The club have filed notice to appoint an administrator and, unless the financial picture improves, will be docked 10 points as they were in 2006.

The League Two outfit cite Inland Revenue debts as a major problem.

They say they were close to a deal with a group last week but that was dashed because of the terms and conditions of the lease for their Millmoor ground.

"Over the past two years the board has been working very hard to reduce the level of operating losses at the club," Rotherham said in a statement.

606: DEBATE Not another 10 points, you've had it hard enough already - best of luck Real Giant Terrier

"It is plain that things can not continue like this and that time is not on our side. We are not yet at a stage where a certain future for the club can be definitively guaranteed.

"We are conscious of the need to protect the club from any possible action from any of its creditors. In order to combat this, we have filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator.

"If no deal can be brokered then administration would be the only option for the club."

The Millers could become the third Football League club to go into administration this season, following Luton and Bournemouth.

Filing notice of intention to appoint an administrator - as Bournemouth did last month - gives the club a period of protection from its creditors while they are bidding to avoid administration.

However, under new rules introduced by the League last summer, if Rotherham (or any club) go into administration after the fourth Thursday in March, the 10-point deduction will be suspended.

If the club is relegated the points will be deducted from their tally at the start of next season.

If the club stays up the 10 points will be taken off their final total - and if that drops them into the relegation places, the club will be relegated.