Rotherham United manager Paul Warne has stated that he wants Wycombe Wanderers to stay up in the Championship.
The Millers defeated Gareth Ainsworth’s men with Michael Ihiekwe scoring an injury-time header to secure a 1-0 win for the visitors at Adams Park, in Wycombe’s first game as a Championship side.
Yet despite the defeat for the Chairboys, Warne was very complimentary of Wycombe’s approach and wished them well for the season ahead.
Wycombe were on paper the better side, with the 1-0 defeat being a cruel way to start off their Championship season.
Speaking after the game, Warne said: “They didn’t give us a minute on the ball, they made it really difficult for us as they created a chance early on which was probably the best chance of the first-half, so they’ll cause teams no end of problems.
“They're quite similar to us, I like the way they play, they’re very good at set-pieces as we are and it wasn’t a surprise that a set-piece won the game.
“It’s all about taking opportunities and both teams [Wycombe and Rotherham], will not struggle to score goals.
"Both teams are good going from box-to-box, and you need a little bit of luck to help you along the way.
“I personally hope that Wycombe survive as obviously my club.”
READ MORE: How Wycombe's spirit and 'never say die attitude' could help them in the Championship
Both sides had several chances to score, but Wycombe’s were more clear cut, with Alex Pattison testing former Wycombe keeper Jamal Blackman in the first-half, whilst Darius Charles hit the post with Scott Kashket having his effort cleared off the line.
But despite the defeat, Wycombe’s attitude was something that impressed Warne, and he was full of praise for Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth.
He continued: “Wycombe will pick up more points than they think, and they’ll definitely play possibly flimsier sides in the Championship.
“I’m not saying I have got a Wycombe shirt underneath, but I am gunning and hoping that they’ll do really well.
On Ainsworth, he said: “He’s a genius.
“I said a while back that he should have been the LMA Manager of the Season because from a far, it looks like he has created a really good culture that all the lads are in it together, and that is a very powerful and beautiful thing.
“So I have got nothing but praise for Gareth Ainsworth.
“The fact that they have managed to keep hold of him is a credit to the club, and Wycombe will have an exciting season.”
Wycombe’s next match is away to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on September 19.
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