Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
Going places
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
Midfield ace Richard Denby this week pledged his future to Gresley Rovers declaring: “I’m happy to go places – with the Moatmen.”
The 25-year-old has recently been a target for neighbours Burton Albion and Beazer Homes league rivals Shepshed Charterhouse.But the Sutton-in-Ashfield warehouseman insists: “I’m happy with Gresley.” He said at the weekend: “I’ve signed till the end of next season and I was quite happy to do so. They look after you very well here and I’ve enjoyed my football ever since I came to the Moat Ground.”
Denby’s arrival in South Derbyshire – since when he has become the kingpin in Gresley’s drive for promotion to the Beazer Homes League and a firm favourite with the Moat Ground crowd – came after he attracted the attention of manager Frank Northwood with his performance for Alfreton Town against Rovers in the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final in 1987 – which Gresley won on penalties.
His career began with a two-year apprenticeship with Chesterfield and six months as a professional, then leading by way of Boston United and Eastwood Town to Alfreton.
He admits: “When Chesterfield let me go I was disappointed because it’s everyone’s dream to play in the Football League. But of the clubs I’ve been to since Gresley is probably the best. It’s such a friendly place and they take care of you so well.
“Obviously I was tempted when Burton Albion came in for me. You’ve got to be interested when you get offered the chance to play at a higher level. But while Burton are a bigger club than Gresley they’re by no means a better one and after considering it I didn’t fancy the move. The travelling put me off for one thing. And obviously I think we can win something here.
“We are the team to fear in the Banks’s League – the team they all want to beat.”
