The Season That Was 04-05 – Deano's January Review

I’ll reflect on Ronnie’s exit later on, but first up to visit Millmoor in 2005 were Coventry City on New Year’s Day. The Millers were looking for three points to start off the year with a bang, but were brought crashing down to earth in the second period as City stole the spoils. Junior had given Rotherham an interval lead with a well taken goal but the second half saw the visitors leave with a 2-1 victory.

As football followers know, the games come thick and fast at this time of year, just two days later the Millers travelled to the New Den to take on Millwall. Thinking the traffic may well be hectic, an early set off proved us wrong and left us sat in the ‘Millwall Café’ then the pub at 12 noon!

I wasn’t expecting much change out of the Lions, but having gone one down just after the half hour after poor defending, two minutes before the break Paolo Vernazza’s pin point pass sent Butler clear and his immaculate finish from 18 yards was a welcome relief. The second half saw a rampant Millers take control of the game, as the home side offered little. They were duly punished with 20 minutes left as Campbell-Ryce’s centre was headed home by Rob Scott, his effort rebounding down off the bar and although Junior was there to make sure, the ball had already crossed the line.

Two successive away victories left Millers fans with smiling faces, about time too. Predictably, that dismal display against Yeovil in the FA Cup followed, less said the better, and title contenders Wigan were laying in wait. The new board decided to offer a ticket deal of five pounds to supporters for the game to try and encourage families to Millmoor. Those that took advantage of the scheme saw another poor display, as the game followed a similar pattern to earlier in the season, Wigan running out comfortable 2-0 victors.

Crewe up next at Gresty Road, McIntosh and Swailes were absent in a dour encounter, but John Mullin made a scoring return from injury as we took the lead midway through the first half. A scrappy affair in the second saw Crewe salvage a point with eight minutes left, Andy White bundling the ball home after Pollitt looked to have things under control. That last game of the month left us with a tally of four points and a big improvement still required.

With the future of many league clubs uncertain due to the financial ruin sweeping through football, Wrexham, deducted 10 points for being placed into administration, invited fans from the 33 clubs without a fixture on the 29th to travel to their Racecourse Ground and pledge support towards saving the club. Fans from all over the country gave generously towards the Welshmen’s appeal and the day was deemed a successful one.

On the same day, it was announced that Ronnie Moore would part company with Rotherham United at the end of the season. However, two days later the announcement was made that Ronnie had agreed a settlement with the board and was to leave with immediate effect. No surprises really as many predicted Ronnie’s stay would be short lived with him hearing his contract would not be renewed.

February would begin with Alan Knill in caretaker charge, as former striker and fans favourite Mark Robins rejoined the club as his assistant.

Could a change in the managers office bring a change in the team’s fortunes?….