Millers planning to make it Don Valley farewell celebration

The Millers have been lodgers at the Sheffield stadium for four years since leaving their old Millmoor home.

It has often struggled for atmosphere, with a running track around the pitch meaning supporters are sat away from the action, but 12 wins from 22 home games is a decent home record.

The Millers are moving back to Rotherham this summer, into their new New York Stadium, and chairman Tony Stewart hopes the fans will turn up today to make it a fitting farewell.

“Don Valley has been a good home to the Millers over the past four years,” said Stewart. “I’d love to see the supporters give it a real send-off because we have had some special games here, especially in the cup competitions.

“We know that there is plenty of excitement about moving into the new stadium, but we still have a game remaining here, and I want to make it a celebration.”

To commemorate the final game at Don Valley, there will be a special souvenir programme highlighting some of the golden moments enjoyed at the stadium.

The Millers have been warned by the Football Association that they face a fine if fans invade the pitch at the full-time whistle and are pleading for supporters to remain in the stands.

On the pitch, new manager Steve Evans has already started his rebuilding for the new campaign with the release of Marcus Marshall and Ollie Banks.

Both were told their contracts would not be renewed next season after meeting Evans at the club’s training ground on Thursday.

“There were a couple of players who are here on a permanent basis that have left us, rather than us dragging it out over the weekend and into Monday,” said Evans.

“Marcus Marshall will move on; there might be some supporters asking why. He hasn’t had a lot of game time; he has been on loan at Macclesfield where we have had him assessed, so the supporters have to trust us on who we are going to bring in.

“He is a young man who has conducted himself great this week, we had the chance to have a real close look at him and we’ve made our decision, and he moves on with our best wishes.”

Loan players Sam Wood and Kieron Cadogan have also returned to their parent clubs early as Evans takes the opportunity to look at the Millers’ playing staff today.

“We have to give the Rotherham United players who are contracted to the club a chance,” he added. “Wood and Cadogan have gone back, whilst Scott Griffiths is on stand-by but training at Peterborough. We thank all three of the lads for their service.”

Last six games: Rotherham WWWLWD, Northampton Town WLLLDD.

Referee: C Boyeson (East Yorkshire).

Last time: Rotherham 2 Northampton 2; November 23, 1010; League Two.

SkyBet odds: Rotherham to win 4-5, Northampton to win 7-2, draw 5-2.