Rotherham United’s vocal support key to shedding of yo-yo tag

As the post-lockdown action showed towards the tail-end of last season in the second tier – a division which is deliciously unpredictable at the best of times – the notion of home and away advantage has been diluted by the sight of games played out in front of empty stadiums.

The hope is that fans will start to return later this autumn. As it stands, it remains a big ‘if’.

As far as the Millers are concerned, playing at empty arenas is a double-edged sword.

The emotional fuel provided by a parochial home crowd at the AESSEAL New York Stadium – with its excellent acoustics – has undeniably played its part in helping Rotherham afford themselves some famous days and nights in the club’s relatively short existence there.

The hosts have turned over the likes of Leeds United, Derby County, Wolves, Norwich and Middlesbrough since moving to the NYS in July 2012. Two trips to Wembley have also been booked there alongside an automatic promotion berth in 2012-13.

That fervent backing, allied with an ‘in-your-face’ playing style which serves as a major physical test for many visiting big-city clubs, makes the venue an imposing citadel at its best.

The absence of fans will take away something from the Millers’ armoury in that respect, competing at a level where they do not have too many advantages.

Conversely, journeys to famous venues without significant numbers of home followers around should lessen the degree of difficulty.

The Millers’ away form at Championship level is consistent in its appalling nature. There has been trademark commitment and spirit, but a return of just one win in 46 games and 13 points from 138 in their last two second-tier seasons is wretched.

Paul Warne has acknowledged that getting the balance right on the road and adopting a more offensive strategy at times will be necessary in 2020-21.

The Millers are well stocked in defence, especially in the centre and if they are lacking anywhere, it is a spot of calm and poise in midfield – something that loanee Dan Barlaser provided last term. – and another striking option to back up Freddie Ladapo, Michael Smith and Kyle Vassell.

A ‘No 10’ would also add to the club’s options, although the off-the-cuff talents of Kieran Sadlier – who struck 12 goals for Doncaster Rovers last term – and the goal thrust of Matt Crooks can compensate in that regard.

The Millers also have a match-winner in Chiedozie Ogbene and the hope of all will be that his electric progress continues.

Alongside games against an array of ex-Premier League regulars, it will have been noted that Millers will also compete against several clubs of similar stature in Luton and Wycombe and to a slightly lesser extent, Millwall, Coventry and Barnsley.

Success against those clubs and several former top-flight representatives now coping with new financial realities such as Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Boro will ultimately determine whether Rotherham cast aside their growing status as a ‘yo-yo’ club.

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James Mitchinson