Rovers take on Welfare
SEAN O'Driscoll will continue to do his bit for the welfare of local non-league football next week.
The Doncaster Rovers boss, a firm believer in giving something back to the grassroots game, takes his first team squad to Church Street to face Armthorpe Welfare on Wednesday as Rovers rev up for their second season in the Championship.
And opposite number Des Bennett - about to embark on his eleventh campaign in charge of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division side - appreciates the gesture.
However, the 45-year-old says the niceties will stop on the referee's first whistle at the Welfare Ground.
Bennett said: "We're very grateful to Rovers.
"It's good of them to consider us - and it gives everyone a spring in their step ahead of the game.
"Every non-league side in the country tries to get a league club in pre-season and we've been trying to organise a match like this ever since I took over as manager.
"I think the bigger clubs do have a responsibility and I remember the days well when Billy Bremner was in charge of Rovers and they would play two or three local sides in pre-season.
"It's good PR - especially in these times with the economic climate the way it is.
"There's 1,500 tickets been put up for sale and if we can get 1,500 people through the turnstiles it would generate about 10,000.
"That sort of money would get the club through a season - and it would allow us to get a few jobs done around the ground that would take it to the next level."
He added: "The boys have been back in training since June 13 and they're really looking forward to testing themselves against Rovers.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for them to face a professional side - and it's a chance to show people that they can play."
Armthorpe Welfare was founded in 1926.
The club then reformed 50 years later after disbanding in 1974 and have enjoyed 24 successive seasons in the NCEL Premier Division since gaining promotion in 1985.
But Bennett, a former Rovers schoolboy, is realistic about Welfare's ambitions.
He said: "This season is about stabilising the club.
"The players will give their utmost - and, of course, it'd be great if we were up there challenging for the title.
"But for us it's more about getting the place in order.
"Come December we might be in a position where we can have a go and maybe have a push for the UniBond League - but that is not the be all and end all."
Bennett added: "There's a bit of a buzz around the club at the moment.
“We’ve got committee members who have served for 30 years and waited for a bit of support - and that help might have just arrived.
“One or two local businessmen have approached us about setting up an Armthorpe Welfare Academy for junior players.
“And nothing would give me a greater buzz than seeing a player who started at Armthorpe making it as a pro.”
Welfare have added defenders Ian Bagshaw and Ian Farmery to their squad over the summer.
Last season Rovers kicked off their pre-season preparations with a trip to Rossington Main where they ran out 9-1 winners.
n Tickets for Wednesday’s friendly (7pm), priced 8 for adults and 3 for concessions, will be on sale from the Welfare Ground on Saturday and Sunday (10am-noon).
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Weather for Doncaster
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
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