Earth moves for Millers

New owners for Rotherham

Championship strugglers Rotherham United have unveiled the new owners of the club.

Long-serving chairman Ken Booth has agreed terms to sell his majority shareholding to local businessmen Mike Worthington and Darren Millington.

Their company, Earth Mortgages, has seen spectacular growth since it was established two years ago. It has a turnover of over £12million and employs nearly 250 people in the town.

At yesterday’s press conference, 46-year-old Worthington said:

“We are a local business whose success is based on the skills and commitment of local people. We believe that responsible companies return that commitment by becoming involved in the things that are important to local communities; that’s why Earth Mortgages is now in its second year as shirt sponsor of Rotherham United and has raised over £100,000 in the last 12 months for local and national charities.”

Earth Mortgages are already a major player in South Yorkshire football. Their sponsorship deal with Doncaster Rovers saw their Belle Vue ground re-named the Earth Stadium in May.

As Earth Mortgages have no involvement in the management of the League One club, it will not affect their takeover at Millmoor which is due to be completed on 1 November.

FOOTNOTE: It should be noted that the takeover collapsed on 29 October.