Rotherham United: Millers keeper Lee Camp joins Warnock clamour

Goalkeeper Lee Camp has added his voice to the growing calls for manager Neil Warnock to commit his future to Rotherham United.
Lee Camp with Neil WarnockLee Camp with Neil Warnock
Lee Camp with Neil Warnock

Warnock has performed a minor miracle in securing the Millers’ Championship safety after answering chairman Tony Stewart’s SOS call in February.

And Camp, who has been in superb form during the 11-match unbeaten run which finally saw the club mathematically seal their place in the second tier with a draw at Wolves last Saturday, is keen to work with the survival saviour again next season.

Lee Camp pulls off a saveLee Camp pulls off a save
Lee Camp pulls off a save
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“I’d like him to stay. He is a top manager,” the 31-year-old shot-stopper said. “There aren’t many managers around who have got the record he has got. He has had a massive influence on the side.”

Warnock has won seven promotions in a stellar managerial career, but it’s his work in keeping Rotherham up since arriving on a short-term deal with his coaching team, Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson, that has made him a hero to Millers supporters.

They all want him to remain at AESSEAL New York Stadium beyond the expiry of his present deal next month, and players Stephen Kelly and Richard Wood have also said how much they hope ‘the gaffer’ doesn’t move elsewhere.

Camp added: “His staff have been brilliant. Blacky has been about, he’s been a manager. He knows the game, and so does Jeppo. It’s been one big collective effort.”

Neil Warnock and Kevin BlackwellNeil Warnock and Kevin Blackwell
Neil Warnock and Kevin Blackwell
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The last time Rotherham went undefeated for 11 fixtures at this level was 50 years ago, and Camp revealed some of the factors behind the incredible impact Warnock has had.

“He’s a good motivator. He takes the pressure off you,” he said. “He makes it very, very simple. He’s natural when he speaks. He’s very easy to get on with. He makes your job very clear.

“You can see why he has had success in his career and I am sure he will continue to have success as long as he carries on.”

The Millers have two matches left this season and Warnock has set them a target of remaining undefeated, starting against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday in the final home encounter of the season.

Ronnie JepsonRonnie Jepson
Ronnie Jepson
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A win would see the Millers leapfrog 18th-placed Rovers who are above them only on goal difference.

“It’s a competitive place here,” said Camp. “I want to keep clean sheets. We have got strikers who want to score and we have defenders who want to win. It’s important we finish strongly. We have equalled a 50­-year best.”

New York is heading for a sell-out and, such is the demand for tickets, the Millers have had to open up spare sections of the away end to accommodate home followers.

Teenage defender Mason Warren has signed a new two-year deal with the club.