‘It’s awful’ - How ‘Mr Doncaster Rovers’ is coping without football

The chairman of the Retford Branch of the Rovers Supporters’ Club and the man behind Erik the Viking and the famous Doncaster Knome, Mayfield is a recognisable and ever-present figure on terraces up and down the country, earning him the title of Mr Doncaster Rovers.

The suspension of competitive football due to the coronavirus pandemic has hit supporters hard, particularly those like Mayfield for whom much of his free time is focused on the club he loves.

“It’s awful not having any football,” the 60-year-old said.

“It’s your life.

“Already, I can’t wait for the next game.

“There’s a lot I’ve not got to do but I’ve got too much time on my hands.

“At the end of the day people’s health has got to come first and we’ve got to look after everyone to get rid of Covid-19.

“If it saves one person catching it and passing away, then it’s done the job.”

Mayfield celebrated his 60th birthday on Wednesday, an occasion that would have been marked during and after last weekend’s scheduled clash with AFC Wimbledon.

He managed to fill his time with other football but will not have such an option this weekend with the Football Association this week moving to suspend competition at all levels.

“I was pig-sick last Saturday,” he said. “It’s my 60th birthday and they’d have had it on the big screen.

“We had a bit of a meet-up with some of the supporters we usually have a coffee with after the game and we went for something to eat.

“I went to watch Retford United against Dinnington in the Central Midlands League.

“It was brilliant. There was about a dozen Rovers fans that had gone along and I think there were plenty trying to get their fix of football but all of that has been knocked on the head now.

“We’re hopeful of going to Barrow Hill at Chesterfield this weekend to look at the steam trains with a few other Rovers fans.

“And I’m going to spend a bit of time with my granddaughter and kids.

“It’ll get families talking again!”