NEWS | A message from Carl Hall

Dons News · August 31, 2018

As we enter the final stretch of league games for the 2018 Betfred League One season, we do so knowing that everything is to play for and a spot in the play-offs at the end of the season is within our own control. In what has been a mixed season for the Dons, we enter September having won five matches on the bounce and with promotion to the Betfred Championship still possible, which is as much as we could have asked for back in January. Our goals and aims as a club have not changed, and over the remaining few games of the season we need all our supporters and the rest of Doncaster to pull together and support the lads until the final whistle blows for the season.

Away from the Dons, we are of course aware of the potential restructure change to the RFL next year, and the possibility that three rather than two teams will win promotion this season, regardless of the speculation, rest assured Richard and the lads are focussed purely on what they can control and trying to extend our good run of form as long as they possibly can.

Off the pitch this season has been encouraging for the future of the Dons, our Challenge 1000 campaign at the end of 2017 was incredibly successful, with season ticket numbers and revenue up from previous years, our kids go free season ticket initiative, was also successful with over 200 young fans claiming a free season ticket for this season. These young supporters may not attend every week now, but that free season ticket is crucial in helping to establish future generations of Dons supporters in the future.

Match days have also been different this year, with a much bigger focus on improving the atmosphere and experience at games, our now annual junior takeover day was a huge success, as was our Superhero Day and our family fun day initiatives, which we’re extending into a summer BBQ for this Sunday’s game with Newcastle Thunder. These activities have helped ensure our match day revenue has once again grown year on year and it is due to the success of these initiatives and our commercial partnership scheme under the Club Doncaster banner that we’ve been in a position to start announcing contracted players for the 2019 season as we have done in our “Dons Deadline Day Takeover”.

We have announced six contract renewals for the 2019 season with Rich Owen, Connor Scott, Brad England, Jordie Hedges, Kieran Cross and Sam Doherty all agreeing to compete for Doncaster RLFC next season, they join Ryan Boyle, Matty Beharrell and Jason Tali who have already confirmed for the 2019.

It has been pleasing to receive so many messages of support following the announcements we have made, I believe we have the nucleus of a strong squad already for 2019 and we will continue to work behind the scenes to add more names to that list as early as possible. As we look to add more names to this list and secure promotion for the 2019, it gives me great pleasure to confirm that we are freezing season tickets for the 2019 season allowing our supporters to once again access our home league games for just £60 next year, with those aged 16 and under again able to claim a free season ticket.

This offer is available until the September 23 when season tickets will come off sale, so it is vitally important that you secure your seat early, fans can secure their season ticket at the £60 price with just a £30 deposit before the September 23.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all our fans and staff for their efforts over the season so far, let’s all come together to help us get over the line.

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