Historic game will be 'just the ticket'
ROTHERHAM United’s historic Game of the Century this Bank Holiday weekend will be just the ticket to raise the spirits – as well as a “once in a 100 year opportunity.”
That's the message from key figures involved in the match on Sunday celebrating 100 years of the Millers, including former managers Ronnie Moore and John Breckin, players, and the two charities who will benefit – Rotherham Hospice and Rotherham United Community Trust.
Additionally, the game will be played in honour of supporter Owen Jenkinson, further underlining the emotional and community significance of the occasion on Sunday, May 3.
The match at AESSEAL New York Stadium will be the centrepiece of the club’s Centenary Year celebrations, bringing together a star-studded line-up of former players, celebrities and figures from across the club’s history.


Owen Jenkinson’s dad Bill said: “We were so honoured when Rotherham United announced that they were going to name the trophy in memory of my son Owen.
“It’s been unbelievable and we're recently as a family trying to be more like Owen and say ‘yes’ to everything – especially when it comes to helping other people.
“So working with Rotherham Hospice and Rotherham United Community Trust and raising money that will be put to good work in our local community is really important for our family and it would have been really important for Owen.
“As fans, we know it's been a tough season as a ticket holder but this is a once in a lifetime and 100-year opportunity to see some legends on the pitch – seeing boyhood heroes of yours and mine will be immense.


“So come along with your family and friends and remind them of what a wonderful time we've had as a club over the years.”
Millers legend John Breckin said: “It's been good to me – Rotherham United is in my blood, family-wise, and it means a hell of a lot to me.
“It's the centenary so hopefully we will all support it, but it’s two great charities, our wonderful Rotherham Hospice which we need the people to support it to keep it going, and then we've got the Community Trust that does a hell of a lot of work in the community.
“Come along and enjoy it and just look at the history of all the old players.


“Let's just make it a really fun day for families and football fans and support these two wonderful charities.”
Ruth Wallbank, head fundraiser at Rotherham Hospice said: “We are super grateful to the club for the support that they give us – 2e have been on their shirts for the last year so that has given us a massive amount of exposure.
“The club are superb with us, we couldn’t ask them to do any more.
“The footballing community are amazing, they always get behind us.


“The legends match is just another way for us to get in touch in front of the footballing community and get behind Rotherham.”
Jonny Allan, director of development at RUCT, said: “This year we started a fundraising campaign to raise £50,000 for our powerchair football team which is the only powerchair football team in South Yorkshire so we're absolutely thrilled that the Game of the Century gives us the opportunity to be a beneficiary alongside Rotherham Hospice – so two great charities close to our hearts.
“We're really looking forward to the day and we really want people to buy tickets.
“We know it’s been a tough year on the pitch but this match isn’t about the season that’s just been – it’s about a 100-year rollercoaster ride which has seen relegations and promotions over the years.
“Loving football like we all do, we are really proud to be a partner so come along and celebrate two charities and raise the spirits of the community.”
The match on Sunday will see the following squads take to the pitch:
Ronnie and Breck squad: Paul Pettinger, Ian Sharps, Ryan Cresswell, Johnny Mullins, Graham Coughlan, Chris Sedgwick, Andy Monkhouse, Andy Roscoe, Chris Dolby, Chris Swailes, Will Hoskins, Leo Fortune-West, Alex Revell, Adam Hammill, Len Curtis, Kevin Watson, actor Ralf Little, Neil Richardson.
Neil Warnock squad: Lee Camp, Guy Branston, Martin McIntosh, Richard Wood, Joe Mattock, Kevin Ellison, Michael O'Connor, Shaun Goodwin, Lee Frecklington Mark Todd, Adam Le Fondre, Darren Byfield, Jamie Proctor, Matt Derbyshire, Andy Hayward, Danny Hudson, Ally Pickering, Jamie Yates.
To buy tickets for the game visit https://www.eticketing.co.uk/rotherhamunited/EDP/Event/Index/207?position=7.