The end of an era

Brentford v Rotherham, Griffin Park, Sat 10th Jan 2014

The Bournemouth debacle was only the prelude to a septimanus horrabilis for all Millers fans. With that glorious afternoon in May a distant memory, we were beginning to believe relegation a distinct possibility, and now it looked like the beginning of the end for the main heroes of that day. Rumours had been rife all season that Pringle would be departing for good money, and his recent bench warming spell and rumoured offers from several clubs made that possibility more likely. Then, midweek, THE news started to filter through. Quiet whispers rose to a clashing crescendo on Wednsday. Alex Revell was on his way to Cardiff! The scorer of Wembleys best ever goal, never give up, miller to the core, fans favourite was leaving to rejoin his old, beloved, manager Russell Slade, for more money. I couldn't believe it and immediately sent a message to Vicky on holiday in Lisbon. Apparently she and Alex were having a romantic lunch when Alex went for coffee. She decided to check her messages and fell into deep despair when she saw the news. It spoiled her holiday. 'Are you sitting down?' I asked Heather before imparting the news later in the week. 'Oh no, not Revell, I hope they don't sell Pringle.' She moaned despondently. On Weds the fee was thought to be around 200k. Not bad for a 31 year old donkey, we thought. The advertiser on Friday suggested the fee was around 400k. That put the smile back on our faces. 400k for a has-been donkey who couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo. Great business. The clear out continued as we released the unused Michael Tidser and Febian Brandy.

To make it up to us for selling our favourite, Steve went out and borrowed some more players. Adam Hammill, a winger, joined from Huddersfield, as did the striker Danny Ward. Jack Barmby, a young striker passed Tom Lawrence on his way from Leicester. 

Saturday dawned with me indifferent about the coming game. I simply couldn't drum up any enthusiasm. I dropped Ian off at the New York stadium for the beer festival, no magpies in sight, and drove home to join Jeff and the boys for the rolling results. The team news showed all three new signings in the team, and Lee Frecklington notably absent from team or bench. Not Frecks surely?

Nothing exciting happened in the first half, we were only mentioned at half time as Jeff told us the score was 0-0. 

A few minutes into the second half Jeff told us that the deadlock had been broken at Griffin Park. For a couple of seconds we held onto hope, but alas, there was none. Rotherham had been by far the better team in the first half the reporter said, but Brentford were the ones in front. And they hadn't lost from a winning position for ever, so that would be that. Indeed it was, Jeff didn't mention us again until full time. Brentford 1 Rotherham 0. The million pound drop looms ever closer. 

Next up Bournemouth at home, again!  

Finally, joking apart, I think we'd all like to thank Alex Revell for the past three seasons, and wish him luck in the future. Except when he plays us.

Thanks for the memories Revs.....