Doncaster Rovers pitching in for one goal - promotion
Night shift: Head groundsman Andy Thompson, far right, and his team worked through the night to ensure the Orient game went ahead. PICTURE: phil ryan
WHILE Rovers harbour ambitions of popping the champagne corks come April, head groundsman Andy Thompson might have been excused for doing exactly the same last Saturday night.
Thompson was named sponsors’ man of the match against Leyton Orient after working through the night with his team of helpers to ensure Rovers’ magnificent momentum snowballed into next month.
Ever so slightly embarrassed by that accolade, he’ll get his hands on the usual bottle of bubbly reserved for the Keepmoat Stadium’s man of the day this week.
And according to Rovers’ grateful captain Rob Jones and chief executive Gavin Baldwin, Thompson’s efforts were indicative of the club’s sparkling form both on and off the pitch. “The ground staff worked tirelessly all week to get the game on,” said Jones.
“It just showed how much we all wanted the game on and thankfully we got the right result.
“We’re all a big family here,” he added.
“It’s not just about the players. It’s the team, the chairman, the directors and the ground staff.
“We all work hard together, and we got our rewards on Saturday.”
Thompson and his team were joined by supporters, including one ultra keen Orient fan, from as early as 8am on Saturday to clear snow from the pitch and stadium’s surrounding areas.
Baldwin said: “It was a magnificent effort by the ground staff who worked all through the day and night to get the game on.
“Despite the weather forecast consistently changing over the days before, Andy and his team worked hard to keep the pitch playable.
“And with the help of our great fans, who came down early morning, we were able to get the match on and see Rovers take three more points.
“The whole day was just another great example of the fans and the club working together as part of the ‘In Rovers We Trust’ project.”
Jones, meanwhile, also paid tribute to the club’s supporters, who marked Brian Flynn’s first permanent game in charge with their most vocal performance of the season.
He said: “The crowd at home and away have been fantastic all season.
“It was difficult for people to get to the game on Saturday, and I wouldn’t have liked to have been sat in that crowd, it was freezing!
“But their support gives the boys that little bit extra.
“The noise that was created was very good and it just gives individuals that little boost.
“It’s brilliant from our point of view and I’d like to thank the fans on behalf of all the players and staff here for their continued support.”
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Weather for Doncaster
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 8 C to 14 C
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