Rotherham United Commercial Director Steve Coakley Gets EFL Recognition
The EFL has recognised the work of Rotherham United’s Commercial Director, Steve Coakley with an award to celebrate him approaching 30 years of working in professional football.
Steve has given 11 years of service with the Millers across two spells, during which he has helped the club move into their new stadium at AESSEAL New York Stadium whilst also forging countless significant business relationships, in turn, generating millions of pounds in revenue.
His journey spans over 28 years having taken his first footsteps in the game with his boyhood club Derby County at just 16-years-old.
Steve initially joined the club whilst the Millers were at Don Valley Stadium and during that time, he gave the club’s commercial wing a new lease of life, ensuring the continuation of corporate relationships during a critical transitional period for the club.
His second spell coincided with the early years of the club’s return to Rotherham and the brand new AESSEAL New York Stadium and with Chairman Tony Stewart keen to uphold the ambitious image and upward trajectory both on and off the pitch; Steve once again took up the top job in the Millers’ commercial department.
Steve has worked tirelessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic to not only support colleagues and help in other areas of the club whilst it was operating on a reduced staff base, but has continued to look into new and innovative ways to generate income.
Virtual matchday sponsorships have continued to provide the club with key income streams during a time when so much of the club’s normal revenue has been lacking, whilst he has also been behind an increase in the club’s social media output this season which has provided further sponsorship opportunities for local businesses.
As a result of his day-to-day responsibilities and him sitting on the Board of Directors, Steve maintains a close relationship with Chairman Tony Stewart, who was thrilled to see his efforts commemorated by the EFL with this prestigious award.
“For me, Steve Coakley’s contribution to Rotherham United is clear for all to see and so much of what we have achieved here off-the-field has come as a bi-product of his innovative thinking and dedicated approach to his work,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
