RUFC – Teams to become United

Rotherham are at last to become United at one training ground and not be scattered around like they have been since Tony Stewart took over and had to move them away from the old Hooton Lodge where all the players trained.

With Doncaster Rovers` Keepmoat Stadium complex being used for the first team and the other sides using either Balby Carr Sports College or Dearne Valley College the teams have been spread far and wide.

The club had hoped to build new facilities at Wingfield, but after residents and clubs already using the fields objected, that idea was squashed. The first team have recently been using Roundwood Sports Complex and it is expected that the Centre of Excellence will also move there next week.

Development Coach, Tony Mee told The Advertiser, ‘After all the ground hopping we have had to do it will be good to work alongside the first team again and it will make a massive difference to all the youngsters and save on all the commuting.`

Chief Operating Officer, Paul Douglas said, ‘The complex is owned by Corus at the moment and they lease it to Parkgate Recreational Services. We would like more space at Roundwood and another pitch but regarding any future plans, we are aware that they have to protect their members` interests and ensure that they are not put out in any way.

‘At the moment we lease the land but given that our Chairman believes that ownership is better than rental, I`m sure if it became available to buy we would be keen on doing that.`