Coakley appointed Commercial Director

Last updated : 19 May 2009 By Deano
Coakley leaves neighbouring Sheffield Wednesday to join up with Tony Stewart's men and will take up his post, which is based around the drive for Rotherham's new stadium, in June.

Talking to the clubs official site, Steve explained a bit about his background.

"I have worked within the football industry for 17 years. I spent 13 years at Derby County in both the Premiership and Championship and then moved to Sheffield Wednesday in November 2004.

"I see coming to Rotherham as a great opportunity to be a part of something that is clearly building for the future. I've known Tony Stewart for a number of years and his ambition speaks for itself. To be a part of the resurrection of a club like Rotherham United is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am looking forward to the task ahead.

Current 'home' - DVS
"At Sheffield Wednesday I've increased turnover and profit every year since I started and I was settled in that job. It would have taken something special for me to leave there and I feel that Rotherham United fits that description.

"The Club continues to work towards a new stadium and that is something else I look forward to being involved with," Steve continued.

"During my time at Derby we moved from the Baseball Ground to Pride Park and it was a fantastic time. I hope that the creation of a purpose-built stadium will rejuvenate Rotherham United. In the current climate there are not many clubs who will have the opportunity to move to new stadia and I think Rotherham United are very fortunate to have someone like Tony Stewart backing the project.

"Despite currently working for Sheffield Wednesday I have followed the club's fortunes closely because my partner is both from and lives in Rotherham, and her father is a season ticket holder at Don Valley," he added.

"Despite the obvious limitations of playing at Don Valley and training in Doncaster I want to create a sense of unity between the Club and its fans. If people look back to this time last year they will realise how far the Club has come and I wanted to be a part of Rotherham United as they continue to
move forward."

MillersMAD wishes Steve every success in his role with the football club.