Former Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan has launched a stinging attack on city MP Ed Miliband – dubbing him “a London champagne socialist” and said it “sickens” him that he represents Doncaster.

Mr Ryan, who announced his support for Reform UK at last May’s mayoral election in Doncaster, took to Facebook to launch his tirade against the Doncaster North MP and Net Zero secretary.

He stormed: “Milliband won’t be happy until he has completely destroyed our country – and it sickens me that a London champagne socialist is MP for my hometown Doncaster.”

A number of people backed Mr Ryan’s stance – and also urged the former Rovers boss to stand for Parliament.

Former Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan has launched a stinging attack on Ed Miliband.

placeholder image — Former Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan has launched a stinging attack on Ed Miliband.

One said: “Absolutely, what an embarrassment for our great old town he is.”

Another said: “You should stand John , Doncaster needs a massive clear out.”

And another shared: “Well said John, absolutely agree.”

Last summer, Mr Ryan came under fire from some supporters after he was pictured with leader Nigel Farage to endorse Alexander Jones as the party’s candidate for mayor of Doncaster.

Mr Ryan, who guided the club through a golden period including a play-off final win over Leeds United at Wembley.

At the time, Mr Ryan said: “I am here to give my full backing to Reform UK and the Mayoral candidate Alexander Jones. I am confident that his candidacy brings much needed fresh blood into Doncaster Council. He's a listener, and we need more of that in politics.

“Only Reform can beat Labour in Doncaster and as an ex-Conservative voter I recognise that we should get behind Reform and their team to build a future that backs business, jobs and growth.”

His decision met with a mixed response from Rovers supporters.

One said: “Thanks for what you did for Rovers John, but I’m afraid you’re destroying your legacy here.”

One supporter compared Mr Farage to despised former Rovers owner Ken Richardson, who drove the club into non-league and spent time behind bars for a botched plot to burn down the club’s former Belle Vue stadium.

Another said: “You got rid of one charlatan in Ken Richardson, please don’t associate yourself with this charlatan and taint your wonderful legacy.”