May 31, 2006

Ipswich to consider Penney?

Press in East Anglia have suggested that, should the candidates on the current short-list for the vacant manager's position at Ipswich Town be rejected, Rovers manager Dave Penney is amongst the candidates they may turn to. The short-list is understood to comprise Bryan Klug and Jim Magilton, along with two unnamed candidates - Colin Calderwood was in the running until yesterday's confirmation that he had accepted the manager's job at Nottingham Forest. Ipswich have had approaches to Colchester (Phil Parkinson) and Southend (Steve Tilson) rejected, whilst former Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy, who has been interviewed, has been discounted from the running. The other candidate who the East Anglia Daily Times mentions may enter the race is England coach Sammy Lee.

May 31, 2006

Pay up for Sponsor a Goal!

We would like to remind everyone who pledged money under the Viking Supporters' Co-operative's "Sponsor a Goal" appeal in the Rovers programme that, as the season has now finished, all pledges are now due for payment.
With 55 League One goals scored in the 2005/06 season, those who pledged 50p per goal need to pay £27.50, and those who pledged £1 per goal £55.00.
Payment can be made on-line via the PayPal system by visiting the VSC site at www.vikingsc.co.uk, or you can send cheques by post to the Viking Supporters' Co-operative, PO Box 21, Retford DN22 8JY.

May 31, 2006

Adam signs on again

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Adam Collin has signed a new one year contract at Nationwide North club Workington. Collin was named in the UniBond League's "Dream Team" for last season, earned by keeping 21 clean sheets in fifty games played by Workington during the campaign, which played a significant part in the club's promotion from the UniBond Premier Division.
Workington chairman Dale Brotherton said: “He has made a major contribution over the past couple of years, and we are pleased to have him back on board.”

May 31, 2006

Season tickets - last day before price increase

Today sees the last opportunity for season ticket holders to renew their season tickets at a discounted rate. From tomorrow, most prices will rise, with most prices rising by around £30 - see our news item from 26th May for full details. The £30 season ticket for children aged 11 and under will not be seeing a price increase.

May 30, 2006

Blayney on Chicago debut

After his debut for Northern Ireland on Friday evening, Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney admitted that he had feared that the Romanians would put six goals past him after they raced into a two goal lead in the first eleven minutes. Despite the Irish haveing James Quinn sent off, it was the Romanian goalkeeper who was the busier in the second half.
Blayney said of his debut: "I couldn't do anything about the goals. I really wanted to keep a clean sheet on my debut. When those two goals went in so quickly I thought it was going to be a nightmare. It was going through my mind that these guys could put six past me. The couple of saves I made in the first half were routine, but I was really pleased with a save in second half when I had to come out quickly, narrow the angle and then made a low diving save on a one-on-one opportunity. That was good for the confidence. Apart from the goals and a few saves I didn't really have too much to do."
Alan then admitted that he accepted that he would have to wait for his chance to play for his country again. "I'm only 24 and know there are people ahead of me in the pecking order for Northern Ireland. Maik Taylor, Roy Carroll and Michael Ingham have all been about the squad for years so I'll just have to wait for my opportunity to arise again."

May 30, 2006

Carla gets England chance

After being named for England's Under-21 side at the beginning of this month, Doncaster Rovers Belles striker Carla Cantrell has been named in an eighteen player squad for England Women's Under-19's to fact Sweden in a friendly at Rushden & Diamonds' Nene Park ground tomorrow evening.

May 30, 2006

Mickey the hot shot

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Mickey Beirne has picked up the "Marksman of the Year" award for the Stockport and Cheadle Sunday League last season after finishing as top scorer for his club, Brinnington Celtic, yet again. He passed the 20-goal mark last season in February, despite only having played ten games at the time, and hit 40 goals in the previous season. His club picked up many of the awards for last season after running away wtih the Premier Division trophy - they won every single league match they played, scoring 103 goals and only conceding twelve.
Mickey played just once for Doncaster Rovers after being brought in by "supremo" Ken Richardson as Rovers were heading towards the relegation trap-door in the relegation season of 1997/98. He lasted just 68 minutes and hardly touched the ball - a seemingly massive contrast to the rest of his career which was played at non-league level. He began his career as a YTS player at Manchester City, but was released by Peter Reid after a one-year professional contract, also being unsuccessful at winning contracts at Rochdale and Bury. All of his career (a brief stay at Belle Vue excepting) has been played at semi-professional level, and his clubs include Droylsden, Hyde United, Flixton, Wilmslow Albion, Townley, East Levenshulme and Bromale.

May 30, 2006

Trophy gets new sponsors

The Football League Trophy, most recently sponsored by LDV Vans, will be sponsored by Johnstone's Paint for the next three seasons and will be known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, with the sponsoring deal being worth a seven figure sum - the biggest in the 23-year history of the competition.
The competition will begin in October, with the final due to be played at the new Wembley stadium next March.

May 29, 2006

Rovers - two more signings soon

Rovers chairman John Ryan has said that the club are close to completing two more signings, with confirmation likely to be made later this week. These two new arrivals will be in addition to the four already announced, with the likelihood that they will be a striker and a midfielder. Ryan declined to mention any names of his targets, as other clubs are also understood to be showing an interest in them.
Ryan said: "Hopefully we will get something sorted soon as regards signings. We are working very hard to bring another striker in and possibly another midfield player. I'm not going to reveal any names and I can't guarantee anything because there are other clubs also interested in the players we've been looking at."

May 29, 2006

Fell is top scorer

Former Doncaster Rovers striker and youth team player Darren Fell has finished top goal scorer in the Central Midlands League, with 38 goals to his name from 33 league games whilst playing for Thorne Colliery. He achieved a superb 48 goals last season in all competitions.
Fell came up through the youth team at Rovers, and was awarded a one year professional contract for 2001/02, but failed to break through to the first team in an injury-hit season, and returned to finish his education.

May 29, 2006

Walker signs new deal

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Andy Walker has signed a new one year contract with Ryman League Premier Division club Bromley, who has become a favourite with the supporters since signing from Wingate & Finchley two years ago. Bromley-born Walker has also played for Colchester United, Exeter City, Charlton Athletic and Tonbridge Angels.

May 29, 2006

Heyrettin quits Forest

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Hakan Ramis-Hayrettin has resigned as manager of Southern League Division One club Waltham Forest to take up the vacant manager's position at Nationwide South club Thurrock.
Hayrettin joined Rovers during the summer of 1996, but was unavailable for most of the season due to injury. He also played professional football for Leyton Orient, Wycombe Wanderers, Barnet, Peterborough, Rushden & Diamonds - and KSK in Turkey. Injury forced the end of his playing career in 1997, when he became coach for Watford's under-16's and under-17's. Due to business commitments he could not continue in full time football and became assistant manager/coach at Harrow Borough, moving on to Waltham Forest for the last three seasons.

May 28, 2006

McGuire faces jail

Doncaster Rovers defender Phil McGuire is facing a jail sentence when he appears at Pontefract Magistraes Court next month for assaulting his wife. McGuire is reported to have punched her arm and leg after his wife, Kara, found out that he had been unfaithful, and he pleaded guilty to "common assault" when he appeared in court in Pontefract. He was bailed with the condition that he did not approach his wife, but broke that condition when he returned to the court a week later, with Kara, a week later. McGuire has been warned that he faces a custodial sentence when he reappears next month for sentencing. Common assault carries a maximum of six months imprisonment and/or a file of up to £5,000.
Newspaper reports this weekend suggest that McGuire has fled to Florida with Kara in a last-ditch effort to save the marriage, despite the court order banning him from seeing her.
McGuire was transfer listed by Rovers at the end of last season, and Rovers Chief Executive Orricer Dave Morris said: "The club do not condone domestic violence and view the event dimly. We will take action when we are aware of the action the courts will take."

May 28, 2006

Mulligan returns for victory over Georgia

Doncaster Rovers defender David Mulligan played the whole of New Zealand's 3-1 victory over Georgia last night, which was played as part of Georgia's preparations for the World Cup. The match represented Mulligan's first match after sustaining damaged ankle ligaments whilst playing for Rovers last season. New Zealand have two further matches scheduled for the forthcoming week, against Estonia (May 31st) and Brazil (June 4th).

May 28, 2006

Holden going nowhere

Peterborough United captain Dean Holden has denied that he is about to leave the London Road club, despite continued reports that several clubs, including Doncaster Rovers, are supposed to have made enquiries for him. Chester City are reported to have placed a five-figure bid for Holden, who is under contract for next season, but Posh's Director of Football, Barry Fry, said: "All three clubs (Northampton Town are the other club mentioned) have contacted me, but not one of them has made an offer. I spoke to Dean at the end of the season and he was keen to extend his contract with us. That's something we will discuss at our next board meeting as Dean is one player we don't want to lose."
Peterborough turned down a £50,000 bid from Oxford United for the player in January.

May 28, 2006

Bayo misses in penalty shoot-out

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa missed the crucial spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out at the end of yesterday's League One play-off final at the Millennium Stadium between Barnsley and Swansea City. Barnsley went through 4-3 on penalties after extra time finished as a 2-2 draw. Barnsley's victory sees them return to the Championship after four years in League One.

May 27, 2006

Blayney wins first cap

May 27, 2006

Mulligan gets All-Whites recall

David Mulligan has been recalled to the starting eleven for this evening's game for New Zealand against Georgia, which is being played in German as a World Cup warm-up game for the Georgians. Mulligan was rested from their game against Hungary on Thursday to give him more time to recover from the ankle injury that kept him out of the latter part of the English football season, but has passed a fitness test and wil play. All-Whites capitan Danny Hay said of Mulligan's inclusion: "That's obviously a bonus for us because he's tenacious and can do a job for us either in midfield or defence."

May 27, 2006

Rovers injury news

Rovers physio Barrie Windle has confirmed that the long-term injured players are continuing to recover from their injuries as scheduled, and are all expected to be fully fit for when the players report back for pre-season training at the end of June.
Nick Fenton is back in full training, but a decision has been made for him to play next season with the supporting plate still in place in his leg. This will help to strengthen the bone in the area of the break.
Ricky Ravenhill has fully recovered from his ankle operation which was carried out just before the end of last season (when he was suspended from playing in any case).
Andy Warrington has now finished a fortnight at Lilleshall as part of his recovery programme, and has now returned to Doncaster to work with Barrie. The broken leg has now fully healed, so Andy has to build up his fitness so he can join in pre-season training.
Jason Price continues to improve his fitness following his hernia operation which kept him out of the last few matches of the season. He will be fully fit to rejoin the squad when they all report back.
Likewise, Paul Heffernan is making good progress after his groin operation and, like Jason, will continue a training programme during the summer to ensure he will be fit to join in with the rest of the squad for preparations for next season.

May 27, 2006

McCormack hopes for Rangers return

Ross McCormack, who spent an extended loan period at Doncaster Rovers last season, is hoping that new Glasgow Rangers boss Paul Le Guen is true to his word of having a dominance of Scottish players in the Rangers side next season, with no preference for foreign players. McCormack has said that the experience picked up at Doncaster has benefited him, saying: "The loan move served me well," said the 19-year-old. "I've done a lot of growing up in the last four or five months being down in England on my own. It wasn't easy but looking back, I feel I'm stronger for it. When I got down there, I soon realised I had to stand on my own two feet. It was just different from what I was used to because I was still staying with my mum and dad. However, I have a new attitude now. When at Rangers, you don't know what you've got until you've left the place."
McCormack was recalled for the Scotland under-21's side on 19th May,came on as a 75th minute substitute in their 1-1 draw against Turkey, and would have been hoping that his performance in that match will have been noticed by his new boss.

May 26, 2006

Blayney to win first cap?

Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney looks likely to win his first full cap for Northern Ireland this evening when the Irish face Romania in Chicago. Blayney was a non-playing substitute during Tuesday's game against Uruguay, with ex-Rover Michael Ingham being preferred for the game. However, when discussing this evening's match with the Irish press, manager Lawrie Sanchez hinted at Blayney's involvement, saying: "Goalkeeper Alan Blayney is likely to feature in the match. I suppose it all depends on how we are getting on."
If Blayney does play, he will become Rovers' first current full international since Alfie Hale in 1962 - all other players have either played international football before or after playing for Rovers, or were awarded less than "full" caps (such as for the "B team", Under-21's etc).

May 26, 2006

McSporran turns down Oxford

Rovers striker Jermaine McSporran has turned down an approach to join new Conference team Oxford United. The 29-year old was released by Dave Penney at the end of the season, but is unwilling to drop down to non-league football, as he holds out the desire to remain in the Football League. McSporran is hoping that former club Wycombe Wanderers will take him on, saying: "I had a great time at Wycombe, and very much hope that they would like me back there. Oxford have already said that they want me, but I have turned them down as I do not want to go back into non- League."

May 26, 2006

Season ticket deadline

The discounted period for renewing your season ticket ends on 31st May. After this, some prices will rise by around £30, and new applications for season tickets will be accepted. Since part of the season will be played at Belle Vue, and part at the new stadium, two books of season tickets will be issued - you will book for Belle Vue as in the past, and commit to a particular part of the new ground, but you will be invited back later in the year to choose an exact seat. Please note that there is a Bank Holiday on Monday (29th May), so we presume that the ticket office will be closed on that day.

Belle Vue	New Stadium	Adults (to 31 May)	Adults (from 1 June)	Concessions (to 31 May)	Concessions (from 1 June)	Under-11's (to 31 May)	Under-11's (from 1 June)
Seats	Block A	370	400	225	250	225	250
Seats	Block B	320	350	175	200	30	30
Seats	Block C	295	320	148	175	30	30
Terracing	Block A	320	350	173	200	173	200
Terracing	Block B	295	320	148	175	30	30
Terracing	Block C	270	300	120	150	30	30

May 26, 2006

Hull match off

Although Doncaster Rovers have not publicly confirmed yet, we have been informed that Rovers' pre-season game against Hull City, scheduled for Wednesday, 19th July, has been cancelled. This means that the following are Rovers' remaining pre-season fixtures currently agreed:
Tuesday 25th July - Halifax Town (away) - kick-off 7.30pm
Friday 28th July - Middlesbrough (home) - kick-off 7.30pm
Saturday 29th July - Gainsborough Trinity (away) - kick-off 3pm

May 26, 2006

Rovers for Gall?

Earlier this week, the press in Lincoln reported that Doncaster Rovers are amongst a number of clubs interested in signing Yeovil Town striker Kevin Gall. Other clubs supposed to be interested in signing the 24-year old former Newcastle United trainee are Bristol Rovers, Carlisle United, Cheltenham Town, Darlington, Doncater Rovers, Grimsby Town, Huddersfield Town, Leyton Orient, Northampton Town, Southend United and Swindon Town. Lincoln City were also understood to be monitoring the situation, but with manager Keith Alexander leaving the club this week, their interest is likely to be put on hold pending the appointment of a new boss.

May 25, 2006

Schofield in temporary charge

Former Doncaster Rovers skipper Jon Schofield has taken temporary charge of League Two club Lincoln City following the departure of manager Keith Alexander yesterday. Speculation had increased in the days following the Imps' failure in the play-off semi-final against Grimsby Town. Alexander led the club to four successive League Two play-off campaigns since he returned to Sincil Bank in 2002.
Schofield steps up, pending a permanent appointment, from his role as first team coach, and had previously been in charge of Lincoln's youth team.

May 25, 2006

Halifax's failure brings mixed fortunes for Lee

Halifax Town's defeat in the Conference play-off final against Hereford United at Leicester City's Walker Stadium last weekend brought mixed feelings for former Rovers goalkeeper Lee Butler. Whilst the club had missed out on promotion to the Football League, the fact that they remain in the Conference means that Lee will be able to continue playing for the club. He had previously taken early retirement from League football, and was prevented from playing in the Football League under conditions of his insurance pay-off. Butler has also played for Aston Villa, Barnsley, Wigan Athletic, Dunfermline Athletic and Alfreton Town in a career that stretches back 22 years.

May 25, 2006

Barker in contract extension

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Richie Barker looks set to stay at Mansfield Town after impressing the Stags' management with his 23 goal haul last season. Barker still has twelve months to run on his existing deal, but Town's boss, Peter Shirtliff, and their chairman have confirmed that talks are ongoing about a new deal to keep the club skipper at the club.

May 25, 2006

Retford branch winning numbers

The Retford branch of the Rovers' Supporters Club have issued a list of the winners of their raffle, which was drawn at their end of season dinner/dance on 12th May. Full details can be found on the Viking Supporters' Co-operative's web site at www.vikingsc.co.uk.

May 25, 2006

Another season, another slogan

Rovers chairman John Ryan has spoken of his desire to improve off the field activities at Doncaster Rovers, and has invested in a new CRM system which will enable better communication with the supporters. The new initiative is designed to preparing Rovers for life at the new stadium - and hopefully to subsequent life in the Coca Cola Championship!
The club have also ditched the "Going4it" slogan of last season - but replaced it with another, hopefully not as ill-fated, one - "Destination Championship", which has been suggested by Rovers fan Nigel Wroe.

May 24, 2006

Hume leaves

Former Doncaster Rovers defender/striker Mark Hume has left Nationwide North club Alfreton Town, and becomes one of three to leave, with another two transfer listed. Alfreton report that he has "chosen to leave the club for pastures new.

May 24, 2006

Players back at the end of June

The Doncaster Rovers squad are due to report back for pre-season training on June 26th. After a week at Cantley Park, the squad are due to go to a military base to work on fitness and technical work before returning to work on building up match fitness ahead of their pre-season fixture schedule. Dave Penney said: "It will allow us to work with the lads in a different and disciplined environment especially bonding the new lads into the squad. It will build up team spirit in a different type of controlled location before we will come back from there and start working on getting ready for the first of the friendlies."

May 24, 2006

Ryan appeals for fans' backing

Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan has urged for supporters to back him in his efforts to bring Coca-Cola Championship football to Doncaster. Rovers narrowly missed out on the play-offs this season, but Ryan is expecting a more serious promotion bid next season, with the new signings made this summer aimed at further strengthening Dave Penney's squad.
Ryan said:: "To get to our destination every fan that buys a season ticket, or comes through the turnstile, will help push us to the target of championship football at our new home at the Community Stadium. Everything is now gearing up for a higher division to make sure that once we are at our new home we will be ready."

May 24, 2006

Redfearn wields the axe

Former Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn, now manager at Scarborough, has axed a stunning fifteen players from last season's squad, which finished the season bottom of the Nationwide Conference. That leaves him with just seven players, which includes Redfearn, who has indicated that he intends to play on for another season.
Redfearn felt that it was time for a big change at the McCain Stadium, saying: "I have needed this situation for a while. The club needed a blank canvas to work with and this has given us exactly that. A lot of these players have been here for a while and if that is the case it sometimes starts to get a bit stale. We did things wrong last summer, which was why the club struggled throughout last season. What is important now is the fact that we need to look at the current situation at this club. We need to try and progress to make everything better for Boro."
Better news for Redfearn came yesterday when the Conference rejected Altrincham's appeal against an 18-point deduction which was made when they fielded James Robinson without gaining international clearance. Three members of the FA's "Sanctions and regulations committee" turned down their appeal yesterday. This means that Altrincham will now be relegated to the Conference North, which means that Scarborough will not now be relegated, despite finishing bottom of the table. Canvey Island have already resigned from the Conference due to financial problems, and will play in the Rymans Premier League next season, which saved Tamworth, who finished just above Scarborough, from relegation.

May 24, 2006

Mulligan gets international recall

David Mulligan, who was released by Doncaster Rovers last week after failing to agree a new contract, has been included in Ricki Herbert's New Zealand squad for their four match European tour which finishes with a match against world champions Brazil. Herbert has included Mulligan in his twenty-man squad, despite Dave having to withdraw from recent All-Whites games, the last time due to an ankle injury, and previously to help out Rovers due to an injury crisis at the club.
Mulligan will not be considered for today's game against Hungary in Budapest, as he is still resting his ankle injury, which is understood to be a purely precautionary measure to ensure that he is fit to play in the remaining three matches of the tour.
The full list of fixtures for New Zealand are:
Wednesday, 24th May - Hungary v New Zealand
Saturday, 27th May - Georgia v New Zealand
Thursday, 1st June - Estonia v New Zealand
Sunday, 4th June - New Zealand v Brazil

May 24, 2006

Get well, John

We would like to wish John Ryan a speedy recovery from a double hernia operation which he had last week. We understand that the operation went well and he was only in hospital overnight. He is continuing to make efforts to strengthen the Rovers squad, with his efforts being shown last week with the arrival of several players at the club. We understand that there some more transfer news is possible, although due to John's convalescence, that may be later than originally anticipated. Rovers have agreed a long-term loan of a striker with a Premiership club, but are declining to publicly name the player to avoid other clubs competing for his services.

May 23, 2006

CPS decision on Mayor's Rovers Rally appearance

Doncaster's elected mayor, Martin Winter, has been told that he will not be charged in connection with alleged irregularities in his election expenses following his appearance at the Rovers Rally just over twelve months ago. John Ryan had urged those attending to vote for Winter in the (then) forthcoming mayoral election, saying that his election was the best chance of the new stadium getting built.
A police enquiry followed to determine whether Mayor Winter should have declared the meeting as an election expense, or whether John Ryan or the Rovers' Chief Executive committed an offence by organising and paying for a public meeting with a view to supporting Winter's campaign.
The CPS have decided that there is no evidence that Winter incurred or authorised the staging of the meeting, and that there was "no realistic prospect of proving that either Mr Ryan or the chief executive incurred the costs of holding the meeting 'with a view to promoting or procuring' the election of Martin Winter".

May 23, 2006

Rovers' line up pre-season games

Doncaster Rovers have lined up four games so far for their preparation for the 2006/07 season, with more set to be announced later in the summer. The matches confirmed so far are: Friendlies
Wednesday 19th July - Hull City (home) - kick-off 7.30pm
Tuesday 25th July - Halifax Town (away) - kick-off 7.30pm
Friday 28th July - Middlesbrough (home) - kick-off 7.30pm
Saturday 29th July - Gainsborough Trinity (away) - kick-off 3pm

May 23, 2006

McGuire back to SPL?

Doncaster Rovers defender Phil McGuire is reported to have attracted attention from a number of Scottish Premier League clubs following Dave Penney's decision to place him on the transfer list. McGuire, who joined Rovers from Aberdeen last summer, is weighing up his options, including remaining at Rovers next season, which follows an injury-plagued first season in English football. McGuire skippered the Rovers reserves to win the Pontins Holidays play-off final against Carlisle, and feels that he still has something to offer the club.

May 23, 2006

Penney flies out

Despite the expected continuing transfer activity at the club, Rovers manager Dave Penney is due to fly out to Portugal today for five days to take in an under-21 event which is part of his Pro-licence coaching course.

May 23, 2006

Sarge to York Street

Mark Albrighton, who was released by Dave Penney at the end of last season, has signed for League Two club Boston United, to become the second former Rover to join within two days. Albrighton signed for Boston last Wednesday, and joins Tim Ryan, who joined the day before.
Boston manager Steve Evans commented: “Mark Albrighton is an outstanding central defender who we are delighted to sign and our supporters will take to him in a big way. He is a very strong and solid player and I am delighted that he has joined us. A number of fellow managers in Coca-Cola League Two will be disappointed but it’s definitely good news for Boston United. I spoke to Dave Penney about both Mark and Tim Ryan and he gave both players the best references possible in relation to both on and off the pitch. Like myself, Dave Penney says it as it is when asked, so it’s very positive indeed. It’s a good signing and it’s a very positive one at that. We will continue to work hard to put the best squad together that we can afford. We are delighted with what we have done so far but there is a long way to go.”

May 23, 2006

Darren's Mexican adventure

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Darren Moore will be travelling to Mexico City this summer along iwth Portsmotuh defender Linvoy Primus to work to try and help improve the lives of under-priviileged children in the Mexican capital. Last year, Moore and Primus raised over £50,000 for their charity "Faith in football", with the funds helping to build a new school and medical centre in Goa.
For the last two years, the duo have travelled to the Far East in connection with their charity work, which has included a fund-raising trek walking along the Great Wall of China.
Moore said: "This is the third year we have done it now. Last year was about raising money, but this year we are going there purely to provide help where it is needed," he said, ahead of his ten-day mission. "Obviously football will feature quite heavily. We will be giving out T-shirts and arranging a few matches with local schoolchildren and also visiting orphanages, schools and hospitals to see where we can lend a hand."

May 22, 2006

Police apologize to Donny Dog

Andy Liney, Donny Dog's trainer, has received a letter of apology from Superintendent Hibbert of West Yorkshire Police which totally exonerates the Rovers' mascot. They had claimed that "police intelligence" had prompted the match commander to bar Donny Dog from the Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, when Rovers played their League One fixture there in early March. Superintendent Hibbert has now conceded that such intelligence was "not in any way linked to your own behaviour on the day or at previous fixtures".
The full text of this letter can be found on the Viking Supporters' Co-operative's website at www.vikingsc.co.uk.

May 22, 2006

Vicky scores for England

Doncaster Rovers Belles' midfielder Vicky Exley was on target to score England's opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Hungary in their World Cup qualifying match at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton last weekend. Her goal came direct from a free kick just before half time, with the victory making sure that England finished the season undefeated for the first time in twelve years.

May 22, 2006

Mickey's new job

It has been announced on BBC Radio Sheffield that Mickey Walker has been appointed as "Director of Football" at Doncaster Rovers. Walker has been assistant manager to Dave Penney for the last four years, but has agreed a two year contract for his new role. Mickey will be responsible for dealing with the younger players at the club, and for developing good relations with Premier League clubs, which is hoped will have the benefit of increasing the chances of Rovers being able to sign players on loan from Premiership clubs.

May 22, 2006

Blayney in Northern Ireland squad

Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney was included in the Northern Ireland squad for yesterday's game against Uruguay, which was played in New Jersey (USA). Unfortunately, Alan was a non-playing substitute, with Wrexham's Michael Ingham - a former Rovers keeper - playing the whole match.
Northern Ireland lost the match 1-0, with Fabian Estoyanoff's 35-yard shot producing the only goal of the game.

May 22, 2006

Mulligan leaves Rovers

David Mulligan has left Doncaster Rovers after he failed to agree new terms with the club. Mulligan had been offered a new contract by Dave Penney, but the terms offered were not acceptable to the player, with Rovers seeing him as a "utility player", rather than an automatic choice for the first team, especially with the arrival of James O'Connor, Gareth Roberts and Adam Lockwood.
Dave Penney was quoted as saying: We have spoken to Dave and his agent throughout the week and he was looking for better terms but also reassurance that he will have a position in the team. We see him mainly as a utility player, especially with the signings we have made, so cannot guarantee first team football. We have now withdrawn the offer of a contract and thank him for his contribution to the club plus wish Dave every success in the future."

May 22, 2006

Ipoua on target as Bulls return

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Guy Ipoua scored Hereford United's second equaliser in their Conference play-off final against Halifax Town, which was played at Leicester City's Walker Stadium on Saturday. The match went into extra time, with Green's winning goal for Hereford coming in the 107th minute. The result means that Hereford United return to the Football League after an eight season absence.
Ipoua had also been on target in Hereford's play-off semi-final match against Morecambe nine days earlier - this time it was his extra time goal which proved to be the winner.
The other semi-final, which saw Halifax Town emerge victorious 5-4 on aggregate, included two goals from ex-Rovers midfielder Martin Foster in their 2-2 second leg match. Foster, who is Halifax's club captain, has agreed another contract with the Shaymen for next season.

May 22, 2006

Armstrong for move to Saddlers?

News reports from the Midlands have suggested that Alun Armstrong, signed by Rovers on a short term contract for the last few weeks of the 2005/06 season, may be interesting newly relegated Walsall. The League Two club recently appointed Richard Money as their new manager following the departure of Kevan Broadhurst two matches from the end of the season, and are linking up a number of targets, the most ambitious of which is Andy Morrell, who has just been released by Coventry City.

May 21, 2006

O'Connor signs for six-figure fee

In our review of news since last Wednesday, we begin with the news that James O'Connor has signed from Bournemouth for a fee of £130,000. O'Connor is a defender, described in various sources as being comfortable in either a full back or central defensive role, but we presume that he will be utilised as a right back, bearing in mind the other signings made by Rovers this week.
O'Connor signed a three year contract with Rovers, with Dave Penney commenting: "He is yet another player that will strengthen the defence but also add to the attack with his crosses."
Bournemouth manager, Sean O'Driscoll, said: "Without major new investment we are left with no option but to accept an offer for one of our talented young players. While I am not happy losing James, with the money received reinvested back into the squad we have a chance of strengthening the squad overall."
O'Connor joined Bournemouth on loan from Aston Villa in February 2005, making 49 appearances for the club.

May 21, 2006

Another Roberts for Rovers!

Doncaster Rovers are due to sign Tranmere Rovers left back Gareth Roberts on 1st July, with Rovers having to compete with a number of Championship clubs to win his signature. Roberts, who is unrelated to Neil and Steve, is 28 years old, and a full Welsh international player with nine caps to his name. He is reported to be comfortable as either a left back or wing-back, and despite Tranmere's disappointing season, did well enough to be included in the League One team of the season.

May 21, 2006

Gulls appoint Atkins

Torquay United have announced that former Rovers manager Ian Atkins has been appointed as their new manager after he successfully guided the club away from the prospect of relegation to the Conference last season. Atkins only joined the club in mid-April and four successive wins pulled the club away from the bottom of the table, and persuaded chairman Mike Bateson to offer him a new deal. Torquay have declined to specify how long Atkins' contract will be with the club, apart from commenting: "We are not discussing how long Ian's contract is but the important thing is he is here for next season."
Bateson continued: "I like Ian and his style so I've pushed the boat out with an attractive offer to bring him on board."

May 21, 2006

Marples expresses disappointment at release

Doncaster Rovers defender Simon Marples has spoken of his disappointment at being released by the club as he became one of six players to be released at the end of his contract.
He commented: "I spoke to the gaffer with about 13 games to go and he said that he had no problem with my ability but that I had to prove my fitness in the remaining games. I think that I did that and played in the last four games, all which we won without conceding a goal, so I don't know what more I could have done. I would have understood if the gaffer had just offered me a one year deal and I would have had no problem with that."
Simon continued: "In my opinion I was good enough to be offered a new deal and I hope to prove the gaffer, who I always enjoyed playing for, wrong next season. I'll take a couple of weeks to see who comes in for me and then weigh up my options. I don't want to drop into League Two, because as I said earlier, I feel that I have proved that I can play at this level."

May 20, 2006

Apologies

Due to severe technical difficulties, we regret that it has been impossible to update this web site since Tuesday. We apologize for the unprecedented break in service which has been due to circumstances beyond our control. However, we confirm that we will be resuming a full service with effect from Sunday morning. To avoid an overload of news which has built up in the last few days, we will be updating the site twice a day for the next few days - hopefully mirroring the events in chronological order.
Once again, we apologize for the break in service, and thank you, as always, for regularly visiting this web site.

May 16, 2006

In keeping with his promise of announcing a signing every day this week, Rovers announced today that Yeovil defender Adam Lockwood would be joining Rovers on July 1st. Lockwood, who can play at right back or in central defence is originally from Wakefield and is due to marry a Doncaster girl this summer.

May 16, 2006

May 16, 2006

Sandwith listed as Macclesfield release five

Former Doncaster Rovers centre back Kevin Sandwith has been placed on the transfer list by Macclesfield Town manager Brian Horton. He has released five players, and additionally, former Rovers target Clyde Wijnhard has not had his monthly contract renewed.