January 15, 2006

Weaver makes League return?

Former Rovers defender Simon Weaver has a chance to make a return to a Football League club after leaving Lincoln City to join Conference side Scarborough in the summer. Weaver has been training with League Two strugglers Bury, and played for their reserve side against Carlisle United last Wednesday. Seadogs boss Neil Redfearn commented: "Simon had been doing well, but with Denny Ingram coming in we decided to give him a chance elsewhere. He is training with Bury this week and we'll have to see what happens after that."

January 15, 2006

Saunders returns

Bury's web site has reported that Rovers striker Ben Saunders has returned to Doncaster despite being only half way through his one month loan at the club. Saunders played half of a League Two game, a reserve team game and a Lancashire Cup semi-final against Oldham Athletic, scoring one of the two goals in their 4-2 defeat.

January 15, 2006

Newell to meet FA chiefs

Former Rovers striker Mike Newell is due to meet FA chiefs this week after going public with allegations of "bungs" in the last few days. Newell, now the Luton Town manager, claims he has evidence of illegal payments being made in relation to transfers, but says: "There is no way I can fight alone, but if people are intending on hanging me out to dry, then I will fight - no doubt. It's not a personal crusade, I vented frustration and I stand by it."
Newell said his comments had had a mixed reception from other figures in the game.
"There's not an awful lot I can do, there will be other people in the game who I'll need help from, and there are people who have a duty to help. I've had a lot of support over the last 24 hours, and I appreciate it. I've had support from some quarters which I didn't expect to get it from."

January 14, 2006

Rovers 1 Chesterfield 1

Rovers put in a much improved display this afternoon against a Chesterfield who hadn't lost in the previous ten matches (although an amazing eight of those ten games have been draws). They took the lead in the first half with a superb turn by Paul Heffernan which gave him the time to unleash an unstoppable shot past the Chesterfield goalkeeper. Despite being, on the whole, in control of the match, Chesterfield equalised just after an hour of the game, when a long ball in from the right reached Wayne Allison on the far post, and with Nick Fenton missing the flight of the ball, Allison headed home from close range. Despite pushing forward in search of the winner, Rovers could not break through, and the match finished all square. Whilst a victory would have been deserved, at least Rovers ended the five match losing sequence - next stop Scunthorpe next weekend!
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has voted - we'll let you know the result on Tuesday morning.

January 14, 2006

Rovers team news

Injury-hit Doncaster Rovers will be missing several players for this afternoon's home game against Chesterfield.
Goalkeepers Andy Warrington, Barry Richardson and Jan Budtz remain absent, so new keeper Alan Blayney will make his home debut, and Tonny Neilsen will be on the bench.
In defence, a worrying reoccurrence of an ankle injury rules out Simon Marples, with Tim Ryan, Phil McGuire and Steve Roberts continuing to be absent due to injury. The departure of Steve Foster means that new £50,000 signing Graeme Lee will make his Rovers debut this afternoon, likely to be alongside Sean McDaid, Nick Fenton and Mark Albrighton.
In midfield, Jermaine McSporran continues to make good progress from his long-term injury, but will need a few reserve team games before being considered for a first team place. Ricky Ravenhill begins the first of a two match suspension, so the midfield is likely to comprise Michael McIndoe, Sean Thornton, Paul Green and either James Coppinger or Dave Mulligan.
Up front, Neil Roberts will be out for about six weeks with a broken toe, and Lewis Guy looks set to miss out today with a badly bruised foot - although Rovers have confirmed that no bones are broken, as was at first feared after last weekend's game at Port Vale. That probably means that Paul Heffernan will be partnered by Leo Fortune-West.
That potentially leaves the substitutes bench a bit thin this afternoon, with likely candidates being Dave Mulligan and Richard Offiong, alongside keeper Tonny Nielsen. From our calculations, Dave Penney then has the possibility of naming youth team players, such as Craig Nelthorpe, Adam Brown and Anthony Griffith, as well as Ben Saunders, who returned from a loan spell at League Two Bury during the week, after playing just two games for the club.

January 14, 2006

Chesterfield team news

Chesterfield manager Roy McFarland has a couple of injury concerns to check on before he names his side for this afternoon's game at Belle Vue. Mark Allott (calf strain) and Steve Blatherwick (calf strain) are serious concerns, and will have fitness tests before the game. Better news for the Spireites as Sammy Clingan looks set to play the last game of his loan spell, even though his club, Wolves, and Nottingham Forest have agreed a fee for his transfer to the City Ground. Chesterfield have signed Jamie O'Hara on a three month loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and he is likely to feature in the squad this afternoon.
Striker Wayne Allison is likely to play today, despite some soreness in his knee, as Chesterfield look to extend their ten match unbeaten run - eight of which have been draws.

January 14, 2006

Neil named captain

Dave Penney has appointed striker Neil Roberts as club captain following the departure of skipper Steve Foster from the club. Penney commented of the appointment: "Neil is a good presence both on and off the field, so he will be a good link between the players and management."
Rovers will name a team captain at a later stage.

January 14, 2006

McIndoe looks for victory

Rovers winger Michael McIndoe is hoping that Rovers' sequence of defeats will come to an end this afternoon as Rovers entertain Chesterfield in a League One match. In an interview with the Doncaster Star, he pointed out that the last time Rovers lost four matches in a row, it was ended by comprehensively beating high-flying Scunthorpe United in September, which in turn started Rovers on the way to a five match unbeaten run
He said: "We've got to stop the rot and that is why tomorrow's match is such a massive game for us. We've been making a lot of individual mistakes and it has been proving costly. I can't remember one good goal which has been scored against us after the ball has been passed around since the Arsenal game. Now that we are out of all the cup competitions we can concentrate all our efforts on trying to climb the league. We finished tenth last season and I would be very, very disappointed if we didn't at least finish higher this season. If we didn't, that would mean that it would be the first season since I've been here that we hadn't progressed as a club."

January 14, 2006

Brabin signs for Lancaster

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder has signed for Nationwide North club Lancaster City, teaming up with former Rover Gary Finley, who is assistant manager at the club. The duo meet up again, having previously worked together at UniBond Premier League side Witton Albion last season, when Brabin was assistant to Finley.

January 13, 2006

Lee to sign this morning

Despite reports on local radio yesterday that the deal was in doubt, we can reveal that Sheffield Wednesday will sign for Doncaster Rovers this morning, subject to a medical examination. Personal terms were agreed with the player yesterday evening, and he is expected to go straight into the startign line-up for tomorrow's home game against Chesterfield.
Rovers chairman John Ryan said of the signing: "I am pleased to sign an experienced, commanding centre-back, who we are sure will make his debut on Saturday against Chesterfield."
A £50,000 transfer fee has already been agreed between the two clubs, with Lee not featuring in Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock's plans.

January 13, 2006

Captain Foster leaves

Doncaster Rovers announced yesterday evening that central defender Steve Foster has left the club by mutual consent. No further explanation has been given by the club.
Foster has been club skipper for the last three years since arriving from Bristol Rovers, and has led the side to two successive promotions. We would like, on behalf of all Rovers fans, to thank him for all his efforts and achivements whilst at Doncaster Rovers, and wish him well for his future career.

January 13, 2006

Rigoglioso returns

Rovers midfielder Adriano Rigoglioso has returned to the club after being on a week's trial at Chester City. The 26-year old went to the Deva Stadium with the hope of featuring at first team level after not featuring for Rovers this season.
However, despite Chester manager Keith Curle expressing an interest in the player, and was in talks with Rovers over a possible deal, Rovers boss Dave Penney has confirmed that the deal has "been scuppered".
Penney is quoted as saying: "Adriano has returned to training with us and will be in contention for a place in my squad."

January 13, 2006

Rovers for Hamshaw?

The "Rotherham Advertiser" has reported that Doncater Rovers are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Stockport County midfielder Matt Hamshaw. The Advertiser reports that Rotherham are keen to sign the Rawmarsh-born player, who is in the last six months of his contract at Stockport, and is now able to talk to other clubs. He has been offered a new contract by Stockport, and is also reported to have attracted interest from Huddersfield Town.

January 13, 2006

Futcher moves to Blundell Park

Former Doncaster Rovers central defender Ben Futcher has signed for Grimsby Town on a free transfer from League Two rivals Boston United. Futcher, who is now 24, played a small number of matches for Rovers in their final Conference season, and has now signed a three year deal at Blundell Park.
Futcher only joined Boston from Lincoln City last summer, but has since started just 18 games for the Pilgrims.

January 11, 2006

Lee signs for Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have agreed a £50,000 fee with Sheffield Wednesday for central defender Graeme Lee. The player is currently discussing personal terms with Dave Penney, with Rovers hoping that he will be signed in time to play against Chesterfield on Saturday.
Lee joined Sheffield Wednesday from Hartlepool United in June 2003, after playing over 200 games for the Monkey Hangers, and has played over 60 first team games for the Owls since then. He has, however, lost his place in the Sheffield Wednesday side in recent weeks. He will prove an opportune signing with the recent news that Steve Roberts, who has been in great form since joining Rovers from Wrexham, will miss at least a couple of months with ruptured shoulder ligaments.

January 11, 2006

Yates appointed by Harriers

Kidderminster Harriers have appointed their former club captain, Mark Yates, as their new manager, following the departure of Stuart Watkiss late last year. Yates, who began his football career at Birmingham City, played 33 games for Rovers in the 1993/94 season, and will also be registered at Kidderminster as a player, but has said that he will only be included as emergency cover. Chairman Barry Norgrove mentioned that Yates' "hunger for the club" was one of the things that swayed the board in their decision.

January 11, 2006

Macca praised

Rovers winger Michael McIndoe has been praised by Sky commentator Chris Kamara after winning the League One "Player of the Month" for December. Kamara, on the panel of the judges for the award, said: "McIndoe's performances this season have been fantastic and he's fast becoming one of the most talked about midfielders outside the top flight. His manager must be delighted with his form and he is sure to play a big role in Doncaster's push for a play-off place."

January 11, 2006

Thornton agent speaks

In an interview given to Sky Sports' web site, Sean Thornton's agent, Lee Payne, has confirmed that no offers have been received from any other clubs, despite rumours to suggest that Aston Villa are about to make a bid for him.
"There are no offers for Sean and we are not talking with any club. Sean is happy at Doncaster and enjoying his football, but we all know that he is capable of playing at a higher level. Sean's form in recent weeks will no doubt have attracted the attention of a number of clubs and it is now interesting to hear about the interest in him. However, as we said Sean is happy and will concentrate on Doncaster until he is told otherwise."

January 11, 2006

Clark on the move

Former Doncaster Rovers left winger Ian Clark has moved from Scarborough to Nationwide North club Harrogate Town on loan, initially until February 4th, following Boro boss Neil Redfearn's decision to allow the player to move. Clark, who was ever-present up to Christmas in the Seadogs' side, is being allowed to leave the club so Redfearn can rebuild the side to assist with the climb away from the threat of relegation.

January 10, 2006

New date for Brentford match

The home game against Brentford, postponed from 28th December owing to the freezing conditions, has now been rearranged and will take place on Tuesday, 28th February with a 7.45pm kick-off.

January 10, 2006

Voting results

Striker Paul Heffernan registered his first victory of the season in the "Man of the Match" voting for the game against Port Vale on Friday, winning just under half of all votes cast. There was a much more even spread of voting between the remaining seven players who received votes, with the leading votes being cast as follows:
1 Paul Heffernan (45.16%)
2 Alan Blayney (19.36%)
3 Ricky Ravenhill (9.68%)
3 Mark Albrighton (9.68%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next vote will open following Saturday's home game against Chesterfield.

January 10, 2006

Coin trail news

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative's "Coin Trail" collection at the Port Vale match raised an excellent £118.54, and thanks go to all who contributed. The Coin Trail is raising money towards the cost of running the youth team, and the new total now stands at £43,290.45.

January 10, 2006

Penney's concerns

After surrendering a goal lead on Friday evening, Dave Penney has commented that he is concerned at the way games are being lost at the moment. He said: "I thought we were comfortable in the first half. Heffernan gave us a platform to build on and we were looking okay. But a mistake at the back changed the course of the game. We will keep working and we will get it right but I'm not happy with the way we are losing games at the moment. We are lying down every time we concede a goal."

January 10, 2006

Four in Carling team

Four Doncaster Rovers players have been named in the Carling Cup "Team of the Round" by sponsors Carling: goalkeeper Jan Budtz, centre back Steve Roberts, and midfielders Michael McIndoe and Sean Thornton. The full "team of the round, as listed on www.carlingcuptv.premiumtv.co.uk, is:
Jan Budtz (Doncaster), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn), Steve Roberts (Doncaster), Arjan de Zeeuw (Wigan), Emanuel Aboue (Arsenal), Park Ji-Sung (Man United), Jiri Jarosik (Birmingham), Sean Thornton (Doncaster), Michael McIndoe (Doncaster), Louis Saha (Man United), Jason Roberts (Wigan).
McIndoe was included in the "team of the round" for four successive rounds of this year's competition.

January 9, 2006

Chesterfield match details

Saturday's home game against Chesterfield is pay on the gate, although as usual, tickets for the main stand seating are on sale in advance.
Admission prices for the game will be:
Seating: Adults £18.00, Concessions £12.00
Terracing: Adults £15.00, Concessions £8.00

January 9, 2006

Forte goes to Rotherham

Jonathan Forte, who completed a three month loan at Rovers at Christmas, has gone to Rotherham United on a one month loan after being back at Bramall Lane for a couple of weeks. The 19-year old striker scored four goals in thirteen appearances for Rovers, and is set to make his Millers debut tomorrow night against Port Vale.

January 9, 2006

McIndoe award

Rovers winger Michael McIndoe has been voted as the Powerade League One "Player of the Month" for December, in which Rovers put in a good pre-Christmas run of results. McIndoe said: "Last month showed we can match the best, so we now have to get back to that level and bring back the confidence to our league performance"

January 7, 2006

Port Vale 2 Rovers 1

Injury hit Doncaster Rovers went out of the FA Cup last night as Port Vale came from behind to win the game, thanks to their on-loan Sam Togwell, who scored both of their goals.
Rovers edged the first half, with Paul Heffernan superbly heading home a Dave Mulligan cross from 12 yards, and whilst they had other chances, a one goal difference was perhaps representative of the game.
Port Vale came out revitalised after their half time team talk, and Rovers were unable to respond sufficiently. The home attack was putting the Rovers defence under constant pressure and the equaliser finally came in the 55th minute, when Constantine's flick-on was put home by Togwell from close range. Substitutions by Rovers failed to halt the flow of the game, and Togwell cracked a superb shot in from the edge of the area which left Blayney stranded, giving Vale a 2-1 yead in the 73rd minute. Rovers piled on the pressure to get the equaliser in the last five minutes, but it was in vain.
The "Man of the Match" voting is now closed. Thank you to everyone who voted; the result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

January 8, 2006

Colchester game postponed

Rovers' home game against Colchester United, due to be played on Saturday, 28th January, will be postponed due to Colchester's involvement in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

January 8, 2006

Around the goals

Our check of former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend begins in the FA Cup third round, where JJ Melligan scored from the penalty spot for Cheltenham as they drew 2-2 at home to Chester City.
In the Conference North, Neil Grayson scored Stafford Rangers' first goal as they won 2-0 at Hucknall Town, and Scott Willis scored both goals as Leigh RMI defeated Redditch 2-1.
In the UniBond Premier Division, Andy Hayward gave Ossett Town a 37th minute lead - but his side then slumped to 4-1 down against Blyth Spartans. A superb rally in the last eight minutes of the game saw Ossett grab a 4-4 draw, the last goal coming deep in stoppage time.
In Scotland, Dene Shields scored for Division Two leaders Gretna as they won 3-0 at home to Ayr United.

January 8, 2006

Jon's reign over

Ex-Rover Jon Schofield, who took control of Lincoln City's first team last weekend after boss Keith Alexander and his assistant Gary Simpson were placed on "leave", will be resuming his youth team duties this week following the news that Alexander has been reinstated as manager. Lincoln have confirmed, however, that Simpson will be leaving the club as part of "a mutual agreement".

January 8, 2006

Youth game re-arranged

Doncaster Rovers' youth team game Youth Team Fixture against Bradford City, originally due to beplayed on 3rd December, will now be played on Tuesday, 31st January at Cantley Park. The match will kick-off at 1pm.

January 7, 2006

New season ticket scheme

Doncaster Rovers are teaming up with Danum Credit Union to offer Rovers’ fans a low cost loan scheme to obtain their season ticket for next term. Fans will be able to join the Credit Union and then obtain season tickets from any time after these go on sale, with payment spread over the following twelve months, and interest payments substantially lower than any other available credit. This means that they will no longer have to find the full price of a season ticket “up front”, and yet the total cost will only be a few pounds more than the cash purchase price, still representing a substantial saving on pay-on-the-day prices. This opens the way for all Rovers’ fans to have the full benefits of being season.ticket holders, something that will be especially important to guarantee their regular seat in the new Lakeside stadium.
Further details can be found on www.vikingsc.co.uk

January 7, 2006

Shop thieves identified

The police have identified the people who took part in the robbery on the Rovers shop in Priory Walk over the New Year, thanks to the CCTV system in place. They are now reported to be questioning the suspects about the raid.

January 7, 2006

McGrath to Weymouth

After a confusing set of events over the last week or so, which saw former Rovers midfielder John McGrath linked with moves to Scarborough and Exeter City, in addition to reports that he had actually signed fro Forest Green Rovers, it now turns out that he has signed for Nationwide South club Weymouth, now managed by former Dagenham & Redbridge boss Garry Hill.
Hill, clearly pleased by the signing, said: "I'm chuffed to bits we've signed John, especially as he had offers from three higher division clubs. He can play either out wide or in central midfield, and he'll be a great addition to our squad. John’s someone I've been tracking for quite sometime, back to last summer, so to finally get the deal done is great news. We've been lacking some creativity in midfield recently and John will give us an extra option as far as that is concerned. He turned down Scarborough, Exeter and Forest Green to join us so that makes this deal a little sweeter. Right up until the last minute it seemed John was going to sign for either Scarborough or Forest Green but we slipped in under the radar and got him."

January 6, 2006

Rovers team news

Rovers travel to Vale Park for their Third Round FA Cup tie this evening badly hit by injuries - but then again, their opponents also are reporting a lengthy injury list! Rovers will be missing the influential Steve Roberts (ruptured tendons), along with his brother Neil (broken toe), along with goalkeeper Jan Budtz, who has a broken bone in his hand.
The injury to Budtz means that new signing Alan Blayney is set to make his Rovers debut tonight, with Tonny Nielsen continuing on the bench.
However, Rovers will be boosted by the return of striker Paul Heffernan, who has completed his one-match suspension.
Also missing tonight will be longer-term absentees Tim Ryan, Andy Warrington, Barry Richardson and Jermaine McSporran.
Rovers are hoping to be the first team to make it through to the Fourth Round this year, with this being the only tie played this evening - most of the others are either Saturday or Sunday. They are also hoping to make it through to the Fourth Round for the first time since 1985 - but with their exploits in the Carling Cup, they will be confident of making cup progress, despite a dip in league form since the defeat against Arsenal.
The match is being broadcast live on Radio Sheffield.

January 6, 2006

Port Vale team news

Port Vale will be without at least six players for this evening's FA Cup tie. Strikers Nathan Lowndes (suspended) and Lee Matthews (hamstring) will definitely miss the game, as will Chris Birchall (hamstring), and longer-term absentees Robin Hulbert, Michael Walsh and Hector Sam, but the Potteries club are expected to welcome back Danny Sonner to the side after recovering from a knock.

January 6, 2006

Injury update

Goalkeeper Jan Budtz is likely to be out of action for around two months after breaking a bone in his hand. The breaking of bones seems to be a frustratingly frequent occurrence this season - no sooner was Budtz's injury confirmed, than news came through that striker Neil Roberts has broken a toe in training, and will also miss the next two months of the season. Neil's brother Steve will be having a scan on his ruptured tendons in the next few days so the club specialist can decide on how to treat the injury.

January 6, 2006

Three leave Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have released Uros Predic and Adam Hughes at the end of their short term contracts. Predic has not appeared in the first team for some time, but Hughes featured in Rovers' 1-0 home defeat against Yeovil Town on Monday.
Defender Sam Oji has returned to Birmingham City at the end of his one month loan.

January 5, 2006

Rovers sign Saints keeper

Doncaster Rovers have signed Southampton goalkeeper Alan Blayney on a two and a half year contract, and he is set to make his Rovers debut on Friday when Rovers travel to Port Vale for their FA Cup Third Round fixture.
Rovers have been blighted by injuries to goalkeepers this season, with Andy Warrington and Barry Richardson out with broken legs, and Jan Budtz with an unconfirmed hand injury.
Blayney has been on loan at Brighton for much of this season, and has been highly thought of by the Gulls fans. Rovers made initial enquiries for the Belfast-born player in the summer, and when they expressed an interest again, Blayney has jumped at the chance of regular first team football. The transfer fee is understood to be £50,000.

January 5, 2006

McGrath signs for Rovers

Former Aston Villa and Doncaster Rovers midfielder John McGrath has signed for Conference side Forest Green Rovers. The 25-year old was expected to sign for Neil Redfearn's Scarborough, who appeared to have pipped Exeter City to his signature, but developments yesterday saw him sign for the Gloucestershire club. Redfearn confirmed: "We could not match the wages offered by Forest Green."

January 5, 2006

Clark to Whitby

Ex-Rovers left winger Ian Clark, currently at Scarborough, had joined Whitby Town on loan. Clark, who joined Scarborough in the summer, has been a regular in the side to date, but has moved on loan as ex-Rover Neil Redfearn seeks to renew his Boro squad.

January 5, 2006

Rigo on trial at Chester

Rovers midfielder Adriano Rigoglioso is reported to be having a one week trial at League Two club Chester City, as one of a number of players being checked out by boss Keith Curle. Rigoglioso returned from a month's loan at Southport just before Christmas.

January 5, 2006

Sarge wins the vote

Mark Albrighton was the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" voting for Monday's game against Yeovil Town, coming well ahead of second-placed Sean Thornton in the voting. The leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Mark Albrighton (44.64%)
2 Sean Thornton (17.86%)
3 Ricky Ravenhill (10.71%)
4 Nick Fenton (8.93%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next poll will open following Friday evening's away game in the FA Cup at Port Vale.

January 4, 2006

Penney: you have to accept criticism

Boss Dave Penney has accepted that his players have to accept the criticism from fans following a third successive league defeat on Monday, saying: "You are happy to take the plaudits when you're winning so you have to accept the criticism when it comes as well."
Of the Rovers' performance on Monday, he commented: "There is no question that we were not at our best individually or as a team. We needed a spark to get us going but it didn't come and now we need to show some character to dig ourselves out of the spell we are going through."

January 4, 2006

Saunders off to Bury

Rovers striker Ben Saunders, who was recalled from a successful loan period at Worksop Town on 30th December, has joined League Two side Bury on a month's loan. Ben joined Rovers from Central Midlands League club Southwell City, but has yet to make a first team appearance.

January 4, 2006

Scunthorpe match all ticket

Rovers' away game against Scunthorpe United on Saturday, 21st January is all ticket for both home and away fans. Tickets will go on sale next week at a rate of one per person - this applies to both season ticket holders and those tickets on general sale. Tickets will go on sale as follows:
Season ticket holders: Monday 9th January
General sale: Thursday 12th January
Away Rover holders will have their tickets reserved until 14th January.
Tickets will be on sale until 3pm on 20th January, when they will be returned to Scunthorpe.
Rovers fans will be housed in the Caparo Stand, which is behind one of the goals, with the admission prices being:
Adults £17.00
Concession (Under-16s and Over-65's): £10.00
If Rovers sell out the allocation for this stand, they will receive some tickets for the Telegraph Stand, which will be £1 more expensive.

January 4, 2006

Rovers shop burglary

Rovers' new shop on Priory Walk suffered a burglary over the New Year period, with the club reporting that a "substantial" number of home shirts and tracksuits were stolen. Whilst Rovers and the police are confident of the culprits being caught, as CCTV footages is available to identify them, they are appealing for information should any fans be aware of anyone selling cheap shirts or tracksuits.

January 2, 2006

Rovers 0 Yeovil 1

Doncaster Rovers produced one of their most disappointing performances since they returned to the Football League this afternoon, and it took until the introduction of three second half substitutes - Offiong, Neil Roberts and Sean Thornton - before they landed any shots on the Yeovil goal. Dave Penney again made some changes to the side, apparently as they were disappointed with the commitment shown by some players at Rotherham on Saturday, with Adam Hughes being introduced in midfield, Mark Albrighton coming in for the injured Steve Roberts, and Leo Fortune-West for the suspended Paul Heffernan. The only goal of the game came after just eleven minutes after Steve Foster and Mark Albrighton were both caught marking the same player, leaving Phil Jevons unmarked to crack home a shot from eight yards out. Amazingly, Rovers are still only six points outside the play-off places, so as long as they solve their current obvious lack of confidence problem, there is still a chance that they can make up sufficient ground on the top seven.
The "Man of the Match" voting is now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken part. The result will be confirmed on Thursday morning.

January 3, 2006

Vote results for Rotherham match

Seven players received nominations for the "Man of the Match" for the away game at Rotherham on Saturday, with the votes being fairly evenly spread amongst the leading four contenders. Skipper Steve Foster was the winner by a fairly narrow margin, ahead of fellow defender Stephen Roberts. The leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Steve Foster (25.92%)
2 Steve Roberts (22.22%)
3 Sean Thornton (18.51%
4 Simon Marples (14.81%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The vote for the "Man of the Match" for Monday's game against Yeovil will be open until 5pm on Wednesday.

January 3, 2006

Schofield in charge

Former Rovers skipper and midfielder Jon Schofield has been put in charge of first team affairs at League Two club Lincoln City following the news that manager Keith Alexander and his assistant Gary Simpson have been "put on leave" by the club. A further statement by the Lincoln board is expected later in the week.
Imps' youth team coach Schofield was told of the situation only four hours before yesterday's match - his side responded with a battling goalless draw against Mansfield Town.

January 3, 2006

No transfer activity yet

To allay the fans fears that some of Rovers' leading players may be about to depart from Belle Vue, we understand that, as at yesterday, Rovers have not received any offers for any players.
In a post-match interview, boss Dave Penney said that he would be looking to add some experienced players to his squad during the January transfer window, suggesting that a lack of experience in the team contributed to the defeats in recent days.

January 3, 2006

Former players find the target

Our round-up of goals scored by former Rovers players in yesterday's matches is fairly brief. We start in Scotland's Division Two, where Dene Shields scored Gretna's first goal as they won 3-0 at home against Ayr.
Meanwhile, in the Conference, Rod Thornley scored Altrincham's second goal as they won 3-0 at home against Kidderminster, and in the Conference North, mark Sale scored Northwich's last minute winner at home to Droylsden. The match ended 2-1.

January 2, 2006

Rovers team news

Doncaster Rovers will welcome back Nick Fenton and Sean McDaid for this afternoon's home game against Yeovil Town (kick-off 3pm). Both were suspended for the match at Rotherham. Simon Marples looks set to retain his place in the side, but Dave Mulligan may drop down too the bench, as he evidently was not 100% fit for the Rotherham game. Steve Roberts begins what could be a lengthy absence after being carried off in the second half of the Rotherham match. He will see a doctor this morning, but Rovers are hoping that surgery will not be needed.
We presume that Paul Heffernan will be suspended for today's game after being sent off after receiving a second yellow card at Millmoor. Apart from that, we expect that the side will be unchanged, although intriguingly Ben Saunders was recalled from his loan at Worksop Town on 30th December - will we see him on the substitutes bench today?

January 2, 2006

Yeovil team news

Colin Miles will miss today's game after being admitted to Yeovil Hospital after Saturday's game against Bristol City following a head injury suffered during the match. He has since been discharged from hospital, but is currently also doubtful for Yeovil's match on Saturday. Yeovil's on-loan defender Liam Fontaine looks as though he will miss the game as he returns to Craven Cottage, so skipper Terry Skiverton will continue to play in defence.
David Poole is doutbful for today's match, but has travelled with the squad and will have a fitness test this morning. Apart from that, it looks as though Yeovil's side will be broadly that which played against Bristol City on Saturday.

January 2, 2006

Goals time

A quick look around the results from Saturday's matches sees former Rovers defender Kevin McIntyre score the only goal of the game as Macclesfield won at home to Chester City in League Two. In the Conference, Dino Maamria scored Stevenage Borough's first goal as they came back from two goals down to draw at Grays Athletic. Also in the Conference, Warren Peyton scored Altrincham's equaliser at Tamworth in a 1-1 draw. Finally, the evergreen Neil Grayson scored Stafford Rangers' first goal as they won 2-0 at home against Northwich Victoria in the Conference North.

January 2, 2006

Today's admission prices

January 2, 2006

Lawrie in New Year's Honours List

Former Doncaster Rovers manager Lawrie McMenemy has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List, for "services to sport and charity".
He is also the "honorary manager" of the Parliamentary Football Club, and more importantly, was the Rovers' manager when the club won the Division Four Championship in 1968/69!
We would like to extend our congratulations to Lawrie on the award.

January 1, 2006

Happy New Year

May we wish all Rovers fans throughout the world a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. With the prospect of a new stadium before next Christmas, and (despite recent results) with the realistic chance of promotion to the Championship to accompany the move to a new ground, it certainly should be a great year to be a Rovers fan!

January 1, 2006

Rovers recall Saunders

Doncaster Rovers have recalled striker Ben Saunders from his loan spell at Worksop Town. Saunders has been a great success at Worksop, and Worksop have moved quickly to replace him by singing Grimsby Town's Tony Crane.
Saunders was recalled on 30th December "with immediate effect", and did not play in Worksop's match against Moor Green that evening.

January 1, 2006

Roberts injury fears

In a post-match interview yesterday afternoon, Dave Penney said that Rovers fear that defender Steve Roberts, who has been in fine form recently, has broken his collar bone in a second half tussle with Rotherham defender Will Hoskins. The injury is expected to keep Roberts out of action for two months.
Penney was plainly very upset with the referee's decision which led to striker Paul Heffernan being sent off - after seeing the video replay of the incident, Penney confirmed their view that it was a penalty. Unfortunately Rovers cannot appeal against yellow cards (Heffernan was sent off for receiving a second yellow card; the first was for dissent in the first half), so Heffernan will be suspended for one match.

January 1, 2006

Dragons' manager dies

Doncaster sports fans were in mourning today following the sad news that emerged yesterday that the Doncaster Dragons' manager, St John Ellis, collapsed and died of a heart attack yesterday. Ellis had just finished taking a pre-season training session when he collapsed, and despite first aid treatement being administered straight away, he was pronounced dead after being rushed to hospital.
Dragons chairman John Wright, paid tribute to the former Castleford and Great Britain winger, saying: "It's a great shock to us all. His heart stopped and he never recovered. We had the physio there and other trained people who tried to give him mouth to mouth straight away, but it was no good. You wouldn't believe it. There wasn't a fitter coach in the game. He was a fitness fanatic who never asked any of his players to do something he couldn't do himself."
Assistant coach Tony Miller has been placed in temporary charge of the Dragons.

January 1, 2006

Player of the Season - the top five

After revealing the players up to sixth place in our "Player of the Season" voting, which has been compiled from the voting of all the "Man of the Match" votes up to, and including, the Nottingham Forest game, we finally arrive at the top five.
The voting sees Michael McIndoe holding a narrow lead from defender Steve Roberts, who has been catching up since missing a number of matches earlier in the season. However, that progress will be halted following Roberts' injury at Millmoor yesterday.
Midfielder Sean Thornton is the other player currently in with a chance of challenging McIndoe's lead, being just over 2.5% behind.
The top five players are therefore:
1 Michael McIndoe (12.571%)
2 Steve Roberts (12.146%)
3 Sean Thornton (10.161%)
4 Paul Heffernan (6.0019%)
5 Dave Mulligan (5.59546%)