Queue is growing to lead the Millers into future

The Millers are searching for Andy Scott’s successor and have already held talks with a host of prospective candidates.

At least one of those has managed in the Premier League, while Crawley Town’s Steve Evans is believed to be under serious consideration by United who will move into a new state-of-the-art 12,000 capacity home this summer.

Stewart told the Yorkshire Post: “We have been spoilt for choice, we really have. Initially, the plan was to cut the number of applicants down to five but the standard has been so high that we added five more.

“Ex-Premier League managers have been among those who applied and it shows just what a draw the new stadium has been.

“We have got two more interviews to conduct on Tuesday and Wednesday next week and then that will be that.

“Then, we will get together as a board the following Monday and decide the best way forward in terms of making the right appointment.”

Rotherham, who travel to AFC Wimbledon today, have been without a manager since Scott was sacked last month after failing to kick-start a concerted push for League One.

United chairman Stewart continued: “The board being prepared to invest £20m in a new stadium has proved an attraction to managers.

“Such an investment has shown that there is a future at Rotherham United and that the club, despite what the cynics said when we moved to Sheffield, is going places.

“Over the past few months, anyone driving past the site cannot have failed to be impressed and word has clearly spread.

“It isn’t just a football stadium, either, with everything about the place going to be better for Rotherham United supporters – from the aesthetics to the acoustics.

“With all this going on off the field, it is important we get the right man to take the club forward at such an important time in the club’s history.”

Caretaker manager Darren Patterson will today be looking for his side to build on last week’s 1-0 win at home to Hereford United when they make the long trip south to Kingsmeadow.

Young striker Alex Denton may be included, while veteran defender Richard Naylor remains sidelined.

Michael Raynes is a doubt for the Millers with a hamstring strain despite recovering well this week as the south Yorkshire club look to complete a league double over the Dons, who lost 1-0 at the Don Valley Stadium in December.

Last six games: AFC Wimbledon WWLLWL, Rotherham United WLLWLW.

Referee: D Phillips (West Sussex).

Last time: Never met.