Community award a fantastic achievement - Tony

Last updated : 12 March 2012 By Bigrich.....

The Millers fended off competition from other regional finalists Notts County, Portsmouth, MK Dons and Bury to take down the Community Club of the Year award last night at the Football League Awards.

Chairman Tony Stewart praised the work of the Millers community trust;  "This is a fantastic achievement for the football club. Credit must go to Jamie (Noble) and his team for the wonderful work they do in the local community. The Trust has long since been a trailblazer for community projects, and we are absolutely thrilled and honoured that this work has been recognised with this prestigious award. It cannot be overemphasised, the significance of this accolade. The club has beaten off competition from every other Football League club in this country which gives me a feeling of great pride, and is another example of our continued development as we prepare to move into the New York Stadium next season."

Former Community chief Dale Spiby was also recognised for his hard work, he left the Millers to join Southend United earlier in the season. His successor Jamie Noble went on to tahnk his staff for thier work.

"It was a fantastic feeling and a tremendous honour to collect this award, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my staff who have worked tirelessly to make Rotherham United's community projects such a roaring success. We couldn't have done this without the support of the council leader Roger Stone, and Mahroof Hussain whose backing has been integral in helping us become what we are today."

"It was a great night, and a fantastic honour to be given the award in front of your peers and over the next 12 months moving into the stadium is an exciting time for everyone involved in the football club." he added.