View From The Town End: Rotherham

How would you sum up Rotherham's season so far?

It's been a solid start to the season and the Millers have shown enough to say that they should be able to cope in this league and survive. As with many clubs, though, they are probably one or two top class players away from being the real deal, but they have put in some fine displays and swiped aside some established Championship clubs. It's promising, but results like Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough prove there's a long way to go.

Heading into the campaign you predicted a 12th-16th placed finish, have you seen anything to change that view?

Nope, still optimistic they can manage that finish, though I would put them nearer the 16th mark. Unfortunately teams that could have been cut adrift are improving, with Bolton and Fulham surging up the league. Steve Evans will undoubtedly recruit in January to make sure there's enough quality to stay away from a relegation battle.

Any fond memories of games between the two sides?

Back in the Division One days, you came to Millmoor and were roundly trounced 5-1, despite taking the lead. Your keeper Marcus Hahnneman had a shocking day and ex-Royal Martin Butler scored two and set another up. That was in the 2003/04 season and there was a real optimism around the club as there was talk of a takeover and signing Premier League players. That did not materialise and it was relegation the next season in a shocking campaign, one of the highlights of which was an injury-time 1-0 win over Reading.

Any not so fond ones?

The visit to the Majedski Stadium in 2000/01. You were the big spenders in Division Two under Alan Pardew and Rotherham were the paupers who were punching above their weight. The Millers arrived above Reading in the table but endured an afternoon of hell (covered in this piece). Darren Garner suffered a career-threatening injury, the Millers lost 2-0, had two men sent off and manager Ronnie Moore took the the pitch at full-time to confront the referee. A real bad day that could have had an affect on their promotion bid. Luckily the Millers had the last laugh and went up automatically.

Who should Reading fans be wary of on Tuesday?

It depends who plays, Steve Evans has a habit of changing his side for the fun of it. If he plays Alex Revell will be the focal point of attack, but he suffered an injury on Saturday and is doubtful. Ben Pringle is highly-rated and beginning to show the form that inspired Rotherham last season. But really there aren't any superstars in the team, it's a hard-working unit that are in it together.

Anyone that Millers fans aren't looking forward to facing?

Glenn Murray was a really good signing for Reading in the summer and looks to be hitting form. I also saw Nick Blackman play a lot when he was at Sheffield United and was impressed with him.

Score prediction?

2-2 draw.

Thanks again to Jonathan who you can follow on twitter @jonathandveal83 while you can also pick up his book 'reliving the dream' here.