Rotherham United: Stubbs' Millers spending clue

Stubbs will be a busy man through the summer as he bids to compile a squad capable of building on last season’s Championship survival.

Part of his plan is to strengthen with young talent that can be sold in years to come to boost the Millers’ financial position.

When asked if there was money for signings, he said: “I think if the right player became available, there would certainly be an interest and a keenness from the club.”

Increased television revenue should see Rotherham operating on a bigger budget next season.

Before joining the Millers last week, the 44-year-old had proved to be an astute operator in the transfer market during his two seasons with Scottish Championship side Hibernian.

In his first job in management, he transformed Hibs’ playing operation and finances, twice coming close to promotion to the Scottish Premier League and winning the Scottish FA Cup in his final match in charge.

“When I walked into Hibs, we didn’t really have too many assets. We didn’t really have too many players, to be honest,” he said.

“I’d like to think I’ve left the club in a much better state of health. We brought in some young players who became assets to the football club.

“From nothing, there are now potentially £3 million or £4 million worth of assets that they could sell if they wanted to.”

It’s a template the Liverpudlian intends to copy as he looks to add to the 10 contracted players he has inherited at AESSEAL New York Stadium

“That’s what we want to do here,” he said. “We want to bring young players in. We want to give them a platform to play and develop and become better, and then in the long run the club can then sell them on for a healthy profit.

“In order for any club to prosper, that’s what you’ve got to do.”

Stubbs was aiming to talk last week to the club’s five out-of-contract players offered terms before his arrival, Kirk Broadfoot, Richard Wood, Stephen Kelly, Matt Derbyshire and Leon Best.

Best has since departed, while the fate of the other four should become known in the next few days.

Meanwhile, the pitch at New York received its first cut yesterday, 15 days after the annual seeding by head groundsman Dave Fellowes and his staff.

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