RUFC - Webb would love to ref first game

Rotherham United Referee and lifelong Millers fan, Howard Webb is happy with the name of the new stadium.

For those of us old enough to remember, the area close to where the ground has been build was called New York and was once a busy area of industry of which the former steelworks on the site did actually export metal across the Atlantic which included the distinctive fire hydrants that are dotted around New York.

Speaking to MillersPlayer after he had announced that the new stadium name was to be New York, Howard said, 'We've seen the stadium growing over the last few months and it's filled all Rotherham United fans with excitement and it is exciting times.

'When I first heard the suggestion of New York Stadium it reminded me that my Grandma, who is now ninety-two, used to live in the area of Rotherham called New York although, obviously, the housing that was here has long since gone so, when it was suggested, it made sense to me. And we here at the old Guest and Chrimes site and I know the foundry had links with New York in America because they manufactured the fire hydrants in New York so there are some strong links there and it's quite an iconic name for an iconic stadium and it will put Rotherham United on the map.'

Howard also said he'd be delighted if he could be in the middle for the first game at the New York Stadium, saying 'Of course I won't be able to do competitive games here but I'm hoping I'll be asked to be involved in the first pre-season friendly. Whoever it will be against I'm sure we'll get a full house here and, from a personal point of view, it will be right up there with some of the greatest games I've done.'

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