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Rogers: Stadium honour is tribute to whole class of 69
DON Rogers has urged Town fans to remember the entire class of 1969 after it was revealed his Swindon past is to be given the ultimate honour.
The former Swindon winger will have the Kingswood Stand renamed after him from next season - but he insists it is also a tribute to his former teammates.
Rogers & Co sprung one of football's greatest ever cup shocks when they defeated Arsenal in the League Cup final in 1969 at Wembley - and Town have finally decided to recognise the achievements.
Rogers' two extra-time goals at Wembley only added to his legendary reputation at the County Ground but he was quick to hail the contribution of others he had played with.
He said: "It was a very nice surprise and a really big honour. I was chuffed to bits. It is special and I think you have to remember the other players I played with as well.
"I am the lucky one who gets recognised but this is a thank you to everyone else really.
"All the players who played back then deserve the recognition.
"Nick Watkins told me over lunch the other day. I was taken aback by it at first.
"But it was a lovely surprise. I don't know how I will feel next season, it will just be a nice feeling.
"I did make a comment to Nick, normally when this happens you are dead, so do I look alright?"
Rogers has never lost his love for Town but admits the last few years have been tough for all fans.
With Andrew Fitton's new regime in though, Rogers is confident the future looks far brighter.
He said: "We are hoping for Championship football at Swindon before not too long now.
"I think everyone has got that feeling. The last year or so has been horrible for people and now everyone can't wait for next season to start."
County Ground chief executive Nick Watkins believes Rogers was the ideal candidate for the honour as the club continues its bid to improve relationships with the community.
He said: "It was probably the easiest decision we have had so far since we got involved with Swindon Town.
"I think the important thing is that when we first got involved we said what we wanted to do was reconnect with the community.
"It is a great honour for the club as much as Don thinks it is an honour for him. For the fans each year the stand name changes but we want to show sustainability and it will be the Don Rogers stand forever in a day.
"He is a truly wonderful man and one of nature's real gents."
9:10am Saturday 22nd March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Flatout Crazy, Swindon Stratton on 10:12am Sat 22 Mar 08
This is great news and a true sign of how important the community is to the new owners. Well done to all concerned i for one will be investing in a season ticket next season after a 2 year break.
This is great news and a true sign of how important the community is to the new owners. Well done to all concerned i for one will be investing in a season ticket next season after a 2 year break.
Posted by: stevieboyhistory, Stonehouse on 10:16am Sat 22 Mar 08
Don was the best! Great memories as a 9 year old watching him at Wembley. He is a real star and it is fitting for the stand to be named after him, Shame we can't have a new ground named after him!! The Rogers Bowl? The Rogers Stadium? The Rogers Rec?
Don you are a legend and a part of our football lives. You have been true to the Town and remained a local figure. You will always be remembered. Thanks.
Don was the best! Great memories as a 9 year old watching him at Wembley. He is a real star and it is fitting for the stand to be named after him, Shame we can't have a new ground named after him!! The Rogers Bowl? The Rogers Stadium? The Rogers Rec?
Don you are a legend and a part of our football lives. You have been true to the Town and remained a local figure. You will always be remembered. Thanks.
Posted by: Flatout Crazy, Swindon Stratton on 10:37am Sat 22 Mar 08
Well Said Stevie. Don you have my thanks for all you have given to the community and the memories i have off your time as a Swindon Player.
Well Said Stevie. Don you have my thanks for all you have given to the community and the memories i have off your time as a Swindon Player.
Posted by: stfc4eva, swindon on 11:12am Sat 22 Mar 08
I'm frilled about naming the south stand after the great Don Rogers. my all time favourite player, I remember being excited as young boy going to see Don play for the Town. May I suggest if we build a new ground for the club please can it be called The Don Rogers stadium.
I'm frilled about naming the south stand after the great Don Rogers. my all time favourite player, I remember being excited as young boy going to see Don play for the Town. May I suggest if we build a new ground for the club please can it be called The Don Rogers stadium.
Posted by: Bussagered, Stroud on 11:18am Sat 22 Mar 08
It makes me think who they could name the toilet block after. No lets salute another positive from Mr Fitton.
All we need now is Mr Timlin or a n other bossing the midfield, bet fair shirts, a cup run and only the odd defeat at home, coxy scoring 25 and 9000+ on the gate every week.
That is all possible now.
It makes me think who they could name the toilet block after. No lets salute another positive from Mr Fitton.
All we need now is Mr Timlin or a n other bossing the midfield, bet fair shirts, a cup run and only the odd defeat at home, coxy scoring 25 and 9000+ on the gate every week.
That is all possible now.
Posted by: Russ STFC, swindon on 11:29am Sat 22 Mar 08
Fantastic News well done the board,this has long been opverdue, to me this shows what this new board is about one that actually cares and respects the club.well done,off to brighton now cmon you reds.
Fantastic News well done the board,this has long been opverdue, to me this shows what this new board is about one that actually cares and respects the club.well done,off to brighton now cmon you reds.
Posted by: Russ STFC, swindon on 11:29am Sat 22 Mar 08
Fantastic News well done the board,this has long been opverdue, to me this shows what this new board is about one that actually cares and respects the club.well done,off to brighton now cmon you reds.
Fantastic News well done the board,this has long been opverdue, to me this shows what this new board is about one that actually cares and respects the club.well done,off to brighton now cmon you reds.
Posted by: midland red, Kingswinford on 12:29pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Typical of the modesty of the man - to share credit with the rest of that great Swindon team. And what a team, not just that season but for about 4 or 5 seasons. They are the main reason I am still a fan and attending games today - in the hope that some of the glory of those days (and the Hoddle days to be fair) return.
But Don was the main man, always a buzz when he got the ball and he didn't very often dissapoint - great days.
This is a richly deserved and overdue recognition for the Town's greatest ever servant - well done AF & Co.
Typical of the modesty of the man - to share credit with the rest of that great Swindon team. And what a team, not just that season but for about 4 or 5 seasons. They are the main reason I am still a fan and attending games today - in the hope that some of the glory of those days (and the Hoddle days to be fair) return.
But Don was the main man, always a buzz when he got the ball and he didn't very often dissapoint - great days.
This is a richly deserved and overdue recognition for the Town's greatest ever servant - well done AF & Co.
Posted by: Ciderman, Chard, Somerset on 12:34pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Bloody great news, well done AF and crew for recognising our past and giving the fans hat they want.
Thank you Mr Fitton.
Bloody great news, well done AF and crew for recognising our past and giving the fans hat they want.
Thank you Mr Fitton.
Posted by: Ciderman, Chard, Somerset on 12:35pm Sat 22 Mar 08
*what they want
Posted by: red army!!, swindon on 12:45pm Sat 22 Mar 08
mr fitton do what is right for this club and get us to the championship even if we have to buy our way there!!!
mr fitton do what is right for this club and get us to the championship even if we have to buy our way there!!!
Posted by: Swindon_till_I_die, Bangor North Wales on 1:52pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Well done Don for recognising the whole team,and thanks for the memories,any other era and I,m sure you would have represented England at senior level,I seem to recall you made at least one appearance for the under 23's
and you were certainly worthy because I think you scored a hat trick for Palace on the telly
against Man U after that idiot Mackay let you leave.
But the whole team were a match for anyone on their day back then.I'll never forget standing behind that goal at Wembley with tears running down my face singing you'll never walk alone as Stan Harland lifted the cup, and I watched the DVD of it a couple of months ago for the first time and I'd forgotten how well we played, with a lot of passing moves out of defence,not the backs to the wall that you would expect from a lower division team against a top club even on a poor pitch, and anyone who has not seen it,get along to the club shop and get yourself a copy.It'll chear you up if you're feeling down.
Well done Don for recognising the whole team,and thanks for the memories,any other era and I,m sure you would have represented England at senior level,I seem to recall you made at least one appearance for the under 23's
and you were certainly worthy because I think you scored a hat trick for Palace on the telly
against Man U after that idiot Mackay let you leave.
But the whole team were a match for anyone on their day back then.I'll never forget standing behind that goal at Wembley with tears running down my face singing you'll never walk alone as Stan Harland lifted the cup, and I watched the DVD of it a couple of months ago for the first time and I'd forgotten how well we played, with a lot of passing moves out of defence,not the backs to the wall that you would expect from a lower division team against a top club even on a poor pitch, and anyone who has not seen it,get along to the club shop and get yourself a copy.It'll chear you up if you're feeling down.
Posted by: stickybeak, . on 2:05pm Sat 22 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Swindon_till_I_die[/bold] wrote:
Well done Don for recognising the whole team,and thanks for the memories,any other era and I,m sure you would have represented England at senior level,I seem to recall you made at least one appearance for the under 23's
and you were certainly worthy because I think you scored a hat trick for Palace on the telly
against Man U after that idiot Mackay let you leave.
But the whole team were a match for anyone on their day back then.I'll never forget standing behind that goal at Wembley with tears running down my face singing you'll never walk alone as Stan Harland lifted the cup, and I watched the DVD of it a couple of months ago for the first time and I'd forgotten how well we played, with a lot of passing moves out of defence,not the backs to the wall that you would expect from a lower division team against a top club even on a poor pitch, and anyone who has not seen it,get along to the club shop and get yourself a copy.It'll chear you up if you're feeling down.[/quote] Here, here. It is fitting that the Don Rogers stand will remind us both the man and the team.
I guess we could have named it after the team, but "The 69 Stand" was probably would not be the best name :)
Swindon_till_I_die wrote:
Well done Don for recognising the whole team,and thanks for the memories,any other era and I,m sure you would have represented England at senior level,I seem to recall you made at least one appearance for the under 23's
and you were certainly worthy because I think you scored a hat trick for Palace on the telly
against Man U after that idiot Mackay let you leave.
But the whole team were a match for anyone on their day back then.I'll never forget standing behind that goal at Wembley with tears running down my face singing you'll never walk alone as Stan Harland lifted the cup, and I watched the DVD of it a couple of months ago for the first time and I'd forgotten how well we played, with a lot of passing moves out of defence,not the backs to the wall that you would expect from a lower division team against a top club even on a poor pitch, and anyone who has not seen it,get along to the club shop and get yourself a copy.It'll chear you up if you're feeling down.
Here, here. It is fitting that the Don Rogers stand will remind us both the man and the team.
I guess we could have named it after the team, but "The 69 Stand" was probably would not be the best name :)
Posted by: Since 1950, Stroud, Glos on 2:51pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Great news for 'The Don'.
However I can't help but think that the Arkells should be renamed the John Trollop stand!
Great news for 'The Don'.
However I can't help but think that the Arkells should be renamed the John Trollop stand!
Posted by: blobster, Bradford on Avon on 3:22pm Sat 22 Mar 08
And the Joe Butler Bank and Stan Harland Town end mayhap
And the Joe Butler Bank and Stan Harland Town end mayhap
Posted by: red army!!, swindon on 3:53pm Sat 22 Mar 08
the town end should b renamed the glenn hoddle promotion stand!!!
the town end should b renamed the glenn hoddle promotion stand!!!
Posted by: SHARRON on 3:54pm Sat 22 Mar 08
fantastic announcement to have the don rogers stand next season......
fantastic announcement to have the don rogers stand next season......
Posted by: danboyshearer, parksouth on 3:57pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Fully deserved don rogers legend
Fully deserved don rogers legend
Posted by: bowralbob, Australia on 4:21pm Sat 22 Mar 08
It's Easter....HE has risen.
It's Easter....HE has risen.
Posted by: jasonswindon, eldene on 4:29pm Sat 22 Mar 08
I think we should have a toilet stand named after the class of 94, like the john gorman stand, any other suggestions on names?
I think we should have a toilet stand named after the class of 94, like the john gorman stand, any other suggestions on names?
Posted by: steve, brentford on 4:38pm Sat 22 Mar 08
[quote][bold]jasonswindon[/bold] wrote:
I think we should have a toilet stand named after the class of 94, like the john gorman stand, any other suggestions on names?[/quote] Dont leave joey beachamp out of that one jason.
jasonswindon wrote:
I think we should have a toilet stand named after the class of 94, like the john gorman stand, any other suggestions on names?
Dont leave joey beachamp out of that one jason.
Posted by: Simply Red, Berkshire on 8:29pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Brilliant news!
Well done Don and well done the board.
A fitting tribute to one of the most skillful players of our time.
Brilliant news!
Well done Don and well done the board.
A fitting tribute to one of the most skillful players of our time.
Posted by: Deano, witney on 9:56am Sun 23 Mar 08
this is great news well done Don this is a well deserved honour for Swindons greatest i wasn't around when you played but have seen the final and have been told many stories about you. Bussagared i would say Ashikodi for the toilet block but then remembered he couldn't hit a barn door so that ones out we could name the toilets Oxford actually then we can all S*** on them
this is great news well done Don this is a well deserved honour for Swindons greatest i wasn't around when you played but have seen the final and have been told many stories about you. Bussagared i would say Ashikodi for the toilet block but then remembered he couldn't hit a barn door so that ones out we could name the toilets Oxford actually then we can all S*** on them
Posted by: MITTED, Swindon on 11:15am Sun 23 Mar 08
Legends are usually recognised when they are dead, so well done to the Board for breaking the mould. It's season tickets for me and the family in the Don Rogers Stand next season. Anyone think the Arkells might be a bit empty?
Legends are usually recognised when they are dead, so well done to the Board for breaking the mould. It's season tickets for me and the family in the Don Rogers Stand next season. Anyone think the Arkells might be a bit empty?
Posted by: danboyshearer, parksouth on 12:11pm Sun 23 Mar 08
How about the terry brady toilets or andy king ciggerate machine , maybe the tommy mooney urinal
How about the terry brady toilets or andy king ciggerate machine , maybe the tommy mooney urinal
Posted by: stevehalloz, Sydney, Australia on 6:27pm Sun 23 Mar 08
Brilliane idea. Don was the king, not just in 69 but from his first full season in 1963 through to when that moron Mackay let him (and the great Stan Harland) go. He was a genius and apart from the league cup we had some wonderful wins with Don and the boys - West Ham with Moore, Peters and Hurst (3-3 away, 3-1 in the replay), thrashing Juventus, Roma and Napoli, 2-0 over Liverpool with Don scoring both goals and Bill Shankly fuming that he (Don) only touched the ball twice all game - maybe he did, Bill, but both touches were goals.
I remember as a kid of 11 in 63 hearing people scream "give it to Rogers" - he was that good even then, and he took the youth team to the youth cup final, where he and George Best scored in a 1-1 draw. And in his very last match before he was transferred he scored a blinder from about 30 metres in the last minute to give us a 3-2 win against Burnley (I think, it was 35 years ago).
All the 69 team were great but I'd agree that Stan Harland, Joey Butler and of course the great John Trollope were standouts and legends.
Brilliane idea. Don was the king, not just in 69 but from his first full season in 1963 through to when that moron Mackay let him (and the great Stan Harland) go. He was a genius and apart from the league cup we had some wonderful wins with Don and the boys - West Ham with Moore, Peters and Hurst (3-3 away, 3-1 in the replay), thrashing Juventus, Roma and Napoli, 2-0 over Liverpool with Don scoring both goals and Bill Shankly fuming that he (Don) only touched the ball twice all game - maybe he did, Bill, but both touches were goals.
I remember as a kid of 11 in 63 hearing people scream "give it to Rogers" - he was that good even then, and he took the youth team to the youth cup final, where he and George Best scored in a 1-1 draw. And in his very last match before he was transferred he scored a blinder from about 30 metres in the last minute to give us a 3-2 win against Burnley (I think, it was 35 years ago).
All the 69 team were great but I'd agree that Stan Harland, Joey Butler and of course the great John Trollope were standouts and legends.
Posted by: blobster, Bradford on Avon on 6:51pm Sun 23 Mar 08
Hi Stevehalloz
It was against Brighton and he was in tears when he left the pitch
Best ever goal I saw him score was against the Gas Heads in 1967/8
He **** near beat the whole team before letting rip
What a player: happy days
I wonder if MM really understands the legacy he has inherited, somehow I do not think so
Hi Stevehalloz
It was against Brighton and he was in tears when he left the pitch
Best ever goal I saw him score was against the Gas Heads in 1967/8
He **** near beat the whole team before letting rip
What a player: happy days
I wonder if MM really understands the legacy he has inherited, somehow I do not think so
Posted by: Trevor Wainwright, hungerford on 6:56pm Sun 23 Mar 08
Don Rogers was and always will be Swindon Town. He was easily the most exciting player that I have ever watched (including Glenn and Ossy) and should have played for the full England side. It was only because he stayed at Swindon for so long that this didn't happen.
Don from the skinheads of the sixties "WE SALUTE YOU" A wonderful tribute to a wonderful player.
Don Rogers was and always will be Swindon Town. He was easily the most exciting player that I have ever watched (including Glenn and Ossy) and should have played for the full England side. It was only because he stayed at Swindon for so long that this didn't happen.
Don from the skinheads of the sixties "WE SALUTE YOU" A wonderful tribute to a wonderful player.
Posted by: jasonswindon, eldene on 10:29pm Mon 24 Mar 08
[quote][bold]steve[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]jasonswindon[/bold] wrote: I think we should have a toilet stand named after the class of 94, like the john gorman stand, any other suggestions on names?[/quote] Dont leave joey beachamp out of that one jason.[/quote] brian kilcline 'the killer'
steve wrote:
jasonswindon wrote: I think we should have a toilet stand named after the class of 94, like the john gorman stand, any other suggestions on names?
Dont leave joey beachamp out of that one jason.
brian kilcline 'the killer'
Posted by: malkym on 9:55am Tue 25 Mar 08
[quote][bold]stevehalloz[/bold] wrote:
Brilliane idea. Don was the king, not just in 69 but from his first full season in 1963 through to when that moron Mackay let him (and the great Stan Harland) go. He was a genius and apart from the league cup we had some wonderful wins with Don and the boys - West Ham with Moore, Peters and Hurst (3-3 away, 3-1 in the replay), thrashing Juventus, Roma and Napoli, 2-0 over Liverpool with Don scoring both goals and Bill Shankly fuming that he (Don) only touched the ball twice all game - maybe he did, Bill, but both touches were goals. I remember as a kid of 11 in 63 hearing people scream "give it to Rogers" - he was that good even then, and he took the youth team to the youth cup final, where he and George Best scored in a 1-1 draw. And in his very last match before he was transferred he scored a blinder from about 30 metres in the last minute to give us a 3-2 win against Burnley (I think, it was 35 years ago). All the 69 team were great but I'd agree that Stan Harland, Joey Butler and of course the great John Trollope were standouts and legends.[/quote] Ah Sir Donald of Rogers - no one who was at Wembley in '69 could ever forget - and let's not - the joy on Roger Smart's face to think that he a local ex Kingsdown schoolboy had scored a goal in a cup final at Wembley! Frank burrows - the only player I know who could leave the field at the County Ground at the end of a match and be drinking a pint in the Lady Margaret before the fans got there! Stan the Man! Joey "taxi" Butler, The Trolley/Rogers overlap -the goals that came from that move! Smithy, "One Nil Noble" Thomas the Rod,"Pigeon" Pete Downsborough -a TOWN goal -keeping legend- Don Heath -he had a great game that day - Wilie Penman the little Scottish bald eagle, ahhh happy days and although Don was the star -there was a team worth watching - and to be fair Lou Ossie & Hoddle all produced sides that played good football - who is there now - not one player who truly excites- let alone a team! Check out you tube if you want to see Don at his best v Man U. type in Palace 5-0 Man U.
stevehalloz wrote:
Brilliane idea. Don was the king, not just in 69 but from his first full season in 1963 through to when that moron Mackay let him (and the great Stan Harland) go. He was a genius and apart from the league cup we had some wonderful wins with Don and the boys - West Ham with Moore, Peters and Hurst (3-3 away, 3-1 in the replay), thrashing Juventus, Roma and Napoli, 2-0 over Liverpool with Don scoring both goals and Bill Shankly fuming that he (Don) only touched the ball twice all game - maybe he did, Bill, but both touches were goals. I remember as a kid of 11 in 63 hearing people scream "give it to Rogers" - he was that good even then, and he took the youth team to the youth cup final, where he and George Best scored in a 1-1 draw. And in his very last match before he was transferred he scored a blinder from about 30 metres in the last minute to give us a 3-2 win against Burnley (I think, it was 35 years ago). All the 69 team were great but I'd agree that Stan Harland, Joey Butler and of course the great John Trollope were standouts and legends.
Ah Sir Donald of Rogers - no one who was at Wembley in '69 could ever forget - and let's not - the joy on Roger Smart's face to think that he a local ex Kingsdown schoolboy had scored a goal in a cup final at Wembley! Frank burrows - the only player I know who could leave the field at the County Ground at the end of a match and be drinking a pint in the Lady Margaret before the fans got there! Stan the Man! Joey "taxi" Butler, The Trolley/Rogers overlap -the goals that came from that move! Smithy, "One Nil Noble" Thomas the Rod,"Pigeon" Pete Downsborough -a TOWN goal -keeping legend- Don Heath -he had a great game that day - Wilie Penman the little Scottish bald eagle, ahhh happy days and although Don was the star -there was a team worth watching - and to be fair Lou Ossie & Hoddle all produced sides that played good football - who is there now - not one player who truly excites- let alone a team! Check out you tube if you want to see Don at his best v Man U. type in Palace 5-0 Man U.
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