The players return to pre-season training next week and while the bookies have the Millers as clear favorites for the League 2 title, assistant gaffer Paul Raynor speaks to themillers.co.uk looks towards the season.
"We are all aware that we need to mount a promotion challenge next season, That is not a hidden secret here and the Gaffer reminds us every day but we know others will be frightened to say it in case they fail."
Despite working through the spring to bring in 9 new faces already Raynor says the hard work starts now; "The Gaffer is a highly focused manager and dedicated beyond the cause, He almost had to be forced to take five days holiday with his children this week and I can tell the football staff now they will not be enjoying too many days off in the next 10 months. He has not asked them to work one day since we finished last season so hopefully they will all be re-charged and ready."
"If we all consider the quality of player we have got here now then the Chairman and Gaffer should be congratulated. However, the work that is needed to make our squad capable of challenging for promotion is multiple."
"We have kept the best staff. We need one more in our department and we know who we want but like our player recruitment the Gaffer will be patient to get the right person. Everyone here is now empowered to do their jobs. Every member of staff will have specific responsibilities and a big input to what we do; we will win, draw and lose together."
"Rotherham United has a new stadium and a new team, the future is really exciting. Our supporters are here for life and I have no doubt they will see some very exciting times in the season ahead. The team will be very fit, organised, focused and prepared, all the things the Gaffer has outlined."
"League 2 has got some real quality teams who have the same objectives as us this season. A number of them have excellent budgets in place but are trying to slip under the radar that is up to them. Regardless of them and what they are doing, we are delighted with the business we have done so far. I know for a fact that even although the Gaffer is having a break we are trying to do some business, he has never been off the phone."
''From the Chairman at the top, to the manager, staff, players and non direct football staff, everyone must pull together, by doing that we can make it happen. We are team Rotherham United, a family so to speak, it cannot be any other way.''
With just 3 weeks until New York Stadium see's its first ever game, Paul spoke of the role the Millers fans have to play; "Steve is always talking about the supporters and the huge part they can play, I know him and he means it, He has been all over this town, in schools, hospitals, businesses, shops and by doing that he feels the passion of the people here."
''We are a few players short of being ready to meet the promotion challenge head on, knowing Steve, he will be talking to players now and I would say we will be ready. The staff have a massive part to play too, the Gaffer empowers people to do there jobs and he expects it to be well done so we give our players the best chance to win football matches on a consistent basis."
"The lads are back in next week, I cannot wait. The first day of pre-season is always an exciting one and with the players we have reporting, we have every right to be excited." he added.