The Millers announced on Thursday that they are leaving Millmoor after 101 years and moving to Don Valley Stadium while they await the building of a new community stadium in the town.

Talks broke down between new chairman Tony Stewart and Millmoor landlords the Booth family over the terms of the lease and the state of the ground.

And while the move at the start of next season could alienate a number of proud Rotherham United fans, Millers Trust chairman Mark Thomas has backed the decision and believes it is in the club's best interests.

"It's clear from what Tony Stewart has said that talks with the Booths have been exhausted and that it wasn't possible to achieve a deal to stay at Millmoor," he said.

"We think that the move is necessary in the circumstances and although there's naturally going to be some sadness about moving away, it is a move that as a group of fans we are going to have to embrace.

"It's only a short distance and the most important thing for the fans is that we still have a club to support.

"We believe this is the right decision to move to Don Valley because it safeguards the future of the club, and we believe the supporters will follow the club to Don Valley."

Rotherham are only moving five miles up the road, but the fact that they are crossing the 'border' into Sheffield will meet with a lot of disgruntlement from a number of fans.

But Thomas insisted: "I don't hold any fears for the identity of Rotherham United.

"If you start winning games, people will come back through the turnstiles wherever you're playing."

Millers chief executive Paul Douglas yesterday said the stay at Don Valley Stadium could be anything from three to five years.

A council-funded community stadium only remains at the exploratory planning stage, but has the backing of not only the football club but Rotherham rugby club as well, who will also be tenants.

"There's room for a lot of optimism about a community stadium," added Thomas.

"In the meantime, Millers Trust have met with and had positive talks with the new regime who are doing everything in their power to make this new experience at Don Valley Stadium as exciting as possible."