Ground, budget and the new manager

He was asked about the search for a new manager and admitted to having about nine names on his short list. He said, 'We have got a company in looking into the background of people. We would hope to say who the new man will be before the end of the season but we want to look at every option.'

About the on going court case over the ground, he said, 'I have to be very careful what I say and how I say it. It is complicated. But we met with our lawyers yesterday and we are quite positive with what they are telling us. Hopefully, there will be more news in the next four to six weeks'

About money matters he admitted to going over budget by £300 thousand this season. He also said that the board would be discussing the pricing of season tickets for next season at the next board meeting.

'If we could double our crowd then we could half the price of season tickets,' he said. 'They had to go up this season. What the fans don't realise is that every person who goes through the turnstile we have to pay seventeen and a half percent VAT to the government.'

'If we go down this season there is quite a drop in money that we get from the Football League. From First to Second Division there is a drop of about £120 thousand. And there will be falling gates too to consider. I know there are die hard Millers out there who will support us come what may but there are others who won't come. If they don't want to have a football team in the town and come and support the club there's nothing I can do about it.'

He said there was one or two major investors on the horizon which is why he says it is important to get the ground situation sorted out. They have spoken to one or two interested parties but the ground issue keeps coming up.

'It's twelve months tomorrow since I came in and I have given up my business and worked free of charge for that twelve months and I am willing to do that for the next twelve months as well.

'All four board members are working for nothing - Dave Costin is giving seven days a week free; Giles Brearley and Gary Hall are giving all their time and expertise too.

'We hope to steer this club into a break even situation and sort the ground out - that would make Rotherham United a very interesting prospect.'

He then spoke about Rotherham Council. 'The Council have been very supportive since I came in,' he said, 'And, they have promised which ever way the court case goes they will come in and help us.'

The chairman said 'Whoever we chose as the new manager, it will probably be the most important appointment in Rotherham's history.'

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