Club to honour Derek Dalton with plaque at AESSEAL New York Stadium...
Rotherham United in partnership with the Rotherham Civic Society are thrilled to be unveiling a special tribute to a very special individual prior to Wednesday’s Play-off semi-final second leg against Scunthorpe.
The club were recently approached by members of the Civic Society with the idea of having a permanent blue plaque installed to honour Millers super fan Derek Dalton here at the AESSEAL New York Stadium and we were delighted to accept their donation, which will mean that there is a permanent tribute to one of the club’s most revered supporters at our new home.
Members of Derek’s family will join Chairman Tony Stewart and Club Consultant John Breckin at around 6:05pm on the North West corner of the stadium, where the plaque will be placed for all to see.
Derek’s support for the Millers despite suffering from Polio from the age of two won national acclaim, with his devotion to the club making him one of the most popular figures to be associated with Rotherham United.
After his passing in 1993, Derek is still fondly remembered at the club, with his name already associated with the disabled platforms here at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Breckin, who knew Derek on a personal level and became good friends with the Millers fan during his time as a player, fondly recalls tales from a man who he believes raised the profile of Rotherham United in football circles as a result of his devotion to the club.
“Some of the stories are legendary and I've recounted many of them in after dinner speaking. There hasn't been one that has failed to bring the house down,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“The words on the plaque sum it up because everything Derek said ended with 'Up the Millers'. He did so much for this club and to a large degree put it on the map. His mum and dad were unbelievable too and I still see his brother Tony quite often.
“I've got so many fond memories and some magnificent stories involving Derek. His wit was second to none and his one-liners were unbelievable. He met the Queen and presented her with a Millers pennant and even sent one to Neil Armstrong to take to the moon, such was his devotion to his beloved Rotherham United.
“He was known all over the country by football fans because he really was somebody special. I've been lucky that I got to know him for pretty much all of his life and it was really sad when he died.
“I knew Derek from a young age and he lived on the same road as me,” Breck told the Millers’ official matchday programme.
“I think this is a great gesture from the Civic Society and Club, I know Derek would have loved it too.”