If football teams are like planets in some kind of orbit, paths can sometimes align for a bit. Like ours and Rotherham United. Now, we know what your first question is. You’re asking “what on earth (no pun intended) are we banging on about?“. So, we’ll try and explain this weird astronomical analogy. Quite simply, teams can go years – or even forever – without meeting each other. And it can take a huge shift in those ‘orbits’ to pull two sides together.
That’s how we see things with the Millers.
Rotherham United: The Facts
The Aesseal New York Stadium
New York Way, Rotherham, S60 1AH
Formed in 1925, it’ll take something both spectacular and tragic in equal measure to stop the Millers bringing up their ton in five years’ time. Mind you, ask specific people and they will tell you the story goes back longer; 1877 and the creation of Thornhill United is where things apparently start fo’ sho’. It’s a little bit complex, to be honest. So, we’ll skip past the politics and pre-history to 1925 again; Thornhill United (now Rotherham County) merging with Rotherham Town to create ‘United’.
The new club took Rotherham County’s place in the Football League. And that overlooks the fact that Town were also Football League members. Look – we can’t cover everything.
After spending the 1920s and 1930s middling around in Division Three North, the Millers burst into life after World War Two; ending three straight seasons in second place. It took until the fifth campaign after the war for the bridesmaids to become the brides; winning a first-ever title and gaining promotion to Division Two. For much of the 1950s and ’60s, it’s where they stayed. And, for a little bonus trivia, did you know the Millers also took part in the first-ever League Cup final? The year was 1961 and they lost 3-2 to Aston Villa*.
* … despite being 2-0 up after the first leg.
By the time the ’60s had swung out of fashion, so too had the Millers’ time in the second tier. It wasn’t a complete collapse, though. Sure – there were a few bum notes when the club found themselves in the basement division (1973-5 and 1988-9). But the second or third tier is where you’d normally find them. And that’s how it was as we ease past Sky’s invention of football in 1992. In fact, they came second in Division Four at the end of the 1991-2 campaign; winning promotion to Division Two.
The rebadging of the divisions makes it sound a lot better than it actually was.
Why do we know Rotherham United?
The late 1990s weren’t kind to the Millers, and they ended up back in the fourth tier for a three-season spell. The new century brought with it new fortunes; the club climbing back up the ladder and into the second tier. Again, it wouldn’t last. The bubble burst after four seasons and they were relegated back to League One in 2005.
By this point, off-field difficulties were starting to mount. The first two seasons in League Two involved points deductions – as did their previous campaign in League One. But the troubles seemed to ease enough for them to chart a course to the 2009-10 League Two playoff final. Dagenham & Redbridge beat ’em. And it meant doing yet more stir down in League Two. This time, however, a new kid on the block from the ‘Nidge was joining ’em.
How to get to Rotherham United – Travel Information – Distance: 146 miles
By Road
The best option for Rotherham is to go north on the M1. You won’t be interrupted after you join the M1 until you reach South Yorkshire. Here, you’ll leave the motorway at Junction 33 for the A630. At the roundabout, take the third exit onto the Rotherway and continue across four roundabouts. Turn right onto Don Street after the council offices, and the New York Stadium will be the second turning on your right.
With the exception of disabled fans, there are no parking facilities at the ground. You can find an NCP in the town centre or a pay and display on Sheffield Road, however. These – apparently – are both just 10 minutes on foot from the ground.
Forge Island car park across from the stadium may also be an option; free of charge on a Saturday being the obvious draw there.
By Rail
Station: ROTHERHAM CENTRAL
Services to: DONCASTER (for LONDON KINGS CROSS)
The ground is a short walk from the station and you’ll find it well signposted.
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