Richardson ‘Needed To Make Better Decisions’

Rotherham United Head Coach Leam Richardson thought that both teams cancelled each other out this afternoon at the New York Stadium.

Speaking after a one-nil loss to Stoke City, the Millers Boss told Radio Sheffield, ‘the game was possibly a nil-nil, neither ‘keeper having much to do and it was a moment of real quality that wins the game so congratulations to Stoke.’

It was a very good free-kick that Stoke scored with – and we really do have to stop giving away set-pieces in dangerous positions – but, I also think there wasn’t a lot between the sides this afternoon.

‘I thought we were the aggressor without really opening them up without getting creating a quality chance and that was probably the first emotion that the game was there to get a result. We got into areas where we needed to make a better decision.’

You know I watched Stoke passing the ball around smoothly and confidently this afternoon then I watched us faffing about, taking two touches when one should be sufficient and sending the ball backwards because nobody had got into space for a forward pass – so, yes, we do need to make better decisions.

‘I thought the second half we took the game up the pitch but we need to be functioning at one hundred per cent in every game. You can never disregard the commitment and work ethic and endeavour from the group but we need those moments of quality and quality of player to make the difference,’ said Leam.

The Millers didn’t have any shots on target this afternoon with Leam admitting that is a worry saying, ‘But I don’t think Stoke had that many shots on target either.’

Leam believed that it was a good goal that won the game – and he’s right, it was – but also believed the Millers deserved a point saying, ‘If it had been the other way round I’m sure their manager would be saying the same. One team needed that moment of magic and, unfortunately, it fell to Stoke.’

Rumours going around the ground that Peter Kioso, who was recalled from his loan spell at Peterborough (much to their dismay) last week, wasn’t in the squad and when asked about it Leam said Peter has been ill for a few days with a bug but he’s hoping he can have a good training week next week and be involved next weekend. Hmm, well that wasn’t the rumour going round the ground but I’m hoping that the Boss is right.