RUFC Chairman Urges Caution

Rotherham United Chairman, Denis Coleman, has urged caution after Council Leader, Roger Stone told a local radio station about the proposed site for a new Community Stadiuim in Rotherham this week.

Speaking to The Advertiser, Mr Coleman said, 'We are still waiting for a lot of the details from the landowners but yes, we can confirm, that the site is in Parkgate and that there have been talks between us, the Council, the Rugby Club and representatives of the owners of the site, Stadium. But, we have not secured the land deal yet and until we do, nothing can happen.

'Support for a new stadium was clear when we held our United Rotherham Day at Millmoor. It is something the town needs.'

Manager, Mark Robins, said, 'It is good news and if it happens then it will be excellent for the club and the town. There's a long way to go but we are optimistic.'

Paying excessive rents at Millmoor to the Booth family and knowing that there is a big possibility that they will be forced out when the lease runs out in 2011, the club are desperate to find a new home.

And, it would not only be home to Rotherham United as the Rugby Union Club, Rotherham Titans would also play there as they try and reach the Premiership. Which would be good news for fans of both teams as we have seen so often in the past that they have both played at home on the same day, kicking off an hour after one another. Also, in the Advertiser today, there is a thought that Sheffield Eagles Rugby League team could also be involved in the plan at a later stage.

The owner of the land is Hull based firm Stadium Developments who were a company started by the man behind the Parkgate and Meadowhall shopping projects, Eddie Healey. It is understood that Stadium want to get on with their project and their idea is to have the community stadium alongside leisure and entertainment facilities.

The only problem that could really arise seems to be that Rotherham Borough Council are reluctant to back further developments away from the town centre.

So, as the Chairman says, 'let's be cautious until the contracts are signed.'