Rotherham United

Rotherham United legend Tony Towner received a hero’s welcome on his return to the club – over 30 years since he last excited fans during a golden era for the club.

Towner wrote himself into Millers folklore after dazzling supporters with his wing-wizardry, most notably providing the catalyst for the club’s Division Three title winning 1980-81 Championship winning season.

Since departing the club for Wolves in 1983 he ended his professional playing career in 1986 before moving to Brighton where he built a successful removal company.

Whilst he made a brief appearance at former team mate John Green’s testimonial, the recent home fixture with Middlesbrough was his first proper re-introduction to supporters who still hold him in cult-hero status.

“It is absolutely fantastic to be back and this new stadium is so impressive,” beamed the former Brighton and Millwall winger.

“Rotherham deserves a place to play like this.

“I did come back for John Green’s testimonial which was way back but this is the first time I have been back properly.

“You can still see the old ground from here and that brings back lots of fantastic memories, but I am sure that the new home will be great as well.”

Towner was joined in the New York Stadium hospitality lounge by a number of former team mates from the 1980-81 Championship winning side. Mark Rhodes, John Green, Richard Finney, Paul Stancliffe, Gerry Forrest, Kenny Tiler and Ray Mountford were all present to celebrate the return of the man who was affectionately known as ‘Tiger’.

“It has been fantastic to see so many old faces,” he added. “Some I saw at John Green’s testimonial but there will be some faces that I haven’t seen since I left in 1983.”