We HAVE got all the money for stadium, says Millers boss

ROTHERHAM UNITED chairman Tony Stewart has reassured Millers fans that all funding is in place for the £17.3 million stadium.

Work is now underway to raise and level the former Guest and Chrimes site for the 12,000-seater ground.

Rotherham Borough Council has loaned £5 million—but last week caused confusion when a report identified a “potential financial shortfall.”

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However, Mr Stewart guaranteed supporters yesterday that the money was all there to finally bring football home by August, 2012.

He said: “Rotherham United presented the cash flows to the council with regard to the new stadium.

“Both parties agreed that the £5 million loan with interest, linking with the ERDF application process, would satisfy the club’s needs.

“Any shortfall would be met by private investment and this was accepted by both parties.”

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United left Millmoor for Sheffield’s Don Valley Stadium in 2008 and were given five years to return by the Football League.

The new town centre stadium—being built by GMI Construction—has been described by the chairman as the most important addition to the town’s skyline since the Minster.

Mr Stewart, also managing director of ASD Lighting, said: “I’ve been in Rotherham for 30 years and built one of South Yorkshire’s most successful companies.

“I have directors and managers and we’re putting that expertise into the Rotherham United business model.

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“The stadium has taken time but has been approached with due diligence and care.”

The steel structures for the Millers’ as-yet unnamed new home will begin to rise before the end of July.

The council this week maintained that its Cabinet report was accurate when written, but the potential shortfall had later been covered.

Last week, we asked web users to tell us what they thought of the council's decision to loan the Millers £5m towards the new stadium.

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We asked: Is this a good use of council money in the current climate? This was the result. To add your vote, click here.

Yes, it will help rejuvenate the town. - 34.6%

 

No, there are better causes that need funding. - 59.8%

 

Maybe, but it doesn't look good when budgets are being cut. - 5.5%

 
 

 

 

 

 

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