Rotherham United v Ipswich Town
Saturday 7th February 2015 – 15:00
New York Stadium
Opening Thought - Jamma
In the Brighton preview a couple of weeks back, I touched upon how quickly things can change in the Championship, citing the example of Derby, who, after an impressive win at Portman Road, had gone down to a surprise home defeat to Forest to leave the door open for us to go top. This, of course, was a chance that we failed to take, in turn handing the initiative back to the likes of the Rams and Middlesbrough. It isn’t that long ago that we were going in to the New Year on the back of a December that had seen Mick McCarthy nominated for the Manager of the Month for the second time in as many months. But after an ultimately disappointing January, this now seems like a distant memory. From giving a good account of ourselves against a top Premier League team to suffering that setback against Derby; from easing to a 3-1 win at the New Den to losing against the erratic Seagulls: it’s fair to say that the Blues have had their fair share of highs and lows already in 2015. Saturday’s stalemate with Wigan was uninspiring to put it mildly. Played out in treacherous conditions – and not helped by a baffling performance by the referee – it was a match in which Town looked short of ideas and invention, with two Jay Tabb efforts and a David McGoldrick header the only real sights of goal. Mick tried to put a positive spin on things by pointing out that Wigan never looked like scoring but, at the other end of the pitch, neither did we.
Along with the recent downturn in results has come a tangible shift in the mood at Portman Road. From the carnival-like atmosphere at the Middlesbrough and Charlton games over the festive period, a definite edginess has crept in over the last couple of matches as things have started to go against us. The groans of frustration every time we resorted to Route 1 or misplaced a pass on Saturday were a far cry from the jubilant chants of ‘The Town are going up!’ from just a few short weeks ago. It was also concerning to hear McCarthy seemingly re-evaluating our targets, by viewing the draw as one more point towards the average tally of 75 needed for the play-offs. The promotion-chasing clubs have all slipped up to so-called ‘lesser’ sides in recent weeks, suggesting that the nerves are starting to set in, but also backing up the claim that there is not a lot between many of the teams in this year’s division. Double the reason, then, for the Tractor Boys and Girls making the trip to Rotherham at the weekend to get behind the boys, as we aim to get our challenge back on track.
The Opposition – Rotherham United
Rotherham United FC (known as the ‘Millers’) was formed in February 1925 after the merger of two clubs, Thornhill United & Rotherham Town who had been playing in the area since the 1870’s.
The club's traditional home was Millmoor in Rotherham where the team played from 1907 to 2008.
The red and white was adopted around 1928 after playing in amber and black, and they spent their time in Division 3 and only just remained in the Football League in 1931 as they had to apply for re-election.
Immediately after the Second World War things looked up. United finished as runners-up three time in succession between 1947 and 1949 and then were champions of Division Three (North) in 1951. Rotherham reached their highest ever league position of third in the Football League Second Division in 1955.
The club held on to its place in Division Two until 1968 and then went into a decline that took them down to Division Four in 1973. In 1975 they were promoted back to the Third Division finishing in the 3rd promotion spot in the Fourth Division. The Millers won the Division Three title in 1981.
During the 1990s Rotherham were promoted and relegated between the Football League's lowest two divisions and they slipped into the Fourth Division in 1991, just two years after being promoted, but reclaimed their status in the third tier (renamed Division Two for the 1992–93 season due to the launch of the FA Premier League).They survived at this level for five years, never looking like promotion contenders, before being relegated in 1997.
In 1997, just after relegation to Division Three, Ronnie Moore took charge of Rotherham United. His first season ended in a mid-table finish and then his second in a play-off semi-final defeat on penalties. It was third time lucky in 1999–2000 as Rotherham finished as Division Three runners-up and gained promotion to Division Two. They were favorites to be relegated in the 2000–01 season, but surprised many by finishing runners-up in Division Two and gaining a second successive promotion.
Rotherham managed to remain in Division One for four seasons until relegation to League 1 in 2005.
Early in 2006 it was announced that the club faced an uncertain future unless a funding gap in the region of £140,000 per month could be plugged. An eleventh-hour intervention by a consortium of local businessmen kept them in business, but they suffered relegation to League 2 and entered into administration in 2008 where they were deducted 10 points.
Local businessman Tony Stewart then took over as Chairman for the 2008–09 season and took the club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement, resulting in a further 17-point deduction. The Millers were subsequently forced to leave Millmoor, their home of over 100 years, for the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, after disputes with the landlords.
Chairman Stewart appointed Steve Evans on 9 April 2012 as manager, who got them promoted back to League 1 in the 2012–13 season. The same season also signaled a new era for Rotherham United as the club returned to playing home matches in Rotherham, at the newly built New York Stadium.
Last season Rotherham gained back to back promotions by winning the 2013-2014 League One play-off final, Rotherham beat Leyton Orient 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw where they came back from 2-0 down.
One To Watch – Craig Morgan
Rotherham have been active in the transfer window, with notable additions for the run-in including Danny Ward and Adam Hammill from Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield, as well as ex-Terrier Jack Hunt from Crystal Palace. Connor Sammon also became the latest former Blue to arrive at the New York Stadium, and is in line to feature on Saturday along with Frazer Richardson and Paul Green. For my one to watch, though, I am going to focus on a veteran Football League defender, whose experience could be key in the Millers’ battle to secure their Championship status.
Skipper Craig Morgan – a.k.a. ‘Captain Morgan’ – has been a mainstay in Rotherham’s defence since arriving from Preston ahead of the 2012/13 campaign. He has gone on to enjoy sustained success, leading the club to two successive promotions to replicate the feat that he achieved with Peterborough back in 2009. The 29-year-old made 45 appearances last season, culminating in that dramatic Wembley play-off success. Morgan’s steady presence has been crucial through Rotherham’s rollercoaster ride back up the divisions following their well-publicised financial difficulties. With upwards of 300 league appearances to his name, and 20 international caps for Wales, his contribution could again prove to be vital, especially if goal difference comes into play at the bottom of the table...
The Gaffer – Steve Evans
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Evans was spotted by scouts from English team Bolton Wanderers who he joined after leaving school.
Evans failed to break into to first team at Bolton and was released in 1979. He then returned to his native Scotland and joined Clyde, where he played in 36 league matches, scoring four goals, before joining Albion Rovers in 1981, where he scored 28 goals in 76 league matches during three years at Cliftonhill. He then moved to Ayr United in 1984, scoring four goals in 30 matches, and to Hamilton Academical in 1985, where he only played in two league matches. He joined St. Johnstone in 1985 and scored six goals in 24 matches before a knee ligament injury ended his playing career in 1986, aged 24.
Evans started his managerial career with Stamford in 1994, who he led to the United Counties Football League Premier Division title and to promotion to the Southern Football League.
After resigning as Stamford manager he was appointed manager of Boston United in October 1998. He managed Boston to promotion from the Southern Football League to the Football Conference in 2000 and subsequently to the Football League in 2002. Both promotions have since been overshadowed by revelations of off-the-field cheating.
Evans was suspended by Boston as manager on 4 July 2002 after a much-publicised Football Association (The FA) investigation into "contract irregularities". He later resigned as manager of the club in September 2002, after still being suspended by the club. He was subsequently fined for these irregularities. An announcement was made on 20 February 2004 that Evans would return as Boston's manager on 2 March.
Further controversies followed where he received fines and a suspended sentence in a number of incidents involving match officials.
However, on 27 May 2007, Evans resigned from Boston with immediate effect. Evans' two occasions as manager combined at Boston made him the club's second longest serving manager behind Fred Tunstall, He managed the team on 354 occasions, which resulted in 145 wins, 99 draws and 110 losses.
On 29 May 2007, two days after resigning from the Boston managerial post, Evans took over as Crawley Town manager.
He has been sent from the dugout numerous times, which resulted in a ten match ban during the 2008–09 season.
He verbally accepted a new three-year contract with Crawley in February 2011. During the 2010–11 season, Crawley reached the fifth round of the FA Cup where they were drawn against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Crawley lost this match 1–0 but earned over £1 million for this match alone.
On 9 April 2011 Crawley clinched promotion to Football League Two for the 2011–12 season.
Evans left Crawley on 9 April 2012 to be appointed manager of fellow League Two club Rotherham United on a three-year contract.
In September 2012, Evans was given a six-match stadium ban and fined £3,000 by the Football Association after being found guilty of "using abusive and insulting words and behavior" towards a female member of Bradford City's staff.
Rotherham were promoted for the second successive season in May 2014, beating Leyton Orient in a penalty shootout.
On 29 May, Evans agreed a new three-year contract.
Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev
From the first meeting this season ……………………….
Trev's Trivia
Some familiar face's !
Players that have played for both clubs
Scott Loach Ipswich 2012-2014 Rotherham 2014
Paul Taylor Ipswich 2012-present Rotherham 2014 Loan
Paul Green Ipswich 2014 Loan Rotherham 2014-present
Anthony Wordsworth Ipswich 2013-2014 Rotherham 2014
Conor Sammon Ipswich 2014-2015 Loan Rotherham 2015-present Loan
Media Watch - K L Blue
Colin gave me two choices from the 'Sudbury Mercury', but I went with this piece on Freddy (Sears that is rather than Mercury)
Ipswich Town fans will love watching Freddie Sears, says David Wright
So says David Wright, the former Blues defender who recently played alongside the livewire striker at League One club Colchester
Wright – who only hung up his boots last November to concentrate on a coaching role within Town’s academy – was quick to give Sears his seal of approval when Blues boss Mick McCarthy was preparing his £100,000 offer earlier this month.
And already the former West Ham youngster, still just 25, has caught the eye with impressive cameo displays at Millwall and Brighton.
With Sears set to make his home debut for the Blues against Championship strugglers Wigan on Saturday, Wright enthused: “I had two years of being in the same dressing room as Freddie. That gives you a really good insight not only into what sort of player someone is, but also what sort of person and professional they are. I had only good things to say to the manager.
“He’ll provide the team with something very different. Unlike Murph (Daryl Murphy) and Didz (David McGoldrick) he will play on the last shoulder and use his pace to get in behind.
“You saw what he can do with his goal against Brighton – he sucks the centre-back in, runs into the space and then nutmegs the keeper with a good finish. I think fans are going to love watching him.”
Wright made more than 120 appearances for Town in the Championship, but prior to that had been part of the Wigan side which won promotion to the top-flight in 2005.
“I hope Ipswich get a good win on Saturday and use it as a platform to get promoted,” said Wright. “I’d then want Wigan to put together a great run and avoid relegation.
“I can’t believe they are in the position they are currently in to be honest with you. Like everyone else I thought they would kick on this season, but they’ve gone backwards.
“The Championship is such a demanding league with the constant Saturday-Tuesday schedule and every single game you have to work your socks off. If you don’t you can quickly find yourself in trouble.
“Malky Mackay, take away all the non-football stuff that has gone on, is a top manager. I’m sure hell steer them away from danger.
“If Ipswich get back to their best though then they should win. They’ve hit a bit of a wall in recent weeks, but that happens in the Championship. It’s an unforgiving league, physically, and every team has a little blip at some point.
“The spirit in the camp looks excellent though and I’m in no doubt that they’ll come out the other side of this spell and really kick on in the second half of the season.”
Stat Time
Head 2 Head
Rotherham Wins..............5 (20.00%)
Ipswich Wins.................13 (52.00%)
Draws..........................7 (28.00%)
Rotherham Goals...............33 (ave. 1.32/match)
Ipswich Goals...................51 (ave. 2.04/match)
Head 2 Head at Rotherham
Rotherham Wins.................2 (16.67%)
Ipswich Wins.....................7 (58.33%)
Draws..............................3 (25.00%)
Rotherham Goals................13 (ave. 1.08/match)
Ipswich Goals....................26 (ave. 2.17/match)
The Predicted Teams
In fairness, this is unlikely to be Rotherhams matchday line up
Rotherham United
21 Collin
16 Richardson
20 Morgan
04 Arnason
28 Fryers
17 Newton
11 Green
33 Smallwood
18 Pringle
23 Sammon
27 Derbyshire
Ipswich Town
I wonder whether there will be a couple of changes this week
33 Bialkowski
02 Parr
04 Chambers
06 Berra
03 Mings
11 Anderson
08 Skuse
27 Bishop
18 Tabb
10 McGoldrick
20 Sears
Marko's Caption Contest
Winner this week is newcomer to the show; Ohiotractorboy.
Quote: I SQUISH your head!
(Comedy sketch and very funny! )
Ohio 4pts
LnP 3pts
Supershred 2pts.
First saw that picture and thought:-
"My knob is so small, I wanted a massive c*ck tattooed on my arm. I don't think the artist heard me properly."
TABLE
1. Herforder ......... 28
2. Quasar ............ 26
3. Frosty ............. 25
4 Blueblood.......... 23
5. James ............. 22
5. Derick ............ 22
6. The Don ........ 19
6. Bluemike ......... 19
7. Barmy Billy....... 14
8. Supershred....... 11
9. Ashfordblue ..... 8
10. Jamma .......... 6
10. Floors ......... .. 6
11. LnP ............... 5
11. Andy M ......... 5
12 OhioTB .......... 4
12. Number9 ...... 4
12. Charnwood..... 4
12. Mr Punch ....... 4
13. Nicscreamer ... 4
13. Morph ........... 3
14. ITNO1 ........... 2
14. Hallamblue...... 2
Have a go at this:
Match referee -
Is it school holidays in the UK?
Final Thought Frosty
I remain supremely confident as always, however the past two weeks have fallen a little flat which is an inevitable feeling when we have been trucking along so nicely this season. I don’t have time to do the stats at the moment, but I suspect over the past 5 or 6 seasons, lower table sides have tripped us up more than most in the division which is why I probably shouldn’t have been surprised that we only gained one point from the fixtures against Brighton and Wigan.
This week is another of these fixtures that are best put in the ‘tricky’ category, although I will be personally gutted if we lose, as my flatmate of many years when I was in my twenties actually had a pro contract with the ‘Millers’.
I think Rotherham have transitioned to the Championship fairly well, even if they are ‘skirting’ around the ‘rele zone’ a bit. They have a good manager who seems to have them performing pretty consistently. Their last four matches have seen a 1-1 draw with Charlton, a 4-2 win over Bolton, and prior to this a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth and a 1-0 loss to Brentford.
Looking at our top 6 rivals this week, some interesting fixtures. Odd’s on, Boro will knock over the ‘Addicks’ at home, Watford & Derby likewise should see off Blackburn and Bolton respectively. Meanwhile, Brentford have a slightly more difficult weekend ahead with a trip to Leeds and Bournemouth travel to Wigan for what might be a trickier fixture than it appears on paper.
With Wednesday, Fulham, Reading and Birmingham to follow this month points are probably crucial in February before we enter the frenetic fixture month of March when no doubt tiredness or injuries may impact a squad of our size.
For those of you going to Rotherham …. I pity you, apparently it’s a first class dump, but enjoy the football! COYB
ROTHERHAM UNITED 1 IPSWICH TOWN 2
well with Murphy back we can start another winning run, 0-3 town 
