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Rotherham United v Luton Town: How success can result in return of the exiles
TONY STEWART believes a good run in the FA Cup will help Rotherham United's stayaway fans re-engage with the club.
The Millers are in the second year of their exile at Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium following their departure from Millmoor, but are firmly established in the race for automatic promotion and are one win away from a potential third-round pay-day against a Premier League club.
After successful runs in the Johnstone Paint's Trophy and the Carling Cup last season, chairman Stewart hopes a similar journey in the FA Cup will convince those who refuse to cross the boundary into Sheffield, that Rotherham are worth overhauling prejudices for.
"We've taken the scalps of Wolves, Southampton, Leicester and Leeds already at the Don Valley Stadium and we want to take more because that's what gets people into the ground and gets them believing again that Rotherham are going places," said Stewart. "These are exciting times under Ronnie Moore. He's brought his own views with him and he's not been a bull in a china shop."
The Millers have to negotiate their way past Blue Square Premier side Luton Town to reach the third round for the first time since 2003.
Victory will earn Rotherham 28,000 and Stewart said: "It's exciting because it's the furthest we've got in six years and because Luton will bring more fans than Rochdale would have done, and, I'm touching wood when I say this, it's a more winnable game.
"To think that if you win you could be drawn against Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal or any of the big teams is brilliant. Part of the excitement is going to the big places and is something the fans can relish." Key to Rotherham's progress will be how successful they are in retaining their star players.
Newcastle, Stoke and Derby were among the clubs represented at Don Valley on Tuesday watching Adam le Fondre whose two goals sunk Lincoln City.
"I don't want to sell but if somebody came along with silly money I'd think about it," said Stewart. "The thing is, though, we are not desperate to sell, what we are desperate for is results."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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