Taylor ‘Safety Is Paramount’

Rotherham United Manager Matt Taylor was as disappointed as the rest of us that last night’s game against Ipswich Town had to be postponed.

The game was called off late in the day when Storm Babet had done it’s worst and the River Don, which is next to the New York Stadium, burst it’s banks.

Speaking to Official Site the Millers Boss said, ‘A Friday night game against one of the best teams in the League and leading goalscorers and after the International break this was a game we were looking forward too. Unfortunately, that opportunity has been taken away from us.

‘The weather has been extreme for around twenty-four hours and the river has fallen foul to that. Nobody can predict when the river would burst it’s banks and it happened pretty quickly. And it’s the safety aspect of the surrounding areas.

‘We were desperate to play this game but we had no say in it. The exits in and out of the stadium were closed which was a council decision along with the police and local authorities.

‘It’s a shame for everyone involved but everyone’s safety is absolute paramount. Hopefully our fans and the Ipswich fans can understand the decision.’

Asked about the pitch at the New York Stadium, Matt said, ‘It’s the best it’s been, it’s the best condition I’ve seen the pitch in. Full credit to the ground staff for keeping it in that condition despite the rain.’