FAN'S VIEW: ROTHERHAM UNITED SEASON PREVIEW

Millers fan John was kind enough to give us a season preview ahead of Rotherham United's 15/16 campaign.

HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?

Pretty much as expected. Our first season back in the 2nd tier in almost a decade,, it was always going to be a struggle and a learning curve, not only for the players but for Manager Steve Evans as well. Safety was all that we realistically hoped for, and despite having 3 points deducted towards the end of the season, we achieved that with a little bit to spare.

HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?

Very impressed with the 12 signings made during the Summer. Most of the players who have come through the Divisions with us these past 3 years have moved on and we've strengthened the side with players more experienced at this level. Essential if we are to improve again this year.

ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?

The elusive and much sought after 20-25 goals a season striker still seems to evade our grasp, a lot will rest on the shoulders of Matt Derbyshire in the goalscoring stakes, but hopefully the goals will come from all areas this season.

ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?

Obviously the local ones are the first searched for when the fixtures come out. Despite the astronomical fees that Sheffield Wednesday are charging this year, this is still the first game that most of our fans will look forward to. Leeds United, Huddersfield, Burnley and Hull are also games that stand out in the fixture list. Rotherham have an excellent away following, and that certainly won't change this year.

WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?

The big guns, Ipswich, Derby, Middlesbrough, Fulham, Birmingham, Wolves, Nottm Forest, Qpr should be there or thereabouts again this season, and you won't look much further than these 8 to monopolise the top third of the Division. Will we see another Bournemouth ? Will any of the teams relegated from the Premiership bounce straight back ? I honestly can't call it, it's such a strong Division. I'm sweating just thinking about the teams we have to face.

WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?

The 2 newcomers that have impressed me most during Pre-season are Grant Ward, an obvious choice as he's plundered 5 goals in friendlies, 4 of which would be shown over and over again if netted in a Premiership or Champions League game. On a season long loan from Tottenham, this is a young midfielder with majestic skills, always looking for an opening, and a ferocious shot which will test many an experienced keeper this season. Also Aidy White, a left sided player we've acquired from just up the road in Leeds. Played on the left hand side of midfield, Aidy has the ability to terrorise opposing defences when powering through with the ball glued to his feet.....a great turn of pace as well.....could be the find of the season.

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?

A much stronger looking squad this season, i can't quite see us knocking on the Premiership door just yet, although that is definitely on Chairman Tony Stewart's agenda in the not too distant future, but a comfortable mid table finish is well within our limits, and then we'll see what the future holds.