New stadium and poor run prompts Scott exit

“It’s a combination of things and we don’t take the decision lightly,” said Stewart, who relieved Scott of his duties after a run of one win in eight games had virtually ended Rotherham’s hopes of promotion.

“We’ve got a new stadium to go into plus the position we’re in in the league. “We weighed up the pros and cons and asked ourselves would we be better carrying on as we are and hoping that things would ripen?

“Or is nine games to go the right time to make a change?

“The timing now gives another manager time to get some games under his belt to prepare for the new season.

“It would be foolish to write off the play-offs completely; I would say we need seven wins from nine.

“But I’m a realist, and unless something changes we wouldn’t even have had that chance. We need a new face.”

Scott joined the club last April after Ronnie Moore was sacked with the Millers in the play-offs.

Stewart said he did not regret that decision and added: “Andy Scott was very professional, very determined and very concise.

“We rolled with that for 11 months. I know he’s tried his hardest.

“But I’ve been here for four years and it’s my ambition to get this club in the Championship. With a new stadium the move was the right one to make.”

Brian Horton takes charge of Macclesfield for the first time.

Last six games: Rotherham United LDDWLL, Macclesfield Town DDDDDL.

Last time: Rotherham United 1 Macclesfield Town 1; November 2, 2010; League Two.

Referee: P Gibbs (West Midlands).