Cobblers supporters chosen as virtual mascots for Doncaster Rovers game in anti-loneliness drive

'We want others to know they are not alone and that we are thinking of them'
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Nineteen Northampton Town Football Club fans have been chosen to be virtual matchday mascots for the Doncaster Rovers game on Saturday (December 5).

Each will receive a personalised video message from a first-team player, a mention in the online programme and a code to watch the match online on iFollow.

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All of those chosen are currently engaged with the club's community trust as part of the ongoing project to address loneliness in the town.

Four of the 19 Cobblers fans to be virtual mascots this weekend. (Clockwise from top left) Rowland Jordan, Barry Davies, Tony Kingston and Brian RatcliffeFour of the 19 Cobblers fans to be virtual mascots this weekend. (Clockwise from top left) Rowland Jordan, Barry Davies, Tony Kingston and Brian Ratcliffe
Four of the 19 Cobblers fans to be virtual mascots this weekend. (Clockwise from top left) Rowland Jordan, Barry Davies, Tony Kingston and Brian Ratcliffe

Tackling Loneliness project officer Bob Allen said: "This is a wonderful gesture from the club and is to show these supporters, and others, we are thinking of them.

"It has been a difficult year for everyone, and particularly so as we reach Christmas, we want others to know they are not alone and that we are thinking of them."

Saturday's match will see the long-awaited return of fans to the PTS Academy Stadium having been banned since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Around 1,000 season ticket holders will be in the ground for an initial pilot before up to 2,000 supporters are allowed in while Northamptonshire is in tier two.

Bob said: "It is wonderful news that some season ticket holders are able to return to matches at the PTS Academy Stadium from Saturday.

"But there are many who can't, and hopefully this gesture from the club reminds them they, and other supporters, are very much in our thoughts."

The virtual mascots this weekend are Robin Ward, Stephen Filsell, Steve Newton, Ray and Wendy Jefford, Carol Adams, David Willis, Albert and Jan Gee, Barry Davies, Douglas Webb, Rowland Jordan, Michael Bull, Tony Kingston, Brian Ratcliffe, Geoffrey Topliss, Linda Franklin, Melvin Johnson and Neil Pearson.