Rotherham United want to develop Millmoor as a flagship community stadium for the town.

And the Millers confirmed today that they have begun initial discussions with Rotherham Borough Council to consider a number of joint opportunities including those which would provide health, educational and leisure benefits for the Rotherham community.

The exciting initiative comes as the new Main Stand and associated facilities at Millmoor start to take shape. Some season ticket holders will be occupying their seats in the new stand by Christmas.

The Millers talks with the council came in the wake of board discussions on the long-term future of Millmoor.

Chairman Peter Ruchniewicz said: "The new stand development has really focussed minds on how the development of Millmoor could assist the regeneration of Masborough, benefitting all who live, work and have businesses in the area.

"In the long term, we want to cement an already excellent partnership with the Council, by assisting in delivering a wide range of community benefits."

Rotherham United community director Chris Dobbs commented: "This is something we have all been working towards for some time, and we believe complements other initiatives in the town.

"We believe some of our proposal fit the whole "jigsaw" of leisure and community provision across the town, bringing day to day benefit for supporters, locals and the town as a whole.

"Millers' fans have been going through thick and thin over the years and it's their contribution to supporting and backing the club which is the backbone of everything we hope to achieve. This is part of Rotherham United stepping into the 21st century as a genuinely integral part of the town and its entire community."

Rotherham Borough Council Leader Councillor Roger Stone said: "The Council now recognises the extensive work the football club is already doing in the community and we look forward to a constructive dialogue with them over their plans for a community stadium. We are keen to explore ways in which the links between the club, the council and the local community can be developed for the benefit of Rotherham as a whole."

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