Rough Guide
Rough Guide
Address: Millmoor Ground, Millmoor, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S60 1HR
Telephone Numbers: 01709 512434 and 512760
Telephone Number, Ticket Office: 01709 309440
Fax No: 01709 512762
Ground Capacity: 11,500
Situation and Parking
Millmoor is situated just west of the town centre, well sign posted once you arrive in the vicinity of the town. There is a large club car park adjacent to the ground but beware, the entrance is by turning directly opposite the ground and through railway arches which brings you into this car park. The main car park for visiting supporters can be found off the Centenary Way roundabout, the last roundabout from the town centre before arriving at the ground. There is also plenty of street parking although angry residents complaining that you are parked outside their front door may confront you!
First Impressions
Millmoor is archaic and rather run down and may come as a shock to visiting fans of Division 1 clubs. Most of the ground is made up of terraced standing areas, the likes of which have not been seen at most Division 1 clubs for some years. Indeed, little in the way of ground improvements are evident in recent years, some sections have been converted to seating areas and much of the place has recently had a lick of red and white paint, but anyone visiting Millmoor for the first time for many seasons will probably wonder if they have arrived in some sort of time warp! One thing anyone visiting the ground cannot fail to be impressed with, is the state of the playing surface, which always seems to be in first class condition.
Away Experience
The entrance to the section reserved for visiting supporters is via the narrow Millmoor Lane,which can become extremely congested with a sizeable away following. Once inside the ground, the covered roof of the Railway End, now all seating gives excellent acoustics and a good atmosphere is assured even with just a few hundred away fans. Many home supporters think that the roof should be removed as it gives an unfair advantage to the away teams supporters in the chanting and singing department.
Outside the ground, away fans should encounter few problems. Millmoor is generally a safe place to visit and incidents of trouble have been few and far between in recent years. This season sees the return of several “local derbies” against the likes of the two Sheffield clubs, Barnsley and Bradford City and our good safety record may be severely tested. The conduct of some of our stewards has been questionable and there have been numerous complaints from away fans about their over exuberant behaviour towards them when celebrating a goal.
Local Rivals
Most Rotherham supporters are indifferent to other clubs, with the notable exceptions of Sheffield Wednesday and Chesterfield. The Owls are hated by almost all Millers fans, the reasons for this are unclear, but it may go back some years when they tended to dominate South Yorkshire football, receiving more coverage by local media than all the other teams in the area put together. Chesterfield are disliked more than hated, mainly because we are unable to beat them, one win in the last three decades is testament to that, and we’ve played them quite regularly in that time.
Watering Holes
The Tivoli Club: Backs onto the ground and is open to all on match days. It is generally safe for away supporters but beware it can get extremely crowded and rowdy on occasions.
The Millmoor Hotel: Situated next to the ground and the H Q of Rotherham United Supporters Club, away fans are allowed in at the discretion of the doormen, generally, families are welcome. Inside there are numerous photos and memorabilia of the club on the walls, although once again it can be extremely crowded just prior to kick off.
Moulders Rest: Situated on Millmoor, a friendly, welcoming pub, serving a good pint and a selection of sandwiches and bar meals. Children are allowed in the dining area and the staff are very friendly.
The Wilton: Situated approximately one mile from the ground. If you approach Millmoor from the town centre then carry on past the ground and over the railway bridge; bear right up Kimberworth Road and up to the traffic lights. The Pub is facing you. A friendly, family pub serving good food, will probably be less busy than some of the others nearer the ground.
Sir Jack: Though some twenty minutes from the ground, this pub is ideally situated at the junction of the A631 and the M18. A large modern theme pub with children’s facilities and a full menu. Ideal for families travelling or females travelling to the match who want a comfortable watering hole.
Famous supporters/ famous sons
Not necessarily the same thing. The Chuckle Brothers are our best known supporters, frequently mentioning the Club on their children’s TV programme. Paul Shane of Hi Di Hi fame was born in Rotherham and allegedly supports them, I have my doubts about that, as he only appears when the TV cameras are about, usually at a promotion party. However, you don’t have to be a comedian to support the Millers! Other famous sons who were born in good old Rothers but have never claimed any such allegiance to their hometown team are David Seaman and William Hague, perhaps you do have to be a comedian after all!
Fanzines
Only one at present, but a real good un’, Moulin Rouge. Featured in various football magazines as being one of the better fanzines, the Football Club tends to pretend that the fanzine doesn’t exist. Shame really, as the “Moulin” is an excellent thoughtful read, and extremely popular prior to every game, both home and away. The one drawback in my opinion is that the editor(s) are obsessed with slagging off Sheffield Wednesday and to a lesser extent Sheffield United, and waste valuable space on such inane trivia. I’m sure that the writers will say that it’s this sort of thing that sells, I’m not convinced.
Before and After the Game
Rotherham isn’t a pretty town so tourist attractions are a bit thin on the ground. That said, the Meadowhall Shopping Mall is just a couple of miles from Millmoor, so if you bring the other half this may be an alternative to actually attending the match. The Peak District National Park is only about 12 miles away; there are plenty of good hotels and B & B’s for weekend stays in that area. If you are staying in Rotherham, with or without children, Magna is an interactive museum looking at the story of steel. This has been receiving rave revues and is a good place to go if arriving early on a wet Saturday morning, it is well signposted from the motorways. A super place to eat out is Galliano’s, an Italian Restaurant out on the road to the M18 Motorway ( A631 at Wickersley), it isn’t cheap but the food is marvellous, booking is advisable.
Now I’ve given you all the gen………come and see us soon.
Chris S
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9 May 08 
Liverpool Football Club