Oldham Athletic will welcome back winger Lee Croft to their side this afternoon. Croft is on loan from Manchester City, and was prevented from playing in last week's FA Cup clash between the two sides. John Eyre is expected to drop out to make way for Croft.
Striker Chris Killen is expected to return to the side after recovering from a groin injury, but skipper Dean Holden is still absent with an ankle ligament injury.
Former Manchester City skipper Steve Howey is training with the Latics, but will not take part in today's game.

Rovers manager Dave Penney has again raised the suggestion that games should be postponed if the wind speed exceeds a certain strength. The idea came despite Rovers registering their first victory of 2005 on Saturday, with Penney saying: "You ask any player what conditions they dislike the most and they will all say a strong wind. It was never going to be a good game in those conditions and I felt sorry for the spectators who had to watch it. There has got to be some way the referee can call the game off if the wind is above a certain strength."

Due to the big response to date, the Supporters Club are considering running another bus to Torquay for the weekend of Saturday 5th/Sunday 6th February. With four coaches already fully booked, the weekend involves an overnight stay in Torquay, setting off back to Doncaster at about 3pm on the Sunday afternoon. The package will cost £50, including coach travel, bed, breakfast and evening meal, with entertainment laid on for the Saturday night.
Please ring 01427 880154 or 0774 0453 066 as soon as possible if you are interested.

The Supporters Club are holding a disco and karaoke evening at the Viking Supporters Bar at Belle Vue on Friday, 21st January, with a 7.30pm start.
There will be a £3 entry fee, which will include a buffet.

Dave Penney still thinks that the play-offs in League One are still well within the reach of Rovers this season, after Saturday's 2-0 home win over Port Vale lifted them to 11th place - just five points adrift of the top six clubs. He now hopes that his side can keep their unbeaten run going against Oldham Athletic on Saturday. Penney said: "Hopefully we can start looking at the top half of the table now," he said. "It was particularly important to get back to winning ways at home. I'm reasonably happy with the way we are playing - you've got to be happy with where we've come over the last two years. If we can add a few players then we can start looking to the play-offs."

The Rovers reserves are back in action this afternoon for the first time since the Christmas break, when they entertain Halifax Town in a Pontins Holiday League fixture at Belle Vue (kick-off 2pm). Several first team players coming back from injury, including goalkeeper Andy Warrington, are due to play in the game.

The Rovers' Supporters Club have reminded supporters that certain standards of behaviour are required on their coaches to away matches. No alcohol is permitted on any Supporters Club coach, and anyone who appears to be drunk will be refused a seat on the coach. As supporters of all ages are catered for on the coach, no foul and abusive language will be tolerated.
If the police find any alcohol on a Supporters Club coach, it will be turned round and sent back to Doncaster - as will all other coaches travelling to the fixture.
This reminder follows an incident reported on a coach travelling to Hull City at Christmas.

The "442" magazine has published its annual "Football's Rich List" in its latest issue. It lists Rovers chairman John Ryan in equal 67th place this year, with an estimated worth of £28million.

Rovers midfielder John McGrath is holding talks with Kidderminster Harriers after being told by Rovers that he can leave the club. Harriers boss, Stuart Watkiss, said: "He knows our final offer and we're waiting on an answer. We're not a million miles away but we have to take a stance. I believe he's trying to sort out a settlement from Doncaster which will hopefully tip things in our favour."
McGrath has not played for the Rovers first team this season, and was transfer listed earlier this season after returning from a loan spell at Shrewsbury.

The Viking Suporters' Club bar will be open at 10.30 am on Saturday to give any fans travelling by coach to Oldham from Belle Vue to use, whether for a drink or just to keep warm and dry. Coaches are scheduled to arrive from 11.15 onwards.

Dave Penney said that he was proud of his side for the way they battled to three points in Saturday's game against Port Vale. He said: "It certainly wasn't a game for the purists, but it was never going to be in those conditions. It was a case of standing up, being mentally strong and grinding out a result. We know we can play better than that but you couldn't judge anything in those conditions and it was a shame for the fans that they didn't have a better match to watch."
Rovers moved up to eleventh place in the league table as a result of the win, five points away from the play-off places.

There are no tickets available for sale in advance for next Saturday's away game at Oldham Athletic. With all admission being payable on the day, admission prices are as follows:
Adults £18.00, Concession £9.00, Under 12's £3.00
Concessions are OAPs, Students (with an NUS card) and 12-16 year olds
Rovers fans have the Slumberland and Dunlopillo stands, which have a combined capacity of over 4,000.
Disabled fans must, however, pre book their wheelchair spaces direct with Oldham on 0871 226 1690. Admission prices are £8.00 for both the disabled and their carer.

The success of the "Coin Trail" at Saturday's game was limited by the unexpected appearance of another collection for the Tsunami Appeal. Even so, £362.69 was raised at the game, which takes the new total to £25,762.59.

Two goals right at the end of each half secured the points for Rovers in this game, with the windy conditions, aided by some driving rain during the second half, made a good game of football rather difficult for both sides. Rovers' first goal came right on the stroke of half time, with a patient move ending with Tim Ryan driving the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box (a bit close for him!), with the ball dipping over the keeper who was just off his line. The second goal, in the 47th minute of the second half, was a cheeky back-heel by Paul Green which bobbled over the lime to give Rovers a rather flattering victory margin.
The "man of the match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has voted. The result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

Ex-Doncaster Rovers striker Neil Campbell, now at Barrow, has moved to Bishop Auckland on loan to add some muscle to their forward line He joined Barrow from Scarborough in 2003, but has struggled to keep a first team place at Holker Street this season.

Doncaster Rovers Belles feature in one of only two all-National Division ties in the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup, with all the ties being played this afternoon. Donny will host Birmingham City, with City already having knocked the Belles out of the Premier League Cup this season.
The Belles have struggled this season after losing many of their first team players in the summer, and are currently bottom of the National Division league table.

It is still uncertain as to whether Andy Warrington will return for this afternoon's home game against Port Vale. Whilst he has resumed training, he may be out until next weekend as he has to get confirmation from the club doctor that he is fit to play. Stuart Jones looks likely to continue in goal as a result.
Tim Ryan returns at left back after completing a one match ban, and Adriano Rigoglioso is again available after recovering from flu, but midfielder John Doolan misses the game after picking up five bookings this season. Simon Johnson will continue up front after having his loan spell from Leeds extended by a further month.
Michael McIndoe, who was concussed, as well as having bruising to his back and neck, will be included in the squad for today's game.
The only other absentees are long-term injury victims Leo Fortune-West, Jamie Price and Simon Marples. Nic Priet and Ben Jackson are now back in training, but will not be considered for today's game.
Due to the Third Round of the FA Cup, the only League One fixtures this afternoon are:
Rovers v Port Vale, Huddersfield v Torquay and Sheffield Wednesday v Swindon.

Martin Foyle will have to assess his injury-stricken squad before naming his side for this afternoon's game, with a long list of absentees. Definitely out are Ian Armstrong and Dean Smith, with Ryan Brown, Steve Rowland, Michael Cummins, Chris Birchall, Lee Matthews, Robin Hulbert and Tyrone Loran also doubtful. Defender Sam Collins is now fit, but has been out for seven weeks, so is unlikely to be risked today.

Scarborough's former Rovers striker Steve Burton looks as though he will be going to Gainsborough Trinity on loan, following Boro signing Trinity striker Gareth Grant on loan yesterday. Burton has been given the chance to make the reverse move, and is thinking over the offer.

Rovers manager, Dave Penney, has spoken of his delight at Simon Johnson's loan being extended for a further month. Penney said: "He's an important player and he's done very well for us. In his seven games he's had for us he's only scored a couple but I've played him in a few different positions, out wide and down the middle, so he's a flexible player to have in the squad which is good. When he has played down the middle he's done very well. He had seven games in a short space so we'll watch him in the next month and if he does well we might extend his loan for another month."

The latest edition of the Popular Stand fanzine will be on sale at Belle Vue on Saturday, with the price still only £1. They still need more people to sell it - if you can spare some time before the game, please contact nathan.batchelor@inboxnews.co.uk

Rovers physio has reported that Andy Warrington has resumed training after suffering from concussion at Walsall on Saturday. It is hoped that Michael McIndoe will resume training today after the injuries he sustained at Walsall.
Jamie Price has had a scan on a foot injury and will miss Saturday's game, and Leo Fortune-West continues to step up his training after continued good progress from his knee operation.
Rovers report that all other players are training, and are available for Saturday.

Former Rovers midfielder Shaun Goodwin, who captained Rovers in their first Conference season, has been sacked by Northern Counties East League Premier Division club Maltby Main. The move comes following a number of poor results, along with disharmony in the playing squad and comments made by Goodwin in the local press.
Maltby's club committee have taken the action to lift morale amongst playing staff and to improve fortunes for the rest of the season. Former boss Wilf Race has resumed duties as first team manager with effect from this weekend's game against Goole.

Leeds United striker Simon Johnson has agreed to stay on loan at Belle Vue for another month. His first month loan expired after the Bournemouth fixture on Monday. Johnson has scored two goals in seven games for Rovers, and Dave Penney was keen to retain his services, particularly whilst Rovers are suffering from a number of absences due to injury, illness and suspension.

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Oldham Athletic on Saturday 15th January 2005.
Coaches will leave Retford at 10.30am, Bawtry 10.45, Hare & Tortoise 10.50, Punches 10.55, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 11.00 and Belle Vue 11.15am
A separate coach will leave Carcroft Club at 10.45am, Bentley 10.50, Don Valley 10.55, Woodlands (opp. Cooplands) 11.00am.
The fare for all coaches will be:
Members : Adults: £10.00, OAP’s : £9.00, U16’s : £7.00
Non-members : £12.00, U16’s : £10.00
Contact: Len South on 01302 817347, Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 or Warren Hanson (North Doncaster) 01302 337303 or 07787 926809.

Saturday's home game against Port Vale is NOT all-ticket, with admission to all areas being payable on the gate. You can, however, purchase tickets for seats in the main stand in advance. This match has been designated as a "Category B" match, with admission prices being:
Seating: Adults - £15, Concessions - £10
Standing: Adults - £13, Concessions - £5

We had a clear winner in the latest"Man of the Match" voting, which was for the home game against Bournemouth on Monday. With ten different players receiving nominations, Paul Green was a clear winner with just short of a third of all votes cast. The players receiving most votes were as follows:
1 Paul Green (32.05%)
2 Dave Mulligan (14.10%)
3 Mark Albrighton (12.82%)
4 Chris Beech (10.26%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next vote will open following Saturday's home game against Port Vale.

The home game against Hull City on Saturday, 22nd January will be all-ticket, and is a "Category A" game. Tickets for this fixture go on sale this morning, with admission prices being:
Seating: Adults £18.00, Concessions £12.00
Standing: Adults £15.00, Concessions £8.00
The normal ticket office hours are 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, with a late night opening on Thursday 20th January until 7pm.

Looking back over the Christmas and New Year fixtures, Rovers boss Dave Penney considered that playing four games in eight days took its toll on his Rovers squad, particularly since it was badly hit by illness and injuries. He put down the poor first half against Bournemouth to the fact that both sides were tired, but thought that his side should have won the game after picking up the pace after the interval.

Over £1,000 was raised by the British Red Cross for the Indian Ocean Disaster Appeal at Monday's home game against Bournemouth, with most of the money coming from the bucket collection. A limited edition framed print, at a cost of £25, is also available from the Rovers office, with all proceeds going towards the disaster appeal. Thanks go to all supporters for their generosity.

Rovers came from behind to win a point at Belle Vue this afternoon. In conditions that gave us a disappointing first half. Rovers went behind a minute before the break when John Spincer nodded home when unmarked about four yards out. After weathering an initial onslaught from the visitors, Rovers came back into things, and deservedly got the equaliser in the 69th minute as Paul Green prodded the rebound over the line from close range after the Bournemouth keeper fumbled the ball from Dave Mulligan's free kick.
Things livened up two minutes later when Brian Stock was shown a straight red card after scything down John Doolan on the half way line, and Rovers pressed forward as they made their extra man count. It was noticeable that Rovers as an attacking force improved after Gregg Blundell had been introduced as a 55th minute substitute for James Coppinger, with the kicking of debutant keeper Stuart Jones gaining Rovers good distance on several occasions.
The "Man of the match" voting has now closed. Thanks to everyone that took part. The result will be announced on Thursday morning.

The voting in the "Man of the Match" for the away game at Walsall produced a very tight contest for the leading positions, with a total of ten players receiving nominations. The top four players in the poll were:
1 John Doolan (19.51%)
2 Tim Ryan (17.07%)
3 Neil Roberts (14.63%)
3 Michael McIndoe (14.63%)
Thanks go to everyone who voted. The voting for Monday's home game against Bournemouth will remain open until 5pm on Wednesday, with the result being published on Thursday morning.

In our review of goals scored by former Rovers players, we start in Scotland for a change. Former Rovers striker Graeme Jones scored on his debut for Clyde in Scottish League Division One as they defeated Airdrie United. The victory puts Clyde comfortably in second place in the table, although a massive 14 points behind leaders Falkirk. Jones signed for Clyde after having his contract at Bury cancelled by mutual agreement last week.
New Year's Day also saw Jamie Paterson scoring for Kettering Town in the Conference North by lobbing the keeper from 40 yards as they defeated Hinckley United 3-1.
Moving onto action from Monday, Chris Brown scored Sunderland's equaliser on 19 minutes as they drew 1-1 at home to Gillingham. In League One, Adebayo Akinfenwa scored Torquay's equaliser against Tranmere - but the Gulls went down to a 4-1 defeat, conceding three second half goals.
In League Two, Chris Beardsley scored his first goal for Kidderminster Harriers as his new club went down 3-1 at home to Southend, which leaves them just one point ahead of bottom club Cambridge United.

After resigning as manager at Newi Cefn Druids before Christmas, but remaining as a player, former Rovers midfielder Alan Morgan made a clean break from the Welsh Premier League strugglers by signing for champions Rhyl.

As a result of a request from the Football League, the Red Cross will be holding a collection at this afternoon's game to raise money for the Indian Ocean Disaster Appeal. Accordingly, the VSC will not be collecting via their buckets today. Entrance money for non-members to the Viking Supporters' Bar will still be due, but you will have a choice of putting your money into the VSC's Coin Trail, or into the Red Cross appeal.
With the number of confirmed deaths having gone through 150,000 at the weekend, we urge you to give generously towards helping the survivors of the devastation caused by the massive tidal wave on Boxing Day.

Rovers will be without goalkeeper Andy Warrington for this afternoon's home game against Bournemouth after he was carried off with concussion late in Saturday's game at Walsall. Stuart Jones is set to deputise, with Dave Penney having to decide between naming youth team keeper Lee Cockerham on the bench, or taking the gamble of not including a reserve keeper for the game.
Michael McIndoe also was substituted during the second half with concussion, but is expected to be fit to start today's game. Simon Marples is likely to remain on the sidelines with a continuing groin injury, and Tim Ryan sits out the match due to a one match suspension. With Leo Fortune-West, Nic Priet and Ben Jackson also on the sidelines, Rovers will be limited in their team selection, with Adriano Rigoglioso and James Coppinger having missed the Walsall game suffering from flu. Hopefully they will be back this afternoon, with Jermaine McSporran also available after serving a one-match ban following his red card at Hull.
Striker Simon Johnson plays the last match of his one month loan deal from Leeds United this afternoon.

Bournemouth will be missing Jason Tindall with a knee injury, but top scorer James Hayter has recovered from a long-standing knee injury and is available to play. However, boss Sean O'Driscoll may leave Hayter on the bench, with Bournemouth having picked up seven points from their last three games, which has taken them up to fourth place in the League One table.

Rovers came away with a point from the Bescot Stadium, and had to contend with goalkeeper Andy Warrington being stretchered off in the last minute of normal time after a clash of heads with Walsall defender Julian Bennett. Five minutes of added time saw Walsall almost snatch a winner as the ball went right across the face of the Rovers goal.
Rovers went in front early on in the game as a dangerous cross from Neil Roberts was turned into his own goal by Bennett.
The voting for this match is now closed, thank you to everyone who took the trouble to vote. The result will be published on Tuesday morning.

Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington will miss Monday's home game against Bournemouth after suffering from concussion late in the match at Walsall, which necessitated him having ten stitches in the wound. He sustained the injury in a collision with Julian Bennett, which resulted in both players being substituted.

In an interview after the Walsall game, Dave Penney confirmed that, due to injuries, illness and suspension, he only had 18 players to select his side from. With Andy Warrington set to miss the Bournemouth game, Stuart Jones looks set for his first league start for Rovers.
Tim Ryan is also suspended for the Bournemouth game after receiving five bookings in the season. Michael McIndoe was substituted after appearing to receive an elbow in the face midway through the second half, but we understand that he should recover in time for the Bournemouth match. Hopefully 'flu victims James Coppinger and Adriano Rigoglioso will recover by Monday, giving Dave Penney a few more options with the selection of his team.

Unconfirmed reports have indicated that former Rovers striker Robert Gill, now at Scarborough, is set to sign for Whitby Town on loan, and he will apparently be available for Whitby's game at Wakefield on Monday. The move follows the recent loan period of David Pounder at Whitby which has expired, with Pounder returning to the Seadogs.

Tilbury, currently struggling at the bottom of the Southern League Division One East, have appointed former Rovers defender Garry Kimble as their caretaker manager following the recent departure of Paul Joynes.strugglers Tilbury have placed veteran former Dagenham & Redbridge defender Garry Kimble in caretaker charge following the recent sacking of manager Paul Joynes. Kimble, 38, was signed by Tilbury from Hornchurch in August 2004, and as well as playing for Rovers in the League, has also appeared for Cambridge, Gillingham and Peterborough.

As promised, we have calculated the current "Player of the Season" to the end of 2004, with the away match at Hull City being the last match included. It has been calculated by taking all the votes cast in the "Man of the Match" votes, and sees Paul Green again doing very well, with a clear leade so far. However, there is much keener competition for the top place than there has been for the past couple of seasons, so his nearest rivals, James Coppinger and Michael McIndoe, still have a very good chance of overhauling his lead. A total of 24 players have received nominations, and the full list can be viewed by clicking on the picture to the left.

Rovers look set to be without flu victims James Coppinger and Adriano Rigoglioso, and assistant manager Mickey Walker for this afternoon's away game at Walsall. With Jermaine McSporran also out due to suspension after being sent off against Hull on Wednesday, Rovers have a vacancy wide on the right, with Paul Green, Gregg Blundell or Simon Johnson being candidates. Also missing for the match are Simon Marples (groin), Leo Fortune-West (knee), Nic Priet (foot) and Ben Jackson (shin).

Walsall have Ian Roper and Matty Fryatt doubtful with knee injuries, but Neil Emblen is expected to play despite a neck injury. Paul McShane was susbstituted as a precaution in their game against Tranmere after picking up a knock, but is expected to play. Simon Osborn will play despite having broken his nose during training on Thursday.
The Saddlers will have Herivelto avaialble after he returned to the club for a second spell recently, but South African striker Toni Nhleko will looks as though he will miss the game as international clearance for his registration has been held up due to the Christmas period.
Paul Merson has promised to make changes after being angered at the poor performance of his side in Tuesday's 2-0 home defeat to Tranmere. All parts of the team may see changes - Merson said of the performance: " I'm not happy one bit. That just makes my job easier next season. Too many people jacked it in. Too many sulked, and I'm not having it. You have to be mentally strong to get out of this league, and I mean mentally strong. There was nothing in that game today but in the end they have run away 2-0. Tranmere dominated the last 20 minutes and made it look a one-sided game, which it wasn't".

Jon Maloney has gone on loan to Conference strugglers York City on a one-month loan to gain some first team experience. Whilst the former youth team player has done well in the reserves this season, there have not been the opportunities to break through to the first team so far.

A further £195.56 was added to the VSC's Coin Trail on Wednesday evening at the KC Stadium. This takes the total through the £25,000 mark, with the new running total being £25,123.44. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the appeal.

Former Doncaster Rovers assistant manager Steve Thompson has been appointed as the new manager at Cambridge United as they bid to avoid relegation to the Conference. Cambridge are currently bottom of League Two, and six points away from getting out of the drop zone, and sacked their manager Herve Renard two weeks ago. Thompson, 49, has earned a reputation of pulling struggling clubs to safety in a short space of time, with his new employers hoping that his magic will work again.
His first managerial appointment was at Lincoln City, then bottom of Division Four, in 1990, and he guided the Imps to a 14th place finish. After improving Lincoln's fortunes to 7th in 1992/3, he coached at Newcastle before a brief spell as assistant manager at Doncaster, leaving to become manager at Southend after Peter Taylor was sacked.

The last "Man of the Match" vote of 2004 saw Dave Mulligan voted as your "Man of the Match" with just over 30% of the votes cast. His nearest rival was midfielder Paul Green, who came in 4% behind him. With nine players receiving nominations, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Dave Mulligan (30.61%)
2 Paul Green (26.53%)
3 John Doolan (12.24%
4= Steve Foster, Tim Ryan, Simon Johnson (10.20% each)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - all the votes will be carried forward to the end of season "player of the year" totals. We will publish the season totals to the end of 2004 on Sunday, so you can see how the season is shaping up.