TWO DAYS TO GO . . . and we can announce that the big social club at the Vestacare Stadium, which was closed for repairs when we last played there several week ago, will be open as usual on Sunday from noon, ahead of the Oldham v Keighley game.
Major renovation work has been completed and the interior is said to be smart and comfortable and ready to welcome the Roughyeds faithful in their replica shirts and at the start of both the 2022 Betfred League One season and the club’s 25th Anniversary year.
The club set itself a target to sell 100 replicas in the off season, following good sales last year, and they report they have “smashed it”. The same replicas are still on sale online.
With the good weather expected to still be with us on Sunday – and not the same need for overcoats and raincoats – replicas will be the order of the day in a sea of red and white.
Coach Stu Littler is urging fans to be “loud and proud” in his belief that supporters can play a big part in making the Vestacare Stadium intimidating for opponents.
Jack Coventry has spoken in similar terms, expressing the view that the players hope to turn Vestacare into a fortress.
Allied to that is the club’s appeal to fans to “bring a mate, double the gate” – a slogan club officials hope will catch on as the season gets underway.
The players will have post-game food in the social club and once they’ve eaten they will mingle with fans and discuss the game, further evidence that the club is paying more than lip service to its call for “togetherness”.
In hospitality, there will be a presence from the Players Association (former players) with Shane Tupaea expected to be in the spotlight.
Chris Hamilton and Stuart Littler will be in there after the match to present the best-player and the champagne-moment awards. New vice-chairman John Roddy will also be in attendance.
Jordan Andrade and Liam Copland, meanwhile, have taken to the Roughyeds’ social media platforms to send good wishes to Mums everywhere on Mothers’ Day.
Said Jordan:
“It doesn’t have to be your real Mum, but the mother figure in your life.No matter how big the crowd is you can always hear her, screaming and supporting.
“As for the Keighley game, we are ready to go out and put on a performance.”
Liam said:
“My Mum comes to watch me in every game, amateur or professional. She’s always on the touchline. I hope Mums, Grandmas and Aunties everywhere have a great day.”
Anyone not able to attend the game can watch it on Our League.
