Roll up your sleeves, be stubborn and above all else, bring a cheerful mindset.
For the second season running – and umpteenth time at Championship level – the Millers are locked in a survival scrap and cannot transport any passengers if they are to save their second-tier skins.
If they do somehow climb out of the bottom three, whole-hearted, determined and dependable players like Hakeem Odoffin will have something to do with it.
The Londoner has demonstrated his skill both in midfield and in central defence. His Rotherham career may have started slowly, but he possesses all the traits of players who have historically served the club well at this level before.
In a January transfer window which is usually challenging, Millers chief Leam Richardson must discover similar jewels.
It’s difficult, but by no means impossible with Richardson – who has seen loanees Dexter Lembikisa and Fred Onyedinma leave – attempting to attract the kind of player and person he wants.
Odoffin said: “That’s football and the January transfer window and something you anticipate to happen.
“We welcome everybody who is coming in with open arms as long as they are prepared to work and fight for the team as we want positive people who are going to fight for the cause because we are in a position where we are going to be fighting.
“Quality needs to come with that as well.
“All I know is that if my name is on the teamsheet, I am going to put my best foot forward and put myself in a position where I can help the team and hopefully get results from there.”
Eight points adrift of safety, the Millers now face a challenging run of meetings against opponents in the promotion mix.
First up, Richardson’s side journey north face a play-off chasing Middlesbrough team who they turned over on Boxing Day.
They start February with a home encounter with an in-form Southampton team before visiting another top-two contender in Leeds United the following weekend.
Back-to-back home games with top-six challengers Hull City and Watford follow before a challenging midweek trip to Ipswich Town.
It looks a formidable schedule, yet the Millers have taken points from a number of those clubs.
While their away record remains terrible, there is some historical hope as they prepare for Saturday’s visit to the Riverside at least.
The Millers are unbeaten on their past three travels to Teesside and have not allowed a goal.
It still won’t stop many writing them off at the start of a teak-tough run.
Odoffin, who netted the winner in the Millers’ safety-clinching triumph against Boro last May, continued: “We don’t expect anyone to give us any favours and are going to have to take everything we want (ourselves) with a certain attitude. But that’s fine and I am more than up for it.
“It is what it is. We cannot control the outside and can only control what we can. It’s on us and we have to bear that responsibility. I feel confident in us being able to do it.”
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