Millers to hold minute's applause for life president and former Chairman...
Rotherham United will be holding a minute’s applause prior to kick off against Ipswich Town on Saturday, following the sad news of the passing of honorary life president Barry ‘Chuckle’ Elliott and former club Chairman Syd Wood.
The club will be inviting both sets of supporters, along with players and staff from the Millers and Ipswich Town to join in a minute’s applause on the referee’s whistle to celebrate the lives of two people held in the highest regard by everyone associated with Rotherham United.
Barry’s connection to the Millers was a long-standing and well-documented one, which included him making many references to his beloved hometown club during his many years in the entertainment business. In 2007, the club made Barry and his brother Paul honorary life presidents and the pair have supported the club and often attended games at both AESSEAL New York Stadium and on the road.
Syd’s contribution to the club was also incredibly significant and it saw him take up the mantle as Chairman to rescue the club from financial difficulty in the 1980s. In an era when clubs are increasingly bought and sold as assets, Syd’s commitment and sense of duty to his hometown club, whilst continuing to run his own business will not be forgotten. Syd was a popular figure amongst staff at Rotherham United, some of whom are still in post and still speak highly of him now.
There will also be tributes to both Barry and Syd in the official matchday programme on Saturday, while the Rotherham United team will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.