It's been a treacherous start to the new season for Rotherham, who are currently four points adrift at the foot of the table. The Millers have taken just five points from their first 12 matches and are currently the only side in the Championship without a win under their belts. Defender Phil Gilchrist joined the club in the summer from West Brom and givemefootball's Mark Shail spoke to the experienced centre half about Rotherham's difficult start to the campaign.
Q:WHAT IS MORALE LIKE IN CAMP AT THE MOMENT?
A:It's not too bad considering the bad start we have had. We could have actually won all of our first three matches, but things didn't go our way and it has been downhill from there. It is going to be difficult for us, but we are not going to panic just yet.
Q:YOU NOW HAVE A BREAK UNTIL YOUR NEXT GAME, IS THAT A GOOD THING?
A:It has come at a good time for us because we can all come back fresh and hopefully get a result against Cardiff, who are struggling as well. In contrast, last Saturday's game against Wigan couldn't have come at a worst time because they are flying at the top of the table and full of confidence. The dressing room was a bit 'doom and gloom' after that 2-0 defeat, but now we have a bit of time to pick ourselves and prepare to bounce back.
Q:WHAT WERE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF WIGAN?
A:There is no doubt that they are on top of their game at the present. They are big, strong and well organised, but on the day I have to say that we weren't up for it enough. It's one thing to go down fighting but we were rolled over too easily.
Q:IS SURVIVAL NOW THE TARGET FOR ROTHERHAM THIS SEASON?
A:It has to be. I would like to think that we could climb into a mid-table position, but at the moment that is a long way off. We need our first win and we need it quickly. In fact I would say it is very important that we take maximum points from at least two of our next four matches. It's a bit of a mental barrier to overcome when you know that even if you win we can't go up a place in the table. But I'm sure, once we get our first victory, things will change.
Q:WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED TO LEAVE WEST BROM IN THE SUMMER?
A:I was, I played most of the games until Boxing Day but then found myself out of the side for the rest of the season. At this stage of my career I didn't want to be sitting on the bench each week so I thought it best that I move on.
Q:WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THE BAGGIES STAYING UP?
A:I'm sure if you offered them fourth from bottom right now they would take it. It's vital that they stay up this year, because then they can build and move forward. You only have to look at teams like Birmingham and Charlton to see what can be done if you can survive the first couple of seasons in the Premiership.
Q:WHAT DO YOU THINK OF GARY MEGSON'S SIGNINGS OVER THE SUMMER?
A:I think he spent the money quite well, but obviously he's under a bit of pressure at the moment, that is just the nature of football. Rightly or wrongly, you are judged on results, even at this early stage of the season, but it was good to see them get their first win last week.
