Parkgate Prepare for Rotherham Visit
28th July, 2011
The Millers return home to Rotherham for the first time since they left Millmoor in 2008 as they visit Roundwood Stadium on Monday to face Baris NCEL Premier Division side Parkgate.
Rotherham United will return to the town in August 2012 when their new stadium on the old Guest & Chrimes site will be ready.
Andy Scott and the players are no strangers to Roundwood as the team's training facility is based at Parkgate's complex with the new gym and relaid pitches currently being used by the first team squad.
At this time of year, expectation is a common feeling that is felt by football fans across the country who can soon stop pretending they like tennis as the magical opening day approaches.
It must be said it is no different down at Roundwood as Doug Shelley looks to mastermind an improvement on last season's exploits and get promotion to the Evo-Stick League, a feat never achieved by the Steelmen or any other Rotherham based non-league club.
If last season is any kind of accurate yardstick, then the journey will be eventful.
But, one thing is for sure, Shelley and assistant Wilf Race will ensure the football is quick, flowing and full of the kind of passing moves that are commonplace a lot further up the football pyramid.
Shelley's youthful team are more than capable of 'winning ugly', a trait that is required on a windy Tuesday evening away at Pickering in January.
But, when Parkgate turn it on, the really turn it on. Just ask Sheffield, Belper Town and Farsley - higher league teams that the Steelmen sent packing in recent months.
So, all this brings expectation on next season's assault on the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
The Baris NCEL is a notoriously difficult league to get promoted from.
It is the highest level of English football where only one promotion spot is granted each season. Needless to say, there is little room for error.
Parkgate are hoping that Monday's game will be a celebration of Rotherham United's return to Rotherham and the fact a brand new home for the Millers is being built down the road.
And they are looking forward to seeing some Rotherham fans down at Roundwood during the forthcoming season.
(Story Source: Parkgate)
Click here for Parkgate's team page.