Are Rotherham United set to replace Doncaster Rovers as football's worst ever team?

Saturday's result confirmed what Millers fans already knew - relegation to League One.Saturday's result confirmed what Millers fans already knew - relegation to League One.
Saturday's result confirmed what Millers fans already knew - relegation to League One.
Relegated Rotherham United could be set to seize an unwanted title from South Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster Rovers - as one of the worst teams in the history of football.

The hapless Millers' relegation from the Championship was finally confirmed on Saturday following a 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham - and the club are on course for one of the worst ever finishes in a 46 game season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United currently have just 17 points with four wins from 39 games and a miserable -55 goal difference after shipping a whopping 88 goals.

Doncaster Rovers fans protest during the 1997-98 season.Doncaster Rovers fans protest during the 1997-98 season.
Doncaster Rovers fans protest during the 1997-98 season.

However, there is still potentially greater humiliation - they could have officially the worst ever Football League season, since the 24-team leagues were introduced in 1988.

The current record belongs to Doncaster Rovers, whose 1997/98 campaign continues to live in infamy and gives their supporters nightmares to this day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The worst season in Rovers' history, which saw them relegated from the old Division Three into non-league football for the first time ever, resulted in them getting just 20 points.

They won four games all campaign - and none until the 21st game, when they beat Chester 2-1 on December 2 - and lost 34, which still stands as an English professional record.

Doncaster fans blamed Ken Richardson for the club's disastrous season.Doncaster fans blamed Ken Richardson for the club's disastrous season.
Doncaster fans blamed Ken Richardson for the club's disastrous season.

Their goal difference ended up at minus 83, with a succession of hapless goalkeepers - including former UEFA Cup winner Tony Parks, who played six times - conceding an eye-watering 113 goals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rotherham's season has been peppered by awful results - losing 4-0 to local rivals Barnsley in August, and 5-0 at Cardiff in February the worst - although none as dreadful as Doncaster's nadir, an 8-0 walloping from Leyton Orient.

Rotherham United have conceded 88 goals so far in 39 Championship games. Could they ship a ton?

Since the second tier went to 24 teams in 1988, only once side has ever done so - Stockport County who let in 102 in 2001/02.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Rotherham fans head for the exit - and League One - as relegation is confirmed.Rotherham fans head for the exit - and League One - as relegation is confirmed.
Rotherham fans head for the exit - and League One - as relegation is confirmed.

And the two sides look on course to meet in League One next season, with Rovers on the brink of promotion from League Two - something which could be confirmed with victory over Mansfield Town this weekend.