Irish group to take over Millers
Irish property developer Anthony McMullen is in talks to take over beleaguered Rotherham United, SSB understands.
McMullen says he will pay outstanding wages to staff and players as soon as he takes control at the club, which went into administration on Tuesday.
"I apologise for the delay, but I am giving my personal guarantee that it will be paid," he said.
"Easter weekend means that this process may not be completed until next week."
The McMullen Group has properties all over the world and as part of the takeover would like to build the Millers a new ground.
"Rotherham has a great history and I want to continue to honour that. I and my team along with the local council and the current chairman are committed to bringing Rotherham forward," added McMullen.
Meanwhile, manager Mark Robins admits that despite assurances to the contrary, the players have agreed to take a wage deferral:
"I was told that the wages would be paid and met in March, but yesterday the administrator told me that would not happen.
"I had to then speak to the players and explain the situation and what came out of that is that they want to assure supporters that they will give 100% between now and the end of the season, irrespective of pay."
Rotherham ask for wages deferral
The Rotherham United administrator Jeremy Bleazard has confirmed he has asked the club's playing squad to take a wage deferral.
"The redundancies and wage deferrals are a necessity to enable the company to trade," said a club statement.
"Cashflows have been prepared until the end of the season. Even with the deferrals it remains extremely tight until a purchaser can be found."
The deal still has to be agreed by the Professional Footballers' Association.
"A number of people have expressed interest in purchasing the club, but formal negotiations have not been entered into with any party at this time," said Bleazard.
"I have held positive meetings with members of the Supporters Trust and Rotherham Council who have both offered assistance in saving the club.
"I urge fans and businesses to get behind the club and support it during these difficult and uncertain times. I am hopeful this great club can be saved."
The Millers slipped to a 4-1 defeat at Rochdale on Easter Monday leaving them with only a small chance of making the League Two play-offs.
With the loan deadline on Thursday, there have already been a number of clubs who are monitoring the players and know they could take them on the cheap by making offers directly to the administrator.
"There have been one or two cuts made and people around the club have lost their jobs. Really everything at the moment is very negative," Millers boss Mark Robins told BBC Radio Sheffield.
It was expected that the Irish consortium who are interested in taking over the Millers would be at the Rochdale match on Easter Monday, but illness kept Anthony McMullen away.
The property developer is expected in South Yorkshire in the next few days to have further talks about buying the club and ending the period of administration.
Rotherham in search of a winger
Rotherham United will switch their attention to buying a winger, once they have landed another striker.
The Millers hope to hear from forward transfer target Michael Boulding this week, but the club are also keen to bolster their wide midfield options.
"Once we have a striker then we will be looking to bring in another wide man with a bit of pace," assistant coach John Breckin told BBC Radio Sheffield.
"We need another piece of armoury that we can call upon, another weapon."
Millers manager Mark Robins has already signed former Scottish international front man Mark Burchill, but is desperate to add more firepower.
Goal scoring was the South Yorkshire club's Achilles heel last season, with Derek Holmes and Chris O'Grady finishing as highest scorers on just 11 goals each.
Boulding, 32, has attracted the interest of numerous clubs, including League Two sides Bradford City, Lincoln City and Grimsby Town, and is currently weighing up his options.
Holmes joins York on month's loan
York City have signed 27-year old midfielder Peter Holmes on a month-long loan from Rotherham United.
Holmes goes straight into the York squad for the Blue Square Premier game at Kidderminster on Tuesday.
Boss Colin Walker told BBC Radio York: "We've got to be a bit more clinical in the final third and hopefully, bringing Holmsey in, that will open the door."
Meanwhile, Minstermen defender Daniel Parslow, 23, has signed an extended contract with the club.
Parslow signed prior to Saturday's game with Salisbury City.
Walker said: "This is his third season now. He's been very consistent.
"I talked to him pre-season about hopefully extending if he carried on his performances and I think he has.
"So I brought him in last week and everybody's happy with the agreement we've come to. I think it's until the end of 2010 which is very good."
Rotherham sign Fulham goalkeeper
Rotherham United have signed goalkeeper David Stockdale on a month's loan from Premier League side Fulham.
The 24-year-old has been brought in as a replacement for the injured Andy Warrington and is expected to make his debut against Bradford City.
Millers manager Mark Robins told Radio Sheffield: "I've not brought (David) Stockdale in to kick his heels on the bench.
"There were a couple of teams after him and I am pleased he has chosen us."
