City fans will use Saturday's Yorkshire derby as their stage to pay a colourful tribute to David Wetherall.

Away supporters plan to turn up with banners, balloons and tickertape in tribute to the skipper, who hangs up his boots at the end of the season to become first-team coach.

"Wetherall Day" is the brainchild of supporter Dan Thornton, who felt Millmoor was a fitting venue after the 4-1 misery City suffered there last season when the big defender was in temporary charge.

It was only his third game in the dual role after succeeding Colin Todd - and Rotherham romped to their first win for three months. For many, it was the miserable afternoon when the prospect of dropping into the basement division loomed large.

"David had left himself out of the team and we got hammered," said Thornton. "It wasn't the actual game that relegated us but it was a big nail in the coffin and I don't think we ever recovered from such a massive blow.

"So we're hoping that this will banish those awful memories and remind David what we think of him. He was pretty gutted last time, so we aim to cheer him up as our thank-you for everything he has done.

"Every City fan has got great respect for the legend that he is and we wanted to do something special to show that. We've had some good away trips this year and this is going to be a memorable occasion."

Thornton wants supporters to join in the spirit by bringing "fun-related items" such as inflatables, balloons, banners and fancy dress. Some fans are even rumoured to be turning up in white lab coats in honour of the player who has a first-class chemistry degree.

Wetherall admitted he was shocked but flattered when told about the planned celebrations.

He said: "I'm a bit taken aback by all this and lost for words.

"But the support I've always had has been great ever since I came over the hill'. It's a nice gesture.

"The backing we've been getting all season, both home and away, has been fantastic. The fans have still turned up in numbers even though things have not panned out as we all hoped.

"I hope this will lift everyone's spirits and we can come back with a good result.

"Unfortunately though, I haven't got my old lab coat anymore!"

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