Meet the Miller: Q&A with Lori-Anne Tart

In the latest in our series of Q&As, the skipper lifts the lid on her ambitions, inspirations and her teammates (from best dancer to top prankster). Leo Sousa poses the questions.

Who was your footballing idol growing up?

I had a couple, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham

What is your favourite memory in Rotherham shirt?

It used to be scoring on my debut, but playing our first game at New York Stadium last season and winning on penalties definitely tops that. It was incredible to be a part of such a big step for the club.

Which team do you support?

Liverpool

If you were stuck on a desert island, which teammate would you want by your side?

I can think of a few teammates I wouldn’t mind being stuck with for different reasons but if I needed someone to help me get off the island I would say Amy Nowell. With us playing at the side of each other, I think we work really well together and would definitely find a way to get off.

Who has the best fashion sense in the team? And who has the worst?

I mean as soon as I saw Delia Hurdiss’s Lightning McQueen Crocs, I knew she had great fashion sense. As for the worst, I’ll take one for the team on this one and I’ll say myself as I dress for comfort first and foremost.

During training, who do you want on your team in the small-sided games? And who don’t you want to face?

I have got to go with Rachel Hale, Georgia Harris and Sidni Simmons, as we are Gran, Mum, auntie and daughter (inside joke!).

The one not to face has to be Nnola Oyeka as she is the biggest cheat. She definitely makes up her own rules!

Who is the funniest teammate in the changing room?

Georgia Harris, she has the best dry humour! We always have a laugh.

In what ways does the team engage the local community?

We get opportunities to be connected to the local community in many ways. Our biggest engagement has to be the game we had at the New York Stadium as we had over 1,000 people in attendance which was amazing!

Other ways include social media, the holiday camps for children, a lot of different support groups, school visits, the list goes on!

What makes playing for this team special?

Being from Rotherham, playing for Rotherham United is that little extra special due to knowing what a massive club they are.

I would also have to add that this club is so special due to each and every staff member and player as we are like one big family and we all want the same thing and that is to improve and progress!

Individually, do you have any inspirations for your football career beyond this current season?

With me now being 30, I know I’m closer to the end of my career than the start but my main focus is being the best captain/player I can be and helping the team get as far up the football pyramid as possible.

Once I’ve finished playing I would love to still be involved in girls football and go into coaching!

If you could swap positions with a teammate for a day, who would it be?

I play centre half now but most of my career I’ve played more attacking positions so I’d probably say I’d go back to my roots and swap with Milly Colford and Jessie Broadhurst and be a number 9.

Who is the team prankster?

This is the easiest question: Rachel Hale. She gets you when you least expect it. No one is safe when she is around.

Who is the best dancer in the team?

Dina Sarayreh, she is always busting a move.

Where do you see the team in the next few years?

In the time I’ve been here I’ve seen massive progression in all aspects of the club, from public engagement, investments, opportunities, creating a reserve team etc, so with all that in mind I see the team progressing really well over the next few years. Our main aim is promotion for both the first team and reserve team!