Belles hit the big time

DONCASTER Rovers Belles can look nervy to a gleaming future after becoming originator members of the newborn Football Association Women's Super League, according to cock-a-hoop chairman Jonathan James.

And he says the club's new-found elite status won't just put the town on the transpose - but also on the television.

James and his colleagues famous this week as Doncaster were titled alongside Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton in the lucrative eight-team sectionalization - set for squawk soured in the season of 2011.

The Belles went close to feat bust last assemblage and relied on donations from the public and local businesses in visit just to survive.

But James says Super League status - and the material FA resource that comes with it - should safeguard the future of the edifice for generations to come.

He said: "This is enthusiastic news for the club, enthusiastic for the players and fantastic for the town.

"The Belles hit been related with women's football in this country for more than 40 eld and long may it continue.

"We were originator members of the Premier League.

"Now, becoming originator members of the Super League should bring a lot more feeling to some people for some eld to come.

"And it will also raise the profile of the town and the Doncaster Rovers brand."

The Belles stand to benefit from around £75,000 a assemblage in FA resource after being awarded a two-year concern to join the league.

Satellite television broadcaster ESPN has already signed up to provide springy coverage of the newborn competition.

James said: "I poverty to impart everyone who has supported our edifice over the eld and helped to keep us feat last year.

"We've now been given a bigger platform on which to play the game.

"But if we keep doing the things that hit got us this far, then this edifice should move to roll for some eld to come.

"In some ways it should be easier, in terms of attracting sponsors for instance.

He added: "With the artefact that it's feat I can wager this association attracting the prizewinning girls from around the world.

"The FA hit got some very big ideas.

"This won't just put Doncaster on the transpose - but it'll also put us on the telly!

"In fact we could end up on the television more times than the men's side."

Birmingham, Bristol Academy, Lincoln and metropolis hit also been acknowledged Super League franchises.

Manager John Buckley said: \"It's a enthusiastic step nervy for the club.

"All the hard work has become to fruition and it's up to us now to verify our game to the next level.

"It would hit been a major disappointment had we not got in. I conceive the history of the edifice was a major factor.

"Now we rattling need to near on and essay and bring the glory days back to the Belles.

"There'll be quite a taste of pressure on me to essay and bring in international class players," he added.

"But that's something I'll definitely relish and I conceive we're all looking nervy to the challenge."

* When news of the newborn Super League was prototypal mooted the Free Press

mounted a campaign to back their effort for inclusion.

Arsenal fans plan banner tribute to stricken

Image via Wikipedia

ARSENAL fans plan to unfurl a large banner in support of Aaron Ramsey at Saturday's home game with Burnley, writes Jem Maidment.

Supporters group REDAction ordered the 18ft by 15ft tribute after the Wales international midfielder suffered his double leg break at Stoke last weekend.

REDAction said in a statement they want to drop the banner from club level. This week they have been trying to raise funds to pay for it - they then want Ramsey to sign it before giving it to one of the many fans who have donated to the cause.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis spoke of the "devastating" impact Ramsey's injury has had at the club and called on the players to use it as motivation to bring some silverware to the Emirates Stadium.

"It was devastating for the club and I still feel like a little bit of the heart has been ripped out of the club," he said.

"We're all just thinking about Aaron and trying to get him back as quickly as we can to health.

"I'm pleased to say the operation went well. We're still monitoring his progress, but we're hopeful he'll get back out.

"One of the things we as a club can take from it is the way we came together. To see the players come together and still get the win in very difficult circumstances may bode well for the rest of the season.

"I think the best thing we could do for Aaron would be to win a trophy for him this year.

"I don't think we need an extra motivation. It was very hard to feel good about the victory on Saturday.

"We're just thinking of Aaron now and getting him back and from the on-field side we're focused on getting the results we need to make him happier.

Source:http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/sport/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24&category=Sportarsenal&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sport&itemid=WeED03%20Mar%202010%2016%3A09%3A52%3A473