April 15, 2006

Mulligan hopes for new contract

It's now nine points behind the play-off places, with four games to go - today's defeat sees any lingering hopes of catching up with teams in the play-off places more or less gone. A 100% success rate for the final four games is necessary, whilst hoping that Swansea and Barnsley pick up less than three points from four games.
Dave Penney sprang a surprise with the inclusion of Mark Albrighton in the first eleven after only just returning from his loan at Chester City. What was more surprising, bearing in mind the tactic backfired against Nottingham Forest, was his decision to play Steve Roberts at right back, even though Roberts was replaced by Marples at half time.
Rovers went behind to two first half goals within seven minutes of each other by Emanuel midway through the first half, and it took until the 68th minute for Ross McCormack to pull a goal back for Rovers.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has voted. We will let you know the result on Tuesday morning.

April 15, 2006

Rovers team news

The injury situation at Doncaster Rovers looks likely to dictate most of Dave Penney's team selection options for this afternoon's away game at Bradford City.
Neil Roberts will miss this afternoon's game after struggling with a back injury for the last couple of weeks, with the striker lasting just thirteen minutes of last weekend's game at Yeovil. It looks as though it will be a choice between Leo Fortune-West and Ross McCormack to partner Lewis Guy up front.
In defence, the recall of David Wheater by Middlesbrough has meant that Rovers have recalled Mark Albrighton from his loan spell at Chester City, and Mark has been included in today's squad - but we expect him to stay on the bench, with Graeme Lee and Steve Roberts the first choice centre back partnership. Dave Mulligan has been ruled out of today's and Monday's games after twisting his ankle in Wednesday's reserve team game, so presumably Simon Marples will get the nod at right back, although Phil McGuire has now played a number of reserve team games as he regains match fitness, so might be considered today.
In midfield, Rovers have stated that Kevin Horlock will return to Ipswich after this weekend's games, so he presumably is available today. We expect that he will be included in the Rovers midfield alongside Sean Thornton today, with James Coppinger on the wing. It will be interesting to see whether Michael Timlin is retained in the side after a poor performance at Yeovil last week, but with few alternatives on the left wing, he may get another chance.
Rovers start the game six points behind the play-off places with five games left - still possible, but with sixth and seventh placed Oldham and Barnsley facing each other this afternoon, there is an ideal opportunity to make some ground if Rovers are to continue to entertain hopes of a top six finish.

April 15, 2006

Bradford team news

Bradford are likely to be strengthened by the return of Bobby Petta for this afternoon's game against Rovers at Valley Parade after impressing with two goals in the reserves game during the week. Petta is returning from a calf injury, and looks likely to be added to the squad for this afternoon's game.
Danny Cadamateri and Michael Symes both only played half of their 1-1 draw against Brentford last week, and are rated as doubtful. Tom Penford and Steve Schumacher are virtually certain to miss the game with knee and thigh injuries respectively.

April 15, 2006

Foster's new deal

Former Rovers midfielder Martin Foster has signed a new contract with Nationwide Conference side Halifax Town, and will remain with the club until June 2007. Foster joined Halifax from Forest Green Rovers in July 2004, and has since started 63 Conference games for the side. The agreement of a new contract for next season means he will remain at the club alongside another former Rover, Tyrone Thompson, who spent a spell at Belle Vue on loan from Sheffield United.

April 15, 2006

Mulligan hopes for new contract

Rovers defender David Mulligan is hoping that his latest injury set-back does not scupper his chances of landing a new contract with the club. Rovers had been discussing a new contract with Mulligan's agent, but it is understood that talks have been put on hold until the end of the season following his "eventful" week. Dave missed last Saturday's match at Yeovil after a mysterious illness saw him in hospital twice, and misses this weekend's games with an ankle injury sustained in Wednesday's reserve team game.
Mulligan, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said: "It couldn't have come at a worse time, considering what happened last week, but hopefully I'll be back playing in a couple of weeks as the ankle is not broken. I'm not sure what's going to happen now in terms of getting a new contract but I'd certainly like to stay here. I've made a lot of friends during my time at the club and would be keen to stay - providing the deal is right."

April 14, 2006

Horlock goes back

Doncaster Rovers announced yesterday that on-loan midfielder Kevin Horlock had turned down the two year contract that had been offered to him. The player, who will be out of contract in the summer as his Ipswich Town contract will not be renewed, has elected to wait until the end of the season and look at all options available to him then. Interest has been reported from other clubs, including one in New Zealand. Whilst this news may be disappointing, there is still a possibility that the player will join - but not until the summer.
However, in the meantime, Dave Penney has confirmed that he will target other players to join the club in the summer, and should suitable signings be made in the meantime, we presume that the offer to Horlock will be withdrawn.
Whilst Kevin had agreed to extend his loan period at the club until the end of the season, Rovers have confirmed that he will return to Ipswich after the Easter weekend.

April 14, 2006

Wheater recalled by Boro

Middlesbrough have recalled David Wheater, the central defender who has been on loan at Rovers for the last two months. With Boro's continued success in Europe and the FA Cup, they have elected to recall all of their on-loan players to bolster their squad for the run-in to the end of the season. We would like to thank David for all his efforts and contribution to the side during his time at the Rovers.

April 14, 2006

The Sarge is back

Doncaster Rovers have recalled central defender Mark Albrighton from his loan spell at Chester City, and he will be available for selection for Saturday's away game at Bradford City. This recall has been made necessary following Middlesbrough's decision to recall David Wheater from his loan spell at Belle Vue. Albrighton, who will be out of contract in the summer, has been impressing Chester with his performances during his time there, which has seen City move up from bottom of the table to the relative safety of fifteenth place, with four successive victories.

April 14, 2006

Atkins takes over

Former Doncaster Rovers manager Ian Atkins has taken over as boss at League Two's bottom club Torquay United. Atkins takes over from ex-Rovers (on loan) player John Cornforth, who had only recently been appointed as manager after a caretaker spell following the departure of Leroy Rosenior. The former Rovers boss had arrived at the club as "football advisor" to work alongside Cornforth, but chairman Mike Bateson conceded that this arrangement had not worked. Bateson described the move as "one final roll of the dice", with the Gulls facing relegation to the Conference, being five points adrift of safety, with only six games to go - but at least they do have a game in hand over Rushden & Diamonds, their nearest rivals.
Atkins, who has been appointed only until the end of the season, has elected not to appoint an assistant manager, and will call upon the services of a senior player when needed.
The post for maanger will be advertised in the summer, with Bateson intriguingly saying that he hopes that Cornforth will apply for the vacancy.

April 13, 2006

Mulligan gets Kiwis call-up

Despite missing out on New Zealand's recent couple of matches due to the injury crisis at Belle Vue, Rovers defender David Mulligan has been included in the All-Whites squad for their two games against Chile on 25th and 27th April.
Dave is set to miss the next couple of matches after twisting his ankle during this week's reserve team game against Hull City, but would almost certainly miss Rovers' final home game of the season, against Oldham Athletic, were he to play the two international games. The New Zealand management have confirmed that some players will not report in until the Sunday prior to the matches, meaning that Mulligan would, subject to being fit, be available to play in Rovers' away game against Southend United.

April 13, 2006

Goals time

Two former Doncaster Rovers players scored goals that may prove crucial in the battle for promotion from the Nationwide North on Tuesday evening.
Long time leaders Stafford Rangers may have slipped from top place to be replaced by Northwich Victoria, but they remain in the hunt, with a 1-0 win at home against Workington keeps the pressure up - ex-Rover Neil Grayson scoring the only goal of the game.
In the race for the play-offs, Harrogate Town picked up a vital win over Gainsborough Trinity to maintain a top six place, with former Rovers winger Ian Clark giving Town the lead on the stroke of half time.

April 13, 2006

Gareth wins monthly award

Former Doncaster Rovers captain and midfielder Gareth Owen has been named as the "Player of the Month" for March in the Welsh Premier League. Player/manager Owen has made 27 starts for Airbus so far this season, with his consistency in midfield earning his last month's award.

April 12, 2006

Mulligan injured in reserves game

Defender David Mulligan is set to miss the Easter games after injuring his ankle in the closing minutes of yesterday's reserve team game against Hull City. Mulligan landed awkwardly firing a last-minute shot over the Hull cross bar, and had to be carried off the pitch. It appears that he has only sprained his ankle, but even so, he is very doubtful for the Bradford and Walsall games this weekend.

April 12, 2006

Reserves 0 Hull City 1

Reserve league leaders Doncaster Rovers went down to a one goal defeat at Belle Vue yesterday afternoon, with a number of fringe players from the first team squad being augmented by youth team players. Jermaine McSporran made his first appearance for Rovers since his recent return from a loan spell at Boston United. The only goal of the game came late in the second half when Fry latched on to a loose ball to put the ball home from six yards. Despite late Rovers pressure, Hull held on to their lead. The closing minutes were marred by the injury to David Mulligan, which is reported above.

April 12, 2006

Shop visit

A few of the Doncaster Rovers squad will be visiting the Rovers shop in Priory Walk on Friday at about 1.30pm, when they will be available for autographs and to talk to the supporters. There will also be an Easter raffle, which will be drawn by one of the players during their visit.

April 12, 2006

Player of the season

Hallam FM are holding their "Player of the Season" vote, which sees five players from each of the clubs in their transmission region up against each other. The Rovers players we have a choice of voting for are: Steve Roberts, Paul Heffernan, Sean McDaid, Michael McIndoe and Dave Mulligan.
The winner will be announced live on Hallam FM on Saturday, May 6th.
If you would like to vote, click on the Hallam FM logo to the left.

April 11, 2006

Man of the match

With unsurprisingly a reduced number of votes for the "Man of the Match" voting for the away game at Yeovil, the winner may have won by a clear margin, but all the other votes were fairly evenly cast throughout the remaining six players receiving votes.
Steve Roberts was the clear winner, receiving almost half of all votes cast. The players receiving the most votes were:
1 Steve Roberts (46.43%)
2 Sean Thornton (14.29%)
3 Kevin Horlock, Ross McCormack, Alan Blayney (10.71% each).
Thank you to everyone who took the time to place a vote. The next vote will open after Saturday's away game at Bradford City.

April 11, 2006

Penney - injuries may cost dearly

The continuing injury problems at Doncaster Rovers may ultimately be the decisive factor in their chase for a play-off position. With Rovers still six points behind the elusive sixth place, their cause was not helped by the early substitution of Neil Roberts with a back injury, which added to the existing injury list, has Dave Penney wondering how many players he will have available for the run-in to the end of the season.
Penney commented: "We lost Neil Roberts so we'll have to see how big a blow that is. He's had a bad back all week and made it worse on Saturday - we're running out of bodies so we'll just go with what we've got. I'll have a look at the league table but every time you lose it makes it harder and harder. If it's still mathematically possible (to make the play-offs) then we'll keep going."

April 11, 2006

Coin trail update

April 11, 2006

Win a player

April 10, 2006

Penney - play-offs still possible

Despite Saturday's disappointing performance and result, Rovers boss Dave Penney is refusing to write off Rovers' chances of reaching the play-offs. The defeat at Yeovil sees Rovers six points behind sixth place, the same margin as before the weekend, with the last home game of the season, against sixth placed Oldham Athletic, shaping up to be a crucial game.
Of Rovers' chances, Penney commented: "There is still a mathematical chance, so we will keep pushing on as long as we can."
Rovers' cause on Saturday was not helped by the early substiution of striker Neil Roberts, who has been suffering with a back injury for over a week, and he is likely to miss next Saturday's away game at Bradford City.

April 10, 2006

Mulligan back

Dave Penney has confirmed that Dave Mulligan will return to training this morning after recovering from an illness during last week that caused him to be taken into hospital. Rovers have confirmed that all tests have come back negative, with Penney saying: "All the tests, the blood test and urine test, proved negative so there is nothing wrong with him. We don't know what it was and he will be back in action on Monday."
There were reports in the national press last week of Mulligan having one of his drinks "spiked" during an evening out on Tuesday.

April 10, 2006

Bradford City ticket information

There will be no tickets on sale in advance for next Saturday's game at Bradford City - please also note that there will be no student concessions for this match.
Ticket prices for the game will be:
Adults: £18.00
Senior Citizens: £12.00
Juniors: £10.00
Any disabled supporters wanting to go to the match should contact Bradford City direct on 01274 770022 for further information.

April 9, 2006

Paddy Gavin

We are sorry to report that former Doncaster Rovers defender Paddy Gavin died this morning after a long illness. Paddy, who would have been 77 years old in June, was born in Drogheda, Ireland in 1929 and joined Rovers from Dundalk to make his Rovers debut in February 1954. He went on to play over 150 games for Rovers between the 1953/54 season and the 1959/60 season, and was a Eire "B" international, with most of his games for Rovers being played when they were in Division Two. He often used to bring his grandson to watch the Rovers, but sadly has not attended for quite a while due to his deteriorating health.
We would like to pass on our sympathies and condolences to his friends and family at this sad time.

April 9, 2006

Atkins still at Gulls

Torquay United have moved quickly to deny that Ian Atkins, the former Rovers manager, has left the club following a disagreement. Chairman Mike Bateson refuted the allegations, and confirmed that Atkins is contracted to the club until at least the end of the season.
Bateson explained Atkins' absence from the club last week by saying: "Ian's father-in-law has been seriously ill and sadly died on Thursday, so he has taken a couple of days off. But he will be at training on Friday, and at Plainmoor on Saturday. Ian is contracted until the last game is over - and barring a decent permanent job offer from elsewhere, he will be staying."
Atkins joined the League Two strugglers as a football advisor to boss John Cornforth in March - at the moment, Torquay are five points adrift at the bottom of League Two and seemingly destined for the Conference.

April 9, 2006

Bradford City v Rovers information

There will be no tickets on sale in advance for next Saturday's game at Bradford City - please also note that there will be no student concessions for this match.
Ticket prices for the game will be:
Adults: £18.00
Senior Citizens: £12.00
Juniors: £10.00
Any disabled supporters wanting to go to the match should contact Bradford City direct on 01274 770022 for further information.

The Supporters Club will be running coaches to the game. They will depart from Retford at 11.30am, Bawtry: 11.45am, Rossington (Hare & Tortoise): 11.50am, Punches: 11.55am, Belle Vue: 12.15pm, Infirmary: 12.00 noon, Harworth Pit: 11.15am, Rossington Styrrup: 11.50am, Skellow Grange: 11.45am, Bentley Pavilion: 11.50 am, York Road (Esso): 11.55am , Don Valley Jossey Lane: 12.00 noon, Woodlands Cooplands: 12.05pm.
Fares will be:
Members: £7.00, OAP's: £6.00, U16's: £5.00
Non-members: £9.00, U16's: £7.00
To book a place on the coach, phone Len South (01302 817347), Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or mobile - 077404 53066), Warren Hanson (North Doncaster) (01302 337303 or 07787 926809)

April 9, 2006

Goals review

We begin this weekend's review of former Rovers players scoring goals in Scotland, where Dene Shields scored Gretna's second goal just four minutes after coming on as a 64th minute substitute. Gretna won the game against third placed Peterhead 3-1, which moves then 16 points clear at the top of the Scottish Second Division.
In the Conference North, former Rovers youth team player Michael Rankine scored the only goal of the game for Alfreton Town in stoppage time of the game at home to Nuneaton Borough, a result which eases any remaining relegation fears for Alfreton, and dashes remaining hopes that Nuneaton have of catching league leaders Northwich Victoria, who are 12 points ahead of them with five games to play.

April 8, 2006

Yeovil Town 3 Rovers 0

April 8, 2006

Keep believing

The lingering hopes of reaching the League One play-offs continue this afternoon as Doncaster Rovers travel to Yeovil Town, with three points seeing a very realistic chance of closing the gap on the top six clubs. With Barnsley (7th) to face the falling Chesterfield (13th), and the cruch match of Nottingham Forest (8th) against Colchester United (4th), Rovers have a chance of keeping the dream alive for another week.
Dave Penney commented: "We are running out of games and the odds are stacked against us but it is great to still have an interest at this stage in the season. Most people had written off our chances some time ago - maybe even me included - but it's full credit to the lads that they have hauled themselves back into something like contention. Anything can happen in football and - if the players keep believing - who knows where we might finish."

April 8, 2006

Rovers team news

Doncaster Rovers will be missing David Mulligan for this afternoon's away game at Yeovil Town after the New Zealand defender was taken ill on Wednesday. Simon Marples will be recalled to the side in his place, with the rest of the starting eleven likely to be the same as last weekend. With little injury news being issued by the club, the only other definite absentees will be goalkeepers Andy Warrington and Barry Richardson, defender Nick Fenton and midfielder Jason Price.

April 8, 2006

Yeovil team news

Yeovil's captain Terry Skiverton is set for a recall to the side for this afternoon's game against Doncaster Rovers after recovering from a knee injury. Also fit again after absences due to injury are goalkeeper Chris Weale and striker Aaron Davies, but defender Kevin Amankwaah is unlikely to play after struggling to shake off an ankle injury. Yeovil will be hoping for an upturn in form that has seen them fail to win a home game since January, which has resulted in their fall down the League One table to 19th place, just three points ahead of the relegation places.

April 8, 2006

Mulligan recovering

Doncaster Rovers' defender David Mulligan is resting at home after being taken ill on Wednesday, which resulted in two trips to hospital. Tests were taken, but they have come back negative, so the club are unable to confirm what caused the illness. Whilst Dave is recovering well, he has not been included in the squad for this afternoon's first team game.
However, a number of news sources have alleged that Mulligan collapsed after having a drink "spiked" whilst out with some team mates on Tuesday evening. Allegations in The Sun suggest that Sheffield Wednesday supporters were to blame, with other news agencies around the world picking up on the story.
Reports in New Zealand say that Rovers have alerted the Football Association about the incident, with an FA souces quoted as saying "We understand the drug spiking was motivated by club rivalry. It is a terrible thing to do to anyone."
We wish Dave a full and speedy recovery, and hope to see him back in the side next weekend.

April 7, 2006

Mulligan taken ill

Doncaster Rovers' defender David Mulligan was admitted to hospital after being taken ill on Wednesday morning. After being admitted to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, he was later allowed home, but after further examination from the Rovers club doctor he was re-admitted. He has since been allowed to return home, and he is now recovering.
The Rovers official statement does not specify the nature of his illness, but various tests have been done, and until the results of those tests have been reported, they will make no further comment.

April 7, 2006

Ex-Rover in Doncaster cup final

Former Rovers youth player Daniel Maudslay will line up for Askern Welfare in the final of the Doncaster and District FA Challenge Cup Final which will take place at Brodsworth Miners Welfare's ground on April 26th (kick-off 7pm). Maudslay scored both of Welfare's goals in their 2-0 semi-final win over Kinsley Boys last week.
Another ex-Rover could have been facing him in the final. In the other semi-final, Yorkshire Main emerged 3-1 victors over Thorne Colliery, with Darren Fell scoring the Thorne goal. Things could have been much different if Fell had converted a penalty three minutes from time, but his spot kick hit the post.

April 7, 2006

Trio face fitness battle

Three Rovers players face fitness tests today after missing training this week. Neil Roberts only played on Saturday after passing a late fitness test, but he has been visiting a chiropractor during the week after hurting his back in training last week.
Steve Roberts has a slight knee ligament strain, and Jamie Coppinger has a slight adductor strain.
However, David Wheater will be available for selection for tomorrow's game after recovering from an injury that has kept him out of the side recently, and he may return if Roberts fails his fitness test.

April 7, 2006

Steve eyes play-offs

Rovers defender Steve Roberts is hoping for a double celebration this season. After winning a contract extension at Rovers which will keep him at the club for two more seasons, the former Welsh under-21 player is hoping that the club can also make up the ground to qualify for the League One play-offs.
He said: "I'm really enjoying my football here and it's great that the club have seen fit to offer me a new deal. We still have an outside chance of a play-off spot so we are all fully focused on that. There is a great spirit at the club and it's a good place to be playing football at the moment."

April 6, 2006

Penney hopes duo sign

Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney is hoping that Dave Mulligan and Kevin Horlock agree new contracts with the club as he tries to build a squad capable of playing in the Championship. Deals are on the table to the pair, with Penney saying: "Horlock has been superb since he came into the club and we're very keen to keep him here. Mulligan has also been outstanding and his versatility makes him a very valuable asset to us, so I'd be delighted if I can secure these two players in our ranks for next season."
Rovers defenders Sean McDaid and Steve Roberts both agreed new deals with the club earlier this week which contracts them at Rovers until the summer of 2008.

April 6, 2006

Scarborough 2 Reserves 2

Pontins Holidays League leaders Doncaster Rovers had to come from behind to secure a point in last night's reserve team fixture. They went in front half way through the first hal with a goal by Adam Brown, but then conceded a penalty shortly before half time after Nielsen brought down a Scarborough player. Five minutes after the interval, the home side went ahead with a shot from close range after Nielsen only able to parry the initial shot. With quarter of an hour to go, Rovers were level thanks to a Ross McCormack goal. The closing stages of the match were marred by Ricky Ravenhill being sent off for a bad tackle - then Micky Lewis was sent to the stands after complaining about the number of decisions going against the Rovers.

April 6, 2006

Win a player

April 6, 2006

Programme fair

Doncaster Rovers are holding their second programme and memorabilia fair at the Rovers Return this evening, with a number of dealers expected to be in attendance. The event starts at 7.30pm.

April 5, 2006

Ryan's rallying call

Rovers chairman John Ryan has appealed for the missing fans to return to Belle Vue for what could be a vital part of the season as Rovers continue to close on the play-offs, saying: "Come back and watch us, because it is first class football down here."
In what could be a repeat of last season, with Rovers being in with a chance of a play-off place right to the end of the season, Ryan spoke of his confidence of success in the play-offs - should they make up the necessary ground.
"It is back on again and we can get in those play-offs. If we get in the play-offs, I'm confident we'll win them because on our day we are the best team in this league."
Current form, along with teams above losing points, has seen the gap between Rovers and the vital sixth place close from eleven points to six in the last two weeks.

April 5, 2006

Penney - we were bullied

In an interview with the Yorkshire Post, Dave Penney believes that the physical strengthening of his side during the January transfer window has been a telling factor in the improvement in form that has seen his side keep in touch with the prospect of promotion.With a worrying drop in form after the Carling Cup exit against Arsenal, Dave commented: "After the Carling Cup exit, we lost six out of eight games and I thought at that stage that teams were bullying us. We made a conscious effort to add some physical presence to the side. Alan Blayney is a good-size goalkeeper, Graeme Lee is strong in the air and can handle this division, Kevin Horlock and Jason Price are both good sizes physically, and Leo Fortune-West has come back into the side. Those players have made us a lot stronger physically and now we can handle aerial onslaughts because we have the players to head it away."
Meanwhile, injured star Jason Price has predicted that Rovers will be in the Championship within eighteen months. He said: "I don't want to count my chickens but we should be in the top three next season."

April 5, 2006

McDaid and Roberts sign up

Rovers defender Sean McDaid has agreed a new two year contract with Doncaster Rovers, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2008. McDaid joined Rovers on a one-year deal from Leeds United last summer, and has made great progress since coming into the side in place of Tim Ryan.
Defender Steve Roberts has agreed an extension of his Rovers contract by a further year, which also means that he is contracted to the club until two summers time.
Defenders Dave Mulligan and Kevin Horlock are still in talks with Rovers over new contract offers which have been made by the club.

April 5, 2006

Reserves in action tonight

Doncaster Rovers, in with a chance of winning the reserve team league, travel to Scarborough for a Pontins Holidays League fixture this evening. The match kicks off at 7pm.
Rovers are one point ahead of second placed Darlington - but they have four matches in hand on their rivals, and still have five matches to play this season.

April 5, 2006

Yeovil coach information

With Rovers playing away at Yeovil Town on Saturday, the Rovers' Supporters Club is running a weekend trip to Weymouth this weekend. Coaches for those who have booked for the weekend trip will depart on Friday as follows:
Retford 11.15am, Bawtry 11.30am, Rossington Bridge 11.35am, Belle Vue 12.00pm.
A second bus will depart from Doncaster Royal Infirmary at 11.45am and Belle Vue at 12 noon.
The usual day-trip coach will also be running - but is now fully booked. Due to many fans going on the above weekend package, the number of pick-up places have been reduced, and this coach will now depart from Bawtry (Market Place) at 7.30am, The Styrrup, Rossington 7.35am and Belle Vue 8.00am. Please note that this coach will NOT start from Retford, as all people that get on there are on the weekend trip.
Those who should be getting on the day-trip bus at DRI have been transferred to the Travel Club bus: all affected people should have already been contacted.
If anyone has any doubts, please telephone Len South (01302 817345) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 07740453066)

April 4, 2006

Copps wins voting

April 4, 2006

Rovers aim for strong finish

Rovers defender Dave Mulligan has confirmed that Rovers are still aiming to finish the season strongly so that they can build up momentum for a good start to next season. Whilst conceding that the play-offs remain perhaps tantalisingly just out of reach, Dave commented: "The play-offs are not completely out of the question but I think the manager has said we've probably given ourselves just a little too much to do. It's important to try and win as many games as possible and build up some momentum for next season."
Mulligan is one of three players who are currently in talks with Rovers about a new contract for next season.

April 4, 2006

Youth team details

Further details are now available of the Rovers' youth team's 2-2 home draw against Mansfield Town on Saturday. The Rovers goals were scored by Jason Hardy and James McGarry - all of the goals of the game being scored n the first half.
The Rovers side for the game: Cockerham, Snodin, Nelthorpe, Sutton, Pacey, Noble, Brown, L Green, Hardy, McGarry, Fletcher. Subs: Ford, Guilliatt, Duffy, Boyce, Alonso

April 4, 2006

Season tickets now on sale

Season tickets for next season went on sale yesterday from the ticket office at Belle Vue. We would like to remind you that if you are applying for a concessionary ticket, you should bring along documentary evidence of your eligibility, such as proof of age or student status.
With the change of grounds during the next season, season tickets will be issued in two books - the first part of the season is being issued in a book for Belle Vue. You will have to elect the stand/block in the new stadium at the time of purchase, and fans will be invited to return later in the year to choose their seat in the new stadium.

April 3, 2006

Keeping the dream alive

Dave Penney has confirmed that his side are still in with a chance of reaching the League One play-offs following Saturday's win over Rotherham United, which sees Doncaster Rovers just six points behind sixth position, with six games to go. With Rovers suffering just one defeat in the last eleven games, a continuation of this form should see the gap close further.
Dave commented: "We wanted to start well and it was nice to get a few goals for a change. We've got six games left now and still have a mathematical chance of the play-offs. It is a case of winning as many as we can to keep the pressure on the teams above us."

April 3, 2006

Bayo gets cup winner

Former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa scored Swansea City's winner in yesterday's Football League Trophy against Carlisle just nine minutes from time after a valiant Carlisle had recovered from a superb early goal by leading scorer Lee Trundle. This gives Swansea their second piece of silverware of the week, after winning the Welsh Cup earlier in the week against Wrexham.

April 3, 2006

Falana on to yet another club

The phrase "much travelled" may be used to describe a number of players, but the phrase certainly applies to former Doncaster Rovers striker Wade Falana. Falana arrived at Belle Vue in October 1992 as a 21-year old, with Rovers already his fourth club. A short stay, during which he played just two games, was followed by moves to Scarborough, Chesterfield and Sheffield United - after that he returned to non-league football in the south-east, where he has played the most of the rest of his career. By our reckoning, Falana is now well into the mid-20's in terms of transfers, with his latest move seeing him return to Tonbridge Angels for a second time.
Falana left Bromley in mid-January following an incident in the dressing room after their game against Chelmsford.

April 2, 2006

Youth team 2 Mansfield Town 2

April 2, 2006

Campbell delays contract talks

Andy Campbell, who spent a month on loan from Cardiff City last season, will enter into talks with Jim Leishman, Dunfermline Athletic's manager, to extend his stay at East End Park beyond the end of the season - but only once athletic have preserved Athletic's Scottish Premier League status. The striker is under contract until the end of this season after leaving Cardiff City earlier this year.
The 26-year odl striker commented: "It has been good for me, coming here, I'm enjoying myself and I'd like to stay on at the club. We'll have to wait and see what happens because we've got a tough league campaign to sort out first. Obviously I might have to wait until we are mathematically safe, in terms of staying in the SPL, and then sit down with the manager to see what the situation is."

April 2, 2006

Horlock loan renewal

The local press in East Anglia has reported that Kevin Horlock's loan at Doncaster Rovers is due to expire next week - but Rovers are keen to extend that loan until the end of the season.
Rovers are currently in talks with Kevin's agent about a two-year deal that is on the table, with the club keen to retain his services after seeing an upturn in both fortune and performance of the side since he arrived on loan from Ipswich Town.
Rovers are also in talks with the representatives of Dave Mulligan and Sean McDaid about new contracts for next season, with Dave Penney saying that they hope for answers on all three by the end of the coming week.

April 1, 2006

Rovers 3 Rotherham 1

A superb start to the game saw Rovers take a two goal lead within the first ten minutes, thanks to Neil Roberts and Season Thornton, and although ex-Rover Jonathan Forte pulled a goal back in the 14th minute, the two goal cushion was restored in the 20th minute through Lewis Guy. Rotherham did look a poor side, although some reorganisation at half time, along with the wind in their backs, did mean that they played through a scrappy second half without any change to the scoreline. Amazingly, the result, and other results of the day saw Rovers edge closer to the play-off positions, with the gap closing to sixth place - even through Rovers remain in ninth place, as Nottingham Forest also won to stay above them.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken part - the result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

April 1, 2006

Rovers v Rotherham

We would like to remind all supporters that today's match, which kicks off at 12 noon, is all ticket. However, Rovers have announced that tickets will be on sale at the ticket office today, but you must bring some form of identification with your address on before a ticket will be issued. This measure is being taken to make sure that supporters of the two clubs are only admitted to the correct part of the ground. They have warned that any supporters found to be in the wrong part of the stadium will be ejected from Belle Vue.

April 1, 2006

Mark Hickling

We would like to remind everyone that a minute's silence will be observed before the start of this lunchtime's match, as a mark of repsect for Mark Hickling, who died after being taken ill at the Colchester United game.

April 1, 2006

Rovers team news

Doncaster Rovers look set to make just one change to the starting line-up for this afternoon's home game against Rotherham United, with Michael Timlin, on loan from Fulham, replacing Jason Price, who has had an operation on a hernia during the week. The change to the side will see Timlin take his place on the Rovers' left wing, with James Coppinger reverting to his more familiar right wing role.
Changes are possible on the bench, with a number of players who have not featured in recent matches in with a chance of a recall afer successfully coming through this week's reserve team game.
Definitely missing will be injury victims Andy Warrington, Barry Richardson, Richard Offiong, Nick Fenton, Paul Heffernan and Jason Price.

April 1, 2006

Rotherham team news

Rotherham manager Alan Knill looks set to name the side that played the majority of last Saturday's game against Bristol City for this afternoon's South Yorkshire derby at Belle Vue. With Paul McLaren remaining a major doubt after being replaced due to injury during the game, Paul Shaw looks likely to keep his place in the side. McLaren has a muscle injury near his hamstring, and will face a late fitness test.
Striker Martin Butler returns to the squad after a three match suspension, but an upturn in form in recent matches by Rotherham may see him have to settle for a place on the bench.
Striker Jonathan Forte, who will return to Sheffield United in two matches time when he reaches the end of his three month loan, is set to face Rovers, where he also spent a three month loan earlier in the season.
Rotherham have named their squad for today's match as: Montgomery, Cutler, Worrell, Gilchrist, Barker, Murdock, McLaren, Butler, Hoskins, Keane, Robertson, Mullin, Williamson, Hurst, Shaw, Quinn, Monkhouse, Forte

April 1, 2006

John Parr at Belle Vue

Singer John Parr is set to appear on the pitch before this afternoon's match against Rotherham to promote the release of a new recording of "St Elmo's Fire". The song has been re-recorded to help raise money for the local charity Help a Hallam Child. Parr, who hails from Fishlake, is due to make his first concert appearance in five years when he appears at the Dome on Thursday (6th April), and he will be handing out a number of vouchers which will allow fans to buy tickets for the concert at half price.

April 1, 2006

Rovers could edge closer

Rovers have a chance of closing the gap on sixth place to six points this afternoon should they win their game against Rotherham United. With Nottingham Forest (8th) due to face Chesterfield (11th), at Saltergate, if Forest do not win, Rovers could also climb into eighth place, which will equal their best position of the season (they reached 8th by the victory over Swansea City on 17th December).
Rovers have the chance of closing the gap as Oldham Athletic were held to a 1-1 draw against struggling Hartlepool United last night - and they needed a controversial penalty, scored by Luke Beckett, to get a point.