Stadium plans press on

Four different tenders are on the table at the moment, each working to a brief set by chairman Tony Stewart for a stylish, state-of-the-art 12,000-seater complex on the Guest and Chrimes site.

The best two will be chosen in a few days' time and the eventual contractor announced in the middle of next month, effectively paving the way for work on the start.

Stewart told the Advertiser: "A lot of time and effort has gone into bringing forward the best possible scheme for Rotherham United.

"We had 12 companies competing, then eight, and now four. We've given them a brief for a dome-like design with a minimum of 12,000 seats, three floors of facilities in the main stand and to meet our requirement for an iconic structure with the best acoustics, lighting and viewing positions for spectators.

"The designs submitted are very exciting and they will form part of a regenerated Guest and Chrimes site."

With outline planning permission already granted, the club are confident of having the new ground built and ready for action in time for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Stewart added: "Once the contractor is chosen, we would hope to start preparatory work on the site around March."