Matt Crooks exclusive: On Paul Warne's methods and the desire to emulate the 2017/18 success

Paul Warne's men currently sit in the top-six of the Sky Bet League One table as they aim to bounce back into the Championship at the first time of asking.

A wall at the club's training ground in Rawmarsh houses an image of every game where at least a point is earned throughout the present season; that sits opposite one which boasts a picture of those fixtures that also brought a clean sheet.

The idea was introduced when Warne took the managerial reins full-time in 2017. It's a method that is new to Crooks, but one in which he hopes will be the catalyst for a return to England's second tier.

"It's something different, I've not really seen it before," Crooks exclusively told Sporting Life.

"We have one from the previous years as well when I wasn't here. I've looked at that a couple of times to see how many wins they got and where we are and compare it to where they were at the time.

"We can use it as milestones along the way in the season to see where you are at. That's what I use it for.

"Apart from that, it's nice to see your name and a good picture of you every now and then!

"We've not been told to [compare] but I've been looking at it because it's there so I have been looking and seeing.

"They were successful and that's obviously what we want to do. Hopefully we can emulate that."

Warne's man management ability often receives recognition from across the Football League, with an emphasis on togetherness at the forefront of his philosophy.

Crooks was brought to the club by Warne in the January transfer window, switching Northampton for South Yorkshire with the Millers in the Championship at the time.

Having spent nearly a year working under his guidance, Crooks admitted that he was a fan of the way in which the Rotherham manager functions.

"He's been really good; he's good with all the players," he continued.

"He's a very good man manager. He gives you the confidence to go out there and play football. He is a good guy like everyone seems to say about him - it's not fake news!

"It gives you that extra five percent. If you like the person themselves then you're obviously going to give them everything.

"If you've got someone you don't like as much as a person then it will work in a different way.

"He gets good people in the club too. A group of players who can play as well. It's a 'just give it your all', don't waste a second."

Rotherham secured promotion through the play-offs in 2018, beating Shrewsbury in extra-time thanks to a brace from captain Richard Wood.

While Wembley joy is the ultimate prize, it's instead play-off despair for 75% of clubs who embark on the process.

Even with the prospect of a party at the home of English football, Crooks stated that he believes the aim should be to finish top of the standings - with Sky Bet listing them as 14/1 contenders.

"I want to win the league," he concluded.

"I know play-offs is a craze and you get to go to Wembley and it's a massive day out but if you're the league leaders I think it's more of a successful season so that is how I'd like to see it finish.

"You've got to try and be the number one haven't you otherwise what's the point?

"Like the gaffer says, and tries to instil into us every day, it's constantly trying to improve. Don't waste a second while you're here.

"There's a sign outside that says leave your egos at the door. Come in, work your knackers off and try to be the best version of yourself every day.

"Hopefully that is enough to see us through."

Rotherham travel to face MK Dons on Saturday where victory could move them up to third in the table.

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