Steven Schumacher wants everyone at Wanderers to embrace the challenge of a play-off push as he bids to keep the Whites in the top six, writes Pete Oliver.
Schumacher has taken Wanderers into the play-off zone since taking charge at the start of February and his side could firm up that position if they secure a third successive win on Tuesday night.
And the Whites’ boss is enjoying the excitement of the run-in as he aims to prevent Rotherham making it three wins in a row of their own under interim boss Matt Hamshaw.
“We've got six huge games to really finish the season strongly and give us a chance to achieve a promotion that we want,” said Schumacher ahead of a second home game in four days.
“If someone would have said to me when I came in that with six games to go you'll be in the play-offs, we'd have taken it. Yes, we would like to have had a few more points on the board. Certainly, in games that we felt we shouldn't have lost even if we'd just picked up (single) points in those games it would have been better.
“But sometimes it doesn't work out like that and we have to accept where we are and, as I say, embrace that challenge. So, that's what we're doing. It's enjoyable. It’s exciting and we want to continue that way and be as exciting as possible for the fans right up until the end.”
Unlike a year ago when Wanderers knew from a long way out they were guaranteed at least a play-off finish this season they have been playing catch-up.
Things therefore haven’t always gone according to plan but there is still the chance to make amends and Schumacher has been impressed with the approach of the players since being given the task of trying to salvage the season.
“The players have sensed that they're hungry,” added the head coach, who has overseen four wins from five at home so far following last Saturday’s 1-0 success over Bristol Rovers. “They want to experience what they did last season but finish it off in a different way, I'm sure.
“Since we've been in the building they've been brilliant. Their attitude to learn, to train, to play the way we've asked them to play - I can't question it. I know we've lost four games but in all of the four games I haven't been overly disappointed with how we've played or how we've gone about the games.
“Yes, there are small details that we can improve on but, in general, they've given us everything that they've got and that's all I can ask for. They're a good group to work with and it’s a strong group.
“We've got players coming back in from injury and we've got a couple of injuries that we've picked up lately as well so, again, people are going to need to step in and replace them.
“But, yes, we're in a good spot. We've got six games to go and the players should be motivated as much as I am and as much as the fans are.”
Watch the full pre-match interview with the Whites’ head coach on Wanderers TV