The Story of Rotherham United, Terry McFrazer and 4-4-2 Shithousery
It’s Thursday 17th August 2004. George W. Bush Jnr. is the President of the United States of America, and Alien vs. Predator is top of the of the box office.
Newcastle have won the title twice in the last six seasons. Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima is ripping up defenses in the Premier League as he leads the line for Manchester United. Gérard Houllier is in charge of a Francesco Totti fronted Liverpool.
And after three promotions in six seasons, Rotherham United have hoofed their way to the Premier League.
Lead by the slightly overweight, Glaswegian-born Northern Irishman Terry McFrazer, Rotherham United have scrapped their way from the old Third Division (Fourth Tier) of English football to the First.
Currently sharing Oakwell stadium with one of their numerous rivals Barnsley – there are rumblings of a new stadium, but nothing is confirmed – The Millers have found massive success operating a well drilled, counter-attacking 4-4-2 tactic.
Operating on a shoestring budget to bring in obscure yet cult figures Steve Kabba, Michael Branch and John Eustace, Rotherham’s rise has been attributed to the shrewd transfers and disciplined set-up of McFrazer, a lower-league professional footballer who played as a centre back and was known for his hard-tackling, no nonsense defending.
The long term vision and fundamentals of the save include;
- Using mentalities between ‘Very Defensive’ and ‘Balanced’
- Only allowed to sign British & Irish players, as well as players from the Commonwealth, USA and other English speaking former colonies
- Employ a 4-4-2 tactic, or variations thereof (symmetrical and asymmetrical versions are allowed)
- Preferred attributes include but not limited to; Work Rate, Team Work, Anticipation, Decisions, Composure, Concentration, Aggression, Bravery, Tackling, Marking, Positioning
- Take inspiration tactically from Sam Allardyce’s Bolton Wanders; the Getafe team under José Bordalás; and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid
- Look out for up and coming wonder kids through the game, such as Gareth Bale, Harry Kane and Theo Walcott
- Preferred but not limited to in-game tactical preferences such as Be More Disciplined; Regroup; Counter Attack; Lower Lines of Engagement; Low Block; and other defensive/counter attacking preferences, as well as the use of Set-pieces where appropriate
The following blog will be seen primarily through the eyes of their untalented, big mouthed manager McFazer and his diary entries, as he looks to build a dynasty of disgusting football that will stand the test of time throughout
The Rotherham Revolution Will Not be Televised, but fucking christ almighty it will be awful, and some of it will even be on paper. Either way, hopefully, just hopefully…. it’ll also bag The Millers some horrendously undeserved silverware.
