Is Louis Tomlinson good for Rovers?

The lad has come under a lot of stick since 'signing' for Doncaster Rovers, he signed as a publicity stunt and to raise money for charity. Ahead of his debut for us, we look at the effect his signing has.

Who is he?
Well if you don't know the answer to this question, you have dine very well hiding from the radio and TV. Louis is part of the pop group, One Direction, the group that were formed on x factor. Despite not actually winning the TV show, they have gone on to be quite successful, especially amongst teenage girls . Louis is actually Doncaster born and attended Hall Cross school. The local lad has always had a passion for football,  playing for Bessacarr as a kid, he also played for a doncaster pub team before finding fame. It is well documented that Louis is a lifelong Doncaster Rovers fan, however I have heard he is also a Manchester United fan...

When did he sign?
Rovers and louis found the ideal time to get this publicity stunt to the nation, and the secret signing was revealed live on sky when they visited every club in one day, during the pre season of 2013. I had my fears upon hearing something along the lines of 'stay tuned as we visit more grounds across the country, we will also have a special appearance from One Direction, and we will be going to Doncaster where they will reveal a new signing'. Of course hearing that for the first time gets you excited,  who is the new signing? Unfortunately it wasn't anything special.
It wasn't long before the fans of every club in the country had taken to facebook and twitter to mock Rovers with our new signing of Louis. The next few days were actually embarrassing to be a Rovers fan. However the publicity stunt had worked, as Rovers were written in most nation newspapers and mentioned in many places online. The official twitter account also grew in the number of followers, a figure that now stands at 91.3k which is more then Leeds United on 45.5k.

Louis as he appears on Football Manager 2014

Why did this happen?
Louis signing for the Rovers as mentioned before was both a publicity stunt for the club and also a great way to raise money for children's charity Bluebell wood children's hospice.
It was announced Louis would play for the reserves team at least one time. And the date was set against Scunthorpe. Louis did make an appearance against Scunthorpe, however it was only sat on the bench. This was because whilst playing in Stan Petrov's testimonial game in Scotland, Louis picked up an injury after a great tackle by Gabby Agbonlahor. Louis limped off the field and was sick. Would hate to see what a tackle with Colin Sutherland would of done to the lad. a gif of this tackle has been made and watched many of times.

When will he play?
Early 2014, with the One Direction boys back from touring in the USA, it was announced Louis would finally play his debut on 26th February against Rotherham, at the keepmoat. You can get tickets by calling the Doncaster Rovers ticket office on 01302 590250. To some this announcement came as a relief that Damien Plessis had returned. Louis will also feature as a spectator for first team games.

The negatives
Louis wasn't signed for footballing reasons of course and it does make us a bit of a laughing stock amongst rival fans for it. It is quite embarrassing.

The positives
The club gets more publicity, remember al publicity is good publicity,  or something like that. Thousands of people have heard of Doncaster Rovers  since his signings, albeit mainly 13 year old girls, but this will generate some extra money for the club. The reserves game Louis will play in there is already many tickets sold, a game that would struggle to attract 200 people on usually circumstances.

Let's not forget the money raised to local charity Bluebell wood. It is a fantastic charity that supports kids and families, that have a shortened life expectancy, the charity was founded in 1998 and opened it's hospice in North Anston in 2008.
Every penny raised by Louis Tomlinson doing signing for Rovers is a positive reason, because every penny raised will go to helping children and the families that need the support. Guys we need to remember that, the real true reason behind this. When your feeling embarrassed because your Leeds mate is giving you stick for it, just tell him about the good cause that benefited from it.
At the end if the day, it is hard to remember when your passions get in the way, football is a game, but if we can use this to help Children that need help, it is a great thing and credit to all involved. Rovers as a club have always been fantastic helping the community and charities,  everything from green kits, beards and walks. Once again Well done Rovers.

Louis playing in a charity match

What the club should do
Milk it, 100%. Stock the club shop with signed photos, Tomlinson shirts and meet Louis chance to win. Everything that can be thought of. Would certainly get the tills ringing. I'm not sure how it is set up to aid both club and charity, whether it is ticket money to one, everything else to the other or whether it is split, unfortunately i'm not aware.

Other 1 Direction members at the Keepmoat

So let's embrace it, who knows one day Louis might put some of his fame earned cash into Rovers too!

Thanks for reading as always remember to leave a comment, follow us on twitter @thedonnypop like us on facebook, and check out the fansite thedonnypop.moonfruit.com also check out the forum.

If you would like to write an article about anything you can email it to me at thedonnypop@gmail.com I will also be looking for someone who will attend the Lpuis Tomlinson match and would like to write a review, maybe your a regular rover or a first timer, email me.

Thanks Again!