RUFC - Coakley 'belief coming back'

Rotherham United Commercial Director, Steve Coakley is delighted that there has been an increase in advertising, hospitality and sponsorship at the club.

Speaking to Les Payne of The Star, Steve said, 'In the next year we will be looking to maintain this sort of improvement.

'I think the belief is coming back to the club again and people are showing their support because they see us as a club that is moving forward.

'We are trying to do things right and there is no greater testament to that than the deals with our major sponsors - Parkgate Shopping and Perry's - and a deal with Sports Identity, a very good, forward-thinking company.'

Denying that the club was commercially in a mess when he arrived a year ago, Steve said, 'It was functioning and commendable what had been done but we have made a lot of changes. Some were significant, some just tweaking and some more noticeable than others - all went into the melting pot and what came out has made us quite proud of what we've achieved in a year.'

Speaking about the impact a new football stadium will have on the town, Steve said, 'It will not only transform the football club but the town as well.

'Our fans have seen a half-built stadium at Millmoor and there was scepticism about the new stadium. It didn't happen last time and we can't recreate history only alter the future.'

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