A new dawn on old, sacred territory at Millmoor would be magical

It would be so good wouldn't it?

It has to be stressed that, for now, the £9.5-millions plans to redevelop the land on which Rotherham United's old home use to stand, are just the vision of two men - local businessmen Phil Smith and Scott Thorpe, the news owners of Rotherham United Women who are already doing great things with that project.

But they are deadly serious about it, and they have the clout to make it happen, if they can buy the site and get all the approvals required.

A stadium that would be the home of the women's team is only part of their thinking. The community sports village that would go with would be even more important.

The buildings would stand close to the home of the men's team, AESSEAL New York Stadium, which has attracted admirers around the world since it rose so majestically, under Millers chairman Tony Stewart's guidance, from industrial wasteland 14 years ago.

The parallels between 2012 and 2026 are obvious.

Just as New York brought pride and identity to Rotherham (and still does), so would a redeveloped Millmoor.

Even the famous Derek Dalton clock might be there, bridging the generations. That's a lovely bit of thinking.

There is realism to go with the imagination.

"We’re not pretending this is a done deal," said Thorpe. "There are plenty of hurdles to overcome, but you’ve got to have ambition.

"Millmoor gave generations of Rotherham people their football memories. Let's see if we can give the next generation something even bigger."

He and Smith deserve the town's support.

It was tough to see Millmoor being pulled down. The old girl was never pretty on the eye, but, in her own way, she was beautiful. She was in the hearts of so many people. Part of them, part of the town. Nearly everyone of a certain age has a story to tell, an experience to recount.

A new dawn on old, sacred territory would be magical.