Rotherham United 0 Barnsley 1: Contrasting emotions as '˜Lady Luck' again deserts Millers

For anyone who deals with the Millers’ interim manager on a regular basis, it is consoling to note that particular mindset will only be temporary.

But his frustration was certainly there for all to see on Saturday evening.

It was as much to do with the Millers’ lack of good fortune as anything else.

Hamstring injuries suffered by defenders Almen Belaid and Darnell Fisher disrupted his game plan, as did Tom Adeyemi’s pre-match illness, which saw him drop out at 1pm.

It was further proof that it invariably never rains but it pours when you are down at the bottom of the table, as Warne can undoubtedly vouch.

Warne, whose side are now 11 points adrift of Championship safety following Burton’s 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers, said: “The lads gave me everything that they have got. I am not moaning, but it is not like I have got ‘Lady Luck’ with me at the moment.

“I had two injuries and had to change the system. Woody (Richard Wood) was like the walking dead at the end, bless his heart.

“It was difficult going into the changing rooms afterwards as they were so down.

“I thought the lads went toe to toe with Barnsley and started the game really well. But I reiterated to the lads before the game that you need to score when you are on top.

“I know it sounds negative, but I would have even taken a point as it would have kept the lads going and believing and having a bit of confidence.

“Now they are lower than a snake’s belly and it is my job to pick up them for another big game on Tuesday.”

By contrast, Warne’s opposite number, Paul Heckingbottom, was left to savour sweet derby developments for the second time in seven days, with the Reds’ head coach professing particular delight for the club’s supporters at the end of another important week which has seen midfield playmaker Conor Hourihane and full-back James Bree leave Oakwell for Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa.

Heckingbottom, who joined in with the players to celebrate in front of the club’s sell-out contingent at the final whistle, said: “The fans looked like they enjoyed their day and, when you get a result like that, you can enjoy the journey home, albeit it not being very far today.

“It is good for the players to be able to go and celebrate with the fans after. I think they all enjoy that as well as much as the game itself.

“We win together, we lose together and the fans are sticking with the players and they are really enjoying what the players are giving them. It is good to see and it is good to be a part of.”

Premier League outfit Swansea City are the latest club to be linked with a move for new Barnsley captain and defender Marc Roberts.

Swans officials watched the big defender in action at the New York Stadium, with Burnley and West Bromwich also believed to be monitoring the Penistone-born player ahead of tomorrow night’s transfer deadline.

Meanwhile, Millers chief Warne is expecting to complete at least one new signing to lift the dark clouds today, having revealed that a player is pencilled in for a medical.

There is also every chance that others will follow as Rotherham have bids in for three other targets.

Warne said: “I’ve got one through the door, so to speak. He has got to have his medical on Monday when I should probably have another two or three in.

“Then it might just be a roll of the dice and having a gamble on one more.

“I am really hopeful. Over the last few weeks, I have had targets and everything had become a waiting game. Now, suddenly, I have got a plethora of choices.

“Plenty of people want to come and play for this great club, which is good for me. It is not going to be a problem getting new faces in.”