ROTHERHAM United's directors realised as early as October that they could be heading for a six figure shortfall between their projections and the income from gate money.
It has emerged that the fears were expressed to representatives of Millers Trust during a meeting last Autumn between the fans' group and the Board.
The player budget, it was revealed, was pitched at around £1.1m based on an estimated average crow
d of 4,500.
At that time, the average was falling short at 4,075 and it was expected this would produce a shortfall of around £125,000 on their projections for gate receipts.
However, it was indicated to the fans' group that the player budget remained sustainable.
MILLERS IN CRISIS - Read our coverageGroundsman goes in cuts.Martin Smith: What now for desperate Millers.Team-mates ease Brogan's recovery.Gates have risen since then, particularly since the turn of the year, and the current average is just under 4,300 and is the eighth highest in the division.
Meanwhile, administrator Jeremy Bleazard began his first day at Millmoor yesterday following the club going into administration on Tuesday and among meetings he held was one with chairman Denis Coleman and the directors, including the accountant Giles Brearley, and chief operating officer Paul Douglas. Manager Mark Robins also sought an early meeting with the administrator.
What do you think? Post your comments below.Former directors Dino Maccio and Alan Cartledge are to begin talks with the administrator today and to discuss in detail with him the plans they have to bring investors to Millmoor and provide a long term future for the club.
It is understood that Maccio and the family of former chairman Ken Booth, who hold the lease on the ground, have had informal talks in the past.
Previously Maccio, who has a 36 per cent shareholding in the club, and Cartledge held a meeting with club officials but the board did not wish to pursue matters.
"Yesterday was a sad day for all connected with Rotherham United," said Maccio. "But all is not lost. The club, under Mark Robins, have done well on the pitch and the core group of fans have remained loyal.
"We have got to find a way forward and we believe we have a solution - that is why we are formally opening talks with the administrator. As we have said before, we are serious in our desire to help the Millers and that we have backers who could provide a new future for the club," saidMaccio.
Representatives of Millers Trust also have an appointment to see Bleazard today.
READ MOREFootball headlines.Latest football gossip.All sport categories.The full article contains 452 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
