Possible Southend United: Morris, Clohessy, Barker, Phillips, Gilbert, Kalala, Ferdinand, Timlin, Johnson, Harris, Dickinson.
OPPOSITION
Midfielder Mark Bradley has missed Rotherham's last three games with a hamstring strain and remains a doubt.
Scott will definitely be without goalkeeper Jamie Annerson, defender Johnny Mullins and midfielder Paul Warne (all knee), who are all long-term absentees.
After the 3-3 draw with Torquay Scott told BBC Radio Sheffield: "We made some poor errors defensively and allowed a side who are always good going forward to get back in the game. It was an entertaining game certainly but it's not the sort of entertainment I enjoy too much especially being 3-1 up. We've had two tough away games, long journeys and the same team played both games, but we're so close to being an outstanding side, I think everyone can see that."
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Recap of last season |
An early season stint in the top three had the Millers fans dreaming of League One. But a second half of a season to forget saw them finish outside of the top seven, during which they replaced Ronnie Moore with Andy Scott as manager. |
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Personnel in |
Striker Gareth Evans is a decent acquisition on a free transfer from League Two rivals Bradford City. Evans was part of a financial reshape at Valley Parade and that’s worked in the favour of the Millers who quickly got their man. Ben Pringle (Derby, free) Troy Brown (Ipswich, free) Lewis Grabban (Brentford, free) Conrad Logan (Leicester, loan) Luke Foster (Stevenage, free) Brett Williams (Reading, free) Alex Revell (Leyton Orient, undisclosed fee) |
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Personnel out |
Striker Ryan Taylor has left Rotherham to join Championship side Bristol City on a three year deal. The 23-Year-Old scored 23 times for the Millers over a stop-start career with the club. Meanwhile, Nicky Law has made the jump to the SPL by signing for Motherwell on a free. Nick Fenton (released) Stephen Brogan (released) Jamie Green (released) Luke Ashworth (released) Kevin Ellison (Morecambe, free) Grant Darley (released) Adam Le Fondre (Reading, undisclosed fee) |
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Strengths |
Rotherham had the second most shots per game last season in League Two and scored three times or more in twelve matches which was the joint third best in the entire Football League. |
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Weaknesses |
The Don Valley stadium, an arena in comparison to Brighton’s old Withdean home in terms of atmosphere. Thankfully for the Millers this should be the final season spent at the athletics ground. |
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Key man |
Adam Le Fondre – 50 goals in 92 games tells its own story and its remarkable that the striker is still at the club. If they manage to keep hold of him, another promotion challenge is on the cards. (Gone to Reading, Alex Revell in, see S24 player-to-watch.) |
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One to watch |
Chris Holroyd – If Le Fondre is to depart at some point (he has), new signing Holroyd could be the ready made replacement. Scored six times in twelve games for Stevenage whilst on loan from Brighton last season before a short stint at Bury so knows the division and has the pedigree to be successful. |
| Outlook |
A side that are always around and about the top places at this level, Rotherham should be there again and I think a playoff place should be theirs this time around. |
| Predictions | Ben: If they can hang on to ALF (they haven't, blimey was he that good?!), top 7 should be the expectation, although I can’t see them troubling the automatic promotion slots. Danny: At least a playoff place, if not pushing top three. Maxi: Top 7. |
| 1 | Morecambe | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 5 | 20 | +14 | ||||
| 2 | Rotherham United | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 21 | 12 | 18 | +9 | ||||
| 3 | Shrewsbury Town | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 13 | 9 | 17 | +4 | ||||
| 4 | Burton Albion | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 13 | 9 | 16 | +4 | ||||
| 5 | Crawley Town | 9 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 18 | 17 | 16 | +1 | ||||
| 6 | Southend United | 9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 0 | ||||
| 7 | Oxford United | 9 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 9 | 15 | +3 | ||||
| At Rotherham U. (12) | At Southend Utd. (11) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results | Total | % | Results | Total | % | |
| Rotherham U. | 5 | 41.67 | Southend Utd. | 6 | 54.55 | |
| Southend Utd. | 3 | 25.00 | Rotherham U. | 3 | 27.27 | |
| Draws | 4 | 33.33 | Draws | 2 | 18.18 | |
| Goals | Total | Av.pg | Goals | Total | Av.pg | |
| Rotherham U. | 16 | 1.33 | Southend Utd. | 16 | 1.45 | |
| Southend Utd. | 14 | 1.17 | Rotherham U. | 11 | 1.00 | |
| On Neutral Ground (0) | Overall (23 matches) | |||||
| Results | Total | % | Results | Total | % | |
| Rotherham U. | 0 | 0.00 | Rotherham U. | 8 | 34.78 | |
| Southend Utd. | 0 | 0.00 | Southend Utd. | 9 | 39.13 | |
| Draws | 0 | 0.00 | Draws | 6 | 26.09 | |
| Goals | Total | Av.pg | Goals | Total | Av.pg | |
| Rotherham U. | 0 | 0.00 | Rotherham U. | 27 | 1.17 | |
| Southend Utd. | 0 | 0.00 | Southend Utd. | 30 | 1.30 | |
| Records | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Aggregate | 6 | Rotherham U. | 2 - 4 | Southend Utd. | 2005/2006 |
| Highest Rotherham U. score: | 3 | Rotherham U. | 3 - 2 | Southend Utd. | 1965/1966 |
| Highest Southend Utd. score: | 4 | Rotherham U. | 2 - 4 | Southend Utd. | 2005/2006 |
| Season | Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010/2011 | Sat 15 Jan | Rotherham U. | 1 - 2 | Southend Utd. | League Two |
| Sat 30 Oct | Southend Utd. | 1 - 0 | Rotherham U. | League Two | |
| 2005/2006 | Fri 10 Feb | Southend Utd. | 2 - 0 | Rotherham U. | League One |
| Sat 24 Sep | Rotherham U. | 2 - 4 | Southend Utd. | League One | |
| 1999/2000 | Sat 08 Apr | Rotherham U. | 0 - 0 | Southend Utd. | League Division Three |
| Mon 03 Jan | Southend Utd. | 1 - 2 | Rotherham U. | League Division Three | |
| 1998/1999 | Sat 06 Feb | Rotherham U. | 2 - 2 | Southend Utd. | League Division Three |
| Sat 05 Sep | Southend Utd. | 3 - 0 | Rotherham U. | League Division Three | |
| 1990/1991 | Fri 01 Mar | Southend Utd. | 2 - 1 | Rotherham U. | Third Division |
| Sat 01 Dec | Rotherham U. | 0 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Third Division | |
| 1987/1988 | Sat 05 Mar | Rotherham U. | 1 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
| Fri 16 Oct | Southend Utd. | 1 - 1 | Rotherham U. | Third Division | |
| 1983/1984 | Tue 10 Apr | Rotherham U. | 0 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
| Sat 27 Aug | Southend Utd. | 2 - 2 | Rotherham U. | Third Division | |
| 1979/1980 | Sat 12 Jan | Rotherham U. | 2 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
| Sat 01 Sep | Southend Utd. | 0 - 2 | Rotherham U. | Third Division | |
| 1978/1979 | Tue 06 Feb | Rotherham U. | 2 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
| Fri 15 Sep | Southend Utd. | 2 - 1 | Rotherham U. | Third Division | |
| 1975/1976 | Sat 10 Jan | Rotherham U. | 2 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
| Sat 30 Aug | Southend Utd. | 1 - 2 | Rotherham U. | Third Division | |
| 1972/1973 | Sat 14 Apr | Rotherham U. | 1 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
| Mon 19 Mar | Southend Utd. | 1 - 0 | Rotherham U. | Third Division | |
| 1965/1966 | Sat 22 Jan | Rotherham U. | 3 - 2 | Southend Utd. | F.A. Cup |
The Don Valley stadium, is primarily an athletics stadium that was built to host the World Student Games 1991. It is mostly an open bowl type stadium, with a large covered Main Stand on one side. This Main Stand has a capacity of 10,000 and it is unusual in two respects; firstly it has a unique looking roof, that resembles more of a material canopy that than a hard standing roof. Secondly, the Main Stand has a separate block of covered seating on each side of the main section, which almost look as a bit of an afterthought (although I am sure not) by the stadium designers.
The rest of the stadium is comprised of open blocks of seating on all sides, with large access aisles (apparently these were incorporated for large concert crowds as the stadium is also used from time to time as a music venue). The playing area is surrounded by an athletics track and becomes only the second stadium in the Football League, after Brighton to feature one.
The team dugouts are located on the opposite side of the pitch to the Main Stand, which results in quite a procession at half and full time. At one end there is a huge electric scoreboard but alas it was not in operation for the game. The stadium which is shared with Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club, also features an unsual set of very tall, large floodlights.
The Club have commenced with their plans to build a new stadium on the site of the old Guest and Chrimes foundry site, near to Rotherham town centre. Currently the site is being cleared and preparatory work undertaken before the first steelworks can be erected. The stadium will have a capacity of 12,000 and will be built by GMI construction.
It is hoped that the new stadium will ready for the start of the 2012/13 season. Artists impressions of how the new stadium will look can be viewed on the official Rotherham United website. Progress of the building of the stadium can be monitored via the New Stadium Webcam. (We can only dream!)
Away fans are housed in a separate block of seating to one side the Main Stand. Away fans on arriving at the stadium main entrance, are directed to a walkway that goes along the back of the Main Stand car park, to the other end of the Main Stand, where there is a block of turnstiles.
After the game away fans do not exit by the same route, but are directed around the inside of the stadium and leave via an exit gate across the end from where the away fans are located, bringing you back down onto the main Attercliffe Road.
As the stadium is sunken into the ground, then this means that you enter the stadium, half way up the Main Stand. The rear of the away section is covered, with open seating in the lower tier. Fans are set well back from the pitch because of the running track surrounding it, which is not great. Also apart from a few of of the most popular games, only the Main Stand and away section is open, meaning that you look out onto an empty looking stadium. The leg room is fine and the stewarding relaxed.
Atmosphere, as to be expected really, with small crowds and a largely empty ground, isn't great, although the acoustics in the away end are not bad. Also noticeable at regular intervals was the sound of the tram passing behind the stadium. An interesting chant that can be often heard in the visiting supporters section, which was aimed at the Rotherham fans; 'Is that all you bring away? Is that all you bring away...'
The facilities inside the stadium are modern, clean and pretty good.
(Thanks to www.footballgroundguide.com for stadium information.)
TICKETS
Can pay on the day.
Full details here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
WEATHER
Sunny interval, 18c's; I love September, best month of the year!
REF
The man in the middle is Graham Salisbury from Lancashire.
He's taken charge of 11 games this season and shown 35 yellows but only one red card, not that we should try and add to our poor record!
His assistants are A. Holmes & B. Khatib; Fourth official is P. Davison.
FIXTURES
League Two
Saturday, September 24th; (all kick-off's 15.00): Aldershot v Crawley Town, Bradford v AFC Wimbledon, Cheltenham v Hereford, Crewe v Port Vale, Gillingham v Burton Albion, Morecambe v Bristol Rovers, Northampton v Dag & Red, Oxford Utd v Accrington Stanley, Plymouth v Macclesfield, Rotherham v Southend, Shrewsbury v Torquay, Swindon v Barnet
BET
Rotherham (to win) - 10/11, Draw - 5/2, Southend (to win) - 7/2.
For all the footy odds go here: www.oddschecker.com
TRANSPORT
For the best drinking: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
For an overnight stay: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
For many years the leading team in the area was Rotherham Town F.C., who spent three seasons in the Football League while Thornhill United were still playing in the Sheffield & Hallamshire League.
By the turn of the century, however, Rotherham Town had resigned from the Football League and gone out of business; a new club of the same name later joined the Midland League.
Meanwhile, Thornhill's fortunes were on the rise to the extent that in 1905 they laid claim to being the pre-eminent club in the town and changed their name to Rotherham County! For a period both clubs competed in the Midland League, finishing first and second in 1911-12.
Over time it became clear that to have two professional clubs in the town was not sustainable. Talks had begun in February 1925 and in early May the two clubs merged to form Rotherham United. Days later the reformed club was formally re-elected under its new name.
The now familiar red and white was adopted around 1928 after playing in amber and black. but there was no improvement in the club's fortunes: in 1931 they again had to apply for re-election. Immediately after the Second World War things looked up.
After adopting Arsenal-style white sleeved shirts, United finished as runners-up three time in succession between 1947 and 1949 and then were champions of Division Three (North) in 1951.
Rotherham reached their highest ever league position of third in the Football League Second Division in 1955, when only goal average denied them a place in the top flight after they finished level on points with champions Birmingham City and runners-up Luton Town.
In 1997, just after relegation to Division Three, one of the clubs greatest ever players Ronnie Moore took charge of Rotherham United and became the clubs greatest and most successful manager.
His first season ended in a mid-table finish and then his second in a play-off semi final defeat on penalties to Leyton Orient.
It was third time lucky in 1999-2000 as Rotherham finished as Division Three runners-up and gained promotion to Division Two. They were favourites to be relegated in 2000-01 season, but surprised many by finishing runners-up in Division Two and gaining a second successive promotion to Division One.
Rotherham managed to remained in Division One for four seasons, their most successful of which was the 2002-03 campaign. The Millers were in contention for a play-off place, but dropped off near the season's end to finish 15th, their lowest position all season.
During The 2004-05 season, the club struggled and spent most of the seaon bottom of the league and the club was bought by a consortium called millers 05 who caused many problems to the club including relegation, and Ronnie Moore resigned during the campaign.
Mick Harford took over as Millers manager but was sacked after a run of 17 games without a win, to be replaced by Alan Knill. Early in 2006 it was announced that the club faced an uncertain future unless a funding gap in the region of £140,000 per month could be plugged. An eleventh hour intervention by a consortium of local businessmen kept them in business.
The final match of the 2005-06 season, home to MK Dons, was a winner-take-all relegation showdown where a scoreless draw kept Rotherham up.
Rotherham United began their second successive year in League One with a 10-point deficit as a result of the CVA which saved the club from liquidation. the club pulled the points back but by the end of February, the Millers sat 13 points adrift of safety, making the threat of relegation almost inevitable.
This resulted in Knill being sacked on March 1, with Mark Robins becoming caretaker manager. Robins's position was made permanent on 6 April 2007,but he was not able to save Rotherham from relegation. The Millers spent the majority of the 2007-08 season in the automatic promotion places but in mid-March 2008 it was revealed that Rotherham had again entered administration and would be deducted 10 points.
Local businessman Tony Stewart then took over as Chairman for the 2008/09 season and took the club out of administration which resulted in a 17-point deduction and been forced to leave Millmoor for the Don Valley Stadium, their home of over 100 years, after disputes with the landlords.
The Millers had an impressive season under the new regime, quickly wiping out the point deficit and being in contention for a play-off place.
Manager Mark Robins then departed to rivals Barnsely with John Breckin at the start of the 2009/10 season. To the fans delight club ledgend Ronnie Moore, who had been dismissed from Tranmere Rovers, was reappointed manager on Friday 25 September 2009. Jimmy Mullen was later confirmed as his assistant.
In January 2010 it was announced that the Guest And Chrimes site had been purchased and would be the new home of the club within two years with a new 12,000 seat stadium. Ronnie led the club to their first ever play off final and first trip to the new Wembley stadium. This game ended in a 3-2 loss to Dagenham & Redbridge in what was a thrilling final. Despite the loss it was a very memorable day in the clubs history.
Ex-manager Ronnie Moore was reappointed on Friday 25 September 2009; Jimmy Mullen later being confirmed as his assistant. In January 2010 it was announced that the Guest And Chrimes site had been purchased and would be the new home of the club within two years with a new 12,000-seat stadium. Ronnie led the club to their first ever play-off final and first trip to the new Wembley Stadium. Despite the occasion, this game ended in a disappointing 3–2 loss.
On 22 March 2011, following poor form and a run of 5 games without a win (including a 5-0 defeat to rivals, Chesterfield), Moore and his assistant Jimmy Mullen left Rotherham by mutual consent, with Andy Liddell placed in temporary charge. Liddell's first game in of the club was a superb 6-0 victory at eventually relegated Lincoln City, poor Tilly!
Despite the chairman Tony Stewart stating that Liddell would be in charge for the remainder of the season, he moved to appoint Andy Scott as the new club manager, following several disappointing results, leaving the Millers with little chance of reaching the play offs.
During the close season, Andy Scott released 13 of the millers squad, surprisingly including key members of the team. Scott announced that there would be several "marquee" signings to improve the quality of the team, and brought in several players from two divisions higher, including Schofield, Raynes, Pringle and Grabban.
(For a more comprehensive look at the club: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotherham_United_F.C.)