Warne makes it a dog’s life for Ipswich

Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2020 by PA

Rotherham boss Paul Warne was delighted to keep his Norwich-supporting friends happy as his side returned to the top of League One with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.

Warne, a lifelong Canaries fan, saw his side head to the summit thanks to Richard Wood’s first-half header, although they could have won far more handsomely.

The Millers boss had been inundated with messages before the game and had one extra reason for his side to win.

“I was even getting Ipswich fans singing at me, I don’t know what they were singing, it must have been Norwich related,” Warne said.

“I have had a few texts from my mates, one of them said he had to put his dog down today and the only way he would feel better was if we won. So I dedicate this win to my friend’s dog.”

It was a thoroughly deserved win as the Millers overpowered Ipswich to claim the double over them this term.

As well as Wood’s header, they hit the woodwork twice and missed a number of other chances.

“Being top of the league doesn’t mean anything, but I thought our performance was excellent,” Warne added.

“We were excellent, I enjoyed watching us. We were as good as we could be, we worked really hard out of possession. It was a real good team effort.

“We didn’t get as many goals as our play deserved. We needed that second goal, we had a heart-stopping moment, if that had have crept in the side-netting that would have been harsh.

“We were more than deserving winners against an excellent team.

“Home and away we have played well against them and taken six points off possibly the best team in the league.”

Rotherham selected Matt Crooks, despite his best friend and Matlock Town midfielder Jordan Sinnott dying at the weekend.

Warne added: “It was his best mate so it is going to hit him hard.

“He was in my office yesterday emotional but he wanted to play. It will hit him hard for a few weeks but maybe it is a bit of sanctuary coming in to training and playing.”

Ipswich, who were top of the pile coming into the game, did not have a shot on target until the 79th minute but almost snatched a point at the end as James Norwood hit the post from an impossible angle.

Lambert had no complaints, though, saying: “It wasn’t great on the eye football-wise and we have lost the game but I haven’t got any complaints, we weren’t good enough until the last 15 or 20 minutes.

“They are stronger than us physical wise, they are effective at what they do. It was always going to be that type of game with the way Rotherham play. They do it well.

“I don’t think there are too many teams that play as good as that in the league with the physicality they have got.”