RUFC - Interview with IAN SHARPS

1. What was the main contributory fact that made you choose to join the Millers?

Alan Knill showed a keen interest and the chance to stay in League 1


2. Who are the best players you've played with and against in your careers.

With Jason Koumas/Ryan Taylor(now Wigan)
Against Anelka/Sherringham

3. Do you think there should be a cap on the number of foreign players per squad, in order to enhance the progression of home-bred players in the English Leagues?

No not really, just that foreign players should all be of International class; this meaning that standards are high.

4. What are your realistic hopes and ambitions for your time at Millmoor?

Obviously this season is to get promotion be it automatic or play offs. Personally it would be to play every game and score over 5 goals

5. How does the Millmoor playing surface compare with other clubs?

The surface is good especially with what happened in the summer. There is the slope but that can work to our advantage as well.

6. Who has been your toughest opponent so far in your career?

Anelka for pure pace. Sherringham for movement and touch


7. Who's the biggest joker in the Millmoor camp, and do you have any stories that can be told to highlight this.

Andy Todd - you only have to look at him to laugh

8. Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My parents and youth coaches at Tranmere - Warwick Rimmer and John McMahon

9. What is your routine on match days?

I always go to sleep early the night before, around 9-9.30 .Get up about 9.30-10.00 and have egg on toast. Around 11.00 I'll have pasta then shower and make sure I'm at the ground about 1.45 before kick off. In between I am just lounging around watching TV

10. Training....enjoyment or a burden.

Definitely enjoyment

11. What is the highlight of your career so far?

Think season 2004-5 was probably my best and although we got beat in the play offs it was a good season in general

12. How much difference does it make having the fans singing/chanting at home/away games?

I think away from home it probably makes more difference and normally our away following is really good


13. Is there any player, not now playing, who you would love to have played alongside?

I would have loved to see king Kenny Dalgleish in his prime


14. How much influence has your family had on your football lives?

My Mum and Dad have watched 90% of my games throughout my life. My dad is my biggest fan and critic at the same time

15. Be honest, what did you actually know of Rotherham before you signed for us?

Not a lot to be honest. I knew of the success that Ronnie Moore had had. Having moved myself and the family over I have got to know more and more about the area and am quite impressed

We'd like to thank Ian for taking time out to answer our questions. After his injury kept him out of the first team last week, we hope he is soon fit and on the football field again.

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