Preview of Saturday’s game at Cheltenham.
Vital Quotes:
Following leading goalscorer Will Hoskin’s decision to turn down Rotherham’s new contract offer, Manager Alan Knill said this to The Rotherham Star Newspaper.
‘I am under no pressure to sell Will Hoskins come January,’
‘His current contract runs to the end of the season. If he was to move on then we would, as he is under 24, be able to go to a tribunal if a fee had not been agreed.
‘I just think it was a good deal for a lad of his age and now I just want to get down to concentrating on this weekend’s game at Cheltenham.’
Cheltenham Town Team News:
Striker Steve Gillespie and Midfielder Mickey Bell both made their Cheltenham Town comeback during a reserve fixture v Bristol City on Tuesday night.
Both players will be available for selection on Saturday.
This leaves The Robins with just 2 long term casualties.
Striker Ashley Vincent (Cruciate Ligaments) is unlikely to play again this season, while Defender Andy Gallinagh (Ankle Ligaments) is looking to the end of January before returning to full training.
Player to watch: Kayode Odejay
The 24 year old, Nigerian Striker is Cheltenham’s current top scorer with 7 goals from his 18 starts this season.
The former Forest Green and Bristol City player last scored on November 24th when he hit a double in The Robins 2-0 victory over Brentford.
Rotherham United Team News:
Still on the recovery trail are Midfielders Michael Keane and ‘Wanted man’ Lee Williamson.
Rotherham look to keep the same team that drew 1-1 with Bristol City last weekend.
Player to watch: Martin Woods
The former Leeds and Sunderland Midfielder is currently playing the best football of his season and is one of the most improved players so far.
A mention too for big Delroy Facey, who’s power and strength up front is causing many problems for opposing defenders.
Match Facts & Stats
Cheltenham are the only club in League One yet to draw a league game.
After a above average start to the season with 4 wins and 3 losses from the opening 7 matches, they then went on to lose 12 from the next 14.
This run includes 7 defeats out of the last 8.
The only victory came at Home to Brentford on November 24th.
The only 2 meetings in the clubs histories came in 1999-2000 when Promotion chasing Rotherham Unitedwon both games by 2-0
Ref Watch:
Saturday’s Referee will be Mr Danny S McDermid from London.
This is his first season on The National Referee’s list, although he did take charge of the FA Cup First round tie between Nuneaton and Ramsgate last season, booking 4 players and sending off 1.
This season he has officiated at 11 games, booking 31 players and sending off 3.
The players shown red were Macclesfield’s Martin Bullock in their game at Shrewsbury.
Also Notts County duo Matt Sonner and Alan White at MK Dons.
He will be assisted by…
G D Scott from Oxfordshire and Lee Swabey from Devon.
4th official will be P J Grove from West Midlands.
Match Prediction:
2-1 To the Millers…..Please
Next Fixtures:
SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2006
SWANSEA CITY V ROTHERHAM UNITED
LIBERTY STADIUM 3.00 K.O
