News: Rotherham United appoint Brian Chapple as new director

Rotherham United has appointed Brian Chapple as their new community director as they look to maximise the community aspects of their new community stadium.

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 told the club's official website: "Recently I have held discussions with [Millers chairman] Tony Stewart about the new community stadium and I was delighted when just before Christmas he invited me to become involved in providing Rotherham with a fantastic new home.

"From the designs that 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 previously worked at Rotherham Titans rugby club for seven years using rugby to engage with the community and is currently the independent chair of The Rotherham Partnership. He is well know to Rotherham United fans through his work as a commentator for Radio Sheffield from 1982-2004.

Brian added: "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."

Chairman Tony Stewart said: "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 for the new stadium.

"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 appointed can only benefit the club and community as a whole."

Outline plans for the stadium on the edge of the town centre have been approved. Detailed plans and a reserved matters application will now be submitted, and with construction estimated to take 12 - 14 months, the club hopes that the new stadium will be built for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Rotherham United website

Images: Rotherham United