RUFC - Q & A's from Parkgate Dave

Rotherham United's first friendly of the pre-season is against Parkgate at Roundwood today with a noon kick-off. Before the game we've managed to catch up with Dave who is the admin man at the club and he kindly took time out to answer some of our questions

Tell us a bit about what happened last season to Parkgate

Last season didn't really live up to the expectation brought by our great season the year before. We still ended up well in the top half of the table and had great runs in the FA Cup & Vase so on the hole it was still a good season.

Have you anyone new in for this season

At the moment the team is relatively unchanged from last year but I`m sure there will be movement in the next couple of weeks.

Did you lose anyone at the end of last season

The main loss is our top scorer from the last couple of seasons Ash Worsfold who's moved to Sheffield FC. Ash has been a great servant to the club and he's moved on to try and climb the league ladder. We wish him the best of luck.

Who will be your biggest rivals next season

There's always the same few clubs competing at the top, Scarborough, Bridlington, Retford, etc. A few clubs have been hit financially recently though so things might change meaning smaller clubs may have a chance.

How do you think you will do next season

I'm sure we can build on last season and finish a couple of places higher if not the top. We're not the biggest of clubs so having the larger clubs cut back on spending may help level out the playing field.

Who are Parkgate's most 'famous' players

We don't have any established 'famous players' as such. Our team is quite young and was put together by Doug (the manager) a couple of years ago from players he knew personally. They've had a big impact already in the NCEL and I`m sure a few of them will move on to bigger things.


Tell us about your Player of the Season last season

We had quite a few players in and out last year as well as a few injuries so it's hard to pick out anyone from the squad in particular. Matt Griffin and Nicky Darker were particularly consistent at the back though

Who should we be looking out for in a Parkgate shirt

Nathan Swindells is always dangerous, he only needs half a chance to craft something special. We're more of a solid team unit though, quite physical with plenty of effort so we're quite strong in all areas.

I seem to remember you were an Owls fan? Do you still keep an eye on what they are doing?

For my sins I`m still a season ticket holder, last season was the first in twenty years I actually had something to shout about. It's hard juggling both clubs but I manage it somehow.

Will you be visiting the New York Stadium

I am hoping to quite soon. It's hard finding free Saturdays but I`ll make sure I get a game in soon. We work closely with The Millers with their training base being down here at Roundwood so there is a growing allegiance towards them.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions, Dave. Good Luck to Parkgate for the coming season - and please keep us in touch of what's happening there!





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