After ten loyal years at Norwich, experienced defender Craig Fleming has recently made the switch to Rotherham on a free transfer and his immediate task is to try and help the Millers claw their way out of the League One relegation zone. Last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Northampton leaves Rotherham a massive 13 points adrift of safety and surely tonight's league game against Swansea at Millmoor is a must-win clash for Alan Knill's men. It was always going to be tough for the club this season, following their ten-point deduction, but results over the last few months have left the Yorkshire outfit with a mountain to climb. Givemefootball's Mark Shail is the man armed with the questions.
Q:IS TONIGHT'S GAME IS A MUST-WIN?
A:It is indeed. We've been struggling for points recently so, to be honest, every match we go into between now and the end of the season is a must-win. But there are still a lot of points to play for and you never know – at least if we can get three points tonight it will give us something to build on.
Q:IS IT FAIR TO SAY ROTHERHAM HAVE BEEN A LITTLE UNLUCKY IN RECENT GAMES – INCLUDING THE NARROW 1-0 DEFEAT AT SCUNTHORPE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO?
A:Yes, we played well at Scunthorpe and were disappointed not to come away with something from the game. Scunthorpe dominated the first half and were the better side but in the second half we came right back into the match and created four or five good goalscoring opportunities. But I suppose it sums up football – when you're at the top of the table you get the rub of the green and when you're down at the bottom nothing seems to go for you.
Q:HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT LEAVING NORWICH AFTER TEN YEARS?
A:It wasn't easy because I had been there for such a long time and they are a big club. But it was made clear to me that I didn't have a future there so in that respect it was important for me to move on and play some regular first team football. I'm certainly enjoying the challenge here at Rotherham.
Q:ARE YOU SURPRISED TO SEE NORWICH STRUGGLING IN THE LOWER REACHES OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP?
A:I am, especially considering the players that are at the club. Things began really well for them at the start of the season - in fact I think they were up there in the top two after the first few games under Nigel Worthington. But since then they just seem to have imploded and have found things very difficult. They've struggled with injuries and lack of form but I'm sure they have got enough quality to avoid getting sucked into a relegation scrap.
Q:HAVE YOU NOTICED A LACK OF CONFIDENCE AMONGST THE PLAYERS SINCE ARRIVING AT ROTHERHAM?
A:It's obviously been difficult for the players, given the results, and a lack of confidence is almost inevitable in a team that is struggling for points. But whilst there is a lack of confidence, there is certainly no a lack of fight. When you're down at the bottom of the league you seem to get no luck at all and that can get you down.
Q:HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING IN A CENTRAL DEFENSIVE ROLE OR AT FULL BACK?
A:I've been playing at the heart of the defence – it's the position where I've played the majority of my career and the one I'm most comfortable with. I did play some games at full back for Norwich, and also in a defensive midfield role, but centre half is the position I feel suits me best.
