RUFC - The Derek Dalton Clock

Rotherham United superfan, Derek Dalton, devoted his life to The Millers and was well known throughout the football community.

Derek, who died aged forty-five, in 1993, was struck down with polio at the age of two, and did a lot for putting Rotherham United on the map. In his honour a red and white clock, bearing his name, was put up at Millmoor at the Railway End.

With the busy weeks before the club moved away from Millmoor, officials did not have time to re-claim the clock although Chief Operating Officer, Paul Douglas, told The Advertiser that they had sent someone to try and get the clock down but it needed specialist equipment which they didn't have.

'We recognise the sentimental value of the clock,' Mr Douglas said, 'but, when we left the ground there were other things that needed to be sorted out as a priority. I have sent a message to the Booth family, who own Millmoor, saying we wish to collect it and I don't see a problem.'

So, when the clock is back in Rotherham United hands, where will it go? Should it be displayed at the new offices at Barbot Hall and then moved to the new stadium when it's built? Should we ask if it can be displayed at Don Valley while we play there? Should it be displayed somewhere in the town?

I think, once we get the clock back, The Advertiser and the club should run a poll asking the fans where they think Derek's clock should go.

Whatever happens, I hope it isn't simply put away and forgotten.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.