Q1 - millers fans seem to be of the opinion that your side has no plan B?, is there such a thing as a plan A, and if so do you have a plan B?

As you know being a manager is not easy and you wouldnt expect me to tell you everything I consider would you? You wouldnt expect me to come and ask you if you have a Plan A/B. In fact, If I did you would think me disrespectful and it would put you on the defensive! If you think that this is the correct way to conduct yourself as a supporter then you have a different idea than me. In short, we have a plan xyz. We are leaving no stone unturned. we strive for excellence.


Q2 - it's plain to see watching the millers this season your team stand off a lot more, which is unlike probably any team you've managed, is this something you've worked on purposefully or is it in the natural grain of playing in the championship?

We have to adapt. We are looking at things all the time. As I have said previously it is impossible to play without considering the opposition at this level. We have a style and this is necessary given our overall status.

Q3 - how do you personally rate your personnel acquisition this summer comparitively?

Compared to What? Compared to Chelsea? Compared to Norwich? Compared to Brentford? Compared to Sheffield Wednesday? We recruit to create an environment where players can compete and thus bring out that natural edge that exists in all people and especially sports men and women. I have stated this many times.

Q4 - a lot of millers are making reference to the lack of pace, particularly striking is losing the Tavernier / Agard partnership down the right which was instrumental on getting promotion last season. Do you recognise this & have any plans in place to rectify the observers view that your side is labelled as 'pedestrian'

Pedestrian? We are in a league where the ball is generally moved with pace and accuracy. We are having to live with that and improve. I would have liked both of the players you mentioned to have stayed, but we cant influence personal decisions can we. Do you think I am such a numpty that I cant see where we need pace. Good grief! What little opinion you have of me! What do you think! Do you think we are trying to rectify it? Listen, go and get me a player with pace and 25 goals in him and let me know you have the money and we will take him.


Q5 - I think we all agree that your professionalism, particularly in the media has taken a transplant for the better over the years, but do you think that your constant admiration & respect is striking fear into your players, and if not do you tell them something different behind closed doors?

Listen, I am refocusing my energies. I am, like the squad charged with improvement. In terms of influencing the team (grown men and professional athletes) , then no, I dont think having a manager who recognises ability is detrimental to them. Maybe in your house, if you told your mrs what a lovely women such and such was it might impact on her, but really! Listen! when we get in that dressing room I can assure you there is no consideration for how lovely the opposition is.

Q6 - Your side this season has 2 of Rotherham United most expensive signings constantly sat on the bench, what are your reasons for that?

They have to prove themselves. Its basic as that. In the long run I will live and die by my decisions, so do not think I am making decisions lightly. This is not a normal job. I could be gone and forgotten tomorrow. They, like anyone else, have to perform and perform when they are given a chance. end of!

Q7 - It's well known that playing regularly give you that extra edge of sharpness, is it right to judge some of your players on the bit part appearances they make?

They train everyday. They get game time. They are judged by the same rule as anyone else. Are you saying I should make an exception?

Q8 - Literally the day after Wembley you signed Connor Newton, is he an enigma? or is he actually a physical person?

I am not going to dignify that with a response.


Q9 - Alex Revell, a Rotherham folklore hero, who we all admire his work rate and work in the community, but is it fair to suggest too much emphasis is placed on him being pivotal in how your team plays?

Alex was actually one of the main reasons and in fact the main reason we got promoted last year. He has also started well this year. If he is too pivotal then you will have to take away the last 2 promotions wont you?

Q10 - Last season, there was an impression that it doesn't matter if the opposition score, even until the 95th minute the players always knew they'd make another chance and possibly score, hence why we had one of the best records of this in living memory. What has happened to this, especially as you state 7-8 players from L1-L2 are playing every week?

I never thought that id didnt matter if the opposition scored! I s that what you felt-very odd thing to think in football. We had the team to be able to break down most teams in L1 and L2. In the championship the level of ability is much greater than the gap between L1 and L2. We cant expect the same results at this moment in time. We are building a team to compete, bu tit takes time.

Now, I have answered your questions and frankly some of them are naive and rude. How about I ask you one?

Why dont you go and do one? That enough passion and indecency for you?

Disclamer. The views expressed are those of my alter ego.