Doncaster Rovers

Name: Phil Winterman

Age: 74

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Hexthorpe, Doncaster above a barbers shop, which is ironic as I am now completely bald! I moved when I was three to live in Balby where I lived for the next 20 years.

Where do you live?

Balby. Strangely enough just a quarter of a mile from the house I was brought up in.

What supporters’ groups are you affiliated to?

I was a junior member of the Supporters Club way back in the late 50s. I have just applied to re-join - but as an adult obviously.

Tell us about your background. 

I grew up with former Rovers player Graham (Willy) Watson who lived next door and we are still the best of friends. We did everything together and Rovers was a massive part of that.

I remember walking from Balby to Belle Vue on many occasions when I was little more than ten years old, just to watch the game, including the reserves, which we got free as part of our junior supporters’ membership. It used to take us an hour there and back but was always worth it.

I was privileged to watch some great players like Alick Jeffrey, Laurie Sheffield and Brian Makepeace right through to great games recently at the Britannia Stadium, Millennium Stadium, Wembley, and Brentford.

Starting with my dad, then through me, we now have a small army of season ticket holders in the family from my two sons, four of my five grandsons (the other is studying for a PhD), sister-in-law, her two sons and their families.

We have always had strong ties with the Rovers; my brother Barry had his wake at Belle Vue; my son Danny is now a 100Club partner (Phoenix Joinery) and had his wedding photos taken at Belle Vue; and our beautiful daughter Maria, a nurse who died suddenly in 2019, had her wake at the Keepmoat, as it was, having been buried in a Rovers shirt signed by her idol, ex-Rover Barry Miller.

I have had a wide range of jobs during my lifetime, including bank clerk, a manager for Ladbrokes, a forklift truck driver, a manager of a pub and a communications manager.

My biggest failure though is having been married to my lovely wife Julia for 50 years - I cannot get her to transfer her allegiance from Bradford City! We met in Bradford, her birthplace, and it's provided plenty of banter.

How long have you supported Rovers? 

I went to my first Rovers match when I was four, sitting on my dad’s shoulders at Belle Vue. We beat Everton 3-0 and I was hooked. It gave way to a lifetime of football and I was active as a player, coach, manager, referee, local league chairperson - but always a Rovers supporter.

Who is your favourite all time player? 

That is a big question, there has been so many. There has been lots who have left lasting memories from my early days to the present. From walking the three miles just to watch them play, I would have to say Alick Jeffrey followed closely by Laurie Sheffield. I always wanted to be them when I was playing.

Where do you sit at the Eco-Power stadium? 

I sit in the East Stand, with our youngest son Daniel and his three sons; Jay, Preston and Bailey, and a few rows down sits our oldest son Mark and his son Jack.

How long have you been part of the Supporters/Shadow Board?

Since July 2023 

Why are you part of the Shadow Board? 

Rovers are part of our family DNA and when I read about the vacancy I just jumped at the opportunity. I want to help the club that has given me so many happy memories.

I believe I can bring passion, enthusiasm, and commitment as part of a team to help be a voice the club I love. As a recently retired site communications manager for a 600 strong logistics company site, I can bring a wealth of experience in engagement, communication (oral and written) and I have many interaction attributes and expertise.

I have experience of well over 40 years of being part of groups and committees. Anything from chairing, minute taking, treasurer or being a team player which I am.

I pride myself on being able to get the message across and although it would be easier to just sit in the garden with a cuppa, I have spent a lifetime trying to improve things for people, so I am not going to stop now. I really do think I can bring real positivity to the role and make a difference for the fans.