RUFC - Tony Stewart 'I'm optimistic'

Rotherham United have today said the preferred bidder is ASD Lighting PLC who are headed by Chairman Tony Stewart who is already calling himself the new Owner/Chairman of the football club.

Speaking to Radio Sheffield, Mr Stewart said, 'It all started a month ago when I was approached by the council who asked me to look and get involved with Rotherham United. First of all I looked at the club and the financial structure and then discussed the business plan which wasn't working. I felt it needed someone with professional knowledge to control it's daily spend. My knowledge in business will play a big part in that.

'I then put a business plan to the Administrator and it would appear he was impressed with the package I put together - perhaps because I believe it is a long term fix. I know I have a serious job to do.

'I've met with most of the staff and been in touch with the manager. It's going to be a team work situation and I'm looking forward to getting involved. I believe if it wasn't for the minus ten points Rotherham United would be in the play-offs.

'I am confident there is a solution and optimistic there will be a future. Any company needs experience and knowledge and we are about being successful. The Manager, Chief Executive and me have desire and ambition. I will do what I need to do to take Rotherham United forward. But it's time for the talking to stop now. I'm having meetings with the key people and have a business plan and we need to work to go forward.

'There's still a couple of technical issues to sort out but these are being dealt with by the Administrator. They are really just I's to dot and T's to cross.

'In my business I employ around one hundred and eighty workers in Rotherham and a lot of them are Rotherham United fans and they have been pretty suprised I can tell you.

'There are other people beside me in this who don't wish to be named.

'The first thing is that we have to get behind the team and be positive and get things moving. There are certain things that have to take stage with the FA which could take a few weeks. I hope we can come to an amicable understanding with people. About moving away from Millmoor? Well I'm going to keep my cards close to my chest on that one.

'I've put a lot of money into this and the signatures should be in place by Friday. The funds are already in place and we've ticked all the boxes.'