The North Doncaster branch of the Rovers' Supporters Club are to hold their first Annual General Meeting at the Carcroft Village Club, Carcroft, at 7pm this evening. A buffet will be provided for those attending. All are welcome.

Carlisle United appear to have failed in their bid to sign Rovers striker Gregg Blundell. According to Carlisle's official website, they have made three separate bids for the player, all of which have been rejected by Doncaster Rovers.
Carlisle boss Paul Simpson said: '' I believe their valuation to be too much, so I am taking a step back from it at the moment. 'We have made three offers but it hasn't worked out so, obviously, we will keep looking until we find the players that we want.''
However, in an interview in the Yorkshire Sport last weekend, Blundell said that he was hoping to fight for his place at Belle Vue.
In a separate development, ClubCall have reported that they believe that Chester are still interested in signing the player, despite the transfer looking dead just over a week ago.

Rufus Brevett, now described by the BBC as a "veteran defender", has signed for Plymouth Argule following his release by Premiership new boys West Ham United, following the expiry of his contract with the Hammers. Brevett has signed a one-year deal with Argyle, with his time at Upton Park being hampered by injury - he played just 29 times after fracturing a bone in his foot in August 2003. Rufus played over 100 games for Rovers between 1988 and 1991.

Goalkeeper Iain Turner, who played a number of games for Rovers on loan during the latter stages of last season, has signed a new three year extension to his contract at Premiership club Everton. Turner's contract was due to expire next summer.
Turner, who is yet to make a first team appearance for the Toffees, said: "It is good to be offered a new contract by any club, but when it is a club the size of Everton it is great. Hopefully I can come into the first team and do a job. The two ahead of me (Richard Wright and John Ruddy) will be tough to get ahead of, but if I get a chance I will try to take it."

Rotherham United's official site reports that their away game against Rovers on Saturday 1st April has been brought forward from 3pm to a noon kick-off on police advice.

Dave Penney has said that he is reasonably pleased with the way that the opening fixtures for the coming season have worked out, although he said: "Going to Bristol City for the first game is quite a tough one." The game will mark new signing Paul Heffernan's debut, as he returns to his old club, with Penney commenting: "Hopefully Paul can do what most strikers do and score against his old club on his return."
Whilst Rovers open the campaign at Bristol, they follow it with two home games, against MK Dons and Hartlepool United.

Rovers chairman, John Ryan, has said that he expects further interest to be shown in striker Gregg Blundell, whose proposed transfer to Chester City fell through last week. Chester remain intereseted in signing Blundell, although the two parties failed to agree on personal terms. Ryan revealed in the Doncaster Star that other clubs have also enquired about Blundell, who would be allowed to talk to them as long as an agreement on transfer fees was made. Ryan said: "Gregg wants regular first team football at his age and, with four other quality strikers on the books, that is something we cannot guarantee."

The presentation evening for all those who sponsored players kit last season is due to be held in the Viking Sports Bar on Wednesday, 6th July, beginning at 7.30pm. All sponsors should have been notified of further details. The event was delayed from the end of last season owing to the Rovers players going on holiday immediately after the final match of last season.

Doncaster Rovers have been drawn away at Wrexham in the first round of the Carling Cup for the 2005/06 season. The draw was made earlier this morning, with ties due to be played in the week commencing Monday 22nd August. The game sees an early return to The Racecourse for Rovers new defender, Stephen Roberts.

The North Doncaster branch of the Rovers' Supporters Club are to hold their first Annual General Meeting at the Carcroft Village Club, Carcroft, on Thursday, 30th June, beginning at 7pm prompt. A buffet will be provided for those attending. All are welcome, and you will be able to either join, or renew your memebership at the evening. The North Doncaster Branch are hoping that some representatives from Doncaster Rovers will attend - with the players not returning until tomorrow, no names can currently be confirmed.

Ex-Rovers striker Grame Jones has signed for Scottish First Division side Hamilton Academical after leaving Clyde this summer. Jones, now 35, scored two goals in 15 games for Clyde after joining from Bury in January, and names St Johnstone, Rovers, Wigan, Southend and Boston as his previous clubs.

Blackpool manager, Colin Hendry, has said that he thinks that John Doolan, newly signed from Rovers, will form the "spine" of his side next season. He said: "John Doolan is part of the spine I am trying to build down the middle of the team. He is experienced and he will orchestrate things."
Doolan will be asked to help the younger players in the Bloomfield Road squad.

John Ryan thinks that the Rovers squad for the 2005/06 season will be the strongest in fifty years. He said: "We have already made four good signings and we are looking to bring in another four or five. Some players will be training with us so we can have a good look at them before making a decision, while others will probably be signed before the players report back."

Simon Weaver, who joined Rovers for a month on loan from Manchester City during the Conference years, has signed for Nationwide Conference side Scarborough after leaving Kidderminster Harriers following their relegation from the Football League this summer. Weaver, now aged 27, has agreed a twelve month contract at the McCain Stadium, and has extensive Football League experience, with almost a hundred games to his name for Lincoln City.

Following John Ryan's appeal for fans to buy season tickets, we have now learned that they have passed the 1,500 mark, edging the total towards half of all those sold last summer. The discounted period for all new season ticket holders ends at the end of this month, when prices will rise by £50. All those renewing season tickets from last season have until the start of the season to purchase at the discounted rate. Please remember that anyone who had a season ticket for a seat in the main stand must renew their ticket before 1st July, or the place will be offered for sale. All prices were published on this site last week - check back on the "previous news" for details.

Jamie Paterson, the former Doncaster Rovers midfielder, has signed a new contract which will keep him at Nationwide North club Kettering Town for a further season. Paterson, who had been linked with a move to Halifax Town and Droylsden, was named as the Poppies' "Supporters Player of the Year" last season, and played a vital part in Town's surge into the Nationwide North play-off final at the end of the 2004/05 season. Kettering boss, Kevin Wilson, said: "I am delighted that Jamie has agreed to stay with us. He has been worth his weight in gold. His performances last season were excellent but he has a tremendous presence both on and off the field. He is respected by every single player at the club because they know he has been there and done it. He knows what he wants in the future and he wants to start learning about the coaching aspects of the game. That is something we can help him with and he will start the new season in a player-coach role."

Simon Johnson, who appeared for Doncaster Rovers in a loan deal from Leeds United during last season, has signed for League Two club Darlington on a two year contract, and becomes their first signing of the summer. Darlington boss, David Hodgson, said: "Simon is a young talented striker and has good experience of League football and will be a key member of our squad. We've been trailing him for some time and I'm delighted that he's decided to join Darlington. We are still in talks with our other targets and hope to have some more good news for the fans in the next few weeks."

Gary Messer, who was on Rovers' books as a youth team player, has moved from Northern League club Esh Winning to Washington. He played fourteen games for the Rovers' first team, ten of which were as a substitute, during the 1997/98 season, when many of the youth team were given a chance after most of the senior players were released as a cost-cutting measure.

The draw for the first round of the Carling Cup will take place at 7am on Tuesday, 28th June, and will be broadcast on BBC Radio One and Sky Sports. Rovers have been seeded in the northern half of the draw, with all seedings being based on the final league positions from last season. The draw will see a seeded club drawn against an unseeded club.
The first round draw involves all 72 Football League clubs, and are as follows:
Northern section:
Seeded teams: Derby County, Preston North End, Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City, Burnley, Leeds United, Leicester City, Crewe Alexandra, Hull City, Sheffield Wednedsay, Nottingham Forest, Rotherham United, Tranmere Rovers, Hartlepool United, Huddersfield Town, Doncaster Rovers, Bradford City.
Unseeded teams: Barnsley, Blackpool, Chesterfield, Port Vale, Oldham Athletic, Scunthorpe United, Wrexham, Stockport County, Macclesfield Town, Lincoln City, Darlington, Rochdale, Mansfield Town, Boston United, Bury, Grimsby Town, Chester City, Carlisle United
Southern section:
Seeded teams: Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Southampton, Ipswich Town, Reading, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle, Watford, Coventry City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Luton Town, Gillingham, Brentford, Bristol City, AFC Bournemouth, Swindon Town
Unseeded teams: Walsall, Colchester United, Milton Keynes Dons, Yeovil Town, Swansea City, Southend United, Torquay United, Peterborough United, Northampton Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Leyton Orient, Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town, Oxford United, Notts County, Shrewsbury Town, Rushden & Diamonds, Barnet
The first round is due to be played on Wednesday, 24th August.

The competition for a specially brewed real ale made for Doncaster Rovers has closed, and the winning entry has been chosen. The beer will be named "Rovers Revenge", and will be brewed by the North Yorkshire Beer Company. The official launch will take place on Monday, 4th July in the Salutation Inn on South Parade, Doncaster, at 7.30pm. John Ryan will officiate at the launch ceremony, as will John Beaumont and Howard Hill, who submitted the winning entry.
Rovers will receive 20p from each pint sold at the Salutation for the entire 2005/06 season, in a great gesture from landlord (and Rovers fan) John Ferguson.

The Rovers squad report back for pre-season training on Wednesday, 29th June. All the squad have been given a training programme for the two weeks preceding their return, which will give them some basic fitness. Boss Dave Penney said: "We gave the players a programme to follow in the two weeks before they report back. It is nothing strenuous, just something to get a bit of fitness under their belts so they can hit the ground running next week."

Ex-Rovers defender Sean Parrish, now at UniBond Premier League club AFC Telford United, has joined the full time staff at the club after taking up a new role as "Sports Development Officer". The 33-year old midfielder joined the club last summer, and soon was appointed to a role of Community Officer for the club. The new position will see the Bucks' skiper coaching youngsters throughout the Telford and surrounding areas. Last season, Parrish combined his footballing duties with a job at the local Acoustafoam factory, which is owned by former Telford director, Mick Tranter.

New Peterborough manager, Mark Wright, has returned to Chester City to sign midfielder Paul Carden, who played for Doncaster Rovers in the 2001/02 season. Carden, who was Chester's player of the season last term, and also their captain when Wright was at the club, became out of contract at the end of the season.
Wright said of the signing:"Paul was captain of our championship-winning side at Chester and is one of the best defensive midfielders I have seen. He breaks things up, chases players down and has leadership qualities."
Carden added: "I won the league under Mark with Chester and they were great times. I jumped at the chance to come down and have a look around. I had been at Chester five years and this is a fresh challenge for me. I can't wait to get started."

The Rovers' Football in the Community are holding a six-a-side football tournament at the McCauley High School, Cantley, on Saturday, 6th August. The compeition is limited to children under the age of thirteen, and prizes and medals are up for grabs. The winner of the event will get a full ground tour of Belle Vue, and will be presented with a trophy on the pitch.
For further details, call Richard or Ben on 01302 370250.

Further to the release of the fixtures for the 2005/06 season yesterday, please note that the kick-off times for the following matches have now been changed. The home games against Yeovil and Walsall, and the away match at Nottingham Forest, which were originally listed for 7.45pm kick-offs, will now start at 3pm. the away match at Chesterfield will now kick off at 7.30pm.
The home game against Blackpool (Saturday, 3rd September) and away game at Bournemouth (Saturday, 8th October) clash with England games, and are very likely to be re-arranged or postponed.
The FA Cup First Round is due to be played on Saturday, 5th November, which also coincides with racing at Doncaster, so a home draw would necessitate a Friday night or Sunday fixture.

Due to demand from the supporters, Doncaster Rovers will be opening the ticket office at Belle Vue this Saturday, 25th June, between 10am and noon for the sale of season tickets.
Current season ticket prices are: Seating - Adults £320, Concessions £175
Standing - Adults £270, Concessoins £120
Season ticket prices will increase on 1st July, although those renewing have until the start of next season to take advantage of these prices. Seats will be reserved until 1st July, after which they will be offered on general sale.

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Ernie Hunt, now manager at UniBond League First Division club Belper Town, had his first summer in charge at the Nailers boosted with the news that ex-Rovers midfielder Danny Hudson, now their skipper, has agreed terms to stay at the club for another season. The experienced 26-year old joined the club last May, and proved to be an inspiration to their side. As well as Rovers, Hudson has also played for Halifax Town and Rotherham United.

Rovers start, and end, the season with away matches with the fixture lists giving an away match at Bristol City to start the season, and a trip to Tranmere Rovers for the very last match. The trip to Bristol is followed by home games against MK Dons and Hartlepool on 9th and 13th August. Christmas sees an away game at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, wth home matches against Swansea (17th Dec) and Brentford (28th December).
For the full list of fixtures, click on the logo to the left.

The fixture lists for the 2005/06 season will be published at 10am this morning, with the first matches of the season being played on Saturday, 6th August, with the last games of the season being played on Saturday, 6th May 2006.
Rovers have added a further match to their list of pre-season games, with a trip to Dean Barrick's Hucknall Town taking place on Saturday, 30th July (kick-of 3pm). This means that Rovers are playing two matches simultaneously that day, with an already arranged away game at Worksop Town.

Due to demand from the Rovers supporters, Rovers have announced that their ticket office at Belle Vue will remain open until 7pm this evening, thus enabling fans who are at work during normal working hours to buy their season ticket before the prices rise on 1st July. Those renewing season tickets will have the price of their season ticket held at current prices until the start of the new season. However, please note that anyone with a season ticket for a seat in the main stand will only have their seat reserved until 1st July, after which it will be offered on open sale.
Current prices for season tickets are:
Seating: Adults £320, Concessions £175
Standing: Adults £270, Concessions £120

Dave Penney is spending this week on a one-week course as part of his UEFA Pro Licence coaching course at Warwick. The course, which is open to managers by invitation only, means that Penney, who already holds a UEFA "A" badge, will be qualified to coach at higher levels. In an interview with the Doncaster Star, he said: "You have to be invited to go on the course. I think they try and pick a few up-and-coming young managers who they feel might have a chance of doing something. It is a bit of an honour to be invited and I am sure that it will prove interesting. There are coaches and managers from a lot of top clubs on the course, so it will give me the chance to pick their brains."

Doncaster Rovers have advertised for people to work in the club car park prior to each home game at Belle Vue for next season. They are also looking for people to assist in selling the Rovers' programme on match days. If anyone is interested, they should contact the club on 01302 539441, or enquire at the Rovers' "Open Day" on Saturday, 9th July, between 11am and 3pm.

Former Rovers striker Colin Cramb has signed for Scottish Third Division club Stenhousemuir after quitting Hamilton Academical at the end of last season, citing the club's plastic pitch as the reason he was leaving. The much travelled player has also played for Southampton, Falkirk, Hearts, Doncaster, Crewe, Fortuna Sittard, Shrewsbury and Grimsby.

Bristol City have had an initial approach for former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa rejected by Torquay United. The striker's days at Plainmoor appear to be numbered, following an acrimonious contract dispute, with the player refusing to sign a new contract. Torquay are determined to get a "fair" price for the player, with a fee being claimed under the "Bosman" ruling, as Bayo is under 24.
Bristol City are not prepared to make a cash payment and are not willing to go to a transfer tribunal for a decision, and were wanting to offer a deal based on performances and results. This option was rejected by Torquay's chairman, Mike Bateson.
Swansea withdrew from negotations yesterday after being similarly unwilling to offer a fee.

Doncaster Rovers' Football in the Community have announced details of the children's soccer courses which will be held during the school summer holidays this year. All courses will take place at Hall Cross Lower School, St Michael's Road, Bessacarr, Doncaster, with two age groups. The 5-7 years course will run between 10.30am and 12.30pm, and the 8 to 14 age group between 9am and 12.30pm. The cost for the courses will be: 5 to 7 years: £5 per day, or £25 for a full four-day course; 8 to 14 years: £10 per day, or £35 for the full four-day course.
Courses will run as follows:
Monday 25th July to Wednesday 27th July
Monday 1st August to Wednesday 3rd August
Monday 8th August to Wednesday 10th August
Monday 15th August to Wednesday 17th August
Monday 22nd August to Wedneday 24th August
Monday 30th August to Thursday 1st September
Please telephone Richard Bailey at Football in the Community on 01302 370250 for further details, or for a booking form.

Doncaster Rovers have been named as one of the clubs interested in signing Wrexham striker Joan Ugarte, who hit the headlines by scoring 22 goals last season.
The player is out of contract this summer, although Wrexham have offered him a new contract, but local press in North Wales report that Crewe Alexandra, Cardiff City, Oldham Athletic, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers are competing for his signature. Barnsley report that wages demands, along with Ugarte's desire to play in the Championship, mean he is unlikely to sign for them. Crewe appear to be the favourites at the moment, with Dario Gradi having already met the player twice - and it would enable him to stay in the Cheshire area, although wages also seem to be the potential stumbling block.

Ex-Rovers defender Bill Green has joined Wigan Athletic as an assistant to manager Paul Jewell following Wigan's historic promotion to the Premiership. Green will be in charge of dealing with agents and paper-work, along with scouting duties. Paul Jewell has confirmed that he wishes to spend as much time on the training pitch, with Green and Chief Executive handling many off-field matters.
Green, now 55 years old, said of his new appointment: "This is a really exciting opportunity for me to join Wigan Athletic at what is undoubtedly the most exciting time in their history. When you look at the progress Wigan has made both on and off the pitch in the past four seasons it's been incredible and I can't wait to play my part in continuing that. The role is wide ranging in responsibilities, but essentially I'm working for Paul Jewell and I'm here to assist him in any way he asks. I'll be spending a lot of my time meeting with players and agents, as well as doing other general football admin and even some scouting in Europe."

Ross Flitney, who was on Rovers' books last season, but did not play a first team game during his loan spell from Fulham, has signed for Barnet after being released by the Premiership club. The 21-year old goalkeeper becomes Barnet's first signing of the summer after the Conference champions clinched promotion to the Football League.

Swansea City have quickly ended their interest in Torquay's former Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa after learning that Torquay were seeking a transfer fee for the player. City boss Kenney Jackett had previously enquired about Akinfenwa, who is set to leave Torquay after chairman, Mike Bateson, confirmed the player had no future at Plainmoor after problems in opening discussions about a new contract. Whilst Akinfenwa's contract may have expired, under the "Bosman" ruling, a fee would be involved to any club wishing to sign him, as the player is only 23 years old.
Bristol City confirmed their interest in signing the striker last week.

Following John Ryan's appeal recently for more fans to buy season tickets to help him plan next season's finances, we publish below the latest information. Whilst all existing season ticket holders will have the prices held until the beginning of the season, all other season ticket prices will rise on 1st July.
Prices:
Seating: Adults £320, Concessions: £175
Standing: Adults £270, Concessions: £120
(Concessionary rates are available to under-16's, over 65's, and students in full time education)
Those who had season tickets for seats in the main stand will have their seat reserved until 30th June, after which they will be offered for general sale.
The Rovers ticket office is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Information on the prices from 1st July is not currently available from the club.

Rovers manager Dave Penney has ruled himself out of the running for the managerial vacancy at Derby County, after his name was mentioned as an early favourite following the resignation of George Burley a couple of weeks ago. Penney, who spent four years at Derby County as a player, said: "I am aware of the speculation that was linking me to the job at Derby but as far as I'm concerned it's just newspaper talk. I've got three years left on my contract here and as far as I'm concerned the job is only half done. All we are concentrating on is trying to get this club into the Championship."
Billy Davies of Preston, and Yeovil's Gary Johnson then emerged as the leading contenders, but Davies has since signed a new contract at Preston North End. Johnson, who has taken Yeovil from the Conference to League One, is due back from holiday this week, and has been given permisison by the Glovers to talk to Derby.

Rovers' new signing, Steve Roberts, returned to Wrexham's Racecourse Ground on Friday afternoon - to have some photographs taken after getting married to fiancée Rebecca. The happy couple arrived at the ground by horse drawn carriage following their marriage in an earlier church ceremony. We would like to add our congratulations to Steve and Rebecca.

The lastest update on the Adebayo Akinfenwa transfer story has seen Swansea City enter the chase to sign the ex-Doncaster Rovers striker. Bristol City were given permission to talk to the player a few days ago, and now Torquay have allowed Swansea to enter the scene. Gulls coach, Leroy Rosenior, said: "They are welcome to speak to him. I just want this matter closing one way or the other."
Torquay chairman Mike Bateson said: "We are told that Bayo is being hawked around the clubs by a second agent and it is in our interests that those wishing to hold talks with him be allowed to do so. It gives us a chance to gauge his market value and competition for his services should prove healthy for our finances."

Sky Sports have extended their broadcasting agreements with the Football League until the summer of 2009. The new three year deal provides increased revenue for Football League clubs, and more live televised matches. Seventy matches will be broadcast live, with 55 of these being from the Coca Cola Championship - with the play-off matches also being shown live. Up to fifteen Carling Cup ties, including the final, will be exclusively live each season, as will the final of the LDV Vans Trophy.
In addition, the Football League have secured a three-year extension to ITV Sport to show highlights, with ITV set to continue their Sunday morning highlights programme, as well as regional coverage.

Former Doncaster Rovers utility player Jonathan Maloney is attracting interest from a number of clubs, although the player appears to continue to prefer a return to York City, should he be offered terms.
Scunthorpe United are the latest club to express an interest, according to the York Evening Press, with Grimsby Town, Northampton Town, Harrogate Town and Guiseley also making enquiries. The three interested Football League clubs have invited Maloney to attend pre-season training before making any contract offer. However, Maloney said: "I really enjoyed my time at York City, the fans were fantastic, my team-mates made me feel really welcome, and more importantly, it was a great learning experience. I enjoyed working under Billy McEwan and would be really keen to talk to the club about returning if such an opportunity existed to further my career and help City get back into the League."

Rhyl striker Peter Smith, who appeared for Doncaster Rovers once whilst on loan from Crewe Alexandra during the 2002/03 season, has returned to Welsh Premier League club Newtown after spending one season at Rhyl. He scored twelve goals from 34 appearances, of which 18 were as a substitute, last season. Smith originally signed for Newtown in the summer of 2003 from Telford United.

The Doncaster Dragons are offering Rovers season ticket holders a discount to see three matches for just £22 - or £8 for each game. The special offer applies to the home games against Featherstone Rovers (June 26), Oldham (July 10) and Whitehaven (July 31). Dragons have seen support mysteriously slump this season despite good results and form, with the club having reached the semi-finals of the Northern Rail cup competition, with chairman John Wright urging fans to back him.
The special offer to Rovers fans is a great deal when compared to the normal adult admission price of £11.

Rovers are giving supporters the chance to meet the players and management of Doncaster Rovers at the photo shoot, which is due to take place in July. Rovers are looking for someone (either personally, or a business) to sponsor the photo shoot, with the opportunity of being photographed with the team, which will be signed by the entire Rovers squad. Bids start at £500.

Former Rovers striker Neil Campbell has signed for Workington, who have just been promoted into the Conference North, after being released by Barrow. This will mean that he will line up against his former team mates, which will now include Rovers legend Paul Barnes, next season. Campbell was released by Barrow after failing to find the net on a regular basis last season, and he was loaned out in a bid to rediscover his form.

The fixture lists for the 2005/06 season will be released by the Football League at 10am on Thursday, 23rd June. The Football League season will begin on Saturday, 6th August, with the last games of the season being played on Saturday, 6th May 2006.

Brian Little has labelled Doncaster Rovers as a serious promotion threat to his Tranmere side next season, despite Tranmere being installed as second favourites to win the title. Nottingham Forest are the early favourites for a quick return to the Championship.
Of the other contenders, Little said: "This division gets more and more competitive and it is difficult to say who is going to be the major force. Those who struggled will want to make sure it does not happen again, while others will want to build on what they achieved last season. Doncaster are ambitious and could have a good tilt at promotion. Huddersfield got a good group together towards the end of the season and in Pawel Abbot they have a lad who scores goals for fun. Both clubs will be very competitive. Sheffield Wednesday going up through the play-offs will probably benefit many sides because they would have been a force. Forest are a big side, while Gillingham have always been competitive and Rotherham must be as well for them to have stayed in the division above for so long."

We are glad to report that Rovers striker Gregg Blundell's proposed transfer to Chester City has been called off. Negotiations have taken place over several weeks, but with the clubs being a long way apart on the transfer fee valuation, along with personal terms not being agreed, it was confirmed this morning that the move will now not take place. Rovers had been reported to have been requiring a six-figure fee for Blundell, who was top scorer in Rovers' first season back in the Football League, and was only marginally behind top scorer Michael McIndoe last season.
Rovers have confirmed that Blundell will remain in the squad, and is due to report back for pre-season training in a fortnight's time with the rest of the squad.

Doncaster Rovers' chairman, John Ryan, has insisted that Rovers are aiming to win promotion to the Championship next season. The signing of Paul Heffernan, Steve Roberts, Jan Budtz and Tonny Nielsen provide evidence of this ambition, which also will mark Rovers' last full seaso at Belle Vue. Ryan said: "We are trying to achieve something great, we have a new stadium on the way and we believe will be a Championship side next season."

The on-going situation regarding ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has taken a new twist, with news that Bristol City boss, Brian Tinnion, has made an enquiry for the player. The situation regarding negotiating a new contract at Torquay United entered the realms of farce a few days ago with the revelation of a second, possibly bogus, agent entering the negotiating scene.
Torquay now appear to be resigned to losing the striker that scored 16 goals for them last season, and have given Bristol City permission to talk to the player.
Tinnion has said: "At the moment we don't have another striker of Steve Brooker's type and I want competition in all departments.Akinfenwa is very strong and powerful with the scope to improve further. At just 23 he is a very good age and still learning."

Former Doncaster Rovers manager Sammy Chung has joined the coaching staff at Toolstation Western League club Minehead. Chung, who now lives in Minehead, offered to help out for pre-season training at the club, who are one of only a few in the Western League not to pay their players.
Highly popular whilst at Belle Vue, Sammy was manager at the Rovers between 1994 and 1996, when he was controversially replaced by Kerry Dixon just ninety minutes before the first match of the 1996/97 season. He is perhaps best known for the time when he was manager at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Rovers manager Dave Penney has started studying for his "pro-licence", which he will need to manage clubs at higher levels.
The course is a year-long study of the art and science of modern coaching and has been specifically designed to give the country's most talented coaches the chance to fulfil their potential at the highest level.

Jon Maloney, who was released by Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season, has indicated that, despite interest from Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town and Northampton Town, that he would like to sign for York City, where he spent a very successful three month loan spell last season. Maloney, who is currently a student at Leeds University, said to York's Evening Press: "I enjoyed working under manager Billy McEwan and would be really keen to talk to the club about returning to City."

Dean Barrick, manager at Hucknall Town, is hoping that two former Rovers players will join the club over the summer in addition to the signing of Robert Gill earlier this month. Barrick, who is recovering from a broken leg sustained in the FA Trophy Final last month, declined to name the players concerned to avoid alerting other clubs to their availability, but was confident that one of his targets would sign in the near future.