RUFC - Stewart 'above our target'

Rotherham United's finances are ahead of target, Chairman Tony Stewart told The Advertiser this week.

A good run in the Carling Cup competition brought in £80,000 and the money from SKY for the televised Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Leeds of £10,000 has all helped to swell the coffers. As has the slight gate increase on last season which has helped the balance sheets look better than club officials thought it would at this stage of the season.

'We're above our target income figure for the first quarter of the season,' Mr Stewart said. 'I'd forecast a loss in the first year but if things go like they have been doing for the next nine months then we will do better than we originally thought.'

And, there could be more money to come. If the Millers beat Aldershot in the FA Cup replay next Tuesday evening at Don Valley, they will pick up another £20,000. A win at Millwall would fetch in another £30,000 and a win in the third round rises dramatically to £75,000.

But Mr Stewart had some wise words, saying, 'I have to stress that it is early days and the time to judge is at the end of the season.

'The fans have been magnificent so far and a lot depends on them staying behind us. But the key is to keep producing attractive football and results.'

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