STEVE EVANS has known Jonson Clarke-Harris for quite some time.
In that environment, it was hardly surprising that when the Rotherham United boss asked the striker if he wanted to work with him again, he jumped at the opportunity and couldn’t get to the AESSEAL New York Stadium fast enough.
In actuality, Evans’ friendship with the 29-year-old goes beyond football. The two view themselves as pals. Clarke-Harris has relied on the Scot for counsel on a variety of matters during his career.
They go back a long way, with Evans signing the forward for a then-record incoming price of £350,000 during his first term with the Millers in September 2014.
While Evans has been Clarke-Harris’ confidant, there are clear boundaries of distinction.
Work is work, and the Millers management can never be accused of being timid when it comes to imposing discipline.
Clarke-Harris stated of their friendship, “Absolutely.” These are the reasons I’ve stayed in touch for so many years: when he’s managing another squad, I always ask for honest advise, which he provides.
“We’ve always communicated throughout the season. Not about anything that could happen, but more about football in general.”
And when asked about the secret to a successful working relationship with the 61-year-old, the Leicester-born frontman replied, “Basically, you just do what you’re told and what the boss wants.”
“If you do what the boss wants, he’ll be happy.”
“You turn up, roll your sleeves up, crack on, work hard and score goals and he’ll be happy.” Clarke-Harris’ first spell at Rotherham is not best described as happy. He is working hard to make amends the second time around, and he acknowledges to having unfinished business.
The East Midlander enjoyed some early highlights at the Millers, including a historic televised goal against Leeds, but his tenure there took a turn for the worse when he suffered a catastrophic knee ligament damage in the 2016 preseason.
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