Millers enter new era

ROTHERHAM United begin a bright new era at the New York Stadium this weekend with manager Steve Evans promising a fantastic homecoming.

After four years away, the club returns to the town and a new £20 million home tomorrow with a friendly against Barnsley (3pm).

And, says Evans, the occasion is a milestone for a club which was on its knees at Millmoor just a few years ago before chairman Tony Stewart came the to rescue.

Evans told the Advertiser: "It will be a fantastic occasion and a special day all round, not just for the football club but for the town as a whole.

"When the club went to play at Don Valley, some might not have believed the chairman when he said he would bring it back to Rotherham in four years. He's not just done that but to a really stylish new stadium everyone can be proud of.

"It's a wonderful achievement and a tribute to his hard work and many others.

"I know he will shed a tear tomorrow and I'll be a proud man too because although there will be many managers of Rotherham United in the future, none will be able to say they were manager on the first day at the New York Stadium."

The match is a sell-out, with the capacity limited to 6,000 for safety reasons. Doncaster Rovers follow in another warm-up match on Tuesday (7.45pm).