National League, Community Club of the Year 2007

Happy New Year! Four friendlies out of the way, some very encouraging displays and some good young talent pushing for regular first team honours! If you think back to these same friendlies last year there was great excitement with the signings made and some realistic ambitions that were ultimately achieved on October 7^th.

Can we compare these friendly fixtures? The standard of play has certainly improved and so has the fitness, the coaching staff are very happy with how the pre-season training has taken shape and a number of the lads who joined mid-way through the 2007 season have finally had time to apply some new methods in their first pre-season. The spirit in the camp has also risen to another level and there’s sure to be some great days ahead of us.

Let’s go back to the October 7^th occasion for just a minute, how many of us would like to experience that again but in the NL1 Final or perhaps a Northern Rail Cup Final? Estimates of our fantastic support go anywhere up to 5 or 6,000 that afternoon. Just pause and think for a minute…… If we could average just 2000 spectators in 2008, that would be a minimum of 500 extra per game. Twelve games at 500 equals 6000 extra clicks on the turnstiles over the season, which at £14 gives increased revenue of £84,000. This increased revenue takes us well towards the salary cap for NL1 and surely would put is in the frame for another great day out! If we had 3000, what then……this is not to say that we aren’t working hard towards these occasions!

The new merchandise range from Prostar has set records at the first three home fixtures and with sales at Shindigz, Pontefract also going very well this has put the icing on a great deal for the club. What you see now is not all, there are plans for more new products from Prostar in April/May and the club is also working on a new branding exercise for smart casual clothing in addition to the current sports and leisurewear! More exciting times are ahead.

It’s been well documented that Season Tickets have surpassed last year, with still a few 2007 members to renew we should be looking at a 40% increase year on year. Don’t forget that you can now purchase your Car Park Season pass for 2008 at tremendous value from the club office.

Your entertainment guide has also had some further great additions for the coming months! Tickets for all events are available now from the club office or via email (info@featherstonerovers.com)

Your What’s on Guide

Saturday 2^nd February - Queen Tribute – One of the best Queen Tribute bands in the country. This is the band that headlined at ‘Party on The Pitch’ last year and had everyone singing along to the fantastic Queen hits.

Tickets £10.00 including buffet

Wednesday 6^th February - Live Band Night with The Troubadours. Don’t miss out on seeing this band up close and personal, Q Magazine have listed them as one of the top ten bands most likely to achieve success in 2008.

In March The Troubadours go on a UK sell out tour supporting the No.1 band in the country ‘The Enemy’.

Unbelievably, entry to this gig is free so arrive early. Doors 7.30

Saturday 15^th March – For more than 40 years the Grumbleweeds have been supplying fun and hilarity and are rated the No. 1 comedy act spanning 4 decades. The Grumbleweeds, top Clubhouse entertainment. Tickets are just £15 per person to include admission, buffet served to your table and late night disco.

Saturday 26^th April – Last but not least ‘Neil (Razor) Ruddock’

SPORTSMANS EVENING - NEIL (RAZOR) RUDDOCK - EX Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’, Celebrity Wife Swap

Star Comedian - Gary Marshall (http://www.garymarshallcomedian.co.uk/) Award-winning comedian Gary Marshall has been a professional now for over 20 years and has established himself as one the most popular comics working on the after-dinner circuit, with his unique style and deadpan delivery it gives him an abundant charm which makes him equally at home with both all male and mixed audiences.

Being a third generation comedian, his Dad Jimmy Marshall (of Granada TV's The Comedians) and Grandad Jock Duncan (a renown Scots comic) you could say comedy runs in the blood.

Gary's first TV appearance came in 1988 on "Bob says Opportunity Knocks" - LOST !!!!. He must have made a big impression as his next TV break came 9 years later on Sky TV's Stand and Deliver. The following year Gary recorded two series of The Comedians for Sky and a Live TV performance on ITV's Big Big Talent Show - LOST!!!. Victory finally came in 1998 when he won Ready Steady Cook!!!!! - Get In!!!!!

Notable Appearances

- The Lance Todd Trophy Dinner

- Andrew Flintoff's Testimonial Dinner at Old Trafford
- The Pre- Manchester Derby Dinner at the City of Manchester Stadium
- The P.G.A Luncheon at The Grosvenor London
- The Champions League Final Dinner
- The Variety Club of G.B Golfing Society Stag Dinner at The Royal Lancaster London
- Pre-Match for 2 F.A Cup Finals at the Millennium Stadium
- A Tribute to Jimmy Johnstone Dinner at Celtic Park Glasgow

"Gary Marshall has the timing of a Swiss watch and the diet of a Swiss roll!!" "Gary Marshall was probably one of the funniest men that I have ever had the privilege of watching live. He was absolutely brilliant. A real winner with all those that attended the evening."

Master of Ceremonies - Jerry Earl

Luxury Buffet, Prestige Auction, Fantastic Raffle, Photograph opportunity with Razor himself,

Tickets £35.00, with limited availability.

If you wish to register your interest by e-mail just write to info@featherstonerovers.com and we will call you or organise ticket collection times to suit you. Payment can be made by credit card and tickets posted, why not treat someone to a great night out, a great birthday or anniversary gift perhaps!