Rotherham United’s latest recruit, Chris Maguire, has hailed their victory against a side that devastated none other than Lazio, with a 3-0 score-line in pre-season just days before taking a trip to the New York Stadium.
A solid pre-season win
FSV Mainz may have looked the better side, but a defensively solid home side compiled of a blossoming partnership between Tom Thorpe and Danny Collins, rumoured-to-be-captain Greg Halford and latest trialist, Joe Newell, were somewhat of a tough test for the Bundesliga outfit. Not to mention the goalkeeping heroics of on-loan Kelle Roos, proving he is the main contender for the first-choice shot-stopper this term.
It was a typically turbulent opening first 45 for a friendly before Steve Evans’ men came to life after the break, unfortunate to see themselves a goal down at one point. A swift turnaround in events saw Rotherham exhibit that never-say-die spirit that earned them back-to-back promotions despite a new-look squad.
This particular fresh face in the ex-Wednesday winger turned striker reiterated the importance of the ‘confidence’ the victory gave the South Yorkshire based side going into the 2015/16 campaign that kicks off for United next Saturday. The 26-year-old completed a trio of signings for Rotherham from their neighbours but despite a slow start to life in red and white in mid-week, more minutes under Maguire’s belt have done him a world of good, along with a start in his preferred position up-front.
Likely to partner either Matt Derbyshire, but facing stiff competition from Danny Ward (should his fitness remain in-tact for more than a week at-a-time), in the leading line, the ‘bit of class’ shown by the Millers at the weekend was owed to the player himself. Proving to be an asset, despite stirring up a reaction with his ex-employers, an already congested midfield indicates his wish of playing as a number nine will be granted.
The extra game time the Scot requires can be obtained in a closed-doors friendly at Sunderland as the Football League clubs head into their final week of preparation ahead of the start of the season.
Will Joe Newell be signed up?
At the other end of the pitch, full-back Newell, impressed in the 90 minutes he completed, with his current club, Peterborough United, looking to free up some space in the books. Bringing an extra yard of pace to the back-line and rarely putting a foot out of line, the Reds’ gaffer, Steve Evans, wishes to talk to Posh over his availability and a possible move, having already declared his liking for the 22-year-old, who, given his age, should only get better!
Additionally, with Joe Mattock’s track record, it looks like the Championship outfit were crying out for cover on the left flank, if nothing else.