Donald Edward Rogers, born Paulton, England, October 25, 1945. Revered for his excellent dribbling skills and ability to score vital goals, Don Rogers is one of the greatest players to don the Swindon shirt.
Don Rogers’ connection with Swindon Town began early. At the age of 15, he signed a youth contract with the club in January 1961. Even at this young age, Rogers’ talent was undeniable, and it wasn’t long before he was making waves. Having turned professional in October 1962, Rogers made his first-team debut for Swindon on November 17, 1962, in a Third Division match against Southend United. His presence on the pitch was instantly recognizable. He brought a unique flair to Swindon’s play, and his positioning as an outside left allowed him to maximize his pace and creativity, tormenting defenders with his sharp runs and quick feet. In particular, Rogers’ early years were defined by his rapid rise within the team. Moreover, his ability to read the game and his impeccable dribbling skills helped establish him as a critical player for Swindon. As time went on, Rogers not only solidified his place within the starting eleven but also became the team’s go-to player in moments that mattered most.
The moment that truly catapulted Don Rogers into football folklore came on March 15, 1969, during the Football League Cup Final against Arsenal. Although Arsenal were the overwhelming favorites going into the match, it was Rogers and his Swindon teammates who had the final say. The game, played at Wembley, unfolded in dramatic fashion. Arsenal dominated much of the early play, applying relentless pressure on Swindon’s defense. As a result, Swindon’s attack was largely subdued during the first half. Yet, against the run of play, Swindon shocked everyone by taking the lead through Roger Smart in the 35th minute, after a defensive mix-up between Arsenal’s Ian Ure and goalkeeper Bob Wilson. However, Arsenal continued to push forward, and in the 86th minute, Bobby Gould equalized for the Gunners, sending the match into extra time. In extra time, Rogers took center stage. With Arsenal visibly tiring, Swindon began to assert themselves. Rogers scored his first goal just before the end of the first period of extra time, giving Swindon a 2-1 lead. Then, in the 109th minute, he sealed victory in emphatic fashion. Receiving a long ball from Roger Smart, Rogers found himself one-on-one with the Arsenal goalkeeper. He coolly rounded Wilson and slotted the ball into the net, ensuring Swindon’s 3-1 triumph and cementing his place as a Swindon legend. This iconic performance not only secured the club’s first major trophy but also made Rogers a household name.
Rogers’ brilliance did not go unnoticed by clubs outside of Swindon. In 1972, Crystal Palace came calling, signing him for a then-impressive fee of £147,000. His time at Palace was marked by several standout moments, most notably a 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United in which Rogers scored twice, leaving fans at Selhurst Park in awe of his talent. Furthermore, Rogers continued to shine during the 1973 season, scoring the goal of the season from London-based players. However, despite these highlights, his time at Palace was relatively short-lived, and in September 1974, Rogers moved to Queens Park Rangers as part of a deal involving Terry Venables and Ian Evans. At QPR, he continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess, netting five times in 18 league appearances. Yet, it was clear that Swindon Town was always close to his heart and he returned to the club in a player exchange deal involving Peter Eastoe in March 1976. The return of their prodigal son was a joyous occasion for Swindon supporters, who saw Rogers once again bring his creative spark to the team. Yet, his second spell at the club was to be short-lived as a hip injury, suffered during the 1976-77 season, ultimately forced Rogers into early retirement.
However, Rogers’ love for the game never wavered, and even in the twilight of his career, he had a brief stint on loan at Southern League side Yeovil Town, reuniting with former Swindon teammate Stan Harland. Though his time at Yeovil was brief, it underscored Rogers’ undying passion for the game. Don Rogers’ post-retirement years saw him step into a new role—management. In the 1990s, he took the helm at Lambourn Sports, a club then competing in the Hellenic Football League. Under his guidance, Lambourn enjoyed a period of success, securing promotion to the Premier Division and winning the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy during the 1994-95 season, completing a remarkable league and cup double. Rogers continued his managerial journey with Swindon Supermarine in 1996, where, alongside John Fisher, he led the club to win the Hellenic Football League Premier Division title in the 1997-98 season. However, disillusionment with the club’s lack of ambition led Rogers and Fisher to depart at the start of the 1998-99 campaign. Despite this setback, Rogers remained a key figure in local football, managing Hungerford Town and guiding them to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup during the 1999-2000 season.
Though Don Rogers ventured beyond Swindon in his playing and managerial careers, his legacy at the club remains undeniable. In recognition of his contributions to the club, Swindon Town announced in 2008 that the South Stand at the County Ground would be renamed “The Don Rogers Stand” from the start of the 2008-09 season. This tribute solidified his place as a Swindon Town legend, an honor few players receive. In addition to this, Rogers has remained closely involved with Swindon Town in various capacities. On July 27, 2021, he was appointed Club Ambassador by Swindon Town’s new chairman Clem Morfuni. In this role, Rogers continues to represent the club within the local community and the wider region, serving as a bridge between the club and its supporters.