The on-going "will he, won't he?" saga of whether former Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will sign a new contract at Torquay United descended into farce yesterday with the revelation that Torquay have confirmed that they suspect that an impostor has been masquerading as Akinfenwa's agent.
Last week, the Gulls were expecting the player and his agent to visit Plainmoor on Monday of this week to discuss the new contract on offer. However, an agent then contacted the club to say that Akinfenwa would not be attending, and had rejected the contract. It now seems that agent was acting without due authority. It now seems that Torquay are hoping to meet the player and Steve Davies, Bayo's "usual" agent, later this week.
Gulls chairman Mike Bateson said of the latest twist to the story: "This is now entering the realms of 'Alice in Wonderland' - but perhaps a tad more nonsensical! It seems that the agent who phoned us on Saturday does not belong to the firm we were dealing with before, but is a new character on the scene. Akinfenwa has, I understand, a binding contract with the original firm, and they knew nothing of the new character until I told them. Leroy has tried many times to contact Adebayo - but to no avail."

Erdem Artun, the right back who appeared for Rovers in the Nationwide Conference whilst on loan from Ipswich Town, has signed a new contract at Ryman League Premier Division club Heybridge Swifts. Artun impressed the club last season with positive and tough tackling displays at full back.

Doncaster Rovers have announced that the "X Factor BBQ", scheduled to take place tomorrow evening (16th June) has been cancelled. Refunds can be made from Rovers club reception at Belle Vue upon the return of tickets.

Rovers, in conjunction with the Salutation on South Parade, have been given the opportunity by a Yorkshire brewery to have its own draught beer. All Rovers fans are to have the chance to suggest a name for the new beer - Rovers are asking for fans to suggest an appropriate and catchy name, with the person submitting the winning entry being invited to the launch of the new beer. The competition closes at 5pm on Friday, 17th June. Entries should be by email - click on the logo to the left to enter.

Talks between Rovers striker Gregg Blundell, his agent and Keith Curle, manager at Chester City, took place last Saturday afternoon, but a deal appears still to be some way off. An offer was made to Blundell in the meeting, including his salary, but the main sticking point at the moment appears to be the transfer fee being demanded by Doncaster Rovers. However, Curle said "I'm hoping there is some give and take from all sides."

The departure of key midfield player John Doolan from Doncaster Rovers means that Dave Penney is to step up his search for a replacement. Penney, as usual, declined to give a hint as to potential targets, saying: "We have a few players in the pipeline. But I won't disclose them until they put pen to paper, as we don't want to alert other clubs to our interest."
Rovers have already signed Bristol City striker Paul Heffernan, Wrexham defender Stephen Roberts, and goalkeepers Jan Budtz and Tommy Nielsen from Denmark.

The Rovers' Supporters Club are hoping to form a football team to play our opponents' supporters on the day that Rovers play in time for the start of next season. If you are sixteen years old (or above), and would like to play, please contact Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154.
The Supporters Club will provide the kit, and one of their coaches will leave for away games early so that there will be time for the match to be played - and for you to have time for refreshment before watching the Rovers in their match in the afternoon.
This is your chance to play in Rovers' colours - don't miss out!

The Rovers official web site has reported that it is "rumoured" that Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill got married at the beginning of the month. Presuming this is so, congratulations are in order!

Torquay United chairman, Mike Bateson, has lost patience with ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, who has turned down Torquay's latest contract offer. Akinfenwa had been due to meet with Gulls bosses today to discuss his new deal at Plainmoor, but his agent rang boss Leroy Rosenior over the weekend to say that the player will not now travel to the meeting. Bateson said: "There's a limit to the amount of messing about we will tolerate. Having burned his bridges for a second time I cannot now see any circumstances in which he will return to Torquay. To say Leroy is angry is an understatement, especially after Akinfenwa phoned on Thursday to say he would be down to finalise the contract. I cannot begin to imagine what they are playing at and Leroy has reached the stage where he no longer sees any merit in having him in the squad."
As the player is under 24, Torquay retain their rights to his registration, and can demand compensation should he be transferred.

Andy Liney has been voted as the winner of the third "Ian Yorke Fan of the Year" award, which is organised jointly by the Doncaster Star and Doncaster Rovers. The recognition of the amount of effort Andy puts into the club has been recognised by the fans, as he won the voting by a large margin. Andy is often to be seen performing the role of club mascot Donny Dog - perhaps a good reason why he went into an "early LEAD" in the voting!
We would like to offer our congratulations to Andy for his thoroughly deserved victory.

Plans are in hand for the publication of a biography of the former Rovers striker Peter Kitchen. Peter now lives in Kent, and still plays around the world for charity in the Corinthian Casuals Veterans side, still having the knack of knocking in the goals!
If any Rovers fans have any memories, match reports, photos etc., of Peter during his time at Doncaster Rovers, please contact Neil Kaufman, the author, at the following:
email: neilkaufman@tiscali.co.za
or by post to: 4 Dartford Road, Farningham, Dartford, Kent

Chester City's interest in Rovers striker Gregg Blundell appears to have been placed on the back burner due to the personal terms required by the player being outside Chester's wages structure. However, news has emerged that former Chester manager Mark Wright, who is now at Peterborough United, may be interested in Rovers midfielder Adriano Rigoglioso, although Rovers report that no approach has yet been made for the player.

The Doncaster Free Press has published a statement in which Doncaster Council bosses have refuted claims in the Doncaster Star that the Community Stadium project will be delayed due to a challenge to planning permission for a £20 million flats development scheme on the Lakeside. Deputy mayor, Aidan Rave, stressed that this legal action will not hold up work on the stadium, which is due to be completed for the start of the 2006/07 season.
The contracts for the building of the stadium are due to be announced in the next few days, with the delay in this announcement making it likely that Rovers will have to play the early stages of the 2006/07 season at Belle Vue.

Paul Raven, the ex-Rovers defender, has been appointed as assistant manager to ex-Rover Lee Turnbull at Nationwide North club Barrow. Raven's promotion comes after the recent news that another player with Rovers connections, Lee Warren, had left the club to join Goole AFC following a disagreement with Turnbull.

It has recently been reported that Rovers defender Nick Fenton has become a father, with his wife giving birth to a baby boy. We would like to pass on our congratulations to them both.

The lottery tickets which give all fans a chance to see the Town End at Belle Vue named after them are now on sale from the Rovers' ticket office. Tickets will cost £5, and will be available at the Rovers' "Open Day", the home pre-season games and until the second home game of next season.
All funds are going towards the Rovers' youth team.

Dave Penney, Mickey Walker and Steve Deanass are flying to Denmark today to continue the search for new players to strengthen the Rovers squad for next season. Denmark's season does not finish until later this month.
Penney is hoping to sign up to five players in the next couple of weeks. Chairman John Ryan said: "Dave has told us which players he wants and we will do all we can to help him achieve that."

Doncaster Rovers Belles manager John Buckley expects that Belles midfielder Vicky Exley will start this evening's UEFA Women's Championship Group A match against Sweden which kicks off at Ewood Park, Blackburn at 6pm. Exley was limited to a non-playing substitute role in their opening match last week, with England needing just a point today to progress to the semi-finals of the competiton. Tickets are available from the Blackburn ticket office on 0870 1123 456 at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. Over 19,000 tickets have already been sold for the game.

Ben Futcher, who featured briefly for Doncaster Rovers in their final Conference season, has left Lincoln City to join Lincolnshire rivals Boston United. Futcher agreed a two-year contract with the Pilgrims, with Boston manager, Steve Evans, saying: ""The boy gives us great height defensively and is a major threat from all attacking set-plays," Boston boss Steve Evans said.

Rovers have confirmed that they have now sold 1,000 season tickets for next season, although this is still some way behind the total of around 3,000 achieved last season. Chairman John Ryan is hoping that the news of new signings over the next few weeks will see that figure soar, with him hoping for 4,000 season ticket sales by the beginning of the season. He said: "Every season ticket sold gives us more power to get the quality players in."

New Zealand put in a spirited display in their friendly fixture against Australia played at Craven Cottage last night, and went down to a narrow defeat. The only goal of the game was scored in the 86th minute by Simon Colosimo. Little was seen of a weakened New Zealand side as an attacking force, although Doncaster Rovers defender David Mulligan did play the whole match, and was credited with one of only a few scoring chances the Kiwis had during the game, with what was described as a "speculative shot".

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Lee Butler has left Nationwide North club Alfreton Town, and signed for Conference National side Halifax Town for a third time. Butler, who was the only ever-present in the Alfreton side last season (with 58 appearances), will be goalkeeping coach at Halifax, and also will act as number two keeper to Ian Dunbavin. Butler played for Rovers during the 2001/02 season in the Conference.

Currently unsubstantiated reports have indicated that Rovers legend Paul Barnes has signed for Barrow after being released by Hinckley United this summer. Barnes joins a former Doncaster Rovers contingent at the club, which include boss Lee Turnbull and assistant manager Paul Raven.

Doncaster Rovers are holding a barbeque at the Viking Supporters' Bar at Belle Vue on Thursday, 16th June, with the event starting at 7.30pm. Tickets, which cost £5 for adults and £2 for children, are now available at club reception.

Tranmere Rovers have voted the Doncaster Rovers fans as the best travelling support seen at Prenton Park last season. Rovers fans were also deemed to have come up with the best chant of "Where's your Dadi gone?" after the Tranmere striker was shown a red card during the game.
A full version of their article can be seen by clicking on the Tranmere badge to the left.
Congratulations to the many who made the visit to Merseyside - your efforts were certainly noticed!

Rovers physio, Baz Windle, has confirmed that Andy Warrington is making good progress from his double hernia operation which he had around a month ago. Warrington is ahead of schedule with his rehabilitation, with Rovers expecting no further problems.
With Simon Marples having resumed light training at the end of last season, all the rest of the squad are now fit, and will be returning for pre-season training at the end of the month.

Ex-Rovers midfielder and captain Gareth Owen has now been confirmed as being the new manager of Welsh Premier League side Airbus UK. The former Welsh under-21 international moves to the club from Connah's Quay Nomads, for whom he had played since leaving Belle Vue.

Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Adam Collin has been offered a new contract at Workington after he played a crucial part in the club winning promotion to the Nationwide North at the end of last season. Workington boss Tommy Cassidy thinks that Collin has the ability to play in the Football League, and will not stand in his way if he gets the chance to play at a higher level. "I've spoken to Adam and made him a good offer," Cassidy said. "The club's done great for him, and he's done very well for the club. I would like him to have another year with us, providing a league club doesn't come in for him. He's good enough to play at that level, but I don't want to lose him."
An ever-present in his first season at Borough Park, Collin kept a remarkable twenty-one clean sheets in fifty appearances.
Collin was signed by Rovers on transfer deadline day in the 2003/04 season, but did not make a first team appearance.

Rovers have strengthened their strike force for next season after confirming today that they have signed Bristol City striker Paul Heffernan for a club record £125,000 transfer fee. Heffernan moved to Ashton Gate from Notts County for £125,000 a year ago after a five year stay in Nottingham, and was widely anticipated to leave City after the signing of Marcus Stewart from Sunderland.
Rovers managed to sign the player despite strong competition from Oldham Athletic, who also had a bid accepted by the Bristol club.
Dublin-born Heffernan is 23 years old, and has scored 40 League goals in 84 starts (and 43 substitute appearances), scoring 7 goals last season. He has signed a three year contract at Rovers.

Oldham Athletic's Chief Executive Alan Hardy has expressed surprise at Paul Heffernan's decision to talk to Doncaster Rovers, saying: "We were under the impression we had agreed terms with the player's agent last week. We reached agreement last week with Bristol City and the player's agent and were just waiting for the player's return from holiday for him to sign the agreement. Now we'll have to wait and see."
Whilst confirmation is yet to be made, it appears from various news reports, including Rovers' Club Call, that the player is on the verge of signing for Rovers, who had their bid accepted by Bristol City yesterday.
The completion of the deal is expected to be announced in the next few days.

Rovers defender looks likely to line up in central midfield for New Zealand in tomorrow's fixture against Australia which is being played at Fulham's Craven Cottage stadium. However, the form of Darlington's Adrian Webster, a newcomer to the All-Whites' squad, means that boss Ricki Herbert will have to re-think his intended midfield partnership of Mulligan and Tim Brown for the game, in which Middlesboro's Mark Viduka makes a playing return for the Australians after a long injury absence last season.
The match is the final preparation match for the Australians, who go to play their Confederations Cup fixtures, with the New Zealanders training at Bisham Abbey.
All Whites squad: Mark Paston, Glen Moss, Che Bunce, Danny Hay (captain), Steven Old, Craig Wylie, David Mulligan, Tim Brown, Raf de Gregorio, Michael Wilson, Leo Bertos, Vaughan Coveny, Brent Fisher, Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Jeremy Christie, Noah Hickey.

Doncaster Rovers were one of 27 clubs to take part in a Golf Day at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club a couple of weeks ago, which helped Newcastle United's Football in the Community appeal for Macmillan Cancer Care Relief, with over £2,000 being raised.from the donating clubs. The event saw a number of current and former Newcastle players taking part, along with other sporting celebrities from the north-east.

Torquay United have publicly criticised ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa after they read in the press that he is set to leave the club. Akinfenwa has kept Torquay waiting for his decision on a new contract offer, but it appears that his decision has been leaked in a local newspaper. He scored 16 goals during last season, which saw the Gulls relegated on the very last day of the season.
Boss Leroy Rosenior said: "I phoned his agent, who tells me the story is a surprise to him. But I'd have thought he at least owed us the courtesy of a formal response to our offer rather than having to read about it in a newspaper. There is a correct and professional way of doing things, and this action falls short of those standards."
As the player is under 24, even though he is out of contract, Torquay are entitled to a fee if he moves, and the club have accordingly slapped a £300,000 transfer fee on his head.
Chairman, Mike Bateson said: "This action by Akinfenwa tells me that he has a long way to go before he can truly call himself a football professional. We have always dealt with our players in a courteous and honourable manner, and it is galling he should respond in this way without even a phone call to me or Leroy. We have set a price of £300,000 - any club wishing to sign him must pay up or have the fee set by tribunal."

Doncaster Rovers are one of two clubs talking to Bristol City striker Paul Heffernan, with the 23-year old looking surplus to requirements after the arrival of Marcus Stewart from Sunderland in the last few days. City confirm that they have accepted offers from both Rovers and Oldham Athletic, and the player has permission to talk to both clubs to discuss personal terms.
The six-figure fee involved is likely to break Rovers' club record transfer fee, with the Rovers official site not naming the player, but hinting that Rovers are "the better prospect" as far as the player is concerned. Discussions are described as being at an early stage, with a further announcement not being expected to be made until personal terms are agreed, and a medical has been passed.

In what amounted to a reorganisation of the reserve team leagues, news emerged that half of the reserve team fixtures are likely to have a 7pm kick-off next season, as the League are finding it difficult to find referees for afternoon kick-offs.
Pontins Holidays will continue to sponsor the leagues for next season, although the divisions have bveen reorganised due to seven resignations and four new clubs entering the structure. The new divisions will be on a geographical basis, with East, West and Central regions.
Doncaster Rovers will be in Division One (East), along with Darlington, Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United, Hull City, Lincoln City, Scarborough, Scunthorpe United, Sheffield United and York City.

Steve Hawes has signed for Conference National new-boys Altrincham from UniBond First Division side Stocksbridge Park Steels. Hawes joins the club for a second time, having previously been at Moss Land from late 1999 to May 2002.
At the beginning of his career he became the youngest player to play in Sheffield United's first team, but then moved to Rovers, initially on loan, in the 1997/98 season. After then drifting into non-league soccer, he had further trials at Belle Vue in the summer of 2001, but left the club after appearing in a pre-season friendly fixture.

Doncaster Rovers Belles' midfielder, Vicky Exley, has been named in the England squad for their UEFA European Championship campaign this summer. The tournament kicked off last weekend with England registering a 3-2 victory over Finland at the City of Manchester Stadium, with Exley, along with former Belles player Jody Handley, named amongst the substitutes, although neither actually played. The tournament continues with England facing Denmark at Ewood Park tomorrow evening, and against Norway, also at Blackburn's ground, on Saturday.

The former Doncaster Rovers striker Colin Cramb has left Hamilton Academicals - because of their plastic pitch. Cramb has confirmed: "'We have come to a mutual agreement that I will leave and I am now on the lookout for another club. I know the aim is for the players to both train and play on the all-weather pitch next season and that is too much for me."
Cramb only joined Hamilton, which were his first professional club (and also his 15th club), in January 2005.

Gareth Owen, the former Rovers midfielder and skipper, is set to become the new maanger of Welsh Premier new-boys Airbus UK. Owen has been named as their number one target for the position, with Airbus's club spokesman saying: ""We can confirm Gareth Owen is the man we want as player-manager," said a club spokesman. Owen joined his home town club Connor's Quay Nomads in July 2003 after leaving Belle Vue at the end of the previous season.

After initially being released, former Rovers skipper Barry Miller looks as though he may be set to continue at Conference club Burton Albion next season. After not being offered a new deal for next season, Miller is to return for pre-season training on a non-contract basis, hoping to win a new contract.
Manager Nigel Clough is hoping to sign Shrewsbury skipper, central defender Darren Timson as his first signing of the summer, but went on to say: "We want to go into next season with four centre-halves and, hopefully, Darren will be competing with Barry Miller, Lee Ayres and Ryan Austin to be in the best pairing."

Former Rovers central defender Kevin Sandwith is one of Lincoln City's players to be offered a new contract for next season, along with fellow former-Rover Ben Futcher. Lincoln have released seven players as they hope to mount a challenge for an automatic promotion place next season, after failing in the play-off final at Cardiff a couple of weeks ago.

Tranmere Rovers are still waiting to hear if their ex-Doncaster Rovers midfielder Mark Rankine will remain at the club next season. Rankine, voted as Tranmere's "Player of the Year" last season, along with Jamaican internationals Ian Goodison and Theo Whitmore, are out of contract this summer, and are still considering new offers from the club.

In an interview for Rovers' ClubCall, assistant manager Mickey Walker has been speaking of his excitement over the signing of the two Danish goalkeepers. Mickey believes that Tonny Nielsen and Jan Budtz will add depth and quality to the Rovers squad for next season, with Budtz expected to challenge Andy Warrington for the number one spot in the team. He said: "Jan Budtz came over last November. He played in a private game against Newcastle that not a lot of people knew about. He enjoyed it, saw what the standard of the football club was and saw our plans. We decided to revisit the situation and when were over we just happened to discover another goalkeeper we had already seen playing. Tonny Nielsen was at Brondby and he's got loads of potential."
However, Walker insisted that Warrington still is an integral part of the squad, commenting: "He's been tremendous for us over the last four or five years. We've got what we wanted which was three quality goalkeepers."
For the latest news and the full interview with Mickey Walker call 0904 064 1003.

Following news at the weekend that former Rovers striker Paul Barnes had been released by Hinckley United consequent to the arrival of ex-Rovers striker Glenn Kirkwood at the club, it now emerges that Barnes may line up against his former club next season. Barnes is reported to be having talks with Gary Mills, manager at Conference North rivals Alfreton Town.

Former Rovers youth team player Mark Haran has signed for ambitious Nationwide North club Stalybridge Celtic from Harrogate Town. He joins ex-Rovers players Mark Barnard and Nick Buxton in making the move from Harrogate to Stalybridge, and joins up with another former Rovers player, Mark Atkins, who is assistant manager at the club. Also making the move is goalkeeper Paul Pettinger, who becoms the fifth player to make the move between the two clubs this summer. Atkins and manager John Reed made the switch from Harrogate to Stalybridge late last season.

After a suggestion from a Rovers supporter, Rovers have confirmed that they will be holding a lottery to give all fans the opportunity to have the Town End named after them for the final full season at Belle Vue. Tickets will cost £5 each, with all money going towards the Rovers' youth team. Tickets are available from 6th June from the Rovers ticket office and club shop, and will also at all games until the competition closes after the second home game of next season.

Blackpool have announced that they have signed Doncaster Rovers midfielder John Doolan on a one-year contract, with an option for a further year. Doolan had been stalling on talks with Rovers, with his demand for a two-year contract, along with the fact that he lives in Merseyside being reported to be sticking points. In an interview on Blackpool's official web site, John paid tribute to the fans at Doncaster, but did confirm that the fact that Blackpool is much closer to his home helped him make his decision.
He will sign for Blackpool at the end of the month when his contract with Rovers ends.

Former Manchester City and Doncaster Rovers central defender Simon Weaver has been released by Kidderminster Harriers following their relegation from the Football League this season. Weaver is one of ten players released by Harriers, which also includes the previously reported departure of former Rover John McGrath.
There is no update on the approach by Mansfield Town for ex-Rovers striker Chris Beardsley, who has also been offered new terms at Aggborough.

Former Doncaster Rovers central defender Ben Futcher is discussing his future at League Two club Lincoln City. Boss Keith Alexander is planning a clear-out after the Imps' failure to win promotion via the play-offs at the weekend, saying: "We have to go out and get a better team. I've got to get better players and we have to go up from the top three."
Futcher said: "I'll make my decision in the next couple of weeks.There's great potential at this club, it's just a case of getting everything set up right. Like the rest of the lads who are out of contract, I'll have a chat with the boss and see where he wants to go."

Chester City manager Keith Curle has admitted that he is a long way from signing Rovers striker Gregg Blundell. Talks with Blundell's agent have proved that the two parties are a long way apart on proposed personal terms, with Curle insisting he has to stick to a prearranged budget. Curle said: "The chairman has spoken to the Doncaster chairman and I've spoken to Gregg's agent but we're a long way apart on personal terms at the moment. I've got a budget to work to and I need a number of players. I want to get what I call my "bread and butter players" in and then we'll see about the icing on the cake."

Paul Edwards, one of the many players to feature in the Rovers side during the 1997/98 season, has been signed by Oldham Athletic after being released by Blackpool at the end of last season. Edwards, 25, said of the move: "Boundary Park is a great venue and the club has great ambition. When I was playing for Wrexham, Ronnie tried to sign me. Now, as luck, would have it, I've ended up following him to Boundary Park and I'm delighted."

Adebayo Akinfenwa, the ex-Rovers striker, is still in talks with relegated League One club Torquay United about a new deal for next season. Torquay chairman Mike Bateson, told the Torquay official web site: "We hope to resolve matters next week. Also, several players have been invited down for pre-season training and the chance to earn a contract - while talks are continuing with several others and their agents."

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed the capture of two Danish goalkeepers as they strengthen their squad for a promotion challenge for the 2005/06 season. Jan Budtz, 26, has signed from FC Nordsjaelland, who play in the top division in Denmark. Tonny Nielsen, 21, has joined from Fremard Amager, who play in the division below FC Nordsjaelland, and is set to be the tallest goalkeeper in the Football League, standing at a massive 6 feet 7 inches.
Budtz said of the move: "I am delighted to join a club with great potential and a new stadium. I think it is a great opportunity to show what I can do in one of the best leagues in the world. I am looking forward to the challenge."
Both players have signed two-year contracts. Mickey Walker confirmed yesterday that Budtz will be challenging Andy Warrington for a first team place, with Nielsen being groomed for future first team action. Rovers have decided they need three goalkeepers next season, due to the introduction of the transfer window system.

Lee Warren, has signed for UniBond club Goole AFC after leaving Nationwide North club Barrow, where he was assistant player-manager until recently. Warren, who lives nearby at Welton, left Barrow in the hope that he could extend his playing career.

Doncaster Rovers Belles are holding trials for players for their junior teams on Saturday, 5th June, at the Ryecroft Playing Fields in Noton, between 10am and noon. They are hoping to give trials to girls for their U-10's, U-12's, U-14's and U-16's teams. For more information, contact Jill Buck on 01302 843577 or 07759 601 807.