Terry Bramall pledges own commitment to Doncaster Rovers after Watson family departure

It was announced on Tuesday that Andrew Watson and Sarah Flower - the children of the late Dick Watson - have given up their combined 25 per cent stake in Club Doncaster Limited, the parent company of Rovers.

The move ends the Watson family’s successful 14-year ownership of the club, which began in 2006 when Dick Watson and business partner Bramall were brought on board by John Ryan.

Bramall lamented the decision by the Watsons but pledged his own commitment to the club.

“I am obviously sad that Andrew and his family have decided to leave the board but we respect their decision,” Bramall said in a statement.

“There are tough times ahead for the club, due to the current pandemic, but I, as are David [Blunt, chairman] and Gavin [Baldwin, CEO], am confident that if we can get through this difficult period that once again Doncaster Rovers will have a bright future.

“I remain committed to ensuring Doncaster Rovers has a long term future and one that our community can be proud of.”

The Watson family stake will be split between existing shareholders Bramall, Blunt and Baldwin, giving them each a third of Club Doncaster.

Andrew Watson revealed both he and his sister had been considering their departure for two years and chairman Blunt praised the family’s continued financial support during that time.

“Terry Bramall, Gavin Baldwin and I wish to thank everyone in the Watson family for helping to create some wonderful moments for Doncaster Rovers fans,” Blunt said.

“Our partnership at Doncaster Rovers was founded at Keepmoat beforehand and has stood the test of time.

“Andrew, Sarah and their families leave with our best wishes.

“Despite having intentions to leave their positions, the Watson family have continued to put significant monies into the club over the past two years with their known departure on the horizon.

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has meant additional unforeseen funding over the past few months, which the Watson family have continued to provide.”

*

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.