Millers plan derby tribute after death of chairman's wife Joan Stewart

Mrs Stewart, of Moorgate, died earlier this week.

The couple, who had been married for 47 years, had one son together — club vice-chairman Richard Stewart — and three grandchildren.

A Millers spokesman said: “As a mark of respect and a show of the club’s support to the Stewart family, Rotherham United’s players and staff will wear black armbands at this Saturday’s South Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United.

“Once again, our heartfelt condolences go out to Tony, Richard and all their family and friends.”

The funeral for life-long club supporter Ben Bennett will take place next Friday (March 15) at Rotherham Crematorium. Mr Bennett died aged 54 in Rotherham Hospital on February 20.

His 77-year-old father, also called Ben Bennett, is the chairman and joint-managing director of long-standing Millers affiliates Ben Bennett Jr Ltd.

The Fitzwilliam Road steel firm has held the family east stand sponsorship at the AESSEAL New York Stadium since the ground opened in 2012.

The late Mr Bennett retired from the family firm due to ill health, said a company spokeswoman.

The Rotherham firm, established in 1883, has spanned six generations of the Bennett family and has held a close association to their local team throughout that time.