Rotherham v Leeds United: Blackwell plotting path to survial for Millers

Rotherham, who have picked up 13 points from their last five games, entertain Leeds United today at the New York Stadium and Blackwell knows three points today would represent a significant boost in a relegation fight that is likely to go right to the final game on May 7.

“Maybe 51 points will be enough,” he said. “That means we have to win four of our last eight games. It shows the value of our recent run, or we’d need seven out of eight wins. That would be too much.

“We have given ourselves a chance but the hard work starts now. Everyone at Rotherham United knows it is going to be tough but we all believe in these players. They have tremendous character.

“Just look at the Derby game last month (when the Millers came from 3-0 down with seven minutes on the clock to rescue a point). That game reminded me of when I was Leeds manager at Southampton.

“We were 3-0 down that day but still won 4-3. I remember getting back to 3-1 against Derby and thinking, ‘We did this at Leeds and we will do this today’. We got a point, in the end, but had the game gone on another two or three minutes I firmly believe we would have won.”

Blackwell is enjoying working with former Leeds United boss Neil Warnock again – the two of them worked together at Sheffield United before Blackwell moved on to Elland Road as Peter Reid’s Assistant in 2003.

“It is great to be back together again,” said Blackwell, ahead of today’s sell-out derby clash. “Things only came to an end the first time because a huge club called Leeds United came along.

“Between us, we have done something like 1,600 to 1,700 games as manager. And most of those in the top end of the Championship or Premier League.”