is League Two.
Which teams do you really want to beat this season?
Crawley. Simply because of all the money they’ve spent. Wouldn’t mind beating Gillingham for once, and, seeing as Bradford will be our closest rivals this season; it’ll be good to get one over them.
Finally, where do you honestly think you will finish?
10th or around there. We may scrape into the playoffs, but, I think this season is a case of building for next.
The full article from August 6th, 2011 is available here: http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/2011/08/06/season-preview-2011-12-rotherham-united-interview/