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 |
 |
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| August
31, 2006 |
Calling
locally based England fans |
 |
There
will be a meeting of YES (Yorkshire England Fans) in the Rovers Return
TONIGHT at 7.30 pm. Apart from various interesting England items and guests,
the main item on the agenda is a presentation by SportOps of their plans
to run trips direct to England away games (including the Euro qualifiers
and finals) direct from Doncaster (Robin Hood) Airport. If sufficient
numbers show interest, this could become a regular thing, in addition
to the flights to Macedonia and Croatia already scheduled. This means,
the more England fans who attend tonight the more chance we have of getting
this fantastic facility permanently. You don't have to be a YES member
to attend, so why not come along and see what it's all about. (The bar
will also be open from 7.30). |
| August
31, 2006 |
Penney's
departure |
 |
After
yesterday's bombshell that Dave Penney had left Doncaster Rovers, Doncaster
Rovers were featured on many of the news bulletins during the day. Rovers
have said very little as to why Penney left, apart from the official statement,
and interviews with John Ryan and Chief Executive Dave Morris. Rovers
have confirmed that Mickey Walker will be in charge for Sunday's away
game at Port Vale, with coach Barry Richardson as his assistant. We believe
that, for all the rumours, the appointment of a new manager is not imminent,
and the Walker/Richardson combination will be given half a dozen matches
before any decision is made. Dave Morris conceded that Penney's departure was a "sad day" for Doncaster Rovers, but said: "Both parties felt that Dave had taken the club as far as he can - we're sympathetic with that view. It was something we both agreed on. Dave and I get on very well and talk most days and we had chats. We felt it was best for everybody." Whilst Penney's name was connected with various clubs during the summer, no approach was ever made to the Rovers, so it will be interesting to see if, now he is a free agent, he has anything else lined up. Dave Penney took over as manager in January 2002 following the departure of Steve Wignall due to financial reasons. During his time as manager, Rovers have always finished in an improved league position in successive seasons, with an 8th place finish in League One last season. Perhaps his most memorable and significant achievement was to guide Rovers to promotion back to the Football League via the Conference Promotion Final at the Britannia Stadium in 2003. We wish Dave well in his future career, and along with all Rovers fans, thank him for his great achievements whilst at Doncaster Rovers. Rovers had issued a diplomatic statement on Wednesday which said: "The club and Dave Penney feel that, after seven years with the club as player and manager, a change is necessary for both parties. Dave feels he has taken the club as far as he can and Doncaster Rovers will not stand in his way in achieving his ambitions. Doncaster Rovers wish Dave Penney well in the future and will now seek a replacement in due course." |
| August
31, 2006 |
Ryan's
rallying call |
 |
Following
developments at the club yesterday, John Ryan issued the following statement,
in which he urged all Rovers fans to back Mickey Walker and Barry Richardson
for the next few matches until a decision of who is to replace Dave Penney
is made. His statement reads: "I would like to thank Dave Penney for his wonderful efforts over seven years as a player and manager in bringing this club through from Conference football to League One. I wish both Dave and Mickey Lewis all the very best in their future careers. However, it is essential all the fans get behind Mickey Walker and Baz Richardson, the players and the club in these difficult times, starting with Port Vale on Sunday. Despite a poor start to the season I still believe we have one of the best squads in League One and together we can turn this around and go for my close season target of Destination Championship. Keep the faith John Ryan Chairman" |
| August
31, 2006 |
Departure
of Lewis led to Dave's exit |
 |
Interestingly,
during an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield yesterday morning, Ryan inferred
that Penney's departure was not to do with the results so far this season,
strengthening speculation that Penney left after his assistant, Mickey
Lewis, reportedly left the club on Tuesday. That was backed up in this morning's Free Press, which said that the sacking of Micky Lewis on Tuesday had directly led to the decision of Penney to leave. Penney had brought Lewis into Rovers, and as such he felt that this move made his own position untenable. Speaking to the Free Press, Penney said: "I'm proud of what we've achieved while I have been in charge at the club and I'm not going to start bad-mouthing them now. I think it's fair to say that they are in better shape than when I took over." "We haven't done as well as expected so far this season but it's early days and I wish the club all the best in the future." Speaking of the events that led to his departure, Penney said: "I've been in the game a long time and nothing surprises me." |
| August
31, 2006 |
King
Kev for Rovers? |
 |
The
inevitable speculation for candidates for the vacant manager's job at
Doncaster Rovers got into full swing yesterday, with several names being
mentioned by the fans. An early suggestion that a partnership of ex-Rovers
striker Brian Deane and Carlton Palmer seems to be very unlikely, but
one name seemed to come up time and again during the day - that of Kevin
Keegan. Keegan, known to be a friend of John Ryan's, has been well quoted as saying that he would like to manage Doncaster Rovers, his home town, one day. Ryan has already said that Rovers will not rush into making a decision, which will give Mickey Walker and Barry Richardson a chance to stake their claim for the job on a permanent basis. Interestingly, the Daily Mirror has printed a story this morning that states that Keegan is Ryan's first choice to be Rovers manager, being quoted as saying: "Kevin Keegan is the man I want as manager. It's the sort of challenge that would appeal to him." From the reaction of Rovers supporters yesterday, it seems that many will agree with the Rovers chairman, although Glynn Snodin is another name that seems to keep being mentioned. No doubt during the coming days and weeks, virtually all managers not currently with a club will be mentioned. In the meantime, please heed John Ryan's appeal to get behind Mickey Walker and the players so that they can start to climb the League One table. |
| August
31, 2006 |
Carling
Cup date decided |
 |
The
second round tie in the Carling Cup at home to Derby County has been confirmed
for Wednesday, 20th September. The match will NOT be all-ticket for Rovers
fans, but tickets will be on sale in advance. Tickets will goon sale to season ticket holders on Monday, 4th September, and on general sale from Thursday, 7th September. |
| August
30, 2006 |
Penney
leaves Rovers |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers have today issued a short statement that says that manager Dave
Penney has left the club after a seven year stay. Both parties have been
said to have agreed that a change as manager is necessary to take the
club further, despite Penney's achievements in continually guiding Rovers
to a higher finishing position each season since taking charge in 2002.
Assistant manager Mickey Lewis has also left the club, and Director of
Football, Mickey Walker will take over as caretaker manager for Sunday's
away game at Port Vale. Barry Richardson will act as his assistant for
that match. Rovers will now be seeking a replacement as manager "in due course". The full Rovers statement reads: "It is with great regret that Dave Penney and Doncaster Rovers have agreed to part company. For the club's part we would like to thank Dave for taking us from the Conference to League One, and our highest position for fifty years in 2005-06 season. Together with his work in establishing the youth section at the club Dave, has helped move Doncaster Rovers forward. However, the club and Dave Penney feel that, after seven years with the club as player and manager, a change is necessary for both parties.Dave feels he has taken the club as far as he can and Doncaster Rovers will not stand in his way in achieving his ambitions. Doncaster Rovers wish Dave Penney well in the future and will now seek a replacement in due course.For the game on Sunday Mickey Walker will be caretaker manager and Barry Richardson his assistant. Mickey Lewis is also leaving the club and Doncaster Rovers wish to thank him for the work he has done. Rovers wish him well in the future." We would like to also add our best wishes to Dave for his efforts and success whilst at Rovers. |
| August
30, 2006 |
Ravenhill
returns |
 |
Midfielder
Ricky Ravenhill has returned to Doncaster Rovers today after completing
a month's loan at Chester City. The original intention was that Chester
would sign Ricky on a full transfer following the loan, but Chester are
currently unable to do so, as they are having problems with the Football
League's wage-capping regulations. Ravenhill will train with Rovers, but
is currently suspended after being sent off against Wrexham. |
| August
30, 2006 |
Reserves
0 York City 0 |
 |
A
young Doncaster Rovers reserve team side put in a great battling performance
yesterday evening to play out a goalless draw with York City. The dismissal
of young defender Rob Pacey, who earned a red card for a foul as the "last
man" just three minutes after the break, forced Rovers to change
their formation and tactics, but they successfully defended the remainder
of the game. The game saw the return of goalkeeper Jan Budtz to action, playing his first match since breaking a finger during pre-season training. He put in an assured performance, and should be available for first team selection in the relatively near future. Rovers also included Michele di Piedei, who showed some useful touches, despite having to play much of the second half up front on his own as Rovers sacrificed a striker following Pacey's sending off. Perhaps the most significant inclusion was that of Mickey Walker in the dugout, instead of usual reserve team coach Micky Lewis, which sent the rumour-mill into overdrive. This morning's news revealed the reasons for Lewis's absence. Doncater Rovers: Budtz, Hawksworth, Boyce, Pacey, Bowland, Lodge, L Nelthorpe, L Green, CNelthorpe, Di Piedi, Bythway Substitutes: Barker (for Lodge, 52), Sutton, Hardy, Griffiths, Cockerham |
| August
30, 2006 |
Goals
review |
 |
Veteran
striker Neil Redfearn scored the only goal of the game on Bank Holiday
Monday as his new club, Bradford Park Avenue, defeated Harrogate Railway
to maintain their good start to the season in the UniBond League Division
One. In the Nationwide North, Jimmy Kelly scored one of Lancaster City's two goals in their 2-2 draw at home against Vauxhall Motors. Motors remain the only unbeaten side left in the division. On a slightly different level to usual, ex-Rovers defender David Wheater scored one of Middlesborough Reserves' five goals as they defeated Wigan Athletic 5-0 last night. Finally, former Rovers left back Keith Foy saw his penalty kick for Sligo Rovers saved in their FAI Carlsberg Cup third round tie against Bray Wanderers. The miss wasn't too costly though, as they went through to the quarter finals by a 2-1 score line. |
| August
29, 2006 |
Penney
to go shopping? |
| |
Dave
Penney is set to strengthen his injury hit squad ahead of the closure
of the transfer window on Thursday evening as he attempts to revive Rovers'
indifferent start to the season. With some key personnel absent due to
to injury, Penney has been limited in the number of players available
for selection, with the Rovers boss saying to the Doncaster Star: "The
injuries are a concern and we are actively looking to strengthen the squad.
But whether we are able to persuade clubs to let us have the players we
want is another matter." |
| August
29, 2006 |
Voting
for Bournemouth game |
 |
Most
of the players that took part in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth
received a nomination in the "Man of the Match" voting. However,
the real contest ended up being between James Coppinger and Mark McCammon,
with the final result being as followed: 1 James Coppinger (30.77%) 2 Mark McCammon (23.08%) 3 Gareth Roberts (11.54%) Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. The next vote will open following Sunday's televised match at Port Vale. |
| August
29, 2006 |
Penney:
penalty was fair |
| |
Rovers
boss Dave Penney had no complaints about the penalty awarded at the end
of Saturday's game against Bournemouth, which saw Rovers denied victory
after James Hayter equalised in time added on at the end of the match. Penney said: "Steve Roberts said he was pushed, but he still shouldn't have had his hand up there. It was handball and it looked a penalty from where I was, but we're not conceding from open play. We've now conceded three goals in our last two home games from our own doing and you can't legislate for that. It feels like a defeat - we need to be more professional late on in games." |
| August
29, 2006 |
Port
Vale information |
 |
Tickets
for Sunday's away game at Port Vale will not be on sale in advance of
the game; all admission is by paying at the turnstiles. Prices for the
match are as follows: Adults: £18.00 16-21 year olds: £12.00 Senior Citizens/U-16's: £12.00 Port Vale will allow under-9's into the ground free of charge, but tickets must be obtained from their ticket office prior to entering the ground - and you must provide suitable proof of age. |
| August
28, 2006 |
Rovers
extend keeper's stay |
 |
Goalkeeper
Ben Smith, originally signed on a one-month contract to provide goalkeeping
cover for Alan Blayney whilst all other senior keepers are out injured,
has been given a one year deal at Rovers. The extended contract was given
after Smith impressed during Rovers' reserve team game against Hartlepool,
although with the imminent return to fitness of Jan Budtz, it will be
interesting to see who is included on the bench for first team games.
Budtz is expected to return to full training shortly, meaning Dave Penney
will have three first team squad goalkeepers availabel to select from,
with just Andy Warrington remaining out of action. |
| August
28, 2006 |
Blunt
quits Seadogs |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers midfielder Jason Blunt has ended his second stay at Conference
North club Scarborough after playing in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat against
Vauxhall Motors. Claiming he no longer had the passion to play football
at that level, it has emerged that he has dropped down three levels to
sign for Northern Counties East League club Sutton Town. The decision leaves new Scarborough boss Mark Patterson with a problem, as the financial situation at Scarborough means that he cannot sign a replacement for Blunt. |
| August
28, 2006 |
Coin
trail update |
 |
The Viking Supporters' Co-operative have reported that they raised a total of £360 at Saturday's game against Bournemouth, meaning that their "Coin Trail" appeal, which is raising money for the youth team, now totals £52, 250.19. |
| August
26, 2006 |
Rovers
1 Bournemouth 1 |
 |
Rovers were denied a victory over Bournemouth this afternoon by a stoppage time equaliser from the penalty spot by James Hayter, with a 1-1 draw not reflecting the true balance of the match. The spot kick was given when Stephen Roberts was adjudged to have handled the ball two minutes into injury time, and cancelled out Lewis Guy's first goal of the season which was scored quarter of an hour into the second half. |
| August
27, 2006 |
Brabin
released |
 |
Southport have released former Rovers skipper Gary Brabin from his contract with the club, just three months after he became the first player to sign a full time contract, following the club's decision to turn full-time for this season. Brabin arrived at the club in January and helped them to avoid relegation from the Conference, and signed the new deal at the end of the season. However, Brabin has not featured at all this season under new boss Paul Cook, who has now told him that his services are no longer required. |
| August
27, 2006 |
Goals
review |
 |
The evergreen Colin
Cramb returned to action after missing last week's match with injury
to score one of Stirling Albion's two goals as they defeated Alloa 2-1,
which sees them move up to fourth place in the Scottish Second Division. |
| August
27, 2006 |
Chester
hit wage-cap problem |
| |
Chester City have
confirmed that they are currently experiencing problems concerning the
current Football Legue wage-capping rules. City are one of several clubs
that are either near to, or over, the current salary limit, and they
aim to talk to the League about it on Thursday. It will clearly mean
that Ricky Ravenhill's transfer to Chester may potentially be affected,
with City chairman Stephen Vaughan commenting: "We are now meeting
the League next Thursday to talk about the situation, the League have
been extremely helpful and we hope to clarify a number of points.The
situation means we have to allow certain players to leave before we
can bring others in. If we are to complete the signing of Ricky Ravenhill
from Doncaster, we have to release others." |
| August
26, 2006 |
Rovers
at home again |
| |
Doncaster Rovers were drawn at home for the second round of the Carling Cup, with the draw being made on Sky Sports at 1.45pm today. They will host Championship side Derby County, with the match due to be played on Tuesday, 20th September (day subject to confirmation). |
| August
26, 2006 |
Rovers
team news |
 |
Gareth Roberts will
return to the Rovers squad for this afternoon's home game against Bournemouth
after completing a two match suspsension, and will compete with Sean
McDaid for the left back position. Central defender Steve Roberts will
return after being rested on Tuesday evening, with skipper Graeme Lee
also expected to return after also being rested, which should have given
him time to fully recover from a groin injury. |
| August
26, 2006 |
Bournemouth
team news |
| |
Bournemouth could be strengthened by the news that Neil Young and Marcus Browning could return to their squad for today's match after recovering from injury, but will face fitness tests before boss Sean O'Driscoll names his side. Lionel Ainsworth may also be included in the squad, although James Coutts (calf) and Warren Cummings (groin) will miss the match. |
| August
26, 2006 |
Piedi
cleared to play |
 |
Doncaster Rovers have announced that Italian striker Michele Di Piedi has finally received his international clearance and is therefore available to play in this afternoon's game against Bournemouth. |
| August
26, 2006 |
Ben
moves on |
 |
Former Doncaster Rovers central defender Ben Futcher moved from Grimsby Town to Peterborough United on Thursday for an undislosed fee, where he re-joins his former Lincoln City boss Keith Alexander. The gap in the Grimsby squad was solved by their subsequent signing of Rovers defender Nick Fenton later the same day. |
| August
25, 2006 |
Mark
edges in front |
 |
Rovers striker Mark
McCammon narrowly won the vote for the "Man of the Match"
for his performance in Tuesday evening's Carling Cup game against Rochdale.
He came home narrowly ahead of James Coppinger, with the duo taking
over 87% of all votes cast. There were five candidates nominated, with
the leading votes as follows: |
| August
25, 2006 |
Steve
sinks Rovers |
 |
Former Rovers midfielder Steven Hawes scored the only goal of the game on Tuesday evening as his current club Stocksbridge Park Steels, emerged victorious against Gresley Rovers. However, Stocksbridge had luck on their side, with Gresley missing a penalty. |
| August
25, 2006 |
Bournemouth
and Port Vale info |
.jpg){kind=small} |
Admission prices
for tomorrow's home game against Bournemough are: |
| August
24, 2006 |
Fenton
signs for Grimsby |
 |
Doncaster Rovers
central defender Nick Fenton has signed for Grimsby Town on a three
year contract. The deal, announced on Grimsby's web site, has gone through
in time for him to make his Grimsby debut on Saturday against Bury. |
| August
24, 2006 |
Red
Dragons slay the Owls |
 |
It will no doubt
not have escaped your attention that former Rovers striker Neil Roberts
scored one of Wrexham's four goals as a rampant Wrexham dumped Sheffield
Wednesday out of the Carling Cup at Hillsborough last night. Roberts
opened the scoring, with Wrexham being 2-0 up at half time, with Wednesday
only grabbing a late consolation goal. |
| August
24, 2006 |
McGuire
scores in penalty shoot out |
 |
Ex-Rovers defender
Phil McGuire was one of Dunfermline's successful penalty takers as they
sneaked into the second round of the CIS Cup on Tuesday, winning 7-6
in an 18 penalty shoot-out against Ayr United at Somerset Park. It was,
apparently, the first penalty shoot-out that Ayr have lost. |
| August
22, 2006 |
Rovers
3 Rochdale 2 |
| |
Rovers
edged into the second round of the Carling Cup after a less than convincing
performance at Belle Vue this evening. A poor first half looked like being
goalless until Rochdale scored direct from a corner on the stroke of half
time, despite Blayney complaining that he had been impeded. The replacement
of Jason Price with Jamie Coppinger at the break proved to be the decisive
moment of the game. Coppingers close control and pace down the right had
Rochdale in all sorts of problems - he set up McCammon's first goal, surged
through the middle to do a one-two with Paul Green on the edge of the
penalty area to fire the second one home himself, then his quickly taken
free kick enabled Mark McCammon to sidefoot the ball home for Rovers'
third goal of the evening. Rovers looked secure for a while, but a mix-up
in the Rovers defence, which saw Blayney out of his goal to challenge
for the ball, led to Rochdale's second. After Blayney had been beaten,
the ball across the goalmouth was turned into his own net by the unfortunate
Paul Green. The introduction of Paul Heffernan, who looked livelier than
he has done all season, almost got Rovers a fourth goal, but his attempt
across the face of goal just went wide of the right post. The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken the trouble to place a vote. We will let you know the result on Friday morning. |
| August
22, 2006 |
Ex-Rovers
on the mark |
 |
Two former Rovers players scored goals in this evening's Carling Cup matches. Richie Barker scored Mansfield Town's second as they won 2-0 at Huddersfield Town, and Dave Mulligan scored his first goal for new club Scunthorpe United as they edged past Lincoln City 4-3 after extra time. |
| August
22, 2006 |
Close
voting at Swansea |
 |
The outcome of the
"Man of the Match" voting for the away game at Swansea City
saw a very close result. With the votes spread amongst virtually all
those who played, the leading votes were cast as follows: |
| August
21, 2006 |
Coin
Trail |
| |
The Viking Supporters' Co-operative have reported that their "Coin Trail" appeal, which is raising money to help run Rovers' youth team, has now reached £51,655.09, with £60.72 being collected at the Swansea game, and £347.79 at the home game against Crewe last week. |
| August
21, 2006 |
Captain
Roberts sinks Chester |
| |
Former Rovers striker
Neil Roberts scored from the penalty spot on Sunday as Wrexham held
on to a 2-1 victory over near neighbours and deadly rivals, Chester
City. Both sides had been reduced to ten men - firstly, Ricky Ravenhill,
on loan at Chester, was shown the red card, reputedly a harsh decision,
for a late challenge on Wrexham keeper (and former Rover) Michal Ingham
in the 25th minute. Wrexham made the man advantage count in the 42nd
minute as Vaughan conceded a penalty, which was put away with aplomb
by Neil Roberts. Wrexham doubled the lead on 52 minutes before Wrexham
were also reduced to ten men 13 minutes from time, during which time
Chester pulled a goal back. |
| August
19, 2006 |
Swansea
2 Rovers 0 |
| |
Rovers succumbed
to two late goals by Lee Trundle after it looked as though they would
hold out for a goalless draw at the Liberty Stadium. Whilst Rovers rarely
threatened the home goal, it took until seven minutes from time for
Trundle to break the deadlock, adding a second by chipping Blayney in
the final minute of the match. |
| August
20, 2006 |
Rovers
v Rochdale ticket info |
 |
Tuesday evening's
home Carling Cup game against Rochdale is NOT all ticket, but tickets
can be bought in advance of the game if you wish. Saturday's home
game against Bournemouth has the following admission prices: |
| August
20, 2006 |
Grayson
on the mark |
 |
After a glut of former Rovers players scoring goals last weekend, we've only spotted one this week. The ever-reliable Neil Grayson scored the only goal of the game for Stafford Rangers as the newly promoted club won 1-0 at home to Southport, moving into fifth place with seven points from three games. |
| August
19, 2006 |
Swansea
- cash gate open today |
| |
Contrary to previous information issued, Swansea City have now announced that they will be opening a "cash gate" for this afternoon's game against Doncaster Rovers at the Liberty Stadium. Gate 36 will be opened one hour before kick-off for anyone wishing to pay on the day. Rovers report that they have sold 508 tickets for today's game. |
| August
19, 2006 |
Rovers
trio out |
 |
The BBC have reported
that three Rovers players will be missing for this afternoon's match
at Swansea. Skipper Graeme Lee is reported to miss the game with a groin
injury, Gareth Roberts is suspended and Bruce Dyer has a toe injury.
That is, of course, in addition to goalkeepers Andy Warrington and Jan
Budtz, who are both injured at the moment. Sean McDaid is likely to
deputise for Roberts, whilst James O'Connor and Nick Fenton may also
make their first League appearances of the season. |
| August
19, 2006 |
Weaver
set for move |
 |
Former Rovers central
defender Simon Weaver looks like he may be on the move already, having
only joined Conference club York City at the start of this season. Weaver
was signed on a short term contract and was an unused substitute during
York's opening two Conference games, but Tamworth are now prepared to
offer the 28-year old a twelve month deal. York boss Billy McEwan has
agreed to release Weaver from his contract so that the move can be completed. |
| August
18, 2006 |
Swansea
v Rovers |
| |
Please
remember that tomorrow's away game at Swansea City is all-ticket, and
no tickets will be on sale on the day of the game. Tickets will be on
sale from 10am to 1pm at the Rovers ticket office, after which any unsold
tickets will be returned to Swansea. Rovers report that they have sold
approximately 400 tickets for the match. Ticket prices: Adult - £15, Under 16 - £7, Student - £10, OAP's - £10, Wheelchair + Carer - £15 The Supporters Club are running coaches to the game - obviously there's no point in booking a place unless you have bought a ticket, but the departure times are as follows: Retford: 7.30am, Bawtry: 7.45am, Hare & Tortoise: 7.55am, Punches: 8.00am, Infirmary: 8.00am, Belle Vue: 8.15am, Harworth Pit Gates: 7.40am, Rossington Styrrup: 7.50am, Skellow Grange: 5.30am, Bentley Pavilion: 5.30am, York Rd Esso: 5.45am, Don Valley, Jossey Lane: 5.55am, Woodlands Cooplands: 6.00am Fares: Members: £20.00, OAP's: £19.00, U-16's: £18.00 Non-members: £22.00, OAP's: £21.00, U-16's: £20.00 To book a place on the coaches, ring Len South on 01302 817347, Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 (Mobile 077404 53066) or Warren Hanson (North Doncaster) 01302 337303 or 07787 926809. |
| August
18, 2006 |
Rovers
to make changes |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers look set to make changes to their side for tomorrow's match at
Swansea, with Gareth Roberts definitely missing the game due to suspension.
Sean McDaid will deputise at left back. Skipper Graeme Lee is doubtful with a groin strain picked up in training, and is set to face a fitness test before Dave Penney names his side. James O'Connor is now fit after recovering from a stomach muscle injury, but may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Adam Lockwood doing well in matches so far this season. Jason Price is hoping for a recall to the side after being stuck on the substitutes bench so far this season, but that may depend on whether Dave Penney continues with Jonathan Forte on the left wing, or switches Coppinger over to the left and plays Forte up front. Swansea look likely to give Dennis Lawrence his debut tomorrow after completing a transfer from Wrexham during the week. They will be without Garry Monk and Andy Robinson due to injury. |
| August
18, 2006 |
Kitchen
book out |
 |
The
long awaited biography of Rovers legend Peter Kitchen has now gone on
sale. Entitled "The Goal Gourmet", the book by Neilson Kaufman
covers all of Kitchen's life to date, and includes many exclusive photographs
from Peter's own collection. Achieving a superb strike rate of 89 goals
from 221 starts for Rovers, Peter went on to achieve similar status at
Leyton Orient, eventually playing for five different League clubs, scoring
210 goals from 545 appearances. After retiring, he played for the Corinthian
Casuals Vets, and scored more than a goal a game - 280 goals from 228
appearances! The book is now available on-line at www.amazon.co.uk for £11.95 or via the Rovers club shop. |
| August
17, 2006 |
Hartlepool
Reserves 5 Rovers Reserves 1 |
| |
Doncaster Rovers put out the youth team for the opening reserve league game of the season and were heavily defeated by a 5-1 score line, having been outplayed for much of the game against a much more experienced Hartlepool team. Rovers took the lead after just three minutes of the game, but conceded two goals in the next three minutes, and never really recovered from that setback. |
| August
17, 2006 |
Programme
fair |
| |
Doncaster Rovers are putting on another "Programme Fair" next Thursday, 24th August, at the Rovers Return club at Belle Vue. The event will start at 7pm. |
| August
17, 2006 |
Ravenhill
deal agreed |
| |
Chester chairman
Stephen Vaughan anticipates no problems with a permanent deal for on-loan
Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill. Due to financial reasons, Chester
have taken Ravenhill on an intial one month loan with the deal being
made permanent after that. He was suspended for the first match of the
season, but has featured as a playing substitute for the last two games. |
| August
16, 2006 |
Rovers
sign De Piedi |
| |
Doncaster Rovers have signed Italian striker Michele Di Piedi on a five month contract after impressing during a short trial period at the club. He played in Monday's "behind closed doors" friendly fixture against Everton. Michele previously played in England for Sheffield Wednesday between 2000 and 2003 before returning to Italy. He has more recently been trying to win a contract back in England, taking trials with Bournemouth, Yeovil and Gillingham before travelling north to Doncaster. |
| August
16, 2006 |
Horlock
out for two weeks |
 |
Rovers midfielder Kevin Horlock will be absent for at least two weeks after undergoing surgery earlier in the week on a damaged cartilage which was sustained in the match against Crewe last Tuesday, which forced his absence from Saturday's game. Kevin is now recovering at home, and will be working with physio Baz Windle to regain full fitness as early as possible. |
| August
16, 2006 |
More
goals |
 |
Former Rovers youth
team player Michael Rankine scored for Rushden & Diamonds last night
in their 3-1 home defeat against Grays Athletic - a result that leaves
the Diamonds pointless after the opening two games. |