The Millers make their first public outing of the pre season campaign in a 5-4 defeat at Conference side Altrincham. All fit first team players get a run out at a rain sodden Moss Lane where Marc Newsham (2), Derek Holmes and Chris O'Grady bagged the Millers' goals.
Starting line up: Warrington, Tonge, Sharps, Coughlan, Hurst, Todd, Harrison, Hudson, D. Holmes, Newsham.
Monday
Millers boss Mark Robins reflects on his sides defeat at Altrincham insisting that the result does not matter at this stage. "We have to take out of the game what it was - a fitness exercise, even though no one wants to concede five goals.
But there was pleasing stuff going the other way, the forward play was as good as I have seen for a long time and we just need to fine tune it."
The players are soon back in action though as they travel the short distance to Stocksbridge to play their second friendly. This time a more convincing performance saw Rotherham record a 4-2 victory at Bracken Moor. Chris O'Grady bagged his second goal in as many games whilst Ryan Taylor grabbed a hat trick in a game where the Millers fielded a mainly youthful team.
Starting line up: Cann, Yates, Fleming, Mills, Brogan, King, Simon Harrison, Green, Taylor, O'Grady, Duncum.
Wednesday
Bad news for the Millers as new defender Marc Joseph comes down with a virus that threatens to rule him out for some time. Mark Hudson is also nursing a knock on his thigh.
It's a trio of non league battles as Rotherham travel down to Burton Albion to complete their third game in five days. A much stronger line up than the one that faced Stocksbridge took the field at the Pirelli Stadium and the game ended up in an uneventful 0-0 draw. The Millers gave substitute appearances to Cann and Jacobs, both trialists vying to earn a contract.
Starting line up: Warrington, Tonge, Sharps, Hurst, Todd, Brogan, D. Holmes, Harrison, P. Holmes O'Grady.
Thursday
Sad news comes from the other side of the Pennines with the announcement of former Rotherham manager Danny Bergara's death after a short illness aged just 64. Bergara managed Rotherham during their ill fated 1996-97 season.
Meanwhile boss, Mark Robins is pleased with his team's improving fitness after three quick fire games. "It was another 90 minutes under our belt; pre-season friendlies are all about fitness and now we are ready for the next one on Saturday." Robins said.
Friday
Mark Robins outlines his potential to give the two trialists a further run out when the Millers make their first appearance of the pre season at Millmoor when they take on local neighbours Barnsley. Steven Cann and Kyle Jacobs are both likely to start the game against they Tykes with rumours strong that Cann will be offered a deal early next week.
Robins also reiterates that he is not so worries about results. "At this stage, it's just about fitness; I'm not interested in results. It's nice to win; it doesn't really mean anything at this stage of the year. But we're focussing on tomorrow's game and on the next two weeks of pre-season as we get ready for the start of the season." he told the Rotherham Star.
The game takes place at 3pm tomorrow afternoon and prices for £10 adults and £5 concessions are confirmed.