Leeds - Harfords thoughts

Pleased

Speaking after the game, Harford told Radio Sheffield. "I thought it was an entertaining game, and getting my first point was a bonus. I said to the players at half time, your the better team at the moment can we sustain it for the second half, and the lads went out and did that in what was a good all-round performance."

Sam Duncum made his Millers debut while Michael Proctor was the lone striker after injury and illness gave Harford a selection headache. "We only had Michael Proctor who was fit, Paul Warne had flu so we had to play young Sam Duncum on the wide and Jamal on the wide left with Keane just dropping in the middle. It was a ploy which I think worked. I think Michael Keane and Michael Proctor had their best games while I've been here."

Played Well

Harford gave Proctor special praise, "I went up to him in the dressing room and said to him that is was the best I've seen him play for a long time. He looked lively and sharp. He played well today and could have had a hat-trick."

Looking back on why Proc's looked so poor this season, Harford said, "I think it could be a confidence thing. I've had a chat with him and he says 'I've played in the past and when I make a mistake I get dragged off, so it's good that somebody shows a bit of faith in me'."

"But Michael has got an opportunity now, he played well today and if he comes back and plays well in pre-season well he's in the jersey." Mick added.

"On that performance a lot of the players would be an integral part of the team next year, but what I've got to look at is what I've told the players this week."

"I explained the situation to each of them individually and they all understood. We have to help the club and trim the wage bill and cut the budget, I have to generate funds because I need to refresh the squad.

I'd like to thank the players for their attitude, that's when I spoke to them, then in training and in yesterday's game. I respect them for that and it was spot on yesterday. They are a good bunch who don't mind working hard."

Scotty - In talks with Donny

Moving on to the topic of players leaving, Harford said. "I need to change the players mentality to a winning one, and I've given them the opportunity if they want to try to look elsewhere. Not all of them will be going as I need to get a team out. But every player is available at the right price."

"We must regenerate the club and bring in new blood, it depends on who stays and who goes. But its a great challenge which I'm looking forward to and I could'nt have been more encouraged by that performance today."

Mick then appaulded the fans at Leeds today, "I'd like to thank the travelling fans today, they were great and really got behind the team. Especially though the monsoon!!"

"As a manager I'll do my best for Rotherham United and work 100%. I wont be doing my job properly if I dont bring better players to this club than those that are leaving. The only way we can improve is by bringing those better players in."