IT’S a bit of a reunion as Oxford travel north to try and get the better of two former players – Andy Scott and Darren Patterson.
Scott was appointed manager in April, with Patterson named his assistant over the summer.
But while both are confident of Rotherham’s chances this season, surely their promotion ambitions will depend largely on Adam Le Fondre.
The striker, known as Alfie, scored 25 goals in 46 appearances last season, and bagged 30 in 56 games the campaign before.
But rivals clubs are lining up to pinch the 24-year-old – and if Rotherham’s asking price is matched, he will be off.
Whether that happens before tomorrow’s match remains to be seen.
Sheffield Wednesday have had two bids rejected, and Coventry one – after neither club met the player’s valuation, which is understood to be more than £500,000.
Scott is losing his patience with the speculation, saying: “I’m sick of managers talking about my player,” he said.
“They either like him and want him or they don’t. If you like him, make a bid, if not, shut up.”
Scott is under no illusions of the strength of League Two this season – with or without his star striker.
“The league is tougher this year,” he said.
“You could go down to ten or 12 sides who are more than capable, not just to get into the top three, but to make a real challenge.
He added: “Injuries, suspensions and the weather play a massive part. All sorts of things can turn it, but we’ve got to worry about ourselves. If we do that, then people will be more worried about us than the other way around.”
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