Doncaster Rovers FC complete Dons takeover
Doncaster Rovers FC has formally announced today, 20 November, that the club has completed the legal takeover of the Doncaster Dons Rugby League Club.
DRFC have purchased the Dons from Carl Hall and Steve Scholes for an undisclosed fee and have confirmed that Carl Hall will remain General Manager at the rugby league club, which play their home games at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Both Doncaster Rovers FC and the Doncaster Dons will continue to have their own identities however the clubs hope to create a strategic alliance between both groups of supporters.
Gavin Baldwin, Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers FC, said:
“This is an exciting day for both clubs and a key milestone for sport in Doncaster.
“The Dons are a well run club and are ready for growth and I am confident that we can help them achieve their potential.
“Bringing the two clubs together is a fantastic opportunity to build on Rovers strong links with Doncaster residents and create a thriving sporting community.
“Our Club Doncaster brand and strategy promotes one town and one community working together for the benefit of people across the Borough and now both clubs are very much at the heart of the Town.
“The takeover will create immediate revenue streams for the stadium and I would like to reassure our loyal supporters that the Dons will have no negative impact on funds available for Doncaster Rovers, the initial cost was funded separately by the owners. Indeed with the Dons planned pre-season friendlies and commercial deals soon to be announced any initial costs have already been covered and any other revenues will immediately improve the bottom line of both the stadium and the Dons.
“DRFC has great respect for the traditions of the Dons, which were founded in 1951. Carl has done a fantastic job taking the club from administration three years ago to the Championship.
“We are now going to build on the strong foundations and are looking forward to embarking on a new era together with both sets of supporters.”
Carl Hall, General Manager of the Dons, commented:
“DRFC have a proven track record of delivering best practice off the field in recent years and I know that they will be bringing this first class level of expertise to the Dons.
“I felt that it was the right time for a new approach at the Dons and I know that DRFC will work hard to ensure the club maximises its potential on the field, behind the scenes and within the local community.
“I am pleased to be continuing in my role of General Manager and I am looking forward to working with the team at Doncaster Rovers to take the Dons to the next level.”
