Rovers boss Dave Penney refused to panic after seeing his side go down 1-0 to Hartlepool United on Saturday. Penney commented that his side need just one good win to set them on a good winning run. he said:"We just need a goal. One in three is not good enough. We've had enough chances in the first three games, but it's not dropping in the right places at the right times. We dominated the first half and it was an awful time to concede but that's the way it's happening for us at the minute. We didn't make the keeper work hard enough. The quality of our play isn't bad, it's just the end product. The problem is you need wins on the board as quickly as possible. If we were playing badly I'd be worried but we're not."

The Doncaster Rovers official web site yesterday confirmed the rumours surrounding Serbian international midfielder Uros Predic, and stated that the club hopes to sign him today. Predic appeared in a couple of the pre-season games, with his experience potentially being very important to the Rovers midfield.

Whilst we didn't spot any former Rovers players scoring goals in the Football League over the weekend, there were a number in non-league soccer.
However, we start off in the Scottish Third Division, where Colin Cramb returned from injury to score twice in Stenhousemuir's 3-1 win over Elgin City, putting his new side second in the table.
In the Nationwide Conference, Guy Ipoua scored Hereford's third goal with a close range header as they trounced Scarborough 4-0 - he also hit the woodwork twice. Dino Maamria scored Stevenage's third goal from the penalty spot as Stevenage defeated Altrincham 4-0.
In the Conference North, Brian Quailey opened the scoring for Nuneaton, but they were later pegged back to a 2-2 draw at Droylsden. Neil Grayson scored Stafford Rangers' second goal as they defeated Dean Barrick's Hucknall Town 2-0. Former Rover Robert Pell is also included on the list, although not for the right reasosn. He scored an own goal whilst playing for Gainsborough Trinity against Moor Green. The match ended 2-2.

Another good first half display by Doncaster Rovers should have seen them go in to the break two or three goals up - but as it turned out, Hartlepool hit Rovers with a sucker counter-punch on the stroke of half time. With Warrington doing well to save from Butler, but he could only parry the ball, which rebounded out to Daly, who cracked the ball into the net from a narrow, although the ball hit the near post before diverting into the net.
The visitors always looked dangerous on the break, although the Rovers defence held their lines fairly comfortably, but sadly Rovers could not land any really telling shots on target, despite some good build-up play. In many ways, Rovers did nothing wrong - they just could score, although the huge Greek in the Hartlepool goal did mean that any shots on target were comfortably dealt with.

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative held their fifth Annual General Meeting in the Viking Supporters' Bar at Belle Vue yesterday morning, with guests John Ryan, Dave Morris, Ray Thomas and Steve Uttley there to answer questions at the fans' forum.
Andy Liney and Ken Fear were unanimously re-elected to their posts, but Ian Dobb tendered his resignation as a director, with Peter Chattley and Mel Rothwell being elected as directors.
John Ryan then made a keynote speech, expressing his disappointment that 1,004 season ticket holders from last season had not renewed their tickets this season. Season tickets stood at 3,062 so far, compared with 3,700 last term. He appealed for the public of Doncaster to support the team in their efforts to reach the Championship. If anyone reading this has not renewed their season ticket - or knows someone who has not renewed, we would like to know why, so that the club can address any issues that may arise.
More details will appear on the Viking Supporters' Co-operative's web site in due course.

The Rovers' Supporters Club are running coaches to next Saturday's away game at Swansea City.
Coaches will leave Retford at 7.45am, Bawtry 8.05, Hare & Tortoise 8.10, Punches 8.15, Infirmary 8.15, Belle Vue 8.30, Carcroft club 7.00, Woodlands Cooplands 7.30, Bentley Pavillion 7.15, and Don Valley Jossey Lane 7.20am
Fares will be: Members: £20.00, OAP's: £15.00, U16's: £15.00
Non-members: £22.00, U16's: £20.00
Please contact the following for more information or to book places on the coaches:
Len South (01302 817347), Paul Mayfield (01427 880154) or Warren Hanson (01302 337303 or 07787 926809).
The Supporters Club urge anyone wanting to travel to Swansea to book their places as soon as possible.
Please note that this will be an all-ticket match. Tickets are due to go on sale at the Rovers ticket office on Monday morning.

Rovers will be looking for their first victory of the season this afternoon when they face Hartlepool United, who finished in the play-off positions last season. With Rovers facing two successive away matches after this game, Dave Penney will be keen to get more points on the table now.
Rovers look likely to make one change to the side that faced MK Dons on Tuesday night. Paul Green looks likely to miss this afternon's game, with Ricky Ravenhill and David Mulligan the most likely to deputise.
Phil McGuire trained yesterday after picking up a knock in Tuesday's game, as did Sean Thornton.
Barry Richardson will continue to be substitute goalkeeper, with Jan Budtz only making a slow recovery from injury.
Continuing to be absent due to injury are Jermaine McSporran, Adriano Rigoglioso, Tonny Nielsen and Simon Marples.

Hartlepool United look set to name the same side that played against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, although last season's top scorer Adam Boyd is hoping to get his starting place back after being relegated to the bench in midweek.
POOLS (probable squad): Konstantopoulos, Clark, D Williams, Nelson, Humphreys, E Williams, Bullock, Sweeney, Butler, Proctor, Boyd, Daly, Craddock, Robson, Provett, Brackstone, Llewellyn, Strachan.
Tinkler, Barron and Porter will not travel due to injury, but Neil Collins has arrived in from Sunderland and may be included in today's squad.

The Doncaster Free Press and Rovers' Club Call reports this week that Doncaster Rovers are still trying to sign Serbian midfielder Uros Predic on a long term loan. Predic featured in some of Rovers' pre-season games, but we understand then picked up an injury, which has hindered negotiations.

American news sources have highlighted the plight of seven-year old Brad Poteray who was stranded in Los Angeles Airport on Thursday - a victim of the industrial (in)action at British Airways. Even though BA have now resumed flights, the delays mean that Brad is unlikely to make it back to the UK in time for the game.

Good luck Brad - we hope you make it back in time!

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative will hold their Annual General Meeting at the Rovers return at 11am on Saturday morning. by popular request, most of the meeting, after some brief official business, will be given over to a fans' forum. Attending the meeting to answer questions will be VSC Honorary President John Ryan, with Chief Executive Dave Morris and other key Rovers' staff.
The VSC site reports: "You, the fans, represent a huge body of knowledge and ideas, so we hope you will take the opportunity to not only raise areas of concern, but also bring forward your own constructive suggestions on a wide range of issues that might benefit the administration, communication, and commercial aspects of the Rovers. As usual, fans will also be able to raise any matters related to the running of the Co-operative."

There were a number of slight injuries picked up by Rovers players in Tuesday night's draw against Milton Keynes Dons. The main concern surrounds Paul Green, who has been suffering with an ankle problem since the pre-season games, when he picked up some ligament damage. He has been receiving treatment for the injury, and he remains a doubt for tomorrow's home game against Hartlepool United.
Phil McGuire has also been receiving treatment after being the vicitm of a two-footed challenge on Tuesday, but Rovers are hopeful that he will be fit for the weekend.
Sean Thornton has also been receiving treatment for a knock on his ankle, but is expected to play at the weekend. Definitely missing will be injury-jinxed Simon Marples. After missing much of last season, he has now pulled a calf muscle and is out of contention for the Hartlepool game. Jan Budtz continues to make slow progress as he recovers from injury, but will also not feature tomorrow.

Northwich Victoria have released former Doncaster Rovers midfielder (and play-off final hero) Francis Tierney on the eve of the new Conference season. Tierney had signed for the Vics as he hoped to make a return to playing after suffering with a knee injury for the past couple of years.

Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton registered a clear victory in your "Man of the Match" voting for his performance in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against Milton Keynes. He came well ahead of his nearest rival, Paul Heffernan, and with nine Rovers players receiving nominations, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Sean Thornton (51.28%)
2 Paul Heffernan (12.82%)
3 Tim Ryan (10.25%)
4 James Coppinger (8.97%)
Thank you very much to everyone who took part in the voting. The next vote will open after Saturday's home game against Hartlepool United.

There were just two goals scored by former Rovers players in last night's games, with Andy Crosby equalising for Scunthorpe United from the penalty spot - United went on to defeat Barnsley 2-1.
In League Two, JJ Melligan put Cheltenham ahead in the 18th minute in their game at Macclesfield Town, but later goasl meant the game ended 2-2, the home side scoring twice in the last seven minutes.

Glen Kirkwood, the former Doncaster Rovers striker, has signed for Worksop Town after impressing in his debut match against Doncaster Rovers ten days ago. Kirkwood was released by Burton Albion at the end of last season, and joined Nationwide North club Hinckley United - but has subsequently agreed terms with Worksop.
Kirkwood has, since leaving Rovers, become a versatile player, able to play in the middle of defence, in midfield or up front - something that has not gone unnoticed by Worksop boss Ronnie Glavin.

Doncaster Rovers' youth team went down to a narrow defeat in their final pre-season game on Monday evening, with Rovers putting out a team of mainly trialists, whereas Askern put out their older Central Midlands League team.
The Rovers goals were scored by Bannister, Matthews and Brittain, with the youngsters making a good comeback after going 4-1 down at one stage.

Doncaster Rovers were held to a draw by Milton Keynes this evening after dominating large periods of the game. Whilst MK Dons adopted a physical approach, getting away with many of their robust challenges, Rovers' style of play promised great things for the rest of the season - but they still went in at the break without the deadlock being broken.
Paul Heffernan scored his first League goal for the club in the 66th minute, but when Rovers had been pressing forward to extend their lead, a mix-up between Steve Roberts and Andy Warrington led to events that enabled Izale McLeod to equalise with a good strike from the edge of the box. Unfortunately after that, Rovers lost their shape somewhat, and although they pressed forward in search of the winning goal, there didn't seem to be as much organisation about their play.

Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington was your "man of the match" for his performance against Bristol City on Saturday, winning well over two thirds of all votes cast. Paul Green and Dave Mulligan came in as distant runners up, with a total of eight Rovers players receiving nominations. The leading results were cast as follows:
1 Andy Warrington (70.49%)
2 Paul Green (9.84%)
3 Dave Mulligan (8.20%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to register their vote. The next voting will start later this evening following the home game against Milton Keynes Dons

This evening sees the first home game of the season, when Milton Keynes Dons are the visitors to Belle Vue for a League One fixture (kick-off 7.45pm).
Rovers reported no new injury concerns following Saturday's draw at Bristol City, although it is expected that James Coppinger will return in midfield as Rovers look to adopt a more attacking formation. Ricky Ravenhill will be available after completing a suspension, with Paul Green and Nick Fenton shaking off knocks sustained at the weekend.
MK Dons also appear to have a full squad to select from, with striker Izale McLeod continuing his good run of form in pre-season games by scoring on Saturday in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth - although the Dons did throw away a two goal lead in the last fifteen minutes of the game.
Midfielder Wade Small is expected to be fit after receiving treatment yesterday. Apart from McLeod, the Dons could be short on firepower, with striker Clive Platt missing the next three games due to suspension, and Nicky Rizzo sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The away game against Swansea City on Saturday, 20th August, will be all-ticket, with no tickets being available on the day of the match. There will be 1,500 seats available for the Rovers fans, with prices being as follows:
Adults: £13.00
Senior Citizens: £10.00
Concessions: £7.00
There are no student concessions for this game.
Wheelchair users should contact Jackie Rockey at Swansea on 01792 616600 to book places, with a £10 charge admitting both wheelchair user and their carer.

Rovers boss Dave Penney was happy leaving Ashton Gate with a point on Saturday, after they nullified the threat of Bristol City's new-look strike force. He said: "People looked at Michael Bridges and Marcus Stewart in their side and expected it to be a walkover, either three or four-nil. But we defended well and created a few good chances of our own.
With Dave Mulligan hitting the crossbar in the second half, Rovers could have won the game, but Andy Warrington kept Rovers in the game with some good late saves.

The AGM of the Viking Supporters' Co-operative will be held on Saturday morning (13th August) at 11am in the Rovers Return at Belle Vue. After what is promised to be a short time spent on official business, most of the meeting will be open to a fans forum, with fans able to ask questions to John Ryan, Dave Morris and some other Rovers staff. The "questions and answer" session has been arranged after requests from supporters, and is aimed at discussing ways that adminsitration, communication and commercial aspects of the Rovers may be improved.
Whilst only members are able to vote at the meeting, the meeting is open to all Rovers fans.
VSC members are reminded that their £10 annual membership fee fell due for renewal on 1st August. You can either join or renew your membership at Saturday's meeting, or at any other time by contacting any VSC committee members (Andy Liney and Ken Fear are in the Viking Supporters' Bar before home matches).

Doncaster Council have passed revised plans for the £32 million Community Stadium at a meeting at the Mansion House last Tuesday. The plans were approved unanimously, and construction is due to begin as soon as a deal is signed with the contractors.
Due to the original plans coming in over budget, the stadium will be slightly different to the one shown in early drawings, with a lowered roof and external stairways. However, the capacity of the ground will remain at 15,000, with a possible extension for up to 20,000.
The stadium complex will, as well as the main stadium, have an athletics track, eight 5-a-side pitches, two 7-a-side pitches, training pitches, parking for around 1,000 cars. The stadium itself will hold a martial arts academy, gymnasium, supporters' bar and restaurant, and a sports merchandise shop.

Doncaster Rovers more than held their own on Saturday afternoon when they matched promotion favourites Bristol City in the opening match of the season. Rovers gave three players - McGuire, Thornton and Heffernan - their full League debuts, with Steve Roberts appearing as a substitute late in the second half. Rovers could have snatched a goal when Dave Mulligan's lob hit the crossbar, but Andy Warrington did well to save a shot by City's Cole Skuse.
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.

Jason Blunt, the former Doncaster Rovers midfielder, has left Halifax Town, despite just landing a short-term contract at the Shay. He began his career with Leeds United, but after making only five appearances for them in the Premiership, moved on to Blackpool, Scarborough, Yeovil, Doncaster, Tamworth and Halifax Town.

We begin a rather brief review of former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend at Swansea City, where Adebayo Akinfenwa began to pay back some of his potentially £105,000 transfer fee by scoring the only goal of the game after half an hour of Swansea's home game against Tranmere Rovers.
Elsewhere, Robert Gill kept up his fine recent form when, after cracking in four goals against Rovers last weekend, he scored Hucknall Town's first goal from the penalty spot in their final pre-season game of the summer against Staveley Miners Welfare - the final score ended up 2-0.

The Rovers' youth team play their final pre-season game of the summer tomorrow night when they play Askern Welfare away, with the match beginning at 7pm.

Rovers have been forced to call goalkeeping coach Barry Richardson back into action for the first League One fixture of the sason after news emerged that both Jan Budtz and Tonny Nielsen will miss the game due to injury. Budtz has a groin injury, and Nielsen had a cartilidge operation yesterday.
However, Penney does not have any other injury worries, but midfeilder Ricky Ravenhill is suspended today. Striker Paul Heffernan is set to face his former Bristol City team mates this afternoon as he makes his Rovers debut, with midfielder Sean Thornton also due to make his first League appearance is a Rovers shirt. We also expect Phil McGuire to debut in defence, but apart from that, Penney has given little away in his thoughts for team selection. The only hint seems to be that experienced campaigner Leo Fortune-West is very likely to be involved today.

Bristol City have a full-strength squad to select from, with several new signings, including Michael Bridges and Marcus Stewart, in contention for their League One debuts for the club. Like his Doncaster counterpart, City boss Brian Tinnion is keeping very quiet about his line-up for this afternoon's game after a successul pre-season campaign. His City squad trained on the Ashton Gate pitch yesterday, as they have played all their pre-season games away this summer, as the Ashton Gate stadium has been used for a number of concerts.

The Football Association and the Football League, in association with the police have reviewed security arrangements at football matches, which will mean that there is likely to be increased security noticeable on the way into grounds this season. We would urge all fans, both for home and away games, to bear this in mind, as it may take longer to get into grounds than usual.
The FA have asked you to bear in mind the following:
* Increased security may mean it takes longer than normal to enter the ground. Please try to arrive a few minutes earlier than normal.
* Where possible, please avoid taking bags into the stadium as increased searches will be in place. If you are asked to be searched, please co-operate and help the stewards to process your entry to the ground as quickly as possible.
* Keep all items and belongings with you at all times, even when leaving your seat at half-time.
* Please remain vigilant at all times. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to a police officer or steward.

York City have signed former Doncaster Rovers defender Jamie Price after a successful trial period during their pre-season campaign. Price was released from Belle Vue at the end of last season after missing much of the campaign with injury, and played on loan at Halifax Town and Burton Albion.

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Paul Barnes has announced his retirement from the game this week, despite only having joined Alfreton Town three weeks ago. Barnes, 37, has been struggling with a knee injury, but his work commitments have meant that he could not commit to the training at Alfreton. Alfreton boss, Gary Mills, said: “I am thankful to Paul for his honesty with us. He could have gone on picking up his money each week sitting on the bench but his decision allows us to move on and we will be doing just that.”
Barnes is to have his contract with the Reds terminated but is understood to want to keep in touch with the club and may possibly become involved on the coaching side in the future.

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Chris Swailes has been named as the new club captain at Oldham Athletic, although Andy Liddell will do the honours for the first couple of months of the season, as Swailes will be absent due to injury. Swailes was one of many players to rejoin boss Ronnie Moore at Boundary Park during the summer.

Rovers chairman John Ryan is scheduled to appear on Trax FM this evening, when he will be talking to Nick Hancock about his hopes for the new season. John will be choosing his favourite music and answering questions about the Rovers. You can email your questions to Trax FM at studio@traxfm.co.uk. The programme is on air between 7pm and 8pm.

Doncaster Rovers signed on another of their trialists yesterday afternoon when news emerged that Australian midfielder Adam Hughes has signed for the club on a six month contract. Hughes has featured in the last two pre-season games for Rovers, and formerly played for Wollongong Wolves and Newcastle United in the Australian League.

Doncaster Rovers' midfielder Paul Green was one of the special guests of honour at Castleford FC's awards night held earlier in the week. Awards were made to several players, wtih Castleford having a total of 240 playing staff from all age ranges upwards from the under-11's side.

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Jon Maloney is heading for the United Stats to take up a four-eyar scholarship at Alabama University. It is an all-expenses paid, four year scholarship, and Jon will combine playing football with studying for a PE degree - he is set to play at centre forward for the University football team, despite playing in defence for the Rovers first team last season.
Ged Maloney, Jon's father said: "While it was Jon's top wish to continue his football career at City, after various unsuccessful overtures to the City management team it has become apparent that they don't see any role for Jon within their plans. We have written to both Billy McEwan and Jason McGill and I would be lying if I said we weren't both bitterly disappointed that no suitable opportunity existed for Jon at York City following his three-month loan spell. But football is all about opinions and the downside of not being at York is balanced by the opportunity for Jon over in the States. I'd like to thank the fans, players and directors of York City, on behalf of both myself and Jon, for all the fantastic support they gave him and wish everyone at City a successful season in 2005/2006."

Doncaster Rovers have signed Southwell City's 20-year old striker on a one year contract after he impressed Rovers' management during trials in the close season. He becomes the third trialist to sign a full deal with this club, with Sean McDaid and Richard Offiong having signed similar deals last week. Saunders has been given squad number 25, and scored in pre-season games against Fulham and Grimsby.

Rovers included new signing Ben Saunders in their side for this behind closed doors friendly fixture yesterday afternoon, which was played at Middlesbrough's Hurworth Place training ground. The Rovers goal was scored by Lewis Guy, with Dave Penney commenting: "It was a good workout for the lads against good opposition and gave us chance to try out tactics and formations."

Former Rovers striker Guy Ipoua, who signed for Hereford United last week, celebrated his new contract by opening the scoring their first goal with a diving header, with the Bulls going on to win their match against Notts County 2-1.

Rovers' youth team continued their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw at Rossington yesterday. Luke Bythway scored the Rovers goal from the penalty spot just before half time, after Adam Brown had been tripped as he forged his way into the penalty area.

Jamie Price, who was released by Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season, has been playing for Conference side York City during the pre-season games. He impressed City boss Billy McEwan during Saturday's 4-1 victory over Sheffield FC, and played the whole 90 minutes of last night's 2-1 home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.

The award-winning Rovers fanzine, "Popular STAND" is looking for contributions for their first issue of the 2005/06 season. If anyone has any articles, cartoons, pictures etc., please send them to fanzine@inboxnews.co.uk as soon as possible.

Gary Williams looks to be another former Doncaster Rovers player to join the ranks at Nationwide Conference club Altrincham. Williams is currently on trials at the club and, along with another former Rover, Rod Thornley, he scored for Alty in last week's 2-0 win over Lancaster City.
Also at Altrincham is Steve Hawes, who rejoined the club during the summer.

Tickets for the opening League One match at Bristol City are available in advance direct from Bristol City at a cheaper rate than the "on the day" prices.
Adult tickets are £17 if bought in advance, or £20 on the day. Even though there is a £1 postage fee, and a £1 per ticket administration fee, you will still save if you buy in advance.
For further details, check http://www.bcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HomeTickets/0,,10327,00.html
Concessionary tickets are £10 each.

It may be the final weekend of pre-season games for the Football League clubs, but the season has already started in Scotland, with the first round of the Bells Cup. Former Doncaster Rovers striker Colin Cramb scored Stenhousemuir's third goal as they won 4-0 at fellow Scottish Third Division club East Fife.
Back in England, ex-Rovers striker Paul Barnes scored Alfreton Town's goal as their much-changed side went down to a 2-1 defeat at Glapwell.
Finally, Richie Barker, who played on loan for Rovers from Sheffield Wednesday during the 1995/96 season, scored Mansfield's equaliser in a 3-3 draw against another of his former clubs, Rotherham United.

Rovers chairman John Ryan is scheduled to appear on Trax FM on Friday evening, when he will be talking to Nick Hancock about his hopes for the new season. John will be choosing his favourite music and answering questions about the Rovers. You can email your questions to Trax FM at studio@traxfm.co.uk. The programme is on air between 7pm and 8pm.

Doncaster Rovers are to introduce a new on-line ticketing system, with tickets bought on line being posted out free of charge if they are bought at least three days in advance of match day. The new system is set to go live tomorrow.
Tickets can also be bought on the ticket hotline (0845 4506250) or at the ticket office at Belle Vue between 10am and 4pm on weekdays.