Doncaster MPs Praise Rovers

6 December 2005

Don Valley MP, Caroline Flint has joined her Doncaster parliamentary colleagues to welcome Doncaster Rovers' magnificent success in the Carling Cup. As Ms Flint is a Government Minister, an Early Day Motion in recognition of Rovers' victory over Aston Villa has been tabled by Doncaster North MP, Ed Miliband. An Early Day Motion is used by MPs to express praise and support for a variety of projects.

Caroline Flint said: "After Rovers saw off City and hammered Villa; they should be afraid of no one. Bring it on Arsenal! Who would bet their shirt against Rovers winning again? It's brilliant."

Ed Miliband said: "To reach the quarter finals is a brilliant achievement. Not even Chelsea managed that. On top of that they thoroughly outplayed Aston Villa and deserved to win. I hope Rovers now get a big team in the quarter finals and take on this form into the league to push for the play offs and promotion."

"The players, management, fans and directors deserve praise for the way they are moving the club forward. I felt I wanted all my colleagues in the House of Commons to recognise Rovers' achievements."

Rosie Winterton said: "The Rovers' meteoric climb appears to know no bounds. I wish them all the best and hope to see more of the same in coming months and years."

The Early Day Motion, number 1176, reads:
That this House congratulates Doncaster Rovers FC of Football League One on reaching the quarter final of the Carling League Cup for the first time in thirty years; further congratulates the team for its superb performances against Manchester City FC of the Premiership in Round 2 and Aston Villa FC of the Premiership in Round 4; notes that Doncaster Rovers FC are the only team outside the Premiership to reach this season's quarter finals; further notes Doncaster Rovers FC returned to the Football League only two years ago after dropping to the Conference in 1998; wishes the club every success in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup and for the rest of the League One season; and further notes that the revival of Doncaster Rovers FC is one of the many exciting things happening in the town, including the building of a new community stadium and the new international airport.

For more information contact Phil Cole 07973 367869
or Alice Steel, NEA press Officer 0191 261 5677.