Phil Smith and his more distant relationship with Rotherham United
“I don't think it will add fruit to anybody for me to be giving any more advice.”
The man ready to lead a takeover of his boyhood club is no longer part of Rotherham United's inner circle as he waits for the opportunity to become the next owner.
Local businessman Phil Smith was made a director last season, with a brief to review the Millers' operating procedures and suggest improvements.
Since then, the relationship has cooled, and it would take a deal to go through for him to make his presence truly felt at AESSEAL New York Stadium again.
"My involvement is near zero," he told the Advertiser. "We don't regularly meet. I've not put the time in this season like I did in the second half of last season at all. That's where we are.
"I've got quite a busy business portfolio. You put time in where you can get a return on your time. I've given the advice I can give to the club. I don't think it will add fruit to anybody for me to be giving any more advice - that's me putting it diplomatically."
Kimberworth-born Smith, who founded and developed the hugely-successful Embark financial-services company, has funding and backing in place should chairman Tony Stewart decided to end his 18-year reign at the helm.
There have been discussions about a change of ownership between the two men that Smith describes as "cordial".
However, the 57-year-old, who was given a 'non-executive place on the board in February, has hinted at differences between himself and some other members of the club's hierarchy.
Smith has been a home-and-away follower for years, has a corporate box at New York and still attends as many matches as his global business commitments allow.
He has also spent a seven-figure sum as a sponsor and Embark branding has appeared on the front of first-team jerseys.
For now, any hours he devotes to Rotherham United issues are in the cause of sponsorship and commercial revenue development. "I've got a network which has played well in the club over the last few years," he said.
He is prepared to act fast if Stewart opts to sell and would like to be a position to effect the January transfer window and help the Millers climb the League Two table.
They are just above the fourth-tier relegation zone after a three-year decline that has seen them drop two divisions.
Technically, the club is in the hands of Stewart's son, Richard, following a transfer of shares last March, but Stewart senior remains the decision-maker and de facto owner.
When asked if it had been his decision to step aside or if he'd been eased away, Smith replied: "I've got nobody knocking on my door saying: 'Can we have some more time, please?'"