Some Fans In Favour, Some Not, Of Denaby Plan To Return To Midland League.

The declared intention of Denaby United to re-apply for Midland League membership apparently has some of the team’s regular band of supporters worried.

So it seems from the views of a random-selection of supporters I questioned during Denaby’s Yorkshire League game with Ossett Town at Tickhill Square on Saturday.

But while some United followers though their team wouldn’t make the grade in the Midland League and would lose the support they gain from the local interest in the Yorkshire League and County Senior League, others saw United’s return to the Midland League as the road to success.

Most emphatic with Mr. George Ogley, of 89, Loversall Street, Denaby. He’s seen most of this season’s home matches, and he told me in no uncertain terms, ‘ I wouldn’t fancy following United if they went back in the Midland League.

Greater Support.

‘I don’t think they are up to the standard of the Midland League. Look at the crowd today – don’t you think there are more here than there were at Midland League matches last season. There’s a lot more interest in the Yorkshire League.’

Mr. Wilferd King, of 5, John Street, Denaby, is a familiar face as Tickhill Square and has followed United for about 50 years. He commented, ‘I think at the present time it would be a mistake to go back in to the Midland League.

‘They are getting better crowds in this league and in any case I don’t believe they are, at present, good enough. Nor can they afford to pay the class of player to maintain Midland League status.’

On the other side of the fence was Mr. Philip Collindridge, of 67, Tickhill Street, Denaby. ‘Good luck to them,’ he said. ‘I think gates will improve if they go back and that local interest will be there. It’s the ‘telly’ that has brought down gates.

Poor Show.

‘It was a poor show when they were thrown out of the Midland League and I will certainly come to watch them if they go back in.’

Mr. Eric Joyner, of 44, Maltby Street, Denaby, was worried about the standard of play in the Yorkshire League Division Two. He said of Denaby’s re-entry in Midland League, ‘The sooner the better. I don’t think the standard is high enough in the Yorkshire League, although things might be better in Division One. I agree there may not be as much local interest in the Midland League, but as long as they keep paying in at the pit, it will be all right.’

Let the final word go to Mr. William Day, of 19, Clayfield Road, Mexborough.

He admitted to being a follower of another local side, but commented, ‘If Denaby stay in the Yorkshire League and get into Division One it will be the revival of football in this area, especially with local derby games. There isn’t as much interest now in Midland League.’

United have, of course, said they intend to run teams in both Yorkshire and Midland Leagues. The big question is whether or not it will be worth the trouble and expense if some people are only interested in every alternate game.