And Rotherham's Antigua international Marc Joseph has highlighted chairman Tony Stewart as one of the main reasons for the club's good showing so far.

Stewart took over as chairman in May and through his leadership the club has been able to bring in some good players to enable them to do well in League Two.

Joseph believes that Stewart is using his business knowledge to help the club's progress.

"The aim this season is to get out of this league – if we can't do it this year, it is certainly the plan for next season," said the defender.

"We're going to give it a stab this season because despite the points deduction, the chairman has given us backing by spending a large amount of money bringing in good players.

"He has used his business experience to enable the club to bring in players.

"Had we not lost the 17 points we would have been near the top.

"But based on current form, we certainly can challenge for the play-offs."

Other clubs may have collapsed if they had lost their ground and suffered a 17-point deduction, but everyone at Rotherham has stuck together.

The Millers now play home games at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, a completely different type of ground to their old base Millmoor.

Joseph, despite the woes, believes the club is now stronger.

He said: "Everyone at the club was disappointed at first.

"However, the club didn't rest, it went and brought some quality players.

"This then sent out a message to the players, supporters and the footballing world that we're going to give it a go."

The current highlight of Rotherham's season has been their impressive run in the Carling Cup.

The first two rounds saw them get wins on penalties over Championship sides Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves.

They then cruised to a 3-1 win over Southampton and have now been drawn at Premiership outfit Stoke in the fourth round.

The match will take place on Tuesday November 11.

Joseph feels that the cup is a good distraction from league business.

He said: "Re-claiming 17 points was always going to be a tough ask so the cup run is a good distraction.

"The run has been so positive and it has shown that we are strong at home."

Leicester-born Joseph believes that drawing Stoke at the Britannia Stadium is a good draw, especially if the Potters rest a few key players.

He added: "Most of the lads wanted to draw Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea.

"If you're going to go out, they're the teams you want to go out against.

"But we have got Stoke away which is a good one, especially if they rest key players.

"If they do, we have got a good chance of doing well."

Injury and suspension has affected Joseph's season so far.

a red card in the cup against Sheffield Wednesday saw him suspended and then a neck injury followed.

Joseph admits it has been frustrating sitting on the sidelines.

"It's been difficult," he said. "I started against Lincoln City in the first game, but after that it's been downhill.

"I picked up a freak injury and it has set me back a few weeks."

Sidelines

Due to the injury, Joseph has been observing affairs from the sidelines and has seen his team do well.

The defender is proud of the club's achievements so far and added: "The season has gone so well, so far.

"Every point has been important going towards reducing the point deduction.

"We have only lost one game which was because of an injury-time goal at Chesterfield.

"We have got a strong team and had we not lost the 17 points, we would have been up there."

Joseph joined Rotherham from Blackpool a year ago.

Before joining Blackpool, he had a four-year spell with Hull where he joined from Peterborough.

Joseph started his career with Cambridge United and made over 100 appearances in five years.

So what does the future hold for the defender?

He will be 32 next month so his years are catching up with him.

But Joseph is not thinking too far ahead, as his main priority is to get back into the United first team.

"Hopefully I can stay here for a long time, " said Joseph, who made his debut for Antigua in June.

"But currently I'm more interested in getting back into the team by playing some reserve games.

"I want to be playing in the first team and if I can play well in the reserves, hopefully I will achieve that aim."