Rotherham United supremo Steve McClaren's admission as Millers require 'leap of faith'
DURING his time at Middlesbrough, Steve McClaren was at the centre of an infamous incident which saw one irate Boro supporter storm onto the pitch and throw a season ticket at him in disgust during a particularly painful defeat.
It is something that Rotherham United's head of football can see the funny side of now, over two decades on from that bruising 4-0 loss that Boro suffered at the hands of Aston Villa at the Riverside Stadium in February 2006.
Equally, that episode serves as a reminder to the Yorkshireman about the passion - and hurt - that football can generate among a fanbase.
The 65-year-old knows full well that the mood among significant sections of Rotherham supporters is low following a very difficult past couple of seasons.
A fair number are waiting to be convinced before re-engaging as the Millers prepare to embark on their first campaign at fourth-tier level since 2012-13.
It is here that the Yorkshireman is asking for a ‘leap of faith’ as Rotherham seek to finally get back on an even keel.
McClaren said: "I saw disillusioned fans at the end of last season. But instead of waiting for something to happen, let's make it happen..
"Let's buy a season ticket, let's commit to it. OK, if you want to throw it into our faces after 10 games, then fine... But we hope that won't happen.
"But you can take a leap of faith... Any businesses; anybody that wants to help us, whatever we want to do, in terms of commercially and resources, we definitely need it as it will help us succeed.
"We need a lot of help.
"I'd stress to the public and businesses in Rotherham that this is time when people need to help us as much as we want to help them. We're crying out for help in any way.
"We're not going to be the richest; we've got to make the most of what we have.
"And people in the town, Rotherham supporters and businesses can help support the club and help us build something that will create momentum.
"We've (currently) got momentum in the wrong way, we've got to turn it around. But we need the public's help in that. So we need supporters to buy season tickets, to commit to that."
The arrival of a young and hungry manager in Alex Bruce, allied to some much-needed strikes in the transfer window represents a start with Aaron Nemane, Ossama Ashley, Jamie Jellis and Fabio Tavares all joining.
So much more needs to be done - both regarding the football side of the business and around the club. But McClaren's glass remains steadfastly half-full.
He continued: "Especially from the top and the line down; we don't want to see any person - front office, financial or whatever with a miserable face. Come on, you are in football, it's a great life.
"(Football-wise) We've got good people who know these leagues. We need to make sure we are attractive to the best players we get in League Two. That doesn't mean that we'll be successful, but it gives us a damn better chance."