Francis Tierney has been forced to retire from full-time football owing to persistent injury problems. Tierney had three knee operations last season, and has struggled to regain full fitness this season. After havign discussions with medical staff, Fran has reluctantly decided to hang up his boots from full-time football, although there is still the possibility that he could drop into part-time soccer.
Tierney will go down in Rovers history as the player that scored the golden Promotion Goal at the Britannia Stadium on 10th May 2003, and for that, all Rovers fans are thankful.
Rovers boss Dave Penney said:"It is always sad when a player has to retire but Franny can't keep up with the rigours of full-time training at this level. He will always be a legend at Rovers for the fact that he scored the goal that took us back into the league and we thank him for the important contribution he has made to the Rovers' revival."
Fran began his career at Crewe Alexanda in 1992, making 88 appearances in six years - his time there was also blighted by injury which forced the cancellation of a big money transfer to Liverpool. Further moves to Notts County and Exeter City followed, before droppping into non-league, from where Steve Wignall signed him for Rovers in March 2001.

Former Rovers skipper Barry Miller has signed for Burton Albion after agreeing a deal which lasts until the end of the season. The 28-year old centre-back has been at Conference strugglers Leigh RMI this season. He had hoped to make his debut last Saturday against Crawley Town, but delays with the paperwork by Leigh prevented it. He now hopes that his first match will be against Stevenage Borough on Saturday.

Doncaster Rovers' youth side won 4-1 away at Bradford City on Saturday. Few details are available, apart from the fact that Adam Lee scored a hat-trick, with the remaining goal coming from Aaron Brittain.

From latest information we have, there are about 700 tickets remaining for Sunday's home game against Sheffield Wednesday. The main stand, both seating and terracing, is fully sold out, with the available tickets being at the Town End and on the Popular Stand side.
Tickets are available, at a maximum of two per person, from the Rovers ticket office - but you should remember to bring some proof of your address when buying the tickets. Ticket office opening hours are 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, with a late opening until 7pm on Thursday.

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Eddie Gormley, now playing for Irish Premier League club Bray Wanderers, has announced that he is to retire, saying “There comes a time when enough is enough and I’ve reached that point. I decided at the end of the season that I had had enough ... While your head can still do it, your legs can’t. There was no way I could play on.”
Dublin-born Eddie started 110 games for Rovers during his stay between 1990 and 1993, and later played for Irish clubs St Patrick's Athletic before rejoining Bray, where he began his career.

Tickets for the away game at Hull City on 29th December will go on sale tomorrow. Tickets will be available to season ticket holders on 15th and 16th December, and will go on general sale from 17th December.
Admission prices for the game are: Adults £16.00; Conncessions £9.00.
There are 16 wheelchair and carer tickets available at Doncaster, at a cost of £9 for the wheelchair user (carer is free).

A higher than expected number of votes were cast for the "Man of the Match" vote for the away match at Swindon Town on Saturday. The votes were cast amongst eleven of the Rovers squad, with a fairly even distribution of votes amongst them. The leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Ricky Ravenhill (17.95%)
2 Gregg Blundell (15.38%)
3 Paul Green, Jamie Price, Andy Warrington (12.82% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part. All valid votes will be included in the "Player of the Season", which will comprise of all votes throughout the season. A "half time" report of the voting so far this season will appear over the Christmas period.

With Rovers having extended their unbeaten run to four games, which have included tough away fixtures at Swindon and Luton, Rovers boss Dave Penney is dreaming of a third successive promotion. He said: "I'm not stupid enough to think we can keep being promoted every season but if we keep on like this, we could get into the play-offs."

We begin our review of former Rovers players scoring goals this week at the South Yorkshire derby, where Rotherham's Chris Swailes scored their first goal as the Millers drew 2-2 at home to Sheffield United.
Looking into the Conference, midfielder Martin Foster scored for Halifax Town as they convincingly defeated Canvey Island 4-1 at the Shay.
Dino Maamria scored two as Stevenage Borough won 3-2 at home to Exeter City, with his winner coming just six minutes from time.
Dropping down another league level, Paul Barnes hit a brace of goals, in the 10th and 30th minute for Hinckley, although they had to settle for a 2-2 draw as Lancaster City hit back with two goals within four minutes in the second half.
Lastly, midfielder Rob O'Brien scored a consolation goal for Gainsborough Trinity as they went down 2-1 at Droylsden.

The VSC's Coin Trail went up by a further £111.89 on Saturday, which was a very good effort from a relatively small away attendance. This money means that they have now broken through the £24,000 barrier, with the new total being £24,042.59 - thank you to everyone who contributed.

In a game of two halves, Rovers had all the pressure in the first half, and scored through Gregg Blundell from a Jamie Price cross, then in the second period, Swindon were dominant, and equalised after 26 minutes play.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who voted - we will let you know the result on Tuesday morning.

Former Rovers goalkeeper Neville Southall is rumoured to be favourite to land the manager's job at Ryman League Division One club Hastings United. The club hope to make an appointment early this week, but Southall is up against some stiff competition as successor to Steve Lovell, who resigned on November 20th. The fact that he lives in the south-east may be a key point in Southall's favour.

Rovers skipper Steve Foster looks set for a return to action before Christmas with the news that he has returned to full training with the first team squad. It appears that he will make his first appearance in the next reserve match.

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative web site has published a lengthy update on the latest situation regarding the new Community Stadium. As we reported a week ago, an agreement has been reached with English Nature as far as the Great Crested Newt's habitat is concerned, and any that may be found in March/April, their breeding season will be humanely caught and relocated to another suitable site.
Tenders for construction have gone out to four major companies - Lang O’Rourke, Mowlem, Sir Robert McAlpine, and Shepherds, with tenders being due back on 28th January, with the preferred company being identified in February. The tender is expected to commit the companies to a build time of 61 weeks, meaning that, once construction starts in late spring, the stadium should be completed towards the end of the 2005/06 season as originally planned.
For full details, see www.vikingsc.co.uk

Doncaster Rovers' away match at Swindon Town this afternoon is being covered by BBC Radio Sheffield. They are carrying a live commentary on 1035 Medium Wave, and on Digital Radio.

Doncaster Rovers welcome Mark Albrighton back into the squad for this afternoon's trip to Swindon Town, with Jermaine McSporran also likely to be recalled after mysteriously being omitted on Tuesday evening. Rovers look set to retain the side that played against Bristol City in midweek, although John Doolan may replace Ricky Ravenhill, who has been suffering from a foot injury, and faces a late fitness test. Winger James Coppinger, who has been in fine form lately, is also unlikely to play, and joins Simon Marples, Steve Foster, Nic Priet, Leo Fortune-West and Ben Jackson on the injured list.

Swindon Town will be missing defender Jerel Ifil, who begins a three match suspension today after being sent off in their 2-1 home defeat to Huddersfield on Tuesday. Midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi has still not recovered from a stomach muscle strain, and will also miss the game. Sammy Igoe, who missed Tuesday's game, is fit again and likely to return.
Following Tuesday's defeat, Swindon boss, Andy King, has vowed to make changes to his side today. "What I saw against Huddersfield was simply not good enough" he said. Of his view of the Rovers, he said: "I went to see them in midweek against Bristol City and they are full of energy. The side is full of commitment and are a lively outfit. Doncaster at home play like they want to be out on a football field and enjoy the game. That is what I will be asking my players to do. I don't think we lacked commitment but we didn't have anyone taking responsibility."

In the Nationwide Conference, Tamworth came from behind to snatch three points at Northwich Victoria on Wednesday evening, thanks to Tristram Whitman's piledriver shot in the 65th minute, which proved to be the winner.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, former Rovers players scored both the goals in the 1-1 draw between Leigh RMI and Scarborough. Robert Gill gave the Seadogs the lead on 10 minutes, but Boro were thwarted when Gary Williams hit an injury-time goal to earn a draw, and prevent the Railwaymen going down to an eleventh successive defeat.

There are still tickets for the Popular Stand and Town End for next Sunday's home game against Sheffield Wednesday available for sale. The Main Stand, both seating and terraced areas, are now completely sold out. Tickets are available at a maximum of two per person, and you will need to take some proof of address when buying your ticket. The Rovers ticket office will be open today (Saturday) between 9am and 12 noon.

Following on from the news that Rovers striker Chris Beardsley has signed for Kidderminster Harriers on a free transfer, it now emerges that former Rovers central defender Simon Weaver also signed for the Harriers yesterday aftrnoon. Weaver has, like Beardsley, signed a contract which runs until the end of the season, and cut short a three month loan deal at Macclesfield to make the move. Weaver joined Lincoln in 2002, but has lost his first team place in recent months.

A number of the Rovers squad face a race to be fit in time for tomorrow's away game at Swindon Town. Ricky Ravenhill was substituted during the second half of Tuesday's game against Bristol City, and has a bruised foot that has required treatment since Wednesday and has missed training. A decision on whether Ricky can play will be made today. James Coppinger picked up a foot injury in training on Monday, and is also having treatment, and a decision will be made later today on whether he is fit enough to play.
Simon Marples is unlikely to be fit, as he is still suffering from a groin injury. Better news comes with Mark Albrighton available for the game at the weekend, having recovered from knee and foot problems.

A total of nine different players received nominations for the "Man of the Match" for the home game against Bristol City on Tuesday evening. Debutant Simon Johnson emerged as the winner, with strike partner Neil Roberts narrowly behind. The leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Simon Johnson (32.31%)
2 Neil Roberts (27.69%)
3 Paul Green (16.92%)
4 Michael McIndoe (10.77%)
Thanks to everyone who voted - the next vote will begin following Saturday's away game at Swindon Town.

Doncaster Rovers striker Chris Beardsley has signed for Kidderminster Harriers this afternoon on a full transfer, and has been given a contract which runs until the end of the season. Beardsley has struggled to force his way into the Rovers first team, and the signing of on-loan Leeds striker Simon Johnson will further restrict his chances. We wish Chris well at his new club.

Dave Penney was satisfied with a draw following the Rovers' clash with Bristol City at Belle Vue on Tuesday night. He commented: "With a bit more luck we might have won it but they could've done the same so the result was probably fair enough at the end. It was a great game to watch. Both sides played some good football and it was end-to-end throughout. They're a good side and it just shows you how far we've come after two successive promotions to be able to match a side like that."
Some surprisingly similar comments were made by the City boss, Brian Tinnion, after the game.

The Doncaster Rovers Belles were not in action last weekend, as their match against Birmingham was postponed, so they remain rooted to the bottom of the Women's Premier League, although they now have up to two games in hand on their rivals.
There was drama at the Belles reserve team game at home to Coventry City's reserves however. The match was abandoned just after half time when the Rovers Belles keeper, Megan Cuttell, fell and injured her neck. Due to the length of time it took for the ambulance to come, it was too dark to continue, and the match was abandoned. We wish Megan all the best for a full and speedy recovery.

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative "Coin Trail" now stands at just under £24,000 as a result of another good collection at the Bristol City game. With a total of £362.25 collected at the game, the new total now stands at £23,930.70.

The Popular Stand fanzine is conducting their biggest ever poll as part of the celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the formation of Doncaster Rovres. They are asking you to vote for your top 30 people, in no particular order, who you think deserve the description of a "Rovers Great" - they don't have to be players, they could be managers, fans who have done a lot for the club, behind the scenes staff - anyone connected with the Rovers.
When sending in your nominations, please indicate which one you think will finish in the top spot. One person who correctly guesses this will win a year's subscription to the Popular Stand.
Please send your nominations, as soon as possible, to fanzine@inboxnews.co.uk.

Doncaster Rovers and Bristol City fought out an entertaining draw at Belle Vue on Tuesday evening, and on reflection, a draw was perhaps the fair result. Both sides had the chances to win the game, with Rovers also being somewhat unlucky to have a couple of penalty appeals waved away. Rovers took the lead following a free kick on the right which was flicked on by Nick Fenton for Neil Roberts to head home from close range. Bristol equalised in the 45th minute, with a cross-field ball picking out Stephen Brooker on the right side of the penalty area, and unchallenged, he picked his spot and fired home an unstoppable shot which gave Warrington no chance.
The "Man of the match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken part. We'll let you know who won on Friday morning.

BBC's "Look North" programme reported yesterday that Rovers boss Dave Penney had been awarded the "coach of the year" award. The award was surely given as recognition for the Third Division title win, making it the club's second successive promotion. Congratulations to Dave for this recognition, which was fully deserved.

Two former Rovers players scored the goals in the 1-1 draw between Leigh RMI and Scarborough in the Conference last night. Robert Gill gave Scarborough the lead after ten minutes, with Williams converting an injury-time cross to equalise.

Michael Ingham, the goalkeeper who has been at Rovers for the last month on loan, has returned to Sunderland at the end of the loan period. Thanks to Michael for his services, and good luck for the future.

The North Doncaster Branch of the Rovers Supporters Club are holding their monthly meeting at the Carcroft Village Club this evening, starting at 7.30pm. Ray Thomas, Laurie Sheffield and Steve Uttley are attending the event, and the Supporters Club invite you to put questions to them. A free finger buffet is available to all members, and the Division Three Championship Trophy will be on display.

The Rovers youth team drew 0-0 at home to Lincoln City on Saturday morning.

Doncaster Rovers have signed young Leeds United striker Simon Johnson on a one-month loan deal. Johnson, who has already been on loan at Sunderland this season, has made made seven appearances in Championship matches this season, four of them for Sunderland, and three for Leeds. He has said that his aim in moving to Rovers is to play regular first team football, something that has been denied him at Leeds, as his contract at Elland Road expires at the end of the season.
Johnson is likely to make his debut for Rovers against Bristol City this evening, and has been allocated the squad number of 31.

Rovers have no new injury or suspension problems for this evening's home game against Bristol City. Midfielder John Doolan is close to returning after injury, and may make the substitutes bench, and James Coppinger may be given a start after coming on as substitute on Saturday against Exeter City. Nic Priet (foot), Ben Jackson (shin), Steve Foster (ankle), Leo Fortune West (knee) and Mark Albrighton (knee) remain on the sidelines this evening. Rovers will include new loan striker Simon Johnson this evening, although we expect that he will start the game on the bench, with Gregg Blundell and Neil Roberts retaining their places.
Bristol City will include new signing Tony Dinning in their side this evening after completing a full transfer from Wigan - he has already made six appearances for them whilst on loan. However, they will be without Danny Coles due to suspension, and Craig Woodman has joined Torquay United on loan.

A new book, "First Time Champions", which has the topic of the 1934/35 season, when Rovers won their first-ever Third Division (North) Championship, is being published today. Copies of the book will be on sale from the Supporters Club shop at this evening's game, with the author, Paul Gilligan, due to be in the "Rovers Return" bar before the match.
The book costs £9.95, and could be a great Christmas present for a Rovers fan!

Eight Rovers players were nominated for the "Man of the Match" voting for the away FA Cup tie at Exeter City. With a tightly fought contest, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Gregg Blundell (28%)
2 Michael McIndoe (24%)
3 Paul Green, Ricky Ravenhill (12.5% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part - the next vote will open this evening following the home game against Bristol City.

Tickets for the home game against Sheffield Wednesday went on general sale yesterday. Please remember that Rovers will require evidence of your address when buying your tickets.

A filming company are due to be at Belle Vue this evening to take some footage for a new Coca Cola advert for TV. Rovers are one of five clubs they will be visiting for filming, and they have asked that as many fans as possible should bring flags to make it a colourful night for the cameras.

The VSC's "Coin trail", which is raising money for the Rovers' youth team, has reported that they collected £202.00 on Saturday, which was assisted by a raffle of a framed, signed Luton programme. The maginificent effort means that the new total they have raised has gone up to £23,568.

There was just one former Rovers player that we have found scoring a goal this weekend - Jack Lester, who scored Nottingham Forest's winner for Nottingham Forest in their home game against Queens Park Rangers.
Elsewhere, former Rovers captain and defender Barry Miller was sent off for the Nationwide Conference's bottom club Leigh RMI for a second bookable offence in the second half. Leigh went down 3-2 to Barnet, with the Conference leaders getting the winning goal with just ten seconds of play left.

Southern League Premier Division club Hitchin Town have announced that Kerry Dixon has left the club "by mutual consent". Dixon, who has been manager at the club for the last twelve months, has left the club owing to the financial position of the club meaning that he has had to maintain a number of media commitments. Hitchin's managing director, Andy Melvin, said: "It is a shame that were unable to find a workable solution, but we have to face facts - it is currently difficult for us to attract people of Kerry's calibre."
Kerry was manager at Belle Vue from 1996 to 1997, before resigning due to the well documented problems at the club - and admitting that Ken Richardson, not he, picked the team.

From the news over the weekend, you are probably aware that Wrexham went into administration last Friday, and consequently have been deducted ten points, plunging them into the relegation battle.
Their future existence is being threatened by Alex Hamilton, a property developer, who has turned down offers to buy the club, and with £900,000 being owed to the Inland Revenue, the administration order was inevitable.
Wrexham Supporters Trust are asking football fans everywhere to help save Wrexham AFC and the Racecourse ground, by making a phone call. They are asking as many people as possible to make a small donation by calling 0904 043 5000. Calls to this number will cost you £1.50, with at least £1.12 of this going to the Supporters Trust. This will be billed automatically to the callers' telephone account, so please make sure you have the person who pays the bill! Callers will hear short message to thank them - this will be changed regularly, and will feature a number of well known voices associated with Wrexham AFC.

Rovers' absence from the draw for the third round of the FA Cup stretches to 20 years following their elimination from the competition at the hands of Exeter City. Exeter deserved their victory, with Rovers putting up a relatively poor show, which was surprising, particularly as it was virtually the same side that did so well at Luton Town seven days earlier. Rovers conceded a goal in each half - with Gregg Blundell pulling one back four minutes from the end as Rovers pushed forward to salvage something from the game.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who voted - the result will be revealed on Tuesday morning. The match report for this game will be available on Tuesday afternoon.

BBC Radio Sheffield are running their "Player of the month" again - with Rovers striker Neil Roberts being our nominee this time. Whilst there appear to be an impressive number of nominations already, let's make sure of the victory this time - visit the BBC web site by clicking on their logo to the left, and register your vote! He does his best for us, so it's our turn to do our bit!

The Rovers youth team have been drawn away in the third round of the FL Youth Alliance Cup. They will travel to face Preston North End, with the match to be played on Saturday, 29th January.

Ex-Rovers midfielder Rob O'Brien has moved to back to Gainsborough for a second time this week, having signed for the club from Wakefield Emley. He originally moved there on loan last season whilst a Rovers player, moving back to Rovers, only to sign for Trinity in the summer. A move to Wakefield Emley followed a couple of months later, before the latest return this week.

Due to FA regulations, the Rovers official web site will not be broadcasting a commentary of this afternoon's FA Cup tie at Exeter City. However, BBC Radio Sheffield are broadcasting a commentary on their medium wave frequency (1035AM), DAB digital radio, and now on their internet site.
Click on the BBC logo to the left to access their site.

Rovers' former Exeter winger James Coppinger has been included in the Doncaster squad for this afternoon's FA Cup clash at St James' Park after missing the Stockport game with a "dead leg". However, John Doolan is set to miss the game after struggling to recover from a stomach muscle problem. Longer term absentees are Nic Priet, Ben Jackson, Steve Foster, Leo Fortune-West and Mark Albrighton. Young utility player Jon Maloney is included in the squad for the first time since his injury absence as a reward for impressive reserve team performances lately.
Rovers flew down to Exeter yesterday evening - all apart from Michael McIndoe, who drove down by car earlier in the day.
Exeter City will be without defender Chris Todd (knee), skipper Glenn Cronin (knee) and Barry McConnell (broken leg), but keeper James Bittner is expected to retain his place after displacing first choice Martin Rice.
The draw for the third round will be made at 5pm tomorrow afternoon, and is being broadcast live on BBC1.

Wrexham have been plunged deep into the relegation fight from League One after they automatically had ten points deducted as the club was yesterday placed in administration. League rules now dictate the points deduction, but Wrexham FC have had little choice, owing to the refusal of the current owner, Alex Hamilton, to sell the club, even though he has received offers. Wrexham are £2.6 million in debt, with almost £1m of that owed to the Inland Revenue. Hamilton has already served notice that the club will be evicted next July, but Wrexham council are opposing a change of use for the ground, and is hoping to buy the ground to safeguard the future of the club.
Whilst some of the details may be different, far too many are similar to our situation seven years ago, so we sincerely hope that the valiant fight by the Wrexham fans will eventually prevail.

Former Rovers defender Paul Raven, newly appointed as first team coach at Nationwide North club Barrow, still has hopes of making a playing comeback with the club. He has been dogged by injury in recent months, and has made only four appearances so far this season, but is expecting to force his way back into the side in coming weeks.

Tickets for the Rovers' away match at Swindon Town will go on general sale today. The admission prices are as follows:
Arkells Stand (Covered seating): Adults £21, Concessions £13
Stratton Bank Stand (Uncovered seating): Adults £15, Concessions £12
Tickets will be on sale at Swindon on the day of the match, but will cost £2 more.
Rovers have an allocation of almost 3,400.

Rovers winger James Coppinger trained yesterday for the first time since sustaining a "dead leg" during the last home game against Stockport County. He is expected to be declared fit to play against Exeter City, the club he left in the summer to move to Belle Vue.
John Doolan looks rather doubtful for the game as he is still suffering with a stomach muscle injury. Mark Albrighton will definitely miss the game, and is due to see a specialist today about his troublesome knee injury.

Admission for tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Exeter City is payable on the gate. Admission prices for the game are as follows:
Seating: Adults £14.00, Concessions £8.50
Standing: Adults £11.00, Concessions £6.00
Tiverton Town are opening their supporters club for travelling Rovers fans to call at on the way to Exeter. It will open at noon, and the bar and snack bar will be open. Supporters Club coaches are calling in, and are expecting to arrive at about 12.30pm. Tiverton is about 20 miles from Exeter.

The Junior Rovers are to have their Christmas party at the "Rovers Return" at Belle Vue at 10.30am on Saturday, 18th December. All Junior Rovers members (and their parents) are welcome to attend, and they are appealing for the donaton of food and raffle prizes. Junior Rovers members should bring warm clothing, as they are to take part in an outdoor training session on the five-a-side pitch behind the Rossington End under the guidance of Rovers' Football in the Community staff.

Despite going in at half time 1-0 down, Rovers turned things round in style in the second half of yesterday's reserve team game at Belle Vue. Striker Chris Beardsley hit a hat-trick, and will be hoping for a place in the first team squad for Saturday's FA Cup clash at Exeter City.
Former Rovers winger Ian Clark was in charge of Darlington's side for yesterday's match.

Former Rovers defender Dean Barrick has been awarded the "Manager of the Month" for the Conference North after his side registered four wins in the month. Dean took over as manager earlier this season after they had a poor start to the campaign under former Rovers striker Ernie Moss.
The Nationwide Conference monthly award went to Graham Turner of Hereford, who registered two wins and a draw in the league, and three cup victories, including the LDV Vans Trophy victory over Rovers.

Andy Mutch, who used to be chief scout at Doncaster Rovers, has quit as Jim Harvey's assistant at Conference side Morecambe after three years in the post. Mutch is looking for a new challenge, and Harvey expects him to make the move into management.

The Rovers' youth team have been drawn away at Preston North End in the third round of the Football League Youth Alliance Cup. The match is to be played on Saturday, 29th January.

Scarborough's local newspaper yesterday reported that Scarborough's reserves went down to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Doncaster Rovers. Few details of the Rovers side are available, apart from the fact that Adriano Rigoglioso and Guy Ipoua were included.
The reserves are in Pontins Holiday League action this afternoon, when Darlington visit Belle Vue. The match kicks off at 2pm.

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative have reported that the total for the "Coin Trail" appeal edged up by £85.02 on Saturday. The low figure was due to limited collection possibilities allowed by the Luton stewards. The new total is £23,366.45.

Following various moves this season, former Rovers defender Gary Finley has been appointed as manager at UniBond Premier League club Witton Albion. Finley joins the club from Welsh Premier League club Total Network Solutions, where he has been playing since resigning as manager at Aberystwyth Town earlier in the season. Finlay will also register for the club as a player.
The Rovers connection increases with the news that former Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin will be joining the club as assistant manager. Brabin was forced to retire from playing owing to a heart problem in February, but hopes to be given the go-ahead to resume playing in the next few weeks.

Lincoln City are to appeal against the red card shown to former Rovers centre-back Ben Futcher during Saturday's 3-1 win over Yeovil Town. The match official ruled that Futcher was guilty of preventing a goal-scoring opportunity when he fouled Bartosz Tarachulski - but Imps' boss Keith Alexander is convinced that it was a harsh decision, saying: "Every time I watch the incident it becomes clearer that it wasn't a sending off offence. Alan Marriott was about to gather the ball when their lad went to ground. The decision was harsh to say the least."

The Doncaster Star reported yesterday afternoon that five Sheffield Wednesday supporters were jailed after Doncaster Crown Courth heard of the mob attack on Doncaster Rovers supporters in the Hog's Head pub in Doncaster town centre eighteen months ago. Eighteen were ordered to serve community punishment, with fifteen subject to football banning orders meaning that they are barred from watching Sheffield Wednesday for the next three years, or to congregate in Sheffield city centre. Most of the defendants have previous convictions for soccer violence.