Community champ joins Millers

Community director Brian Chapple will be a key player behind the new stadium scheme earmarked for the the Guest and Chrimes site near the town centre and scheduled to open in time for the start of the 2012/13 season.

His role will be to engage the community of Rotherham and the surrounding area to ensure the new stadium has all the modern-day facilities which appeal to a wide range of people across the borough.

Brian said: "From the designs I have seen, whoever has the task of building the stadium is going to bring to Rotherham something that everyone will be immensely proud of.

"I have to say that I was a little taken aback when I was asked to join the board but it only took me a second to say yes and I am really excited about getting started."

Brian is a familiar face and voice to most Millers supporters after his work for local radio, Rotherham Titans rugby club and his community work in the town.

"I came to live in Rotherham 40 years ago and became a supporter of the club in the 1970s and I have followed the fortunes of Rotherham United ever since," he said.

"My role is going to be community director and that is my background. I was a teacher involved in sport, and I also worked at Rotherham Titans rugby club for seven years using rugby to engage with the community. Effectively I have now had a free transfer from rugby to football to come and ensure that the stadium is built, not just for use by Rotherham United, but by the community as whole.

"The stadium needs to appeal to all areas of the community whether people want to shop, eat, take part sporting and education activities, the list goes on. To be a part of helping achieve this is a dream come true for me.

"I think many fans will remember my work with Radio Sheffield which I did from 1982-2004 so I have seen some great times following the club. We have had the trips to Wembley and the promotions, some really good times and now I am delighted to be on board to help create more memorable moments for years to come."

Chairman Tony Stewart added: ""Brian has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the community of Rotherham and we are delighted to have him on board to enhance the community aspect of our new stadium.

"He has experience working in the community from his time with the rugby club and he is also chairman of the Rotherham Partnership so his input will be invaluable as we press ahead with our plans.

"We are getting closer and closer to building a stadium which we believe will be up with the best to be built in recent times, and with Brian Chapple I firmly believe that he will be able to maximise its potential to engage with all areas of the community, from all different ages and backgrounds.

"I am looking forward to working with Brian at this very exciting time for the football club and I am certain his appointment can only benefit the club and community as a whole."