Post by rjdgull on Feb 1, 2012 19:11:08 GMT
Hopefully the cold weather won't lead to a match postponement as I think it is a good time to play Rotherham. Unlike last time we played them, when they were at the top end of the league they have undergone a prolonged slump in form with just four points gained in the six games since Christmas and in addition to losing away at Dagenham last weekend, lost their two previous home games to Swindon and Port Vale respectively!
Rotherham have had an active transfer window but ultimately they couldn't get the striker(s) they wanted and I think their fans will be disappointed with how events have gone. Going out, Brett Williams was sent back to Reading (not a popular move) and Marcus Marshall was loaned to Macclesfield. Ryan Cresswell almost joined him on loan there as well but with fellow defender Raynes sent off with two yellows last weekend has been kept at the club. Although Cresswell scored from a soft corner against us, he was also the defender that Howe "did" at the beginning of the second half to go on and score the equaliser.
Also out was Holroyd, sold to Preston. Coming in, well, the loan of keeper Rhys Taylor was extended to the end of the season. Stand out loan signing is winger Kieron Cadogen on loan from Palace. They have also bolstered the defence with left back Scott Griffiths on loan from Peterborough and 34 year old central defender Richard Naylor signed from Doncaster until the end of the season!
All four started the last match but with three straight losses, probably have yet to gel in stark contrast to our squad with no one in on loan and yet winning. Grabban is their top scorer with 15 and Revell has hit eight so it is a side with quality and a place we have yet to bring back three points from.
So this will be our first game post Robertson and hopefully Saah will slot back in defence and play as he was pre-Plymouth game! I think Howe will renew his dual with Cresswell but otherwise the side picks itself. Oastler picked up a bit of criticism previously against this side and this game will be a good indicator of how he has improved although will be on the opposite wing to Cadogon. Talking of criticism, scrolling through various forums, there is hints of their manager, under a bit of pressure, getting a bit of stick for playing his players in the wrong positions!
Rotherham have had an active transfer window but ultimately they couldn't get the striker(s) they wanted and I think their fans will be disappointed with how events have gone. Going out, Brett Williams was sent back to Reading (not a popular move) and Marcus Marshall was loaned to Macclesfield. Ryan Cresswell almost joined him on loan there as well but with fellow defender Raynes sent off with two yellows last weekend has been kept at the club. Although Cresswell scored from a soft corner against us, he was also the defender that Howe "did" at the beginning of the second half to go on and score the equaliser.
Also out was Holroyd, sold to Preston. Coming in, well, the loan of keeper Rhys Taylor was extended to the end of the season. Stand out loan signing is winger Kieron Cadogen on loan from Palace. They have also bolstered the defence with left back Scott Griffiths on loan from Peterborough and 34 year old central defender Richard Naylor signed from Doncaster until the end of the season!
All four started the last match but with three straight losses, probably have yet to gel in stark contrast to our squad with no one in on loan and yet winning. Grabban is their top scorer with 15 and Revell has hit eight so it is a side with quality and a place we have yet to bring back three points from.
So this will be our first game post Robertson and hopefully Saah will slot back in defence and play as he was pre-Plymouth game! I think Howe will renew his dual with Cresswell but otherwise the side picks itself. Oastler picked up a bit of criticism previously against this side and this game will be a good indicator of how he has improved although will be on the opposite wing to Cadogon. Talking of criticism, scrolling through various forums, there is hints of their manager, under a bit of pressure, getting a bit of stick for playing his players in the wrong positions!
However, Peter Godfrey did say he was going to this one. 
