Eagles still in a flap over DVS pitch rights

Last updated : 11 June 2008 By Bigrich.....

The biggest fear is what we are going to do about training, Pre-season is very important to the club and players and if we can't get on the pitch to do the pre-season training, as we have had for the last eight years, that's going to be an issue for us." Eagles director John Whaling told the Star.

However, Pat Smith from DVS was adamant that there will be no change to the Eagles current arrangements; "We will honour the arrangement we have with them regarding facilities for training and assisting with their development, but our contract with them does not include agreed rights to use the pitch for training or pre-season,"

"Yes, they have used the pitch for a "run through" the night before matches, but without risking any damage to the surface. We are here to help. We will be assessing what implications Rotherham's use here will have and we are open to discussions. But nothing that the Eagles are entitled to is going to be taken away from them." he added.

Meanwhile Whaling claimed that the Eagle's had yet to hear anything from SIV - the owners of Don Valley; "We haven't heard from the stadium (officials) and we're expecting them to get hold of us and talk to us as the club that has been at the stadium the longest."

"It's only fair they come out and tell us exactly what their plans are. There are definitely two Eagles' home games during the early part of the football season and they are a week after each other so if Rotherham are home then away on alternate weeks there is clearly going to be a clash. We are high in the league and if we can stay there that would give us a home advantage in the play-offs." he added