 |
 |
 |
|
|
May
15, 2006
|
Douglas
and Miller outstanding in Rovers win
|
 |
In last night's charity game at Belle Vue, a Rovers XI beat Sheffield United on penalties after the game had finished 3-3. Rovers goals were scored by Barry Miller, Paul Bradley and Paul Barnes. Other former Rovers players included Tony Woodcock, Jim Dobbin, Billy Russell, and Colin Douglas, who turned back the years to give a vintage performance at centre back. |
|
May
15, 2006
|
Horlock
signs up
|
 |
The first of the summer signings was announced today with Kevin Horlock joining on a two contract from Ipswich Town. 33 year old Horlock was with Rovers on loan earlier in the season and had been rumoured to be going to play in New Zealand. Dave Penney identified Horlock as a man he wanted and John Ryan has performed the necessary duties to get him to join Rovers. |
|
May
15, 2006
|
McIndoe
to stay at Rovers?
|
 |
Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney has interestingly suggested that winger Michael McIndoe could remain at the club for next season, despite spending the latter part of the 2005/06 season on loan at Derby. Whilst McIndoe made the move in an effort to put himself in the shop window for a transfer out of Belle Vue, he remains under contract at Rovers for next season, and the Rovers boss commented: "We have had no offer for him as yet and unless we receive one in the summer, he will be back with us for pre-season training on June 26." Penney told Radio Sheffield that he was intending to speak with McIndoe when he returns from his holiday later this week. |
|
May
14, 2006
|
Rovers
charity match today
|
 |
Rovers fans have
the chance to see many former Rovers stars in action this afternoon
when a Doncaster Rovers XI face a Sheffield United XI in a charity match
at Belle Vue. Former players Glynn Snodin, Lee Turnbull, Tony Woodcock,
Paul Barnes, Barry Miller, Jamie Paterson, John Buckley, Neil Redfearn
and Billy Russell are amongst those due to make a Belle Vue Return,
with former Rovers striker Brian Deane due to line up for Sheffield
United. |
|
May
14, 2006
|
Mulligan
talks ongoing
|
 |
Dave Penney told Radio Sheffield's Football Heaven programme on Friday night that talks with the agent of utility player David Mulligan we ongoing. He said that he knew nothing of the interest of Scunthorpe United. Mulligan was at the Cup Final at Cardiff yesterday and was introduced to the crowd at half time as a result of winning the player of the round award for his performance at Boston in round two. |
|
May
14, 2006
|
Prepare
yourself for signings - One a day
|
|
|
At the meeting of the Retford supporters club on Friday, John Ryan said that he intends announcing a new signing each day this week, from Monday to Friday. He admitted that the first three had already signed and that he had meetings on Saturday and Sunday in an effort to tie up the other two.Indications are that players from higher leagues are being sought and that Rovers intend running a squad size of about 25 for next season. |
|
May
13, 2006
|
Ryan:
Rovers shake-up needed to get promotion
|
|
|
In an interview
in the Yorkshire Post, Rovers chairman John Ryan has confirmed that
Rovers are "clearing the decks" to enable them to bring in
better players as they strive for promotion to the Championship next
season. He said: "We are very disappointed that we have not won
promotion to the Championship this season because, in my eyes, we were
the best team in League One. It is sad to be letting some of these players
go, because they have been good servants in many cases, but we have
to clear the decks. Make no mistake, we intend to challenge for promotion
next season and that means bringing in five or six real quality players." |
|
May
13, 2006
|
Bees
appeal against Nelson red card
|
 |
Brentford expect to have former Rovers goalkeeper Stuart Nelson in their side for tomorrow's League One play-off second leg against Swansea City despite receiving a red card in the first leg. Brentford boss Martin Allen has lodged an appeal against the red card, claiming that Nelson was not the last man when he brought down Swansea striker Leon Knight, and should only have received a yellow card. Allen is confident that the red card will be overturned - but as the appeals committee cannot meet until Monday, Nelson will be available to play the previous day. |
|
May
13, 2006
|
Posh
ponder Tim's future
|
 |
League Two club Peterborough United are still to make a decision on the future of former Doncaster Rovers defender Tim Ryan following the expiration of his short-term contract with the club. Ryan joined Peterborough following the termination of his Rovers contract by mutual consent, and joined Peterborough in February on a short term deal until the end of the season, and has gone on record to say that he would like to extend his stay at the club. |
|
May
13, 2006
|
Oldest
Rovers supporter?
|
.jpg){kind=small} |
Further to an appeal
in the match day programme towards the end of the season, Rovers are
looking for the oldest Rovers supporter as part of the preparations
for the "End of an Era" celebrations. The project is tied
in with a request from John Tunnicliffe, a photography student at Manchester
Metropolitan University, who is undertaking a project about the unique
bond between supporters and theri football clubs for the final year
of his degree course. |
| May
12, 2006 |
Play-offs
review |
| |
Former Rovers goalkeeper
Stuart Nelson, now playing for Brentford, was sent off in last night's League
One play-off semi-final first leg against Swansea City for a professsional
foul. Brentford almost held on to their one goal advantage though - Swansea
only equalised in the 87th minute to send them into the second leg all-square. |
| May
12, 2006 |
Season
ticket information |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
Doncaster Rovers have announced the prices for season tickets which will apply after June 1st. At the moment, existing season ticket holders can buy season tickets for next season, but from June 1st, prices will rise slightly. The new details are:
|
| May
12, 2006 |
Supporters
Club awards |
 |
The Supporters Club
have announced the results for their "Player of the Season" for
the 2005/06 season. The results are: |
| May
12, 2006 |
McGrath
leaves champions |
 |
Ten players are to leave Nationwide Conference South title winners Weymouth, just days after winning the championship trophy that will see them promoted to the Conference National for next season. Amongst them is former Rovers midfielder John McGrath, who joined the club midway in the January transfer window. |
| May
11, 2006 |
Rovers
release six |
 |
Dave Penney confirmed
yesterday that six players have been released at the end of their contracts
with the club, and a further three have been transfer listed. |
| May
11, 2006 |
New
signings to be announced next week |
 |
Unlike in previous seasons,
it looks probable that Doncaster Rovers will be announcing several new signings
next week. Talks are currently taking place between Rovers and the players
concerned, with many reported to be at an advanced stage. Boss Dave Penney
is hoping to have all of his new signings confirmed before the players go
on holiday. Rovers are expected to be bringing up to nine players in this
summer, with six released yesterday and three more transfer listed to make
room in the squad. |
| May
11, 2006 |
2006/07
fixtures |
 |
The Football League have announced that the fixture lists for next season will be published at 10am on Thursday, 22nd June. The new season is scheduled to start on Saturday, 5th August, with the end of season play-offs being played over the weekend of 27th and 28th May 2007. |
| May
11, 2006 |
Belles
midfielder picked for World Cup qualifier |
 |
Doncaster Rovers midfielder
Vicky Exley has been selected for England, who face Hungary this evening
in a World Cup qualifying match in Southampton. England are bidding to go
through the season undefeated, and with a 13-0 victory over the Hungarians
in the away leg, they are confident of achieving this, even though they are
without four key players. Exley, the oldest layer named in the England squad,
is expected to take one of the central midfield positions tonight, which
is being played at the St Mary's Stadium. |
| May
10, 2006 |
Ryan
- bet on Rovers for title |
 |
Doncaster Rovers chairman
John Ryan has spoken of his confidence for success next season. Speaking
at the Mount Pleasant Hotel on Monday, he said: "If I was a supporter
I would have a few quid on Doncaster Rovers winning the League One championship
next season. |
| May
10, 2006 |
Atkins
"no comment" on Gulls future |
 |
Former Doncaster Rovers manager Ian Atkins refused to speculate on his future with Torquay United following their successful end to the season which saw them avoid relegation to the Conference by three points. Torquay were rock bottom when Atkins took over from John Cornforth in mid-April, but a sequence of four successive wins lifted the club high enough in the table to ensure another season in the Football League. Atkins played down speculation about his future following Saturday's match, saying: "I won't talk about the job yet, I just want to enjoy this moment and tonight. It's not about me but about the club and the fans at this moment." |
| May
10, 2006 |
Mulligan
hopes for new deal |
| |
Doncaster Rovers defender
Dave Mulligan is hoping to sign a new contract at the club, even though his
future is yet to be resolved. Rovers have made him an offer, but Dave has
stressed that the deal has to be right, claiming that his contract demands
are not excessive. |
| May
9, 2006 |
Man
of the match results |
 |
The final "Man
of the Match" voting of the season, which was for Saturday's away match
at Tranmere Rovers, saw nominations being placed for eleven of the Rovers
players on show. The players receiving the most votes were as follows: |
| May
9, 2006 |
Rovers
interested in Andrews? |
 |
The Sky Sports web site
has reported that Doncaster Rovers are amongst a number of clubs thought
to be interested in Crystal Palace striker Wayne Andrews. Andrews' current
deal at Selhurst Park runs out at the end of the season, although Palace
are believed to have verbally offered him an extension. The 28-year old striker
has struggled to keep a regular place in the side this season, but apparently
remains an important part of manager Iain Dowie's plans for next season. |
| May
9, 2006 |
Retford's
player of the season |
| |
The Retford Branch of
the Rovers' Supporters Club have announced the final results of their "Away
player of the season" for 2005/06, which sees winger Michael McIndoe
emerge as the winner, ahead of second placed Sean Thornton. |
| May
8, 2006 |
Penney
disappointed |
 |
Rovers manager Dave
Penney has spoken of his disappointment that his side have just failed to
qualify for the end of season play-offs following Saturday's results. Rovers
finished off in eighth place, behind Nottingham Forest on goal difference,
and Swansea, whose last day win grabbed the final play-off place. Whilst
results on previous weekends tended to go in favour of Penney's men, fortune
was against them this weekend, even though goals from Lewis Guy and Neil
Roberts gave them a 2-0 victory. |
| May
8, 2006 |
Goals
review |
 |
A goal from ex-Rovers
striker Neil Grayson set his current club, Stafford Rangers, on the way to
promotion on Saturday in their Conference North play-off game against Droylsden.
Grayson put his side in front after 29 minutes, although the match went to
a penalty shoot-out after Droylsden equalised just after half time. |
| May
8, 2006 |
Players
to arrive? |
| |
In an interview on Radio
Sheffield on Saturday, Rovers chairman John Ryan confirmed that the club
have a number of transfer targets lined up to further strengthen the squad
this summer - and the first recruits are likely to arrive in the next fortnight
before the management go on their summer break. No names were mentioned,
but the indications were that a substantial investment would be needed to
sign the players, even though that may be in wages, rather than large transfer
fees. |
| May
6, 2006 |
Tranmere
0 Rovers 2 |
 |
A 2-0 victory at Tranmere
proved to be not quite enough for Doncaster Rovers, who finished their League
One campaign in eighth place, although it did mean that they bettered last
season's points haul and final league position, continuing the gradual progression.
Two first half goals, from Lewis Guy and Neil Roberts, saw Rovers to victory.
However, it proved to be to no avail, with Swansea's victory at Chesterfield,
and Nottingham Forest's late equaliser at Bradford, leaving the play-offs
just out of reach. |
| May
7, 2006 |
John
thanks the fans |
| |
Rovers chairman, John
Ryan, has expressed his appreciation for the fantastic support, in terms
of numbers, noise and the number of Rovers shirts on display, at yesterday's
away game at Tranmere. He says that the sight of all the Rovers fans when
viewed from the main stand was magnificent. |
| May
7, 2006 |
Campbell
still can't score! |
 |
Andy Campbell, who spent
a short time on loan at Doncaster Rovers last season, has now been released
by Dunfermline Athletic at the end of his short term contract. He joined
Dunfermline in the January transfer window after finally negotiating his
release from Cardiff City - but he still has the unenviable record of having
gone over two years without scoring a first team goal - during that time
he has played for Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers, Oxford United and Dunfermline
Athletic. The former England under-21 international last scored a first team
goal for Cardiff City in a 2-2 draw against Preston North End in April 2004. |
| May
7, 2006 |
Redfearn
reflects on relegation |
 |
Former Rovers midfielder
Neil Redfearn, now manager at Scarborough, reflected on Scarborough's probable
relegation from the Conference this season by admitting that his side weren't
good enough to survive. Boro marked their final game of the season with a
2-0 win over Stevenage Borough, but Redfearn said: "We were always playing
catch-up, and left ourselves too much to do. I thanked the players at the
end for the effort they have given me, but I told them they were a bit short.
I had to be honest with them." |
| May
6, 2006 |
D-Day
for Rovers |
 |
Today sees the last
League One match for Doncaster Rovers, when they travel to managerless Tranmere
Rovers. The fact that we are still in with a chance of reaching the promotion
places this afternoon, especially when you consider the poor form early in
the season, along with a post-Christmas slump in form, is quite incredible,
and testament to the great form of late of Dave Penney's men. |
| May
6, 2006 |
Rovers
team news |
 |
Doncaster Rovers look likely to be virtually unchanged for this afternoon's away match at Tranmere Rovers, although Neil Roberts proved his fitness by playing half of Wednesday's reserve team game against Carlisle, and is likely to be added to the squad. Rovers continue to be without nine players: Andy Warrington, Barry Richardson and Nick Fenton (broken legs), Jason Price (hernia), Paul Heffernan (groin), David Mulligan and Tonny Nielsen (ankle), and Richad Offiong (knee), with Ricky Ravenhill absent due to suspension. |
| May
6, 2006 |
Tranmere
team news |
| |
The main news concerning
Tranmere Rovers for this afternoon's game against Doncaster Rovers is the
absence of manager Brian Little, who left the club "by mutual consent"
yesterday morning. Tranmere have placed Jason McAteer and John McMahon in
charge for this afternoon's game, with Little having secured Tranmere's League
One safety last Saturday. |
| May
6, 2006 |
Tranmere
ticket news |
| |
Around 500 tickets for this afternoon's game remain unsold, and have been returned to Tranmere. They will be on sale at Tranmere this afternoon, with adults and children being able to pay on the gate. Senior Citizens and students will be able to gain concessionary rates by buying their tickets from Tranmere's ticket office, but you must take some form of proof of age with you. |
| May
6, 2006 |
Important
coach information |
| |
The Supporters Club are taking twelve coaches to this afternoon's away game at Tranmere Rovers. Nine of them will be departing from Belle Vue - to speed things up, there will be a list of which bus number everyone is posted on the wall outside the club shop. Please check this list upon your arrival at Belle Vue. |
| May
6, 2006 |
Donny
Dog has day off |
 |
Sadly, the Rovers mascot, Donny Dog, will not be able to go to this afternoon's game at Tranmere, as Tranmere do not allow any mascots from visiting teams. This means that this will be the only time that Donny Dog has not appeared at the last away match of the season for the last five years - although that will, of course, be put right should Rovers reach the play-offs! |
| May
6, 2006 |
Coin
trail update |
 |
A total of £291.59 was raised for the Viking Supporters' Co-operative's "Coin Trail" at Wednesday's reserve team cup final against Carlisle United. That takes the total raised by this appeal to £50,818.77. Thanks to everyone who contributed. |
| May
5, 2006 |
Atkins
wins award for escape bid |
 |
Former Doncaster Rovers player/manager Ian Atkins has been named as League Two's "Manager of the Month" for April. Since arriving at the club on 13th April, he has guided Torquay United to four straight wins whilst conceding just one goal, giving his club a chance of avoiding relegation to the Conference. When he took over, Torquay were rock bottom of League Two, but recent form has lifted them up to 19th place - although it is still only two points above the relegation places, with an incredible seven clubs all vying to avoid the drop along with already relegated Rushden & Diamonds. |
| May
5, 2006 |
Ryan
wants to stay Posh |
| |
Former Doncaster Rovers
left back Tim Ryan doesn't know if he will remain at Peterborough United
for next season, but he's spoken of his desire to do so. He joined Peterborough
on a short term contract in March, but with no manager currently in place,
the situation as far as next season is unclear. |
| May
5, 2006 |
John
compares Rovers to Villareal! |
| |
Doncaster Rovers chairman
John Ryan hopes that his club can be inspired by the achievements of Champions
League semi-finalists Villareal by defying the odds to compete with the top
clubs. |
| May
4, 2006 |
Reserves
5 Carlisle 2 |
 |
Doncaster Rovers scored
two goals in the first five minutes of the match to leave Carlisle United
facing an uphill task in the Pontins Holidays play-off final at Belle Vue.
Neil Roberts and Ross McCormack gave Rovers the early lead, and a third,
a header by Paul Green, looked to have put the tie beyond the Cumbrians. |
| May
4, 2006 |
Coppinger
eyes play-offs |
 |
Rovers winger James
Coppinger has one eye on the play-offs after he has scored in each of the
last three games, all of which Rovers have won 1-0. The nine points won have
closed up the gap between Rovers and the top six, and although Rovers participation
in the end of season play-offs depend on three results, it just may happen. |
| May
4, 2006 |
Tris
out in Tamworth clearout |
 |
Former Doncaster Rovers
striker Tristram Whitman is one of six players to be released by Nationwide
Conference side Tamworth following a disappointing season. Whitman has spent
some of this season on loan at Crawley Town, but has returned to feature
in just four matches since mid-February. |
| May
3, 2006 |
Reserves
play-off final |
| |
This evening sees the Pontins Holidays League play-off final played at Belle Vue against Carlisle United, with the match beginning at 7pm. Everyone will be admitted to the ground free of charge - there will be refreshments on sale inside the ground, and the Rovers Return will also be open. |
| May
3, 2006 |
Tranmere
tickets |
| |
Saturday's away game
a Tranmere Rovers is not all-ticket, but tickets are now on sale from the
ticket office at Belle Vue. Saturday's game now has added importance to Rovers
fans, as victory at Prenton Park, along with defeats for Nottingham Forest
and Swansea City, would see Rovers in the League One play-offs. For that
reason, it is expected that there will be a large demand for tickets, so
buying a ticket in advance is the only way of guaranteeing admission to the
game. |
| May
3, 2006 |
Brabin
signs full time |
 |
Former Doncaster Rovers
midfielder Gary Brabin has signed for Southport for the 2006/07 season. He
becomes Southport's first full time player after the club announced that
they intended to go full-time next season. Brabin only joined the club late
in the 2005/06 season, and played a significant part in helping them pull
away from relegation from the Conference National League. |
| May
3, 2006 |
Sean
wins another title |
 |
Former Rovers midfielder
Sean Joyce has guided Toolstation Western League club Bideford to yet another
championship - but his side will not be promoted. Joyce arrived at the club
in 2001/02, and since then Bideford have dominated the division, winning
the title in 2001/02, 2003/04, 2004/05 and now 2005/06. However, they will
remain in the Western League after not applying to join the Southern League.
Due to the geographical location, to move up a division would mean much higher
costs associated with travelling, along with Joyce's prediction thta the
playing budget would have to be doubled. It looks like Bideford will therefore
remain in the Western League for the forseeable future, with Joyce unwilling
to saddle the club with future debts: "I would like to step up,"
added Joyce, "but the last thing I would want is to leave the club with
massive debts." Any application to join the Southern League for 2007/08
would need to be submitted by Christmas this year. |
| May
2, 2006 |
Griffiths
wins your vote |
 |
Three players were in
contention to be your "Man of the Match" for their performance
in Saturday's home game against Oldham Athletic, with the other eight nominations
trailing way behind. As it was, young Anthony Griffiths, making his home
debut, emerged victorious by a narrow margin: |
| May
2, 2006 |
Deane
retires |
 |
Former Doncaster Rovers
striker Brian Deane has confirmed he intends to retire from playing football,
and that his appearance in Sunday's home game for Sheffield United against
Crystal Palace was his last game as a professional footballer. Brian, now
38 years old, began his career with Doncaster Rovers before joining Sheffield
United for a five year stay, during which time the club were promoted twice.
He then signed for Leeds United, staying for four years before moving abroad
to play for Benfica. On his return to England, Deane signed for Middlesbrough,
Leicester City, West Ham United, Leeds United and Sunderland - a brief spell
followed at Australian club Perth Glory before his return to Bramall Lane
earlier this season. |
| May
2, 2006 |
Reserves
final - free admission to everyone! |
| |
Doncaster Rovers have announced that entry to tomorrow evening's reserves play-off final will be free of charge to everyone. The match will begin at 7pm, and will determine who gets promoted to the Pontins Premier League. Why not go along and see Rovers get some more silverware, and take Rovers up on their kind gesture of letting you see the match for free?! The Rovers Return will be open before and after the match. |
| May
1, 2006 |
Penney
still eyes play-offs |
| |
After spending weeks
in playing down Rovers' chances of reaching the play-offs, Rovers boss Dave
Penney still has an eye on reaching sixth place next Saturday. It will take
a Rovers win, along with Swansea and Nottingham Forest losing, for that to
happen. Dave Penney said: "We've gained a bit of momentum over the last
three games and it just seems as if nobody wants to go on and take their
chance of finishing in the top six. It's been a funny league this year with
everybody capable of beating each other. I've no idea who the other teams
in contention have to play next weekend but we just have to make sure we
do our job and win at Tranmere and see where that leaves us." |
| May
1, 2006 |
Oldham
mascots ejected |
 |
Chaddy the Owl, the
Oldham Athletic mascot, is considering giving up after being escorted out
of the ground during Saturday's match at Belle Vue, allegedly for inciting
a riot and making obscene gestures. |
| May
1, 2006 |
Coin
trail passes £50,000 |
| |
The Viking Supporters' Co-operative have reported that they have now passed the £50,000 milestone in their "Coin Trail" appeal. With a total of £568.16 collected, along with £63 from Donny Dog's half-marathon sponsorship, the new total now stands at £50,527.18. |