RUFC - Coughlan 'not seen best of me yet'

Rotherham United captain, Graham Coughlan has always tried to lead by example but he must have found it very difficult this season.

From flying high in January to administration, points deduction, wage deferrals - not an easy first season with the Millers and, on reflection, Coughlan has told The Advertiser that he feels he should have done better when the bad times were there.

'I have to say that the last three or four months have been the worst of my career. I would have liked to have helped keep more clean sheets and get a few more goals and I wasn't happy with one or two of my performances.

'I think I got sucked into the situation and I should have been bigger and better than that. Saying that, if anyone went to work on a Monday morning and got told they aren't getting paid I don't think anyone in their right mind wouldn't be affected. It affects your whole mentality. It's things like treats for your kids and you worry about your bills - the tax man and mortgage people won't take deferrals from us. Contrary to what you may hear, we aren't high wage earners - it's a nice wage but not as big as what people think.

'Irrespective of how big and broad your shoulders are it's a worrying time.

'The manager, (Mark Robins),has been different class and kept everyone together during the bad times. He's done a good job, perhaps even better than the Inces and Fergusons of this division, to come away with seventy four points, before the deduction, after what we've been through is an achievement in itself and most seasons would have got you into the play offs. I would have loved to have got to the play offs and Wembley and that was well within our reach with the players we have here but there's no point sitting and sulking about it.

'We're now looking forward to next season - we will bounce back and without a shadow of doubt we will be there or there abouts next season.

'The fans haven't seen the best of Graham Coughlan yet - and I aim to put that right.'