2005/2006 Season Preview - Rotherham United

Rotherham: Yorkshire Home: Millmoor. 9707 (all seated) Nickname: The Millers Hate: Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United & Doncaster Rovers Last Meeting: 14th Apr 2001 LD2 Rotherham United H D 0-0 After their improbable rise up the divisions from basement division to Championship a few years ago, Rotherham are now experiencing an altogether more predictable slip back down. A change of ownership, a new manager and plans for a renovated stadium show that they are not going to cave in to such pessimistic predictions just yet, and may well avoid the return to the basement for a good few years… The rise of Rotherham under Ronnie Moore was the stuff of fairytale. Despite little in the way of resources, poor facilities and the reputation of being one of the most unfashionable clubs in the league, Moore guided the Millers to two consecutive promotions, landing them in with the relative big boys in the Championship. The first of the two promotions was achieved, as we all know, by finishing second behind the Swans in the 1999-2000 season. The Swans clinched the title by drawing 1-1 amid farcical scenes towards the end of the last game of the season at Millmoor. Moore was commended by many for his achievements with the Millers, and a move to a bigger club was mooted on many occasions. Potential interest from Ipswich was shown up to be a prank though, and Moore was left with egg on his face after publicly claiming to be delighted by the interest. As befits a man who has made so little of scant resources, Moore proceeded to remove the egg from his face and make enough scrambled egg sandwiches with it to feed the players for a week. What a guy… The momentum of the consecutive promotions enabled the Millers to stay clear of the drop zone in their first 2 seasons in the Championship, but the reality of punching above their weight hit home in their third season, resulting in a campaign that was over almost as soon as it had begun. The Millers were rooted to the bottom of the table for almost the entire season, winning just 5 games and amassing 29 points from their 46 games. Last season saw the club depart with Ronnie Moore after their dreadful start, although, with the resources he had to deal with, it was a miracle that Moore managed to keep Rotherham in the Championship for 2 seasons. He was replaced by former Luton man Mick Harford, of whom much is expected. Last season also saw the club change ownership; with a consortium of local, ambitious businessmen taking charge at Millmoor. Their ambitions include a long overdue redevelopment of Millmoor and substantial investment in the team. The latest development is the announcement that planning permission has been granted for the £4 million redevelopment of their main stand. Anyone who's been to Rotherham will no doubt agree that the updating of the ground is well overdue. It's not that we hope they can bring it into the 21st century, taking it up to 19th century standards would be an improvement. And, yes, if we were still at the Vetch that statement would be more than a just hypocritical, but we're not, so there. Harford has been busy trying to put together a squad to make a promotion challenge this season, and has made a number of changes to the squad that came down from the Championship, with Seven players leaving the club so far and a number of new arrivals. Harford has brought in former England Youth international defender Jon Otsemobor on a free transfer from Liverpool. Swans fans may remember Otsemobor, 22, lining up for Hull in that game in May 2003 whilst on-loan from Liverpool. Harford obviously feels the defence needs strengthening as he has signed 2 other defenders in addition to Otsemobor this summer, Northern Ireland International centre-half Colin Murdock, 30, has joined from Crewe Alexandra and David Worrell, 27, is making the move to Millmoor after being released by Championship side Plymouth Argyle. Harford has been seeking a partner for Martin Butler up-front and has signed former Derby striker Deon Burton. Whilst at Derby, Burton scored the winner in an FA Cup tie against the Swans at the Vetch after the Swans had famously knocked out West Ham in a replay in the previous round. Burton spent last season with Brentford, scoring 10 times for the Bees. Another new addition to the Millers' squad is midfielder Lee Williamson from Northampton. Many may remember Williamson as the player who, whilst playing for League 2 animals Moansfailed, manfully kicked little Leon Britton in the guts when the Swans player was lying injured on the floor during the infamous 4-1 victory over the Stags in 2003. Williamson has not had the best relationship with officialdom both on and off the pitch, and could well be a liability for the Millers this season (says a fan of a club with Andy Robinson on the books!). They will finish: I'm getting bored of this now. Make up your own prediction…

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