Striking gold

Last updated : 08 August 2007 By Millersmad Staff
With only four of them available during the friendlies, Robins has found himself with the luxury of all four getting goals, which has left him with a headache. MillersMAD looks at all their credentials.

Derek Holmes

In: Holmes was brought in on a free from Carlisle after his release having scored 15 goals in 53 starts for the Cumbrian side.

Record: 211 career starts with 120 plus as a sub have yeilded just 66 goals in a career spent at clubs including Raith, Hearts, Cowdenbeath, Bournemouth and Carlisle

Pre- Season: Five pre season starts have yielded two goals for the Scot.

MillersMAD verdict: The pivotal player in Mark Robins' attack and the big man that many fans called for. Has shown hussle and bustle up front, scoring two headers in pre-season games at Altrincham and at home to Hartlepool. Holds the ball up effectively and wins the majority of his aerial challenges with opposing centre backs. Also been useful helping out at defending corners too.




Chris O'Grady

In: O'Grady was brought in by Alan Knill last January to replace the outward bound Will Hoskins. He cost £65,000 from Championship Leicester.

Record: The Nottingham born striker bagged four goals in 11 starts for the relegated Millers last season by far his best goals to games ratio of his brief career. In 45 league and cup starts, O'Grady has scored just 11 first team goals.

Pre-Season: Starting the pre-season in good from, O'Grady has bagged three goals in four starts.

MillersMAD verdict: The likely candidate to partner Holmes and had an impressive second half at Altrincham after coming on and scoring as substitute. He has a decent scoring record in his short time at Millmoor and if Mark Robins can nurture and tutor him, the Millers could have a good goalscoring asset on their books.





Mark Newsham

In: Newsham is a product of the youth system at Millmoor and has been around the first team scene for a few years.

Record: Having made just four starts Newsham's Rotherham career has been made up mainly of substitute appearances. 23 sub appearances coupled with his four starts has seen Newsham score 4 times.

Pre-Season: Just two starts for the 20 year old have seen two goals.

MillersMAD verdict: Two neatly taken goals at Altrincham and seems to be progressing nicely, but needs to bulk up slightly to make an impact in a hugely physical league. High hopes for him though under Robins' stewardship and definitely one for the future.





Ryan Taylor

In: Another product of an increasingly potent youth set up, Taylor has yet to be considered a regular of the first team squad.

Record: Two starts and ten appearances from the bench for the red head have yet to see him trouble the scorers.

Pre-Season: One start at Stocksbrige brought a hat-trick for the youngster.

MillersMAD verdict: Impressive speed and the more promising out of himself and Newsham at the moment, quality hat trick at Stocksbridge and has looked bright with other substitute run outs this pre season. Will be the replacement for Holmes should injuries or suspensions occur.





Tom Cahill

In: Following an impressive trial at the back end of the season, Cahill was offered his first professional contract and was signed from Matlock Town.

Record: With no Football League experience and only a short career in non league, Cahill is the ultimate unknown.

Pre-Season: A knee injury early in the pre season training hampered Cahill and he subsequently went under the knife and has missed the entire programme.

MillersMAD verdict: Even without the injury, it was likely that the youngster would have been at the bottom of the pecking order for a place up front. It's not unrealistic to say that Cahill's only football this season will be in the reserves.

Which two do you think should get the nod? Discuss it here!

JV and Deano.

The Soccerlinks Hit List English Football