Ian Evatt insists that Rotherham shouldn’t be written off yet as Wanderers prepare to take on the Millers.

Steve Evans’ side were considered promotion contenders before a ball had been kicked but now find themselves 16th in the table after a tough first half of the campaign.

Evatt knows as well as anyone how quickly things can change in the EFL, having overseen a remarkable turnaround to clinch promotion from League Two during his first season in charge.

When asked about Rotherham’s disappointment so far this term, the Bolton boss replied: “I am not going to comment on that because it’s important you respect and don’t take for granted winning football matches.

“In our position, where we lie, we can’t really be saying anyone else has underachieved because we have ourselves.

“There is a lot of time to go, we are 23 games in, there are a lot of points to play for and I am sure Steve will be motivating his team to make that late charge, they are capable because he has some very good ones.

“They have picked up some form of late. Wherever we go is a big occasion and I understand we have sold out our allocation, so it will be a big crowd. As I said after Exeter it isn’t necessarily about anyone else now, it is what we do.”

Evans took charge of the Millers at the back end of last season after gaining plaudits for the job he did at Stevenage.

“Steve is a very experienced manager at this level and we can all know and understand what his teams will do,” Evatt added.

“They are always up for it, aggressive, physical, hard-working, front-foot, and we have to be the same.

“They have some good quality in that squad, no denying it, and they have had some pretty good results including a draw at Huddersfield last time out.

“We know it will be tough, we know what we are going into and we need to build on the last few games which, I believe at least, have been more positive performances.”

The weather conditions have been far from idea in the build up to the game and Rotherham have enlisted the help of a pitch protection firm.

The surface at the New York Stadium has been covered and heated since Wednesday as they prepare to host the Whites.

“I believe they have a tent on the pitch that will help, a heated tent, so that should take care of the pitch provided we get no more difficult weather,” said Evatt.

“The surrounding areas, I don’t know, I can’t comment on that. From the conversations between the two clubs they don’t envisage any problems.”