The Millers become the latest side under the microscope in bwfc.co.uk's series of team previews
Rotherham United
Home ground: New York Stadium
Capacity: 12,021
Manager: Steve Evans
2014/15 league position: 21st
2014/15 top goalscorer: Matt Derbyshire (ten in all competitions)
Promoted to the Sky Bet Championship via the play-offs following the conclusion of their 2013/14 campaign, Rotherham United entered the second tier of English football for the first time since 2005 last August.
Kicking off their season with defeat to Derby, the Millers quickly fell into a spell of inconsistent form which saw them following up positive results with defeats in the subsequent fixtures.
Suffering a 3-2 reverse at the hands of Wanderers in September – a fixture which saw Joe Mason become the first Bolton player in 12 years to notch a hat-trick - Steve Evans’ side quickly turned their fortunes around and proceeded to go unbeaten throughout the month of October.
Enjoying similar form over the festive period with a six game unbeaten streak, the Yorkshire side soon found themselves in a predicament as they suffered nine defeats from February onwards, ensuring that the club were firmly in the midst of a relegation battle come the final weeks of the season.
Picking up six points from their final four games however ensured that United did avoid an immediate return to League One, with Evans’ men finishing in 21st position, five points above relegated Millwall.
Shedding a number of first team players in the summer including experienced defender Craig Morgan and highly rated winger Ben Pringle, Rotherham have moved to tie down the likes of Greg Halford, Emmanuel Ledesma and Tom Thorpe ahead of the new campaign.
No doubt eager to enjoy a less turbulent season this time round, the Millers will welcome newly promoted MK Dons to the New York Stadium on the opening day aiming to start as they mean to go on.
FIXTURES V BOLTON IN 2015/16
Saturday 26 December – 3pm kick-off at the New York Stadium
Saturday 6 February – 3pm kick-off at Macron Stadium
RESULTS V BOLTON IN 2014/15
Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Rotherham United – 16/09/2014 (CLICK HERE for highlights)
Rotherham United 4-2 Bolton Wanderers – 27/1/2015 (CLICK HERE for highlights)