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- Burton Mail

14th January 2001
Gresley Rovers chairman Mark Evans is calling on the club's fan base to turn out in force tomorrow and welcome new manager John McGinlay to the Moat Ground in style.

McGinlay was appointed at the beginning of the year as successor to Brian Kenning who was sacked a month earlier.

Reserve team boss Alan Titterton and assistant Gary Norton took charge of the first team over a seven-game transitional period before Evans pulled off a coup by persuading former Scotland and Bolton Wanderers front man McGinlay to take up his first managerial post at the Moat.

The 36-year-old McGinlay has now presided over Rovers' last four outings, winning two and losing two.

But after nearly four weeks in situ, tomorrow's Dr Martens Western Division clash with Rugby United will be the player-manager's first chance to see the Moatmen in action on home territory.

"Gresley Rovers fans have served the club tremendously over recent years, not only this season" said Evans who has seen gates average around the 300 mark, "and I don't think it's too much to say it's our support base which has helped keep us in business.

"In terms of attendance levels we're right up there at the top of the division, sometimes third but most often the second-best supported team.

"Tiverton are No 1 with gates averaging about 650 but if you look at that in terms of the clubs close to them and remind yourselves we have Derby County, Leicester City and Burton Albion on our doorstep, then it makes our level of support even more impressive.

"So I hope they will turn out in force to welcome John and Phil (assistant manager Phil barber) for their first home game tomorrow.

"I'm sure Rovers fans will want to come and see John's first game in charge, especially as it's the club's first home game in a month after postponements, cup fixtures and so on.

"But it's still early days for John and we must remember to give him time to prove himself."

And as well as backing from the terraces, Evans, an Ashby-based businessman, has drummed up plenty of financial support for the club.

He said: "We have welcomed 13 new sponsors to the club in the last few weeks as a result of our commercial initiatives.

"Holiday Inns have been helping with John's accommodation down here (McGinlay's home is in Bolton) while Sainsbury's have donated mineral water for the players and McVitie's some biscuits.

"So it's very pleasing to see the business community coming back to Gresley Rovers."

Ranji Indian Cuisine of Ashby have agreed to sponsor the club's reserve side until the end of the season.

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Tuesday 14th October, 7.45pm

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