That was the season that was 04/05 - Deano's October Review.

Last updated : 12 June 2005 By Bigrich.....

Having started slowly, we fell behind after just 11 minutes as the defence went missing to allow Jason Roberts space and he converted Nathan Ellington's cross with ease. Mike Pollitt kept the Millers in it before half time with blocks from Graham and Ellington himself, as we failed to trouble John Filan at the other end.

A double substitution couldn't spark Rotherham into life either, Hoskins and Scott replacing Richie Barker and Proctor, and after Stockdale became the third Miller of the afternoon to be booked, Alan Mahon sealed victory for the hosts after a move involving Roberts and man of the match Jimmy Bullard.

With a weeks break until the trip to Cardiff, rumours were bubbling about Neil Freeman making another attempt at a takeover, whilst Ronnie was busy on the phone trying to add to the squad.

Stoke were also reported to be sniffing around Chris Sedgwick. Then, a move that shocked the majority of supporters, as it was announced that Earth Mortgages had sealed a takeover of the Millers the day before the Cardiff game. They would take control from November 1st.

Great news off the field, but the same old story on it, as Peter Thorne's double gave Cardiff a 2-0 victory in South Wales. Again the Millers offered little, and only Pollitt's strong hand prevented Alan Lee netting against his old club in the latter stages.

Next up at Millmor were Plymouth. A 1-0 defeat was overshadowed by rumours that Paul Gascoigne was set to take over as the clubs manager with Ronnie facing the chop. Gascoigne, personal friends of takeover duo Mike Worthington and Darren Millington, was invited to make the half time draw.

However, after being advised to stay away at the 11th hour, Ronnie was given a rousing reception by the Tivoli. Chants of Bobby Williamson were also heard as the ex-Millers forward returned as manager of Argyle.

Three games into the month, no points, and Ronnie Moore reveals he is unsure of his future at the helm, as contract talks hit a standstill between himself and the new regime. A live Sky game at home to Sunderland adds more pressure to Moore's shoulders, although the Millers are extremely unlucky to go down to a disputed offside goal from Dean Whitehead after putting in a determined display.

Then, disaster! Just one day before the trip to Derby County, Earth Mortgages pull the plug on the takeover deal. Fans are left bewildered and angry, and in a crowd of just over 25,000 at Pride Park, Millers supporters can be seen wearing shirts in side out, covering up the Earth logo.

All is soon forgotten though after we take a 2-0 lead, as two set pieces from John Mullin are finished off by firstly Chris Swailes' powerful header, then Rob Scott's half volley from 12 yards. Derby reduced the deficit before half time though as Rasiak headed in Idiakez's outswinging corner.

Ex-Blade Paul Peschisolido then levelled for the Rams just before the hour mark, and the Millers collapse was complete 8 minutes later when Jamie Vincent beat Pollitt with a drilled shot on the angle. The scoring drought ended, but those first three precious points were simply thrown away.

And so November arrived, a failed takeover, 5 straight defeats and that elusive first victory still evades us. Next up, a crucial midweek encounter at Nottingham Forest….