Tommy Rowe is determined to repay the faith of supporters after pledging his future to Rovers for the next two seasons.
The 33-year-old has signed a new two-year contract to remain at the Eco-Power Stadium until the summer of 2024.
Rowe met with supporters at the Supporters’ Club Retford Branch end-of-season dinner, where he was named player of the year. And he admitted he was moved by the support received on the night, despite a difficult campaign for the club on the pitch.
“Last season was obviously disappointing but being at the awards night with the supporters brought it into perspective,” he said.
“You see the people that have gone out all year and supported you through a tough season.
“They rewarded me with the award but I was in a position where I could hear their concerns for the first time.
“It was humbling to hear how much respect they had for us throughout the season, even in a disappointing time.
“They’re true supporters who are going to be there from the outset.
“We as players have to put it right for them. They come to every game and it’s there for us to put right.”
Continuing to reflect on the connection with supporters, Rowe insists Rovers should be inspired by the high points of last season as they face up to the challenge of the new campaign.
He said: “Although it was an upsetting season, there were still some really positive games that I loved, like Sunderland away and seeing the fans in the games where we won and performed well.
“Hopefully we can use those games as a platform for next season and why we want to go out and win promotion this season - it’s for the fans and to right the wrongs from last season.
“We want to build something as a group. Something new. That’s something I look forward to doing.”
Rowe spoke at length about considering the club as ‘home’ when he began his second permanent spell at the Eco-Power Stadium last summer.
He believes that powered him to a successful season personally, which saw him top the scoring charts and take a cluster of individual awards.
“I spoke at length last year about my connections with my son and my family and how they feel comfortable here,” he said.
“Just coming down to sign this contract, it opens another chapter for me.
“I turn 34 in September but last season I felt fresh. I felt driven, determined.
“I really wanted to come back and prove a point. I think that’s what led to scoring a lot of goals and performing well in games.”