A FULL first team turn-out has been promised by Doncaster Rovers in Sunday's fundraiser for the ailing Doncaster Belles.
Rovers' assistant boss Richard O'Kelly said: "Everybody will be there. We feel the Belles are an important part of our history and we're proud to support them."
Lee Butler ha s signed on to keep goal for Rovers rivals on Sunday – Doncaster Rovers Legends – at the Keepmoat Stadium.
The former Aston Villa, Barnsley and Halifax Town stopper has been named alongside former Doncaster heroes Tim Ryan, John Doolan, Paul Barnes, Brian Deane and Francis Tierney. They will be working under manager Ian Snodin.
Former Rovers No 1 Andy Warrington was in line to be starting between the sticks, but he is playing for Rotherham United this weekend. Current Rovers goalkeeping coach Butler will deputise.
Playing at the Keepmoat on Sunday (2.30pm), the Rovers Legends Team will take on the current Rovers side who are currently struggling in the lower reaches of the Coca Cola Championship.
All funds raised will be going to sister club Doncaster Belles, who, after the collapse of a major sponsor, are struggling to survive financially.
Big brother club Rovers, along with the town's college and council, have offered the Belles help.
The Belles, who are the most successful women's club in the Premier League, face an away game at Nottingham Forest on Sunday in a league game kicking off at 10.30am before they rush back to the Keepmoat.
Belles boss John Buckley is grateful for the help. He said: "A lot of people have been generous in the past, although due to the credit crunch, no companies can afford to sponsor teams like ours. We are a prime example of how a club is suffering from the fall of its sponsor.
"Even now, 90 per cent of clubs struggle financially due to crowds not being as good as that of the men's game. But with no income from sponsors it makes it near impossible to survive.
"With a £2,000 expense bill with every away match this is only a short-term solution to a long-term problem, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible, for the future of not only Doncaster Belles, but for women's football."
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