Player Ratings

Last updated : 05 April 2006 By Ross

It started so well with the Millers riding high under Mick Harford, before a dreadful run of games without a victory led to the Millers being dragged into a relegation battle.

So the players have been marked out of 10 with a comment on their performance (or non performance in some cases).

1. Gary Montgomery - Been a season of mainly downs for Monty, from a mistake in the first game of the season to Saturday's debacle at Donny. Had a couple of good games, including the Bristol City victory, but will struggle to retain his place. 4

2. David Worrell - Many have been unconvinced by his performances but has shown some degree of adaptability by filling in capably at centre-half. Booed by some sections of the crowd, but has shown a willingness to get forward. Needs to work on his tackling, but may need strong competition to up his game next year. 6

3. Phil Gilchrist - Very stop/start season mainly due to injury, but starting to show his age. A lack of speed counts against him. Out of contract at the end of the season and will probably be released. 5

5. Shaun Barker - Very accomplished season after finally being played in his best position and has chipped in with a few goals. Had a tendency to be clumsy in the tackle but has tightened and before Saturday, showed signs of forming a good partnership with Murdock. Hope he won't be sold at the end of the season but looks likely! 8

6. Colin Murdock - Had a mixed start, with international call-ups not helping but did look more assured recently with Barker. Tends to be inconsistent and makes silly errors, but can be excellent in the air. Not a captain for me, but like Barker, is ok at set pieces. 6

8. Paul McLaren - Still not sure about him, even after nearly 2 years here! Can be an excellent player, with great passing ability and a good shot, as shown against Mansfield and Oldham. But lets himself down when crowded in midfield and cannot tackle to save his life! May be let go at the end of the season with Ronnie sniffing around. 6

9. Martin Butler - Disappointing, but definitely affected by his illness last year. Has still got seven goals and was in the shadow of Deon Bacon, setting up many of his goals. Looked sharp at times, but sluggish at others. Will be let go to get his high wages off the paryoll, unless he takes a massive pay-cut. 6

10. Will hoskins - Showed glimpses of what he can do, but again not given enough chances and not given long enough in substitute appearances. Needs to be given a chance next year to fulfill his potential. 6

11. Michael Keane - Excellent season personally, showed passion, although too much at times (Mansfield). Thought he may have been under threat under Harford, but started well and continued all season. Needs to chip in with a few more goals next year, but overall a good season for Keano. 8

12. Gregor Robertson - The young Scot has been in and out of the side, mainly due to his inconsistent form. Had a mare at Huddersfield and Donny and will surely be dropped. Can put in a great cross, but his lack of pace is clearly evident and goes against him. 6

14. John Mullin - Not a bad season, but often runs down blind alleys. Can't fault his work-rate and will be important next season if he's here, but needs to chip in with more goals. Still think his best position is centre-midfield, but our second-longest serving player is still an important part of the team. 7

15. Lee Williamson - The find a season, top man! Credit to Mick Harford for getting Lee on a free. Really missed him when suspended, but found his shooting boots after Christmas and has been excellent ever since. Doubtful if he'l be here next year, hopefully he will but it should take a big offer to prise him away. 9

16. Paul Hurst - Hursty has made the left back berth his own after starting the season out of the side. Some teams have targetted him because of his lack of size, but always keeps going. Always can be trusted to give his all but is not a right-back, that's for sure! 6

17. Paul Shaw - His signing was a great move from Knilly, has added great experience to the front line. Had a bit of a dip in form before he was injured at Blackpool, but came back in style last week against Bristol City. Hope he stays next year. 7

18. Stephen Quinn – Many thanks to Uncle Colin for lending us the Mighty Quinn! Has been energetic, tigerish and I'm dying for him to score a goal! The ginger ninja certainly deserves it and lets hope Warnock lends him to us next season. 8

19. Scott Minto - Many thanks to Scott for sorting out fundraising gifts form his footballing friends. Unfortunately, its certain that he will leave at the end of the season, as that is nearly all he has done for us this season! 4

20. Andy Monkhouse - So frustrating! Had a slow start due to his injury, but has been given chances to show his ability and has failed. Has all the talent in the world, but is so laid back that he's practically walking laid down! Wish it could have been different, but I think he will go at the end of the season. 5

23. Neil Cutler - Looks so commanding and physical, but has been in and out of the team before breaking his jaw against Huddersfield on Boxing Day. May be first-choice next season, unless we get a new keeper. Should be given a run. 6

24. Jonathon Forte - A talented player, bit light-weight to be playing on his own up front though. Unlike Monkhouse, shows more flashes of brilliance but doubt it if he's here next year. 7

Out of the rest, the youngsters may have a good part to play if we go into administration, or go down this year. Newsham looks like an excellent one for the future, as does Brogan.

Those that have left....

Jamal - Hasn't actually left, but his willingness to stay away darn' Sarf' hasn't endeared himself to Millers supporters. The behaviour of Southend is despicable, especially in our time of need, but his refusal to come back hasn't helped.

 

Ostemobor - Not given enough chances, was excellent going forward, but let himself down against Macc and Acc in the LDV. Shows that Dario at Crewe is giving him a run and he's doing well, should've had more chances.

Deon Bacon - As soon as he showed a distinct lack of interest in playing for the Millers, that was it. And when he decided to go to Wednesday, he got his new name! Hope comes back with them next year, however doubtful, but played for himself while he was on the "stepping stone of his career ladder". Good riddance

Vanessa - The less said about him the better!!!! Can't believe were still paying him!!!