Doncaster Rovers continue to show their class off the pitch

Some things don't change at Doncaster Rovers.
(l-r) James Coppinger, Jordie Hedges, Andy Butler, Andy Williams and Connor Scott visit Rovers and Dons fan Les Lightfoot.(l-r) James Coppinger, Jordie Hedges, Andy Butler, Andy Williams and Connor Scott visit Rovers and Dons fan Les Lightfoot.
(l-r) James Coppinger, Jordie Hedges, Andy Butler, Andy Williams and Connor Scott visit Rovers and Dons fan Les Lightfoot.

A summer of upheaval has come as no surprise at all following last season’s failings on the pitch.

But off the pitch Rovers continue to lead the way among their contemporaries.

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There was another great example of the kind of work that often goes unnoticed last week when Club Doncaster organised a visit to Woodlea Care Home in Bessacarr to surprise one of their biggest fans.

Les Lightfoot, 76, who has supported Rovers and the Dons for five decades, suffered a stroke two years ago which left him in a wheelchair and with speech difficulties.

But he had very few problems in communicating with his guests last Wednesday when Rovers trio James Coppinger, Andy Butler and Andy Williams, as well as Dons stars Jordie Hedges and Connor Scott, turned up on his doorstep.

His smile said absolutely everything!

At a time when English football is getting an absolute kicking, and the millionaire lifestyles of England’s supposed top players come under intense scrutiny, it was refreshing to see five sportsmen doing their respective clubs proud.

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The true meaning of sport, the power that it has to unite people, and the joy it can bring was written all over Les’s face.

Little things mean a lot. And for those players to not just take the time out to visit Les but also interact with him in the way that they did - reminiscing about Rovers’ past and taking the time to survey Les’ collection of memorabilia (and his room bedecked in red and white) - said everything about why the club continues to be acknowledged for its excellent work in the community.

Now Rovers just have to get it right on the pitch. And straight-talking Les told his guests as much!

Les was presented with a season ticket book, a scarf, a signed Rovers shirt and a signed Dons shirt as gifts from the club, a momento of a memorable afternoon.