Millers ready to go as big kick-off approaches

Pre-season preparations are almost over – and the serious business begins this weekend for Rotherham United Women.

The Millers go into the new season with a several exciting additions to the squad and under the direction of a new first team manager.

Rob Hilton joined the club in June following the departure of Pete Jarvis and has overseen the build-up to the new campaign.

Following pre-season friendlies against Doncaster Belles, York City and Grimsby Borough, we begin the new league season on Sunday with a trip to Mansfield Town, who finished just behind the Millers last time round.

Then follows a series of up to seven consecutive home games, depending on fixture changes and cup results, with Chesterfield the visitors to Roundwood on Sunday, September 8.

Midweek games under the lights return for 2024/25, and South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield FC are in town on Tuesday, September 11.

The Millers’ Reserves have been renamed Under-21s, with particular emphasis on developing young players for progression to the first team.

Hilton said he was looking forward to the season ahead but cautioned there were some testing challenges ahead.

“We know this is a tough league with some very strong sides,” he said. “We have Mansfield and Chesterfield in our first two games and they both had excellent seasons last time so we will not be taking anything for granted.

“Having said that, we have quality throughout our squad and are confident we can give anyone a game.

“We’re pleased to have retained the core of last season’s squad and added a blend of experience, talent and promise.

“There’s always a great family-friendly atmosphere at Roundwood and we would love to see Millers who attend the men’s games on a Saturday coming down to cheer us on the following day. Let’s make this a season to remember!”

Skipper Lori-Anne Tart was the first retained player announced and said it had been an easy decision to sign on again.

She said: “Being from Rotherham, it’s always an honour to play for your home town!

“I’m extremely happy to be signing for the Millers for yet another season.

“I’ve loved being part of the journey so far and hopefully this season will be bigger and better than ever.”

Forwards Delia Hurdiss and Alesha Gale, both netted in our 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday to clinch the Her Game Too Shield with at the New York Stadium in May – and both will be back in red and white this season.

Players of the Season Sidni Simmons, Amy Nowell and Emily Bell are also signed up.

Top scorer Jessie Broadhurst picked up an injury in pre-season but will also be hoping to come back and play her part.

New – and old – additions include former Millers Leanne Corns and Amy Pollock, who returns “home” following spells at Hull City and Millmoor Ladies.

Pollock said: “It was and has always been the club with the biggest place in my heart, for so many reasons.

“To come back and help push the club for promotion would be a dream.

“The girls are class and the atmosphere is great around the club.

“It really feels like this season could be the one for The Mighty Millers.”