July 15, 2006

Rovers "Open Day" today

The annual Rovers Open Day is being held at Belle Vue today, with a variety of events and attractions scheduled. The event opens at 10 o'clock this mornign, and goes on until 3pm. The new version of the Rovers kit will be on sale today from the club shop.
Other events advertised include: Army climbing wall, bouncy castles, face painter, BBC Radio Sheffield bus, HallamFM roadshow, North Doncaster Supporters Club penalty shoot-out.
The Rovers squad wil be training and signing autographs at various times between 11am and 3pm.

July 15, 2006

Ricky mystery

The saga surrounding Ricky Ravenhill's transfer to Chester City took an interesting twist yesterday when he was included in the Rovers squad for last night's game at Worksop Town - but didn't actually kick a ball! Despite Chester announcing a week ago that Ravenhill had signed for them, he was included in the side to start the second half of yesterday's match - but Mickey Walker withdrew him before the second half started.
The chances of Andy Warrington joining Chester also seem to have diminished following yesterday's news that they are in talks with former Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard. Warrington had been reported in Chester's local press as being set to move to Chester, initially on loan, but the move looked to be at least delayed when Jan Budtz broke his finger during Rovers' week at the army camp last week.

July 15, 2006

Worksop 0 Rovers 2

July 15, 2006

Player of the season

As promised, we finally reach the day in which we reveal who has been voted as your "Player of the Season" for 2005/06. The accolade goes to Rovers defender Steve Roberts, who made a great impact after joining the club last summer, and looks set to form a great central defensive partnership with skipper Graeme Lee this season as Rovers strive to reach the promotion places. Steve gained 9.78% of all votes cast. A full list of the voting can be seen by clicking on Steve's picture to the left.
Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to vote in the "Man of the Match" last season. The first vote of the new season will open following the away game at Carlisle United on Saturday, 5th August.

1

July 14, 2006

Macca moves on

The inevitable finally happened yesterday, with the news that Rovers winger Michael McIndoe has left the club. McIndoe handed in a transfer request in March, which led to him joining Derby County on loan, as part of his desire to play in the Championship. A change of management at Pride Park meant that Derby did not follow up their interest. Whilst the outward signs were that McIndoe was willing to return to Rovers for this season, the transfer request was not withdrawn, and his absence from the squad for Monday's pre-season game at Retford United fuelled the speculation that he was about to leave. Perhaps the only surprise is that he joined Barnsley on a two-year deal.
Speaking in an interview to the BBC, Macca explained:"Certain relationships at Doncaster deteriorated because I wasn't playing and I think the fans will understand that's why I put in my transfer request. I think if I am being honest Mr Penney and I both agree that there was no love lost between us. But I had a fantastic relationship with director of football Mickey Walker, the rest of the players and especially the chairman John Ryan as well as the fans."
The transfer fee is undisclosed, but is understood to be in the region of £120,000. Whilst with the Rovers, Macca won two Scottish "B" caps, the latest of which was at the end of last season, and in 142 appearances for Rovers, scored 35 goals, many of them from the penalty spot.
Whilst we regret that he has felt it necessary to leave the club, we would like to thank him for his contribution and endeavour which have significantly contributed to the Rovers' rise to League One, and wish him well in his future career.

July 14, 2006

Worksop v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers are due to play their second pre-season game of the summer when they travel to Worksop Town this evening. Dave Penney is expected to implement the same policy as for the game at Retford, where most players will play just 45 minutes of the game, but Penney confirmed after Monday's match that striker Derek Asamoah, who played as a trialist, will play again today.
The Rovers boss said that he had been happy with the performance of the players at Retford, stressing that it was most important that they gradually build up match fitness as well as physical fitness.
The match kicks off at 7.30pm, with admission prices to the game being £10 for adults, and £5 for concessions.

July 14, 2006

Two ex-Rovers join Tamworth

Former Doncaster Rovers left winger John McGrath is to sign for Conference National side Tamworth after a spell at Conference South champions Weymouth last season. His previous clubs include Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers and Aston Villa.
Also joining Tamworth yesterday is former Doncaster Rovers striker Steve Burton, following his departure from Crawley Town.

July 14, 2006

Player of the season

Yesterday saw us reveal that Michael McIndoe had come in third place in our "Player of the Season" voting, on the day that he finally left the club. We will release confirmation of the winner tomorrow - perhaps you have already worked out who has won it! Today, we can reveal that Sean Thornton finished in second place, despite missing almost half of the games during the 2005/06 season. Sean gained 9.44% of all votes cast in the "Man of the Match" votes throughout the campaign - will he do better this season?

2

July 13, 2006

Dene goes to Albion

Dene Shields, who played for a month for Rovers on loan from Sunderland in the 2002/03 season, has moved on loan from Scottish First Division club Gretna to Second Division Stirling Albion.
The 23-year old striker has moved in a loan deal that will keep him at the Forthbank Stadium until December. He lost his place in Gretna's first team last season and was sent on loan to Stranraer for the latter part of the season.

July 13, 2006

Selby hope for visit

Selby's local press have reported that "hopes are high" that Doncaster Rovers will agree to a friendly fixture against Selby Town in the approach to the new season. How well founded those hopes are remains to be seen, but Selby Town officials are reported to be awaiting word from Rovers on the approach for the match. Selby Town have also asked Goole Town and York City for matches.
With the fixtures Rovers have already arranged so far this summer, it is unlikely that the first team squad would be sent to Selby , if the match, is agreed, but it could be possible that the youth team may be asked to play the match.

July 13, 2006

Player of the season

Despite missing the latter part of the season, Michael McIndoe still managed to come in third place in the "Player of the Season". McIndoe was the long-time leader of the voting, but only dropped down in the last few weeks of the season, when he was firstly injured, and then went ot Derby County on loan. Michael amassed 7.48% of all votes cast during the season.
So - who are the "top two"?

3

July 12, 2006

Retford 1 Rovers 7

Travelling Doncaster Rovers fans were treated to a goal spree last night as they saw seven goals scored by a lively Rovers side, who were playing their first pre-season game of the summer.
Dave Penney fielded virtually two different sides in each half of the game, with most of the senior squad except Jan Budtz, Paul Heffernan, Jason Price and Michael McIndoe taking part in the game. Heffernan and Price were left out as a precautionary measure, but are expected to be fit enough to play in some of the forthcoming games. Rovers also fielded one trialist, Derek Asamoah, in the starting eleven.
The scoring started after quarter of an hour, with Dyer heading home from a Nelthorpe cross in from the left. Rovers regained possessoin straight from the restart, with Dyer squaring the ball for Thornton to side-foot the ball home. Retford pulled a goal back in the 23rd minute - a header from a corner - but Rovers re-established their two goal lead two minutes later as Asamoah scored Rovers' third. Thornton scored his second goal of the match in the 41st minute to give Rovers a 4-1 half time lead.
Paul Green scored Rovers' fifth goal of the evening, with Asamoah scoring his second of the game in the 66th minute as he latched onto a rebound following Liam Green's free kick which was saved by the goalkeeper. The final goal of the game came in the 85th minute when Paul Green scored his second goal from a Liam Green cross.
Rovers starting line-up: Alan Blayney, James O'Connor, Adam Lockwood, Graeme Lee, Sean McDaid, James Coppinger, Sean Thornton, Antony Griffith, Craig Nelthorpe, Bruce Dyer, Derek Asamoah.
Second half: Andy Warrington, Matt Noble, Steve Roberts, Nick Fenton, Gareth Roberts, Adam Brown, Paul Green, Kevin Horlock, Liam Green, Lewis Guy, Derek Asamoah (James Coppinger 70 mins)

July 12, 2006

Carden to miss start of season

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Paul Carden looks likely to miss the beginning of the new season after being told he must have a double hernia operation. Carden, now at Peterborough, picked up the injury whilst doing some running three weeks before the squad reported back for pre-season training.

July 12, 2006

Wright for the Saints

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Jermaine Wright has completed a free transfer move from Leeds United to Southampton. Wright spent the last four months of last season on loan at Southampton, making 14 appearances for the club, and joins after being released from his contract by Leeds.

July 12, 2006

Player of the season

James Coppinger finished last season in fourth place in our "Player of the Season" after picking up 7.32% of all votes cast. James picked up more than half of his votes in the last eleven games of the season, when he switched over onto the left wing to replace Michael McIndoe, who had gone out on loan to Derby County.
Tomorrow we'll let you know who came third.

4

July 11, 2006

Retford v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers play their first pre-season game of the summer this evening when they travel to Retford United. Dave Penney has hinted that all players will get 45 minutes each, so the expectation is Rovers will field a totally different side in the first and second halves. The only player missing will be Jan Budtz, who broke a finger at the training camp last week.
Retford are expecting a big crowd this evening, with a likely attendance of over 1,000.
Admission prices for the game are: Adults £5.00, Concessionaries (U-16 and over-60's) £3.00.
Whilst tickets were on sale in advance, you will be able to pay on the gate this evening. The match kicks off at 7.30pm.

July 11, 2006

McCormack moves

Ross McCormack, who played for Doncaster Rovers on loan from Glasgow Rangers last season, has agreed a two-year contract with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell. The two clubs have agreed an undisclosed transfer fee for the 19-year old striker, and all that remains is for the transfer to be registered with the SPL. After McCormack returned to Rangers in the summer, he was told that he did not feature in manager Paul Le Guen's plans for this season, and would be free to find another club.
Motherwell manager, Maurice Malpass, said: "We have agreed an undisclosed fee with Rangers for the transfer of Ross McCormack. We have also agreed terms with the player and all that needs to happen is the registration with the SPL. Hopefully all that will be through before we travel to play Ross County and he can travel with the squad.He's a young lad with lots of ambition who we believe can prove he has a bright future with us. I saw a big difference in him since he went on loan to Doncaster. He came back much stronger and much more mature after playing regular first-team football there."

July 11, 2006

Supporters Club AGM

The Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club will hold their Annual General Meeting in the Rovers Return at Belle Vue on Wednesday, 26th July. All are welcome to attend; proceedings will start at 7.30pm.

July 11, 2006

Player of the season

In our continuing countdown to the "Player of the Season", today we reach the player in fifth place, which is Graeme Lee. Graeme who only arrived at the club in the January transfer window, and quickly was appointed as Rovers captain, so to achieve fifth place within that time suggests that he may well be challenging for top spot next season. Graeme received 5.57% of all votes cast during the season in the "Man of the Match" voting.
Tomorrow we'll let you know who came fourth.

5

July 10, 2006

Redfearn leaves Boro

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn, who took over as manager of Conference club Scarborough midway through last season, has left the club. Redfearn left the club after being told that the club were to bring in Mark Patterson as his assistant, leaving no place on the coaching staff for ex-Rovers youth team manager Eric Winstanley.
Redfearn was not prepared to accept that change, and both he and Winstanley left the club with immediate effect.
Redfearn, now 41 years old, joined the club in June 2004, and took over as player-manager at the end of October 2005. The club were relegated after a breach of Conference rules regarding their financial situation.

July 10, 2006

Belle Vue redevelopment plans

The residents of the Belle Vue area of Doncaster are to be asked for their opinions for the redevelopment of the Rovers' ground. The site, which overlooks Doncaster Racecourse, will be available for redevelopment in late December, once the Rovers and Lakers have moved to the new Community Stadium. Residents will be invited to design workshops and exhibitions, with consultants BDP and Vision 21 having been appointed by the Council to progress the proposals for the site.
Due to the high profile nature of the site, the views of the rest of Doncaster's residents will be sought in the near future.

July 10, 2006

Player of the season

Although it is a while since we last updated you on the voting for the "Player of the Season" for 2005/06, we now reach the players who have made the top ten in the voting. The voting was taken from the "Man of the Match" for every single first team match last season.
The players who are in positions 6 to 10 are as follows:
9 = Lewis Guy, Mark Albrighton (4.08% each)
8 - Dave Mulligan (4.40%)
7 - Paul Heffernan (4.72%)
6 - Kevin Horlock (4.98%)
The players comprising the top five will be announced daily for the rest of this week, with the "Player of the season" being revealed on Saturday.

July 9, 2006

Forte target for Scunny

Yesterday's "Scunthorpe Telegraph" has reported that Scunthorpe United have enquired about the availability of Sheffield United's Jonathan Forte, who has long been expected to join Doncaster Rovers on a long-term loan this month. Scunthorpe are looking for a left-winger following the departure of veteran Peter Beagrie, with Brian Laws confirming his interest.
"I won't deny I've enquired about Jonathan Forte, but I've also enquired about a lot of players," he said. "There are two players of a similar ilk that may also be available to us, but with Premiership clubs not returning to training until a later date they are not making any big decisions yet. They'll wait until pre-season games get underway before they start doing that and that's something we'll have to follow up."
It is unclear at this stage whether the proposed move for Forte is a loan or a full transfer.
However, with Scunthorpe away in Ibiza on a pre-season tour, any approach is unlikely to progress until next week.

July 9, 2006

Sarge pays the penalty

Mark Albrighton played his first match for Boston United yesteray, and had the misfortune to concede a penalty as they drew 1-1 against Ipswich Town. Former Rovers defender Tim Ryan also made his first appearance for the club, playing for the first half of the game; Albrighton played all but ten minutes of the match.

July 9, 2006

Adriano extends stay

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Adriano Rigoglioso has signed a new contract at Conference club Morecambe. He initially joined the club in March after being released by Rovers, and has done enough since then to convince manager Sammy McIlroy to offer him a new contract.
Rigoglioso is in his second spell at the club, having been at Christie Park prior to his transfer to Belle Vue.

July 9, 2006

New youth team sponsorship deal

Doncaster Rovers have announced that Beresfords Solicitors will be sponsoring the Rovers youth teams next season, which comprise the youth team and five junior teams. This marks the first football sponsorship for Beresfords, with the funding meaning that Rovers can compete with the other clubs in the area to sign promising youngsters.

July 8, 2006

Tris moves

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Tristram Whitman has signed for Alfreton Town after a three year stay at Conference National side Tamworth. Whitman arrives at the club as manager Gary Mills rebuilds his squad. Whitman began his career at Arnold Town before arriving at Rovers and since leaving Belle Vue, he has played for Tamworth, Dagenham & Redbridge, Scarborough, Leigh RMI and Crawley.

July 8, 2006

Ricky finally signs

Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill finally signed for Chester City last night after turning down a late move for his signture by Boston United. Discussions have been ongoing between Chester and Ravenhill for several days after Rovers and Chester agreed a five-figure transfer fee, but the move looked to be in doubt after the player's agent delayed the deal, with Boston then entering the fray.
Ravenhill will join City on a two-year deal, with former Rovers players Simon Marples and Kevin Sandwith also joining the club this summer.
Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan said: "We have finally completed the signing of Ricky Ravenhill. It came down to a straight choice between what we were offering and what Boston were offering and I'm pleased to say he chose us. He will sign a two year deal along with Glenn Cronin, who has completed the formalities on his move from Exeter City."

July 8, 2006

Penney pleased with week away

Boss Dave Penney has said that the week his squad has spent at an army camp in the Yorkshire Dales has been of great benefit, and that the hard work put in by the players will pay off. Many of the drills the players have been asked to do will also have improved their fitness and they have had to work together as a team, which should benefit Rovers when the season starts.

July 8, 2006

Coaches to Carlisle

The Rovers Supporters Club will be running coaches to the first match of the season at Carlisle (Saturday 5th August). Coaches will leave Retford at 7.45am, Harworth 7.55, Bawtry 8.00, Styrrup (Rossington) 8.05, Parrotts Corner 8.10, Doncastery Royal Infirmary 8.15 and Belle Vue 8.30am.
The fares will be: Members - £18.00, OAP's £17.00, Under-16's £16.00
Non-members £20.00.
You wil be able to join the Supporters Club this season on the bus and qualify for the members' discount.
To book a place on the coach, telephone Paul Mayfield on 077404 53066 or 01427 880154, or Len South on 01302 817347.

July 7, 2006

Budtz injured

Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Jan Budtz has broken his little finger. The injury happened early this week at the team's training camp at Denton Hall near Ilkley, but after going to hospital for treatment, he has remained with the squad and has taken part in the team buildign activities. Rovers will assess how long it will take Jan to recover from the injury when they return to Doncaster next week.
In the meantime, his injury suggests that Andy Warrington's reported loan move to Chester will now be either postponed or cancelled.

July 7, 2006

Buses to Retford

The Rovers Supporters Club are to run a bus to Retford next week for Roves' first pre-season friendly of the summer. The match kicks off at 7.30pm on Tuesday (11th July), with admission prices being £5 for adults and £3 for concessionaries.
The bus will leave Doncaster Royal Infirmary at 5.50pm, Belle Vue 6.00pm, Punches Hotel 6.05pm and Styrrup, Rossington at 6.15pm. The coach will cost £3 for adults and £2 for children.

July 7, 2006

Rufus at Northampton

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Rufus Brevett is having trials at Northampton Town with a view to joining the club. Brevett is without a club at the moment after finishing last season on loan at Leicester City.
Northampton manager John Gorman said: "Rufus Brevett is here on trial at the moment. He is without a club and we are taking a look at him. He is a very good player and he wants to join us but we will wait and see. Rufus wants to keep playing football and age is no barrier for me. We said we would have a look at him and we will see what he can do."
Rufus started his career at Rovers back in 1988, staying three years and making over a hundred league appearances before a big money move to Queens Park Rangers.

July 7, 2006

Shirt sponsors evening delayed

Rovers have announced that the presentation evening for last season's shirt sponsors has been delayed owing to Rovers having a game on the following day against Worksop Town. The event has been provisionally been rearranged for 26th July.

July 7, 2006

Rovers to play cricket

For the third year, a Doncaster Rovers side will take part in a charity cricket match. This year they will face Doncaster Town Cricket Club at their Town Moor ground. Admission to the event is by programme which will cost £2, or per car at £5. The event is raising money for Sincere Support, and there will be a barbeque, charity auction and an all day bar, as well as a number of other side shows.

July 6, 2006

More pre-season matches

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed another pre-season fixture, which means a total of nine have now been arranged. Rovers will travel to Gateshead on Tuesday, 1st August, with the match kicking off at 7.30pm.
They have also confirmed that the youth team will face Thorne Colliery at the Moorends Recreation Ground, Grange Road, Moorends, on Thursday, 13th July (kick-off 7pm). Admission for that match will be £3 for adults and 50 for children (15 & under).
The full first team fixture list to date is:
Tuesday 11 July - Retford United vs Doncaster Rovers - kick-off 7.30pm
Friday 14 July - Worksop Town vs Doncaster Rovers - kick-off 7.30pm
Monday 17 July - Grimsby Town vs Doncaster Rovers - kick-off 7.30pm
Wednesday 19 July - Doncaster Rovers vs Hull City - kick-off 7.30pm
Saturday 22 July - Doncaster Rovers vs Real Sociedad - kick-off 3.00pm
Tuesday 25 July - Notts County vs Doncaster Rovers - kick-off 7.30pm
Friday 28 July - Doncaster Rovers vs Middlesborough - kick-off 7.30pm
Saturday 29 July - Gainsbrough Trinity vs Doncaster Rovers - kick-off 3.00pm
Tuesday 1 August - Gateshead vs Doncaster Rovers - kick-off 7.30pm

July 6, 2006

Ticket prices for home pre-season games

Rovers have confirmed ticket prices for the three home pre-season games being played this month. Tickets for the seating areas will go on sale on Wednesday, 12th July to season ticket holders, and any remaining will go on general sale on Saturday, 15th July at 10am.
All terraced areas will be payable at the turnstiles.
Ticket prices will be:
19th July v Hull City - Adults £10, Concessions £3
22nd July v Real Sociedad - Adults £10, Concessions £1
28th July v Middlesbrough - Adults £10, Concessions £1

July 6, 2006

McGuire move confirmed

Dunfermline Athletic have confirmed that they have signed Doncaster Rovers defender Phil McGuire on a two year contract after being released by Rovers on Monday. McGuire yesterday joined his team mates in flying out to Holland for a two-game pre-season tour.

July 6, 2006

Vaughan getting tired of waiting for Ricky

Chester City chairman Stephen Vaughan yesterday issued Ricky Ravenhill's agent with an ultimatum with a decision as to whether Ravenhill will sign for Chester had still not been made. Chester's offer for the player was accepted by Rovers some time ago, but the player's agent seems to be stalling on completing the deal, with Boston United reported to be also interested.
Vaughan said: "This whole saga is becoming most annoying. Doncaster Rovers have been excellent in the way they've handled the matter, but the player's agent is not helping the situation. I have spoken to the agent and told him to give us a decision on our offer quickly, or the deal is off. I have also had a call from the Boston manager Steve Evans about the issue, but I just want a speedy resolution to this saga. If the player comes to us that would be excellent. If he doesn't we must look for another midfield player."
We understand that Boston have not yet tabled an offer for the player.

July 5, 2006

Boston set to hijack Ricky deal

Despite Rovers and Chester agreeing a transfer fee for Ricky Ravenhill a few days ago, it now seems that the move is in doubt. Ravenhill has been reported to be discussing personal terms since then, but Chester's chairman has now cast doubt on the move being completed, saying: “It’s taken four weeks to put a deal together for Ricky Ravenhill, but it now looks like Boston United may hijack the deal. We have agreed a transfer fee with Doncaster Rovers, but the player still hasn’t signed. I’ll be very disappointed if Ricky joins Boston who have already signed former Doncaster players Mark Albrighton and Tim Ryan. We’ll wait and see what Ricky wants to do, and I’ve left deals for Jamie Tolley and Andy Warrington up to Mark Wright.”

July 5, 2006

Oldham games changed

Oldham Athletic have announced that both of their fixtures against Doncaster Rovers have been altered. The match at Belle Vue, scheduled for Saturday, 7th October, will now be played on Friday, 6th October with a 7.45pm kick-off.
The return fixture at Oldham will be played on Sunday, 11th March with a 2pm kick-off (instead of Saturday, 10th March).
Oldham state that the changes have been made to "avoid certain international and rugby fixtures".

July 5, 2006

McCormack may be on his way

Glasgow's local press are reporting that young Rangers striker Ross McCormack has been told to find a new club, despite having a year left on his Rangers contract. The Evening Times have said that Rangers believe that it would be better for him to move on to find regular first team football at this stage in his career.
McCormack had a highly successful extended loan spell at Doncaster Rovers last season.

July 5, 2006

Neil's move confirmed

Wrexham have now confirmed that they have signed Doncaster Rovers striker Neil Roberts on a free transfer. The announcement, made yesterday afternoon, follows Rovers' brief statement saying that Roberts had left the club "by mutual consent" earlier in the day. The transfer looked to be set to be delayed as Wrexham are still in the process of coming out of administration, preventing them from paying any transfer fees, but Rovers' decision to release the player removed any remaining obstacles to the move.
Neil spoke to Seth Bennett on Radio Sheffield yesterday, and said that he had enjoyed all his time at Rovers, and paid tribute to the terrific support of the Rovers fans during his time at the club.
Rovers' Director of Football, Mickey Walker, explained that the club's new signings would limit Roberts' chances of first team football next season: "He hadn't had the best of seasons last year, and he'd seen the influx that was coming in. He's had a good chat with Dave, Dave was 50/50 with it, but Neil just felt that he wanted to move on and have a change. We wish him all the best."

July 4, 2006

Roberts is the next to leave

Doncaster Rovers have today confirmed that striker Neil Roberts has left the club "by mutual consent". As we reported earlier today, Roberts appears to have become surplus to requirements following the arrival of Bruce Dyer and the imminent arrival of the long-awaited Premiership striker on a season-long loan. Roberts is expected to join Wrexham in the next few days, but the move has been delayed by "red tape" owing to the Welsh club still not having completed their exit from administration.
Neil, the Rovers' club captain, leaves after a two year stay at Belle Vue, with one year remaining on his Rovers contract. We would like to wish him all the best for his future career, and thank him for his contribution to the continued improvement in Rovers' fortunes during his time at the club.

July 4, 2006

McGuire departure confirmed

July 4, 2006

Roberts set for Wrexham return

The BBC have reported that Rovers striker Neil Roberts is set to sign for Wrexham, one of his former clubs. Wrexham are adopting a policy of signing home-grown players, but the capture of Roberts, who was appointed as club captain at Rovers last season, would appear to be somewhat of a surprise.
Roberts is reported to be surplus to requirements following the signing of Bruce Dyer from Sheffield United in the summer, as well as the long-awaited mystery Premiership striker, the announcement for whose signing has been delayed until the middle of the month. Whilst the identity is long-believed to be Jonathan Forte, various clues alleged to have come from the club put some doubt on this.

July 4, 2006

Cramb signs for sixteenth club

The much-travelled former Doncaster Rovers striker Colin Cramb has signed for Stirling Albion, who become the sixteenth club of his career. The 32-year old played for Stenhousemuir last season, but missed the last five matches of last season after being told to stay away from the ground following an alleged incident during the game against Berwick.
Cramb remains the last Doncaster Rovers player to reach the 20 Football League goals in a season, although Paul Barnes beat that record in the season Rovers were promoted from the Conference.

July 3, 2006

Phil set for return to Scotland

Doncaster Rovers defender Phil McGuire is likely to make a return to the Scottish Premier League later this week. The Scottish newspaper "Daily Record" has reported that Phil is due to sign for Dunfermline on a two year deal after having a medical examination at the club tomorrow. The Dunfermline squad head out for a pre-season tour of Holland on Wednesday.
McGuire signed for Rovers last summer from SPL side Aberdeen, but missed much of the season owing to injury.

July 3, 2006

Peter on the mark

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Peter Hynes scored one of the two goals for Dundalk as they registered a 2-0 home victory over Kilkenny City in the Eircom First Division on Saturday.
Hynes made five appearances for Rovers as a substitute whilst on loan from Aston Villa in the 2003/04 season, leaving Villa for Dublin City in 2004, signing for Dundalk at the end of the 2005 Irish season.

July 3, 2006

Ross makes Rangers return

Ross McCormack made his first appearance for Glasgow Rangers on Saturday when he played the second half of an "unofficial" game against Hamilton Academicals. Ragners played two completely different sides in each half of the match, with a mixture of first team regulars being given a run out along with a number of the youngsters.
McCormack played a number of matches for Rovers whilst on loan from Rangers last season.

July 3, 2006

Community summer courses

Rovers in the Community are planning the largest number of courses for the forthcoming school summer holidays this year, with football training being held at Kirk Sandall Primary School, Armthorpe Tranmoor Primary School, Hall Cross Lower School (Bessacarr), Thorne West Road Primary Schol and Misterton Primary school.
If any children would like to attend any of the courses, why not contact Richard or Eric at Rovers in the Community on 01302 370250 - all courses will be only £2 per day, thanks to a sponsorship deal with the Grace Foundation.

July 2, 2006

Retford tickets on sale

Tickets for Doncaster Rovers' pre-season match at Retford United are now on sale from Retford. They will cost £5 for adults and £3 for concessionary (under 16's and over 60's) tickets.
Tickets can also be ordered by post - cheques should be made payable to Retford United FC, and sent to Retford United FC, Cannon Park, Leverton Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6QF. Please also enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
The match, the first of Rovers' pre-season games, will see Rovers sending a full-strength squad, and wil be played on Tuesday, 11th July, kicking off at 7.30pm.

July 2, 2006

Rovers scrap plane trip

Doncaster Rovers have been forced to cancel ideas of chartering an aeroplane to the first match of the season at Carlisle. They were offering thirty places for supporters for the trip, but have been told that they will not be allowed to land at Carlisle due to safety reasons, as some construction work is being carried out at Carlisle airport.
With the pleasing response to the offer, Rovers are hoping to arrange similar trips to away games later in the season.

July 2, 2006

Ricky misses camp trip

Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill will not be travelling with the rest of the Rovers squad today as they assemble at an army camp for a week's training and team bonding. Rovers manager Dave Penney confirmed yesterday that Rovers have accepted a five-figure transfer fee with Chester City, and Ravenhill is talking to the club with his agent so they can agree personal terms.
Penney commented on the situation by saying: "He is not coming with us to our training camp. Ricky has been fantastic for us but he's realised that he is not going to get many games. With him looking for some kind of security it was decided that we would put him on the transfer list."
Goalkeeper Alan Blayney will join the Rovers squad at the army camp today after missing last week's pre-season training due to international commitments during the close season.

July 2, 2006

Rovers search for shirt sponsors

Most of the shirts for the first team squad are still available for sponsorship for the 2006/07 season. The cost to sponsor shirts will be £250 + VAT (total £293.75) - if anyone would like to sponsor a player, they should contact Ray Thomas on 01302 379327.
The presentation dinner for the kit sponsors for last season is provisionally arranged for 13th July, but all sponsors should receive confirmation and an invitation in the next few days.

July 1, 2006

Rovers back in training

The Doncaster Rovers squad have finished their first week of pre-season training, and are due to go to to an army camp tomorrow for a week's training, which will also act as a team bonding exercise. With five new faces in the squad this week, Dave Penney is keen to avoid the poor start to the season that occurred last season, which ultimately cost the club a place in the play-offs.
"I haven't gone for Army type training camps during pre-season before. But we didn't start last season well - not through any lack of fitness - probably because we had quite a few new faces and didn't gel together straight away. Next week's camp will serve a number of purposes and I think it's worth trying. For a start it will be in the middle of nowhere. It will be rigid and disciplined and the training will be tough. But it will not all be about the physical aspect. There will be team bonding and some classroom based tactical sessions, and we want the players to have a laugh and enjoy themselves as well."
All of the squad, including the long-term injured players from last season, are fit and have taken a full part in training this week.

July 1, 2006

Pay-back time for Beardsley

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Chris Beardsley is determined to prove that Mansfield Town's decision to offer him a new one-year deal is well founded, with manager Peter Shirtliff prepared to give him the chance to prove that he can still make the grade at League Two level. Beardsley missed most of last season with an oblique fracture of his left leg, and said "The gaffer sat me down a couple of times during the season and was pretty positive about things. He said that while he was still at the club that I was the type of player he wanted to have around and that's nice to hear."
"It was a relief to get the offer, and I'm aware that I have something to prove. What I have to do now is to concentrate on proving what I can do."

July 1, 2006

Open Day

Doncaster Rovers will hold their annual "Open Day" on Saturday, 15th July, between 10am and 3pm. A full range of activities and entertainment will be arranged, and the Rovers squad are due to train on the pitch during the day. There will be no admission charge to the event, with the Rovers Return and club shop open throughout.