Local football switches on to a brighter future at Herringthorpe Stadium

The first competitive fixtures under them — the Rotherham Charity Cup quarter-finals — have been taking place this month.

Participating clubs have been complimentary about the new lights, which are a long overdue replacement for the old ones which left areas of the pitch in shadow.

Charity Cup competition secretary Chris Eyre said: “I have been pushing for the last 15 plus years to get something done, so I'm really chuffed it has been.

“The changing rooms have been painted up and made more spacious.

“The floodlights are tremendous. You can stand up near the changing room and see the fence at the bottom end clearly."

The new floodlights are part of a refurb of the sports venue driven by Rotherham Borough Council which includes a revamped changing block, repairs to the track and a new throws cage for athletes.

Chris added: “Hopefully more football teams will start using Heringthorpe now, particularly towards the end of the season if they get behind with their fixtures.”

The next Charity Cup quarter-final is scheduled for tonight (7pm) when Joker Wickersley Youth take on Brinsworth FC. The final one is next Thursday when Lord Reresby play Wombwell Main.