No, this isn’t one for Mr Dawson Just seen this on Facebook. I think with the Reds 78yrs in the second tier, a solitary one in the Prem & even a slightly larger fan base, it’s not even worthy of debate. BUT Begs the question of who is the bigger of Donny & Millers?
Quite clearly us of the three... Of those two I think it's close. Would have said Donny but these past 10 years I think Rotherham have pulled up right beside them!
Here are both their historical stats for comparison. Not much between them really. http://european-football-statistics.co.uk/attnclub/league/rotu.htm http://european-football-statistics.co.uk/attnclub/league/donr.htm
There are a few variables to add including: 1.Size and population and Town/City. 2.Proximity to Sheffield, 3.Historical achievements 4.Crowds, past and present. I don’t think current league standings make much of a difference. I have included point 1 because both Rotherham and Donny ( last time I looked) dwarf Barnsley in both but it should add a bit of context to the debate. Point 2, Rotherham are really on the doorstep of Sheffield and I would say are potentially more affected by this. Of course there are plenty of Wednesday fans to the South of Barnsley. I think Donny is too far to be affected as much, although aI do understand, like Barnsley, they have a big Leeds following 3. I think it’s safe to say that we edge this, with an FA cup win and a Premier League season. Also we have spent more time in the 2nd tier of English football than any other club 4. We have mainly had bigger crowds than both, save for a couple of occasions and short periods. Back in the 80s when both us and Rotherham were enjoying success, our gates often doubled Rotherham’s. Donny embarrassed themselves with claims of being a ‘sleeping giant’ when they reached the. championship in a brand new stadium and only ever had more than 10k when there was a large away following, usually around 3000. So, I think it’s Barnsley, Rotherham, Donny