Former Charlton defender takes on club president role for Orpington club
Former Charlton Athletic defender Scott Minto is the new club president of Orpington Rovers Football Club.
The 49-year-old began his career at the club and still lives locally.
Minto went on to play for Charlton, Chelsea, West Ham United, Rotherham United and Benfica.
The left-back enjoyed an 18-year playing career between 1988-2006 which saw him chalk up 439 appearances and score 15 goals.
Minto’s role at the club will be to work as the club ambassador and support the management, managers and players.
Rovers chairman Paul Barnard wants to offer the best opportunity to grow and develop the talents of each of its members, improve the facilities and attract more families.
Barnard took up his position two seasons ago and while the impact of Covid-19 has been to the detriment of the club and the players this past season, he is determined that next season will be the clubs best yet.
The family value of the club is instilled at its core, which is why the vision of girls teams, as well as boys, is something he has strived for since his appointment. Any girls within the age range of 5-11 who wants further information on how they can play football can sign up via the club’s website. https://www.orpingtonrovers.
Barnard has invested £5,000 of the club’s funds into dugouts for players. He has also secured £5,500 through government funding schemes via the Football Foundation to go towards pitch restoration and to ensure the entire club and each manager and team is Covid-19 safe and ready for September
He said: “I am delighted to announce the improvements in our club – which Scott Minto’s appointment will play a huge part. Scott was with Rovers as a young lad and I know he thoroughly enjoyed playing for the club – this enthusiasm and his dream is something that he can pass onto the future generations.
“This year we have seen lots of families adversely affected by Covid-19, which has also had a huge impact on reducing football at grassroots – it’s been a dismal year.
“Scott’s signing and the improvements we have managed to secure this summer, as well as the start of girls’ teams for the very first time, is certainly a silver lining of optimism”.
Minto added: “I remember my time at Orpington Rovers very fondly and it’s great to be back home.
“I am impressed not only by the club’s ambition, but this being a place you play football with your family, which is laudable and strikes a chord with my time at the club. It will also be superb to see the launch of girls football at the club for the 2020-21 season”
A four-year deal with Land Sheriffs is the club’s very first sponsor and will enable Rovers to invest more in its facilities, players and its members.
