Everyone at Rotherham United has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Roy Silman, aged 88.
Hailing from Doncaster, Roy was a loyal club servant who represented the Millers in a stint spanning across eight seasons which would see him amass over a century of appearances during what was largely a successful period for the club – and was a part of the side that came so close to promotion to the top flight as they finished third in 1954/55.
He signed at Millmoor in April of 1952 for then-boss Reg Freeman and would remain a Miller until 1960, after which time he hopped across South Yorkshire to pen a deal with Barnsley.
Roy is pictured alongside his Millers teammates ahead of the 1959/60 season
Roy began his time with the Millers by being deployed as a left back but successfully made the switch to the opposite side of the pitch. Having played all of the last 15 games of the 1956/57 campaign at left back, he would enjoy similar consistency on the right where he was predominantly used in the latter part of the 1958/59 season and into his final year with the club – occasionally filling in on the left when required.
The defender had bided his time for regular football at Millmoor having made just eight appearances in his first four seasons with the club, but his patience would be rewarded with regular starting berths throughout the period from 1956 onwards.
He worked under three different managers during his long stint as a Rotherham United player, turning out in sides for Freeman, Andy Smailes and Tom Johnston. It was Smailes who handed Roy his debut in December of 1952, which came in the form of a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the old Division Two.
Roy’s final years were spent in the Cedars Care Home in Doncaster where he was looked after until his recent passing.
Everyone at Rotherham United would like to send their heartfelt condolences to Roy’s family and friends – particularly his two daughters – at this incredibly difficult time.
Rest in Peace.