Doncaster Rovers play the second of their series of pre-season friendly fixtures tomorrow afternoon, when they entertain Peterborough United at Belle Vue. The match kicks off at 3pm.
Admission prices published by the club are: Adults £10, Concessions £1, and apply to all areas of the ground. Match day programmes will be available at £1.

Doncaster Rovers midfielders Paul Green and James Coppinger have both signed two year extensions to their Belle Vue contracts. Green, still only 22 years old, has progressed through the youth team, and made 47 appearances for the club last season. Coppinger signed for Rovers last summer on a free transfer from Exeter City.

Ex-Rovers striker Graeme Jones has signed for Hamilton Academical after leaving Clyde at the end of last season. He had left Clyde after the club were forced to go part time, which led to a large exodus of players. Jones, now 35 years old, scored twice in 15 games for Clyde after joining from Bury in January. Hamilton manager Billy Reid said: "I am delighted with these two latest acquisitions to our squad."

Doncaster College for the Deaf have become the first disability team to qualify for a mainstream UEFA football competition. Doncaster will be playing against Europe's top clubs in the UEFA Futsal Cup after winning the FA National Futsal Finals at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield last Sunday. They beat London-based Baltic United 3-2 in the final with goals from Sam Kitchen, Brian Green and John Atkinson.

Doncaster, who has only been playing Futsal for three years, qualified for the tournament after winning the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA Elite league. They are now the second team from South Yorkshire's qualifying league to win the FA National Finals.

We note from the official web site squad list that the two new Danish goalkeepers have been given squad numbers. Jan Budtz has been given squad number 12, and Tonny Nielsen the number 22 shirt.
New striker Paul Heffernan is listed as having squad number 14.

The Supporters Club are holding their Annual General Meeting this evening in the Viking Supporters Bar at Belle Vue. The meeting begins at 7.30pm, with all Rovers supporters being welcome.

The Rovers youth team lost their first pre-season game of the summer last night by a single goal, with the game being played at Cantley Park.
They continue their preparation for the new season on Saturday, with a home game against Rochdale (kick-off 11am), then next Wednesday (away at Askern Welfare (kick-off 7pm)), and on Tuesday 26th July at Armthorpe Welfare (kick-off 7pm).

Rovers continued their preparation for the new season yesterday morning with a "behind closed doors" friendly against York City at Cantley Park. A "First Team" XI played the first half, and a trialist side for the second half. The first half finished 2-2, with the Rovers goals coming from Fenton and McIndoe - Roves also missed a penalty. York scored a penalty in the second half to win the game.

Brian Deane, who began his football career at Doncaster Rovers, will play for Perth Glory in the inaugural A-League season in Australia next season. Perth's head coach is Steve McMahon, who has been holding talks with Deane for a number of weeks.
Deane, now 37 years old, played for Sunderland last season as they got promoted to the Premiership, and has played most of his football in the top flight of English football. He also holds the notable distinction of scoring the Premier League's first goal in 1992 (against Manchester United), when he was playing for Sheffield United.
McMahon said: "I am delighted that Brian Deane will be joining us for the kick off of the Hyundai A-League next month. He has been one of the top strikers in England for a number of years now and I have no doubt that he will be one of the most effective forwards in this league. He is an experienced, skilful striker and I believe that he will not only score but create goals for the players around him. I have always said that the striker we signed would be a vital part of the team and I could not be more happy to have secured the services of one of our main targets."
The "A-League" begins on August 26th.

Tranmere Rovers midfielder Mark Rankine has promised that there will be no last-minute change of heart from his decision to retire from the professional game at the end of the forthcoming football season. The former Doncaster Rovers midfielder, now 36 years old, said: "This is definitely, definitely the last one. By hook or by crook, I'm retiring next May."
Rankine passed the 700-game mark last season, and was voted as the players' "Player of the Year" last season.

We have had an update from Neil Barsby, the father of young Chelsea Barsby who Rovers fans took to their hearts when some Mansfield Town supporters cycled from Mansfield to Belle Vue a couple of seasons ago. Chelsea, as you recall, has battled against many health problems, including cancer, during her young life. Neil has reported that with the money raised, Chelsea now has a laptop computer and printer, her own TV, video/DVD for her classroom, and a CCTV computer.
Neil will be cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End in a couple of weeks' time, and promises to wear his Doncaster Rovers shirt for the start of the ride. All money raised will go towards C.B.C., Breast Cancer Awareness and the Queens Medical Centre. If you would like to sponsor Neil, or donate money to his appeal, please email him on Barsby67@aol.com.
He will start at John O'Groats, and go via Inverness, Perth, Edinburgh, Carlisle, Preston, Shrewsbury, Monmouth, Bridgewater, Barnstaple, Newquay, Lands End.

Doncaster Rovers striker Gregg Blundell finally agreed personal terms with Chester City after Chester and Rovers had previously agreed a six-figure transfer fee. The move will go through subject to a medical examination.
Negotiations have carried on throughout most of the summer, with several clubs, notably Carlisle United, showing an interest in signing Rovers' top goalscorer the season before last.
On behalf of all Rovers fans, we would like to wish Gregg well for his future football career, and thank him for his contribution to Rovers' rise up from the Conference.

Lee Turnbull, Barrow's manager, has asked former Doncaster Rovers striker Ben Jackson to join the club for pre-season training at Wetherby, although Halifax Town are also reported to be interested in the player. Turnbull said: “He’s got a good pedigree, he’s a good goal scorer and he got 29 goals last season at all levels of football. Halifax are also having a look at him, but he’s coming training with us and we’ll assess the situation from there.”

The Doncaster Internet Supporters' football team, the R'sonists, are taking part in the WorldNET tournament in Leeds on 16/17th July, when they will join 63 other teams from the United Kingdom. The R'Sonists have done well in previous seasons, and will be hoping to reach the knock-out phase of the competition again this year.

Surprise news came last week when it was revealed that former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin has been training with Halifax Town as part of their pre-season preparations. Brabin was forced to retire from playing fifteen months ago due to a heart problem, and subsequently became assistant manager to ex-Rovers defender Gary Finlay at Witton Albion last summer. However, at the time he spoke of hoping to resume playing once he had received clearance to do so.
Halifax manager, Chris Wilder said: "There is nothing concrete. We will have a look at them and they will have a look at us." Brabin is set to take part in Halifax's first pre-season game against Brighouse Town next week.

Doncaster Rovers broke their transfer record for a second time yesterday when they pulled off a great transfer coup by signing Sunderland's Irish Under-21 internaional midfielder Sean Thornton for £175,000. Thornton has apparently turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere, including interest shown by Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Malaga, to sign for Rovers. His agent said: "He is delighted to move to Doncaster. This move is not about money, rather Sean's desire to play football."
Thornton played twenty first team games for Sunderland last season, despite missing three months of the season with an ankle injury.
Rovers also completed the signing of Aberdeen defender Phil McGuire yesterday on a free transfer after the player travelled down to Doncaster to agree personal terms.
This substantial strengthening of the Rovers squad shows the determination that Dave Penney and John Ryan have in achieving promotion to the Championship this summer. Ryan commented that yesterday's signings were likely not to be the last of the summer.

Doncaster Rovers registered a narrow 1-0 victory over Northern League club Billingham Sythonia yesterday evening, with little to be learned as most players in the Rovers squad played some part in the game. Rovers won the match with a last minute penalty by James Coppinger.
We understand that the starting eleven for the match was: Budtz, Mulligan, Ryan, Foster, Albrighton, Adam Brown, Green, Barandiaran (trialist), McIndoe, N. Roberts, Guy.

Dave Penney yesterday confirmed that Rovers were not going to follow up their interest in Liverpool winger Ritchie Partridge. Whilst no reason for the decision was given by the club, the Doncaster Star reported that Partridge was thought to have failed a medial. He suffered a serious cruciate knee ligament injury three years ago in a reserve team game.

The Doncaster Rovers' Supporters Club are to hold their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 14th July in the Viking Supporters Club at Belle Vue. The meeting starts at 7.30pm.

Chester City manager Keith Curle has revealed that he is getting "closer and closer" to agreeing a deal with Rovers striker Gregg Blundell. Chester have been chasing the Rovers striker for most of the summer, and have already agreed a six-figure fee with Rovers. Personal terms have proved to be the stumbling block so far, but Curle said: "We're inching our way closer and closer and there is a little bit of give on each side."

Dave Penney has pulled out of any approach for Sheffield United winger Nick Montgomery, with the two clubs being far apart with the valuation for the player. Whilst Montgomery is out of contract and has been told that he can leave Bramall Lane, due to him being under 24, United are entitled to seek a transfer fee.
"I had to laugh when I saw that because there is no way we would be offering that kind of money for any player. We did enquire about him but we were miles apart with the valuation, which was actually less than the figure that has now been mentioned, and that's as far as it went."
Montgomery has also been linked with Burnley, Stoke City and Leeds United.

Doncaster Rovers travel to their first pre-season fixture of the summer today to face Billingham Synthonia, who play in the Northern League. The match is due to kick off at 7.30pm. Dave Penney has said that he does not intend giving any player longer than 45 minutes in this evening's game, and is likely to include a couple of trialists in his squad for the game.
Billingham is located near Hartlepool - we include some brief travel instructions below for anyone who is intending to travel to the game.
The journey is approximately 85 miles from Doncaster - leave Doncaster on the A1/A1(M) northbound, keeping on this road until you reach junction 49 - the A168 to Teeside and Thirsk. This subsequently joins the A19 northbound - keep onto this road until you reach a roundabout and turn right onto the A1027 to enter Billingham. Go straight on at a couple of roundabouts into Central Avenue, and the ground is on your left. The capacity of the stadium is only 1,970, with 370 seats in the main stand.
Founded in 1923, Billingham have played in the Northern League for their entire history, and have two unique records to their credit. They are the only football club in Britain to be named after an agricultural fertilizer (the "Sythnonia" is shortened from "Synthetic Ammonia", one of the local ICI plant products. Their second "claim to fame" is that they played the entire 1950-51 league season without conceding a single goal - although their goalkeeper did have to save a last minute penalty in the last game of the season!

Hallam FM reported on Friday evening that 25-year old Liverpool winger Ritchie Partridge has agreed to join Doncaster Rovers, and will take a medical today (Monday). They report that, subject to that medical, he will sign for the club later today.
Partridge sustained a serious cruciate knee ligament injury in November 2003 which kept him out of action for ten months, but spent the entire 2002/03 season on loan at Coventry City, earning many favourable comments for his performances. He made two first team appearances for Liverpool last season - both as substitute in the Carling Cup against Middlesbrough and Tottenham. He is a Republic of Ireland under-21 international, and has been released by Liverpool at the end of his contract.

Doncaster Rovers are holding an informal social evening at the Rovers Return tomorrow evening (12th July) - but it will be by invitation only. A selection of season ticket holders and lottery members will receive invites for a series of such events during the forthcoming season, with tickets to be allocated in alphabetical order. A selection of players, youth team players and club officials will also be in attendance.

Aberdeen defender Phil McGuire has agreed to sign for Doncaster Rovers. McGuire's contract with Aberdeen expired in the summer, and he has attracted interest from clubs in Australia, USA and Norway, as well as from Scottish clubs Hibernian, Hears and Dunfermline.
He told the Aberdeen Evening Express: "I had a lot to consider which is why I decided to wait before agreeing to join Doncaster. When Hibs and Hearts showed some late interest it did make me think again but I never really wanted to stay in Scotland because I would have found it hard playing against Aberdeen. It was nice to have so many clubs interested in me but I have always been keen on playing down south. I'm going to gain a lot of experience playing in England and I'm looking forward to the new challenge. Doncaster are an ambitious club who have fantastic training facilities and a new stadium on the way. They just missed out on the play-offs last season but hopefully I can help them do even better in the next campaign."

Sky Sports report that Doncaster Rovers may be set to sign Finnish international midfielder Markus Heikkinen, who looks set to join Phil McGuire in leaving Aberdeen to move to Belle Vue. Heikkinen has been in talks with leading Greek club Olympiakos, as well as clubs in German, but is set to travel to Doncaster to have talks with Dave Penney. He has previously played on loan for Portsmouth, but looks set to quit Scotland after failing to settle in the area, despite please from Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood to stay at the club.

Rotherham United's former Doncaster Rovers defender Chris Swailes has become Oldham Athletic's tenth signing of the summer after agreeing a settlement of his contract at Millmoor. The 34-year old central defender has signed a two-year contract, and links up again with former Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore.

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Chris Beardsley is close to a return to Mansfield Town after Mansfield agreed a nominal fee with Kidderminster Harriers for his signature. Beardsley turned down the offer of a new contract at Kidderminster, despite initially indicating that he wanted to stay - but as he is only 21 years old, a fee can be demanded by the selling club. Mansfield boss Carlton Palmer said: "I'm delighted he's joining. He was on our list all along and it seems all parties are happy."

Dave Penney has confirmed that he is still striving to sign another four or five players, but has said that he will try to sign the best players possible. In an interview in the Doncaster Star, he said: "I could bring in average players without any problem, but I don't want to do that. I am prepared to bide my time to bring in some quality players. We have to make sure that the players that we bring in are better than the players already here. We don't want them to be sat in the stand."
Whilst Rovers did not have any trialists training with them this week, Penney hinted that a couple could play in the first pre-season friendly fixture at Billingham Synthonia.

Doncaster Rovers are holding their "Open Day" at Belle Vue today, with Chairman John Ryan, the management and players also in attendance. The players will be training on the pitch between 11.30 and 1.30pm, and you will be able to get autographs and have photographs taken with them once they have had their lunch.
A penalty competition will be organised by the North Doncaster Branch of the Supporters Club (in association with Football in the Community), with the Viking Supporters' Co-operative and Supporters Club having a stand each.
Rovers' ticket office will be opening today, so you will be able to buy season tickets.
Rovers World will be broadcasting live from the event between 11am and 2pm.

Mark Wilson, who joined Rovers for one month on loan from Middlesbrough last season, has been released by the Premiership club after a four year stay, and has signed a contract with US Major League side Dallas Burn, where he joins former Boro player Ronnie O'Brien.
The former England Under-21 midfielder made 14 appearances for Boro, but has also been on loan at Rovers, Swansea, Livingston, Stoke City and Sheffield Wednesday.

As well as news during the summer that the reserve team league has been restructured, it has now been reported by the Football League that the Football League Youth Alliance leagues have been changed, with a reduction to two leagues in the north of England - the North & Midlands West Conference and the North & Midlands East Conference.
Rovers have been grouped in the Eastern group, and will compete against Bradford City, Boston United, Chesterfield, Darlington, Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United, Hull City, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Notts County, Rotherham United, Scunthorpe United and York City.
The Merit Divisions, that have taken place during the latter part of the season, will not take place this season, but a straight knock-out cup will still take place, with a north/south split.

Dave Penney believes that if his strikers are a little more ruthless in front of goal next season they will qualify for the play-offs. The signing of Paul Heffernan is hoped to be the difference, as the Rovers boss said: "We need to be more clinical this season because there were too many times last year where we drew games we should have won. Paul should give us that extra bit of quality up front that could make all the difference in us turning those draws into victories and helping us make the play-offs."
Rovers only lost twice at home last season - the same as champions Luton Town, but Penney commented: "We've reviewed last season and we probably drew too many home games. If you turn three of those draws into wins that's six extra points which would have been enough to get into the play-offs. That's where we want to be. We've always been very positive at home, but we need to be more ruthless."
Rovers are continuing in their attempts to sign a midfield player, with Liverpool midfielder Richie Partridge being reported by local press in Merseyside to be in talks with the club.

The Rovers Supporters Club are intending to run a coach to next Monday's pre-season match at Billingham Synthonia. If anyone is interested, please ring Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 as soon as possible. There are no price or depature times available at the moment.

Doncaster Rovers are holding their "Open Day" at Belle Vue tomorrow, with the event running between 11am and 4pm. Whilst no information has been published by the club recently, they informed us in May that the players will be training on the pitch, and will be available to sign autographs and pose for photographs with supporters.
The club have advised that the black "away" shirts will not be on sale tomorrow as had been hoped, as they have been held up in customs. The club will be accepting advance orders for the black shirts tomorrow.

Peterborough United manager Mark Wright has insisted that Rovers striker Gregg Blundell is not set to sign for the London Road club. He said: "I did try and sign Blundell for Chester because he has a proven goalscoring record at League Two level, but I was outbid then and as he's still under contract at Doncaster I won't be getting him."

Despite the announcement of the award of the contract for the Community Stadium still not being made by Doncaster Council, John Ryan yesterday announced that work has started on the stadium site. Bulldozers moved onto the site yesterday, and will be preparing the access roads and site utilities before building work on the site begins towards the end of the month.
Ryan confirmed that the stadium will be completed a couple of months later than originally anticipated, with Rovers hoping to move into the new stadium in late October or early November 2006. However, he did say that the design of the stadium has been altered slightly due to all the quotes for tenders being around £5 million over the council's £32 million budget.

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Paul Barnes is the latest signing to ambitious Conference North club Alfreton Town's squad. Barnes signed for the club despite having talked to Conference North rivals Barrow earlier in the summer after being released by Hinckley United. Despite being 37 years old, Reds manager said of Barnes: "I am delighted to have brought Paul to the club. He is a 25-goal a season man and you just can't get enough of those. You have to look at people's pedigrees and professional ethics. He had a good last twelve months, scoring plenty of goals for Hinckley United. He is still very fit, he scores goals, works hard in leading the line and he has been out at the front in running in training already which tells me he is definitely still hungry for the game."
As all Rovers fans will know, Barnes was the Conference "Golden Boot" winner in Rovers' successful promotion season of three years ago.

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has told Rovers' ClubCall that Blades midfielder Nick Montgomery will not be signing for Doncaster Rovers. Press reports have suggested that Rovers are about to sign the player, but Warnock said that he has not heard from Doncaster. He went on to say: "No disrespect to Doncaster but I wouldn't think Nick would want to leave to go down a division. I would think he would want to stay around in a league he's proven he can play in."
A Rovers spokesperson was quoted in last night's Doncaster Star as denying a Rovers move for the player, particularly at the £350,000 price currently being mentioned.
To hear the interview with Warnock call ClubCall on 0904 064 1003.

Goalkeeper Michael Ingham, who played for Doncaster Rovers on loan last autumn, has become Wrexham manager Denis Smith's first new signing of the summer. The Northern Ireland goalkeeper was released by Sunderland at the end of last season, making two appearances for Rovers during his time with the club. He had previously made 11 appearances for the Welsh club during a loan period at the end of the 2003-04 season.

Doncaster Rovers' manager, Dave Penney, has confirmed that he would like to sign Sheffield United midfielder Nick Montgomery - but not at the price that is currently being mentioned. Local newspaper reports over last weekend suggested that Rovers were about to enter the competition to sign the player after Blades boss Neil Warnock indicated that Montgomery would be allowed to leave Bramall Lane. A £350,000 transfer fee has been mentioned in the press, but Penney said: "He's a player we are interested in, but there's no way we could afford that fee."

This evening sees the presentation evening for all those who sponsored players kit last season taking place in the Viking Sports Bar. The event starts at 7.30pm.
All the sponsors have been invited to the event, but Rovers have now decided that it will be open to the general public, so everyone is welcome.

Swansea City have competed the signing of former Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, with the transfer fee set to be decided by a Football League tribunal. The Swans had previously backed out of their interest in the player after learning that a fee would be payable, but after missing out on Grant Holt, renewed their interest.
Torquay chairman, Mike Bateson, has said that he is disappointed that Swansea have elected to go to a tribunal, rather than making an offer for the striker.

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team striker Michael Rankine has signed a new six month contract with Scunthorpe United, with the club having a further six month option at the end of that period. Rankine signed for the League One newcomers last September from Conference North side Barrow. Whilst he only started one match for Scunthorpe, the 19-year old made 20 appearances as a playing substitute.

Two former Doncaster Rovers have signed for UniBond Premier League club Ossett Town, whose manager is ex-Rovers defender Steve Richards. Experienced, and much-travelled striker Andy Hayward has signed for the club from Nationwide North club Stalybridge Celtic, who he joined in March last year from Bradford Park Avenue. Hayward was previously with Frickley Athletic, Hednesford Town, Doncaster Rovers, Barrow and Rotherham United.
Also signing for Ossett is ex-Rovers' youth team midfielder Rob O'Brien, who joins the club from Wakefield-Emley. A right-sided midfielder, O'Brien has also played for Harrogate Town and Gainsborough Trinity.

Barry Richardson has returned to Doncaster Rovers for a third time, having being appointed as the goalkeeping coach. Richardson has previously been at the club as a player, and then as youth team manager, but left the club in 2003 after being told that his playing contract would not be renewed. He left to join Nottingham Forest, where he worked with the academy, reserves and first team.
Richardson will be primarily the goalkeeping coach, working with first team keepers Andy Warrington, Jan Budtz and Tonny Nielsen, but will also coach the youth team goalkeepers and help with fitness training for the outfield players.

Ex-Rovers defender Dean Barrick, now manager at Hucknall Town, has suffered a number of set-backs this summer, with some of his FA Trophy Final squad leaving the club during the summer. With only a limited budget available, Barrick is still looking to strengthen his side. As well as signing former Belle Vue striker Robert Gill, Barrick has been attempting to sign another former Rovers player, left winger Matt Caudwell, from Conference North rivals Gainsborough Trinity. However, it emerged last week that Caudwell has decided to stay with Trinity for next season.
The Rovers connection continues, with news that Hucknall have had an unnamed 17-year old central defender who has been released by Doncaster Rovers joining them for early pre-season training sessions.

A team of footballers from Doncaster College for the Deaf have qualified for the national "FA National Fusal Finals" after winning the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA's regional league. The first deaf team to qualify for the tournament, they will play in the finals competition next weekend (8th to 10th July) at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Futsal is a fast, skilful game and is seen by the football's governing body, FIFA, as ideal for young people to develop the perfect technique.

Scunthorpe United have announced that their home game against Doncaster Rovers (on Saturday, 21st January) has been moved to a mid-day kick-off.

David Morley has been named at Macclesfield Town's new team captain by manager Brian Horton. Last season's skipper, Matthew Tipton, left the Silkmen at the end of last season.
Morley joined Macclesfield in a £10,000 deal from Rovers in January 2005, and made 21 appearances for Macclesfield during the remaining part of the season.

Only Jermaine McSporran missed out on a return to training last week, with all other players taking part in the light training sessions. This news means that goalkeeper Andy Warrington, who it had been feared might have missed much of the pre-seaosn build-up, is fully fit and has recovered from his double hernia operation which he had immediately after the end of the last season.
Steve Foster has also made a good recovery from damaged ankle ligaments sustained in the last match of the season against Luton Town. A little more uncertain is the situation with Simon Marples and Mark Albrighton - Marples has trained during the summer, and whilst joining in the pre-season training, has not yet kicked a ball since the operation.
Albrighton had an injection for his troublesome knee injury during the summer, and has spent a short time in hospital, but Barrie Windle has said that his recovery has gone well, and Mark will be eased gently into the pre-season training schedule.

Doncaster Rovers' Football in the Community are looking for more teams and groups to be ball boys at first team games for the coming season. Any groups interested should phone Richard Bailey at the Football in the Community office on 01302 370250 or email them at drfc_community@hotmail.com.
Rovers are also looking for people to work in the car park, to sell programmes, and to act as stewards for home matches for this season. Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact Rovers at the Open Day on Saturday, 9th July, or leave their details at the reception desk at Belle Vue.

The full Rovers squad - barring the two new Danish goalkeepers (on holiday) and Stephen Roberts (on honeymoon) - reported back for training last Wednesday. New signing Paul Heffernan met his new teammates for the first time, with the players being given a "gentle introduction" to training for the remainder of the week.
As the squad were only doing "light training", there were no trialists on view, although Dave Penney did say that some may be attending next week. He said: "We are looking at bringing in a couple more players from Denmark. We might have some UK based players coming in as well. We are still waiting to hear from a few players that we have spoken to. The players we are looking at are mainly midfielders."

Shaun Goodwin, the Rovers' first club captain after they were relegated to the Conference, has been appointed as assistant manager at UniBond First Division club Woodley Sports for next season. Shaun will be assistant to Ally Pickering, one of his former team mates at Rotherham United, and agreed to join the club after attending their training sessions last week.
Woodley will be using a "much-heralded" artificial ‘Fieldturf’ surface for the forthcoming season, which should be laid in time for their first home pre-season game against Carlisle United on Saturday, July 16th.

Former Rovers defender Kevin Sandwith is one of four players who has agreed to sign for League Two club Macclesfield Town when his contract with Lincoln City expires. He joins Kevin Townson, Martin Bullock and David Beresford in joining the club in early July. Sandwith has also played for Carlisle United, Halifax Town and Telford United.

Season ticket sales reached the 2,000 mark on the final day of the discounted prices, although with all renewing season ticket holders having until the start of the season to renew their tickets, this figure is expected to increase substantially by the end of the summer.
Rovers sold around 3,500 season tickets last season.
The discounted period for new season ticket holders has now ended, although renewing season ticket holders have until the start of the season to qualify for the lower price. Please also note that anyone with a season ticket for a seat in the main stand should have renewed their season ticket by 30th June - they are now on open sale.
Season ticket prices are as follows:
For renewing season ticket holders:
Seating: Adults £320, Concessions £175
Terracing: Adults £270, Concessions £120
For new applications for season ticket holders, the prices are now:
Seating: Adults £370, Concessions £205
Terracing: Adults £320, Concessions £150

Today sees the marriage of Richard Bailey, who is Community Officer at the Football in the Community at Belle Vue. He will marry Clare Brizzalari this afternoon at Bentley Baptist Church, with their reception following at the Rovers Return.
We would like to wish Richard and Clare our very best wishes for the day, and wish them many happy years of married life together.

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Mark Sale has signed for Northwich Victoria after turning down a new contract at Alfreton Town. Alfreton boss, Gary Mills, withdrew a contract offer made to the player last week after Sale remained undecided whether to sign or not, despite three weeks of deliberation, and the giant striker now rejoins boss Steve Burr, who was also his manager at Hucknall Town.
Mark's previous clubs also include Birmingham City, Mansfield and Torquay.

Former Doncaster Rovers left winger Ian Clark has signed for Scarborough after being released by Darlington at the end of last season. Clark, now 30, has signed a one-year deal at the McCain Stadium, and joins ex-Rovers players Simon Weaver and Neil Redfearn at the club.

Swansea City appear about to make a U-turn in their bid to sign former Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa. Initial enquiries quickly cooled when the Swans learned a transfer fee was payable due for the player, despite being out of contract, as he is under 24, and is therefore not available on a "Bosman free transfer".
However, boss Kenny Jackett is now reported to have made a £70,000 bid for the striker after they failed to land number-one target Grant Holt from Rochdale with a £130,000 bid, as well as midfielder Andy Burgess from Rushden & Diamonds.
Akinfenwa was Torquay's top goal scorer last season, and was voted their "Player of the season" by the Gulls fans.

Tranmere Rovers midfielder Mark Rankine has agreed terms for a new contract at the League One club after changing his mind about the possibility of retiring this summer. Rankine's contract at the club expired this summer, but feels that he wants to continue playing for a further year.
He said: "In principle, I've agreed to stay on for another year and I've sent them notification. It was just a case of taking a bit of time to see what I wanted to do after the disappointment of the play-offs and a number of people I talked to said it would be stupid to retire if I can continue. You can't keep on going on and on and there will be a time when my body won't be able to do what I'd like it to do, but at the moment, I feel all right."

Chris Beardsley, who signed for Kidderminster Harriers last season after leaving Belle Vue, reported back to Aggborough for pre-season training this week, with a proposed move back to Mansfield Town still in abeyance. Despite originally saying that he would be prepared to play for Harriers in the Conference, Beardsley has now refused to sign a new deal. Kidderminster require a £5,000 transfer fee for the player, as Beardsley is only 21 years old, and whilst Mansfield are still interested in signing him, no progress has yet been made. Harriers boss, Stuart Watkiss, said: "To all intents and purposes he will report back for the start of pre-season training a week tomorrow. He's got to get his head down and work his socks off and that's what I expect him to do. He's got a lot to prove - he was released by Mansfield a year ago and Doncaster had decided by January that he wasn't up to their standards."

Lincoln City manager, Keith Alexander, has been reported to have made initial enquiries about Rovers striker Gregg Blundell, but quickly terminated his interest on learning that Rovers are still wanting a six-figure sum for the player.