The Blades have already participated in three friendlies, they kick started the 2012-13 preparations with a 1-1 draw at Ilkeston FC before embarking on a mini tour of Malta where they played two games - firstly beating Zejtun Corinthians (6-0) before recording a 0-0 draw with Hibernians.
United last faced the Millers last season in the second round of the Johnstione's Paint Trophy at the Don Valley Stadium, it ended in victory to the Blades, though they left it very late in what was considered a ‘drab’ performance by Danny Wilson’s side. They took the lead through Chris Porter on 9 minutes, beating Andy Warrington at his far post when on-on-one.
From then on the home side grew stronger but had to wait until 69th minute to level the scores through Alex Revell who appeared unmarked to smash home a rebounded shot. The Millers looked good to then take the lead and win the tie but when referee Garry Sutton added 9 extra minutes due to injury at the end, the game looked set to go to penalties. However six minutes into that Ched Evans found a way through and from the edge of the box (with the aid of the post) fired home to set up a home tie with Bradford City in the next round.
Blades boss Danny Wilson revealed that eleven players where released this summer in a big shape up after failing to win promotion to the Championship; James Beattie and ex-Manchester City forward Ched Evans, Steve Simonsen, Andy Taylor, Johannes Ertl, Ched Evans, James Beattie, Connor Brown, Jack Adams, Seamus Conneely, Corey Gregory, Marc Warren and Shane Murray all left but Kevin McDonald, Chris Porter and Lee Williamson have all been offered new deals to stay.
United will be without defender Lescinel Jean-Francois who is sidelined for the summer through injury. However new signings; John Cofie (seasons long loan from Manchester United), Darryl Westlake (Walsall) and Shaun Miller (Crewe Alexandra) could feature at New York.
After 4 long hard cold years in the Steel City we're finally where they call home, Millers-Mad says; 'I'd say we're in South Yorkshire's best ground (not saying biggest!! that's our 'massive' friends job) but please enjoy your trip to New York, remember that it's not 100% completed yet!'
The steelwork for the stadium started being erected back in October last year, which show's just how fast the place has been built. At the time of writing, the Millers have had three games at New York, beating both Barnsley, then Doncaster Rovers by a doubled 2-1 score-line. Having gone behind in both games, the Millers have replied quickly followed up by a fairly quick winning goal. They were finally beaten by Scottish club Hearts of Midlothian by a single goal last Saturday.
With new gaffer Steve Evans coming in just before the end of the season, he has had time to assess the squad and he's made wholesale changes, bringing in ten new players and with hopefully another two to come before the season's opening game against Burton Albion.
Incoming, Goalkeeper - Scott Shearer. Defenders - Laurie Wilson, Ian Sharps, Nicky Hunt. Midfielders - Kari Arnason, Lionel Ainsworth, Michael O'Connor, David Noble. Strikers - Kayode Odejayi, Daniel Nardiello and Keiran Agard. Mitch Rose and Alec Denton both moved into the first team squad also.
Special thanks to Richard Gaynor @ www.millersmad.co.uk