FM15: Rotherham United - Ambitious, But brilliant

Before I start, all the credit for this thread(idea's and template) go to MrSundlofer.

INTRODUCTION

A new season has started and so is a new game in the highly anticipated Football Manager 2015. After back to back promotions the first time since legend Ronnie Moore can you keep the re-building process going at the millers and maybe, someday take the club to the next chapter which is the Premier League?

LAST SEASON

SEASON 2013/14

In the 2013-14 season, Rotherham will compete in League One, after a late surge in the closing stages of League Two (resulting in them being the first team to win five consecutive matches that season), saw them finishing second, behind Gillingham, and ahead of Port Vale - whom spent all season in the top two. During this season they collected 86 points scoring 86 goals (the 2nd highest of any League 1 team) while conceding 58 goals (joint 9th best. They came fourth in the league and subsequently featured in the League 1 playoffs. They beat Preston in the Playoffs semi finals 4-2 on aggregate and faced Leyton Orient in the final. After 90 minutes it was 2-2 and it went to penalties. Rotherham had gone behind 2-1 on penalties but came back to win 4-3 on penalties to gain promotion to the Championship.

CURRENT SEASON

SEASON 2014/15

Since the getting promoted in the play offs season before, Rotherham will be in the championship amongst some of the big names in English football once again after over a decade out of the 2nd tier. Lots of players left in the summer mainly fringe players to make way for experienced, championship players such as Matt Derbyshire, Frazer Richardson, Richard Wood, Kirk Broadfoot, Scott Loach and Paul Green. With adding some youthful players to the side too with record signing Jonson Clarke-Harris and Jordan Bowery(who was the record signing before Clarke-Harris signed) gave us much needed pace out wide and up top. Play off hero Richard Smallwood signed on a permanent transfer from Middlesbrough to add to the heart of the midfield. Bringing in 4 loan signings this summer such as Luciano Becchio, Anthony Wordsworth, Paul Taylor and John Swift a mixture of youth and experiance. Fabien Brandy, Ryan Hall, Mat Sadler and Conor Newton all signed in the summer to bring the tally to 17 players in.

INFORMATION

HISTORY

The club's roots go back to 1870, when the club was formed as Thornhill Football Club (later Thornhill United). George Cook was the trainer around this time. For many years the leading team in the area was Rotherham Town F.C., who spent three seasons in the Football League while Thornhill United were still playing in the Sheffield & Hallamshire League. By the turn of the century, however, Rotherham Town had resigned from the Football League and gone out of business; a new club of the same name later joined the Midland League.Meanwhile, Thornhill's fortunes were on the rise to the extent that in 1905 they laid claim to being the pre-eminent club in the town and changed their name to Rotherham County. For a period both clubs competed in the Midland League, finishing first and second in 1911–12. Over time it became clear that to have two professional clubs in the town was not sustainable. Talks had begun in February 1925 and in early May the two clubs merged to form Rotherham United. Days later the reformed club was formally re-elected under its new name.

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) by finished third in the Fourth Division in 1992. They survived at this level for five years, never looking like promotion contenders, before being relegated in 1997.

In 1996 Rotherham United made their first trip to Wembley, beating Shrewsbury 2–1 to win the Football League Trophy, with two goals from Nigel Jemson giving Rotherham the win, with over 20,000 Rotherham United fans following them.

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 to Leyton Orient. It was third time lucky in 1999–2000 as Rotherham finished as Division Three runners-up and gained promotion to Division Two. They were favourites to be relegated in 2000–01 season, but surprised many by finishing runners-up in Division Two and gaining a second successive promotion. Famously, the Millers beat Brentford 2–1 at a sold-out Millmoor Stadium, with Alan Lee scoring the winner, sealing promotion. During this successful campaign, Rotherham also beat Premiership side Southampton in the FA Cup.

The 2012/13 season signalled a new era for Rotherham United as the club returned to playing home matches in Rotherham, at the newly-built New York Stadium. With the team looking the strongest it had done for years, the two factors seemed appropriate to add up and result in promotion. But it wasn't that straight forward. Despite demolishing Burton Albion on 18 August 2012 on the opening day, and a tasty 4–0 victory over Bradford City, the forthcoming months only saw inconsistent form. There were big defeats, and scalp claiming cup victories along the way, but with the club's main goal of promotion seemingly slipping away from its grasp, some fans called for the sacking of Steve Evans. But all was not lost, results began picking up and teams were falling, including more local derby victories. As the team gradually increased their position in the League, only a record breaking 5 games in a row winning streak and other results going their way, would see Rotherham promoted. Against all the odds, the Millers became the first team in that season to win 5 games in a row, claiming 15/21 points that month. Rival teams slipped up allowing Rotherham to storm past them, and with Port Vale (a team who had been second or first all season) failing to win on the final day, they managed to climb into second and claim the runners up spot behind Gillingham, as on 27 April 2013, Rotherham United sealed promotion from League Two to League One with a 2 – 0 victory over bottom of the table Aldershot.

In 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. Rotherham gained a place in the play-offs after going through a 16 game unbeaten streak during the second half of the season after a start which saw inconsistency in their home form. During this unbeaten streak, notable wins included a 6–0 win over Notts County and a 3–0 win over promoted Brentford. Rotherham's play-off semi finals were against Preston North End, the away leg ended in a 1–1 draw where Alex Revell's solo goal was cancelled out by a wonder strike from Joe Garner and goals from Lee Frecklington, Kieran Agard and Wes Thomas in the second leg made sure that Rotherham reached the final despite going 1–0 down.

OWNERSHIP

The club is owned by Tony Stewart. He bought The Millers back in 2008 when financial trouble hit hard he came in and stablised the club off the pitch and ensured the future would look bright. He brought in his brother and sister, Richard Stewart and Karen Stewart to be on the board. Ron Hull Jnr. also joined the board after speculation around him being one of the bidders in the past to buy Rotherham United.

FACILITIES

In January 2010 the club announced that their new stadium, later named the New York Stadium, would be built on the former Guest and Chrimes Foundry site in Rotherham town centre. Preparation work on the site began in February 2010 to make way for the foundations to be put in place and for the old Guest and Chrimes factory to be knocked down to make way for the Stadium. Construction started in June 2011 and the first game played at the stadium was a pre-season match between Rotherham and Barnsley, held on 21 July 2012. The Millers won 2–1; the first goal in the stadium was scored by Jacob Mellis of Barnsley, and David Noble scored Rotherham's first goal in their new home. The New York Stadium made its league debut on 18 August 2012, in which Rotherham beat Burton Albion 3–0, Daniel Nardiello scoring the first competitive goal in the ground.

Rotherham United currently use Roundwood Sports Complex in Rawmarsh as there home for the training and youth facilities. The club have been there since 2011 and will are planning on building a new training facility in the near future with an academy.

KIT

With a new season comes a new kit. The kit makers have remained the same while the sponsors on the home shirt have also. The new away shirt replacing the old dull, grey one from last season with a new sponsor on the front with Shedlands now sponsors of the away kits.

THE CLUB

GENERAL

Rotherham United are in the Sky Bet Championship. They recently got promoted from Sky Bet League One last season after winning in the play-off final against Leyton Orient. The captain is Craig Morgan and the Vice-captain is Kari Arnason. Biggest rival is Sheffield Wednesday.

Nation: England

Year Founded: 1884

Nickname: The Millers

Fierce Rivals: Sheff Wed(Local), Chesterfield(Local)

Other Rivals: Sheff United(Local), Barnsley(Local), Doncaster(Local), Leeds(Local), Bradford(Local)

Average Ticket Price: £22

Average Season Ticket Price: £400

Season Ticket Holders: 6,200

Club Value: £6.5M (Loan Debt:5.75M)

Media Prediction: 24th

FINANCES

This year the club has a little debt due to the new stadium. The money is owed to the owner Tony stewart. This shouldn't stop you from progressing the club though as there is a little bit of money to spend due to us spending quite a bit of it in the summer there is also some wage to play about with but not a lot.

Transfer Budget: £150,000

Wage Budget: £105,250 (£5,750 available)

AFFILIATED CLUBS

There is no affiliated clubs so you are able to request them from the start of your game.

THE BACKROOM STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

There is 7 board members at the club. Tony Stewart is the owner and chairmen who will be financing the club while Paul Douglas is the person you'll be going to speak to while you are the manager of Rotherham United.

MANAGEMENT

There is 11 staff at the club. Despite being fantastic staff inside the footballing world in FM15 they are not so great. The only 2 who I would keep is the goalkeeper coach Andy Dibble and Adrian Littlejohn. They is plenty of better free staff at the start to bring in.

THE FIRST TEAM

[video=youtube;hKbvPuDRjYA]

The first team squad at Rotherham has 28 players in albeit 4 of those are in on loan with only John Swift until the end of the season while the others end in 6 months time. 1 loan player is out which is Michael Tidser at Oldham Athletic.

GOALKEEPERS

There are 2 goalkeepers in the first team squad.

Adam Collin ★★

Nation: England | Age: 29 | Position: Goalkeeper | Number: 21

Scott Loach ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 26 | Position: Goalkeeper | Number: 1

DEFENDERS

There are 9 defenders in the first team squad.

Mark Bradley ★★

Nation: Wales | Age: 26 | Position: Right back | Number: 14

Richard Brindley ★★

Nation: England | Age: 21 | Position: Right Back | Number: 2

Frazer Richardson ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 31 | Position: Right Back | Number: 16

Kari Arnason ★★★

Nation: Iceland | Age: 31 | Position: Centre back/Centre Midfield | Number: 4

Craig Morgan ★★★

Nation: Wales | Age: 29 | Position: Centre Back | Number: 20

Richard Wood ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 29 | Position: Centre Back | Number: 6

Kirk Broadfoot ★★★★

Nation: Scotland | Age: 29 | Position: Centre Back | Number: 5

Joe Skarz ★★★

Nation: england | Age: 24 | Position: Left Back | Number: 3

Mat Sadler ★★

Nation: England | Age: 29 | Position: Left Back | Number: 19

MIDFIELDERS

There are 12 midfielders in the first team squad.

Febian Brandy ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 25 | Position: Right Midfielder/Striker | Number: 24

Michael Tidser ★★★

Nation: Scotland | Age: 24 | Position: Centre Midfielder | Number: 23

Conor Newton ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 22 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Right Midfielder | Number: 17

Richard Smallwood ★★★★

Nation: England | Age: 23 | Position: Centre Midfielder | Number: 33

John Swift ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 19 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder | Number: 25

Paul Green ★★★★

Nation: Ireland | Age: 31 | Position: Centre Midfielder | Number: 11

Paul Taylor ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 26 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder | Number: 26

Lee Frecklington ★★★

Nation: Ireland | Age: 28 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder | Number: 8

Robert Milsom ★★

Nation: England | Age: 27 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Left Midfielder | Number: 15

Anthony Wordsworth ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 25 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Left Midfielder | Number: 28

Ben Pringle ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 25 | Position: Left Midfielder/Centre Midfielder | Number: 18

Ryan Hall ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 24 | Position: Left Midfielder | Number: 7

STRIKERS

There are 5 strikers in the first team squad.

Alex Revell ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 31 | Position: Striker | Number: 9

Matt Derbyshire ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 28 | Position: Striker | Number: 29

Luciano Becchio ★★★★

Nation: Argentina | Age: 30 | Position: Striker | Number: 22

Jordan Bowery ★★★

Nation: England | Age: 23 | Position: Right Midfielder/Striker | Number: 10

Jonson Clarke-Harris ★★

Nation: England | Age: 19 | Position: Striker | Number: 29

THE YOUTH ACADEMY

Here are a few of the young players in the youth system which have the chance to become good player in the future.

GOALKEEPERS

There is 4 goalkeepers in the youth system but 1 will be listed here.

Tony Thompson ★★

Nation: England | Age: 19 | Position: Goalkeeper | Number: 30

DEFENDERS

There is 9 defenders in the youth system but 2 will be listed here.

Reece Lucas ★

Nation: England | Age: 18 | Position: Centre Back/Right back | Number: N34

Daniel Rowe ★★

Nation: England | Age: 1 | Position: Centre Back | Number: 31

MIDFIELDERS

There is 9 midfielders in the youth system but 3 will be listed here.

Nicky Walker ★★

Nation: England | Age: 18 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder | Number: 29

Mike Williamson ★

Nation: England | Age: 18 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder | Number: 47

Mitch Rose★★

Nation: England | Age: 20 | Position: Centre Midfielder/Defensive Midfielder | Number: 32

STRIKERS

There is 5 strikers in the youth system but 2 will be listed here.

Jerry Yates★

Nation: England | Age: 17 | Position: Striker | Number: 35

Ayrton Bevins★

Nation: England | Age: 18 | Position: Striker | Number: 37

THE TACTICAL SIDE OF THINGS

A bit like last season in the way we like to play. We like to get the ball down and play pocession football with a little pace at times specially down the right side but tend to use the left more when going forward in normal play, right side to be used more in counter attacking circumstances. Using a target man up top on his own is usually Revell when playing away feeding off what he wins but still, at times like to pass it around and use the midfield. Pringle comes inside to play as a CM making it 3 in the centre when going forward. I have posted 3 images below of different ways you can play and the usual ways we play home and away.

FORMATIONS

1) 442 - Home.

2) 4-5-1/4-3-3 - Counter away.

3) 4-2-3-1 - Control home/away.

You may now post. Looking forward to it this season!

Good start, is James Tavenier not on there?

Tavenier plays for Wigan now.

Oh thought he'd signed permanently :embarrassed

Excellent stuff Craig.

Nice thread . Nearly done my first season(Hopefully will finish before bed) currently sat in 8th and on a really bad run(4 draws and 2 losses since my last win). Not wanting to get promoted as the team isn't strong enough. Marek Cech was my only signing to rotate with Skarz. January with the loans going back I loaned in Ben Pearson and signed Fran Merida on a free which he started on fire and has declined massively since.

I'm generally using a 4 - 5 - 1(Two Wingers, 2 CM, 1 DM) and a 4 - 4 - 2. My key players have been Pringle, Bowery(His pace is amazing) he's scored 20 in 30 Championship games from ST/AMR positions and actually Brandy, already decided to extend his contract for an extra year. Richardson hasn't been too shabby, Clark-Harris has been pretty decent to bring off the bench and been impressed by Collin(Will be selling Loach and keeping Collin for backup).

Will probably have a big change in the summer. I'll post more and in more detail when I get too it.

Summer has started differently. Smallwood has made a noise about joining a big club and then an offer of 2.5mil came in, I had to accept that. Same with Woods for 300k, had to accept that. Bowery only has a year left on his contract and wants 15k a week to stay so going to try push money for him(Hopefully around 5mil with the amount interested). Merida was sold for 1.5mil aswell.

Summer has started differently. Smallwood has made a noise about joining a big club and then an offer of 2.5mil came in, I had to accept that. Same with Woods for 300k, had to accept that. Bowery only has a year left on his contract and wants 15k a week to stay so going to try push money for him(Hopefully around 5mil with the amount interested). Merida was sold for 1.5mil aswell.

Bowery was sold for 3mil + 2mil on promotion hoping that when the leagues changed I'd get 2mil, turns out I couldn't exploit that . Still happy with 3mil and the squad it's let me build. Missed out on Isgrove and Alex Pritchard on loan but I'm very happy with the Lingard/Blackett signings. Even if they are on 13k/11k p/w . Just looking at bringing in a 4th back up striker who can play on a wing and the squads done for season 2!~

Edit: Signed Iker Hernandez on loan from Real Sociedad for zero wage .

Has anyone played Rotherham under the latest patch and had any success? Struggling to compete so far but my opening three games were Derby, Watford and Wolves.

Against Wolves lost 4-1, however clean cut chances were 1-4 in my favour but having the lowest finishing skill in the league tells