Millmoor: The Complex History of Rotherham United's Former Home
For decades, Millmoor served as the heart of Rotherham United F.C., providing a home for the club and its supporters. However, the stadium's history is marked by a complicated transition of ownership and a series of disputes that eventually led to the club's departure from the ground.
The Booth Era and Ownership Shift
The modern history of Millmoor began in 1987 when Ken Booth rescued Rotherham United F.C. from administration. For the next 17 years, the Booth family owned the club, with Ken Booth serving as chairman. This period of stability eventually faced financial turmoil following the collapse of the ITV Digital deal, which left the club burdened with debts totaling £3 million.
In December 2004, the Booth family sold the club for a nominal fee of £1 to a supporters' group led by solicitor Peter Ruchniewicz. In exchange for this sale, the Booth family retained ownership of several key assets: the Millmoor ground, the Tivoli nightclub located in front of the stadium, and the Hooton Lodge training ground. Millmoor was situated adjacent to the Clarence Metal Works, the family's primary scrapyard.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Lease Disputes and Financial Tension
Following the change in club ownership, Rotherham United became tenants at their own historic home. The club paid the Booth family an annual rent of £200,000 and assumed full responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the facility.
While the club attempted to implement a ground upgrade programme, the relationship between the new owners and the Booth family deteriorated. A dispute emerged regarding the lease period and several additional fees and perks. These contentious points included:
- The provision of 30 free tickets with entertainment for every home match.
- Advertising rights within the ground.
- Priority access (first call) for away tickets and FA Cup final tickets.
The Departure from Millmoor
By May 2008, negotiations between the club and Ken Booth reached a breaking point. With talks having completely broken down, Rotherham United officially left Millmoor. This move forced the team into a period of transition, relocating first to the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield.
The club remained at Don Valley until 2012, when they finally moved into a new community stadium within Rotherham. Following the club's exit, Millmoor ceased to have a professional tenant. The site's car park was subsequently utilized by C F Booth as an overspill and storage area for former London Underground rolling stock trains awaiting scrapping.
Key Facts
- Ownership Transition: Sold for £1 in 2004 to a supporters' group led by Peter Ruchniewicz.
- Annual Rent: The club paid £200,000 per year to the Booth family after 2004.
- Debt Trigger: The collapse of the ITV Digital deal contributed to £3 million in club debts.
- Timeline of Moves: Millmoor → Don Valley Stadium (2008) → New Community Stadium (2012).
- Post-Football Use: The car park was used to store London Underground trains for scrapping.
| Period | Club Owner | Ground Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 – 2004 | Booth Family | Booth Family | Club and ground unified |
| 2004 – 2008 | Supporters' Group | Booth Family | Club paid £200k annual rent |
| 2008 – Present | Supporters' Group/New Owners | Booth Family | Club relocated; ground vacant |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Booth family sell the club for £1?
The sale occurred in December 2004 after the collapse of the ITV Digital deal left the club with £3 million in debt. The nominal price was accepted in exchange for the Booth family retaining ownership of Millmoor, the Tivoli nightclub, and the Hooton Lodge training ground.
What caused the dispute between the club and Ken Booth?
The conflict centered on the lease period for the stadium and specific additional fees and benefits, such as advertising rights and complimentary tickets for home and FA Cup matches.
Where did Rotherham United play after leaving Millmoor?
The club moved to the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield in May 2008, staying there until 2012 when they moved into their own new community stadium in Rotherham.
What happened to Millmoor after the club left?
The stadium had no further professional tenants. Its car park was used by C F Booth to store old London Underground rolling stock trains awaiting scrapping.