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| February
28, 2007 |
It's
Rovers v Rovers |
 |
The
second leg of the southern area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy
was played last night, with League Two Bristol Rovers emerging as 1-0
victors over League One promotion hopefuls Bristol City. With the first
leg between the two city rivals being goalless, Bristol Rovers will now
face Doncaster Rovers in the final at Cardiff on 1st April. The only goal of the game was a "rocket of a volley" after 65 minutes by Rickie Lambert. |
| February
28, 2007 |
Wheater
wants to stay |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers defender David Wheater has said that he wants to stay
at Darlington for the rest of the season. Wheater is currently on loan
at Darlington from Middlesbrough, but his three month loan expires on
22nd March. He said: "If I had my choice then I would stay for the rest of the season but unfortunately these things happen and I have to accept that. If Darlington get to the play-off final and I'm playing for Middlesbrough reserves I will be fuming." Darlington can keep Wheater at the club for the rest of the season, but he will have to sign for a second loan period. The problem the club have is that they have used up nine of the ten loans that they are allowed this season - so if they were to re-sign Wheater, they would not be allowed any other loans until the end of the season. |
| February
28, 2007 |
Freeman
earns new deal |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers full back Clive Freeman has been given a contract as
assistant manager at UniBone League One club Bradford Park Avenue, following
the improvements he has made along with new boss Phil Sharp since rejoining
the club in March 2006, when the club were battling against relegation
from the Premier League. They lost that fight on the last day of the season,
but this season things have greatly improved, with the club challenging
for the play-offs, and their victory in the UniBond League President's
Cup. |
| February
28, 2007 |
Police
appeal |
 |
South
Yorkshire Police have asked to be informed of anyone running a coach in
a private capacity to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Cardiff's
Millennium Stadium. In an item on their website, they have asked for details
of any coaches making the journey to be advised to PC Andy Baker on 01302
385832 ext. 5833 or 01302 385341. |
| February
27, 2007 |
Rovers
0 Yeovil 0 |
 |
Rovers
and Yeovil battled out an entertaining goalless draw at the Keepmoat Stadium
this evening, with the number of shots on target counted on the fingers
of one hand. Rovers played brightly, but badly missed the predatory instincts
of Paul Heffernan, with the trio of Jason Price, Jonathan Forte and Lewis
Guy often drifting wide, leaving no-one in the middle for when the cross
came. The highlight of the game was the welcome return of left back Sean
McDaid, rushed back ahead of schedule due to the injury to on-loan Alan
Wright. Considering McDaid had only played 60 minutes in the reserves
last week since his injury in November, it was a remarkable performance,
and he showed no signs of tiredness all the way to the final whistle. The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thanks to everyone who has taken part - the result will be revealed on Friday morning. |
| February
27, 2007 |
Rovers
v Yeovil |
 |
Sean
O'Driscoll will wait until later today before naming his side for this
evening's home game against second-placed Yeovil Town. The injury-hit
squad have a number of players on the treatment table following Saturday's
game against Port Vale, although Jason Price will be available, as his
one-match ban applies to Saturday's game at Bournemouth. Paul Heffernan is likely to be missing for four weeks after suffering an ankle injury, although he had a scan yesterday to determine the full extent of the injury. Striking options are limited, with Mark McCammon also reported to be absent today due to a back injury, making it likely that Price and Guy will start up front tonight. Also definitely missing tonight's game are Steve Roberts (ankle) and Gareth Roberts (hamstring). We also understand that on-loan left back Alan Wright will miss the game due to an ankle injury, which may enforce the earlier than expected return of Sean McDaid, who has played just 60 minutes (in last week's reserve game) since suffering an injury against Accrington last November. Those named as doubtful are James Coppinger (thigh), Ben Smith (knee) and Paul Green (tendonitis). Yeovil are likely to name the same side that won on Saturday, with striker Marcus Stewart retaining his place after scoring on his return to the side on Saturday. |
| February
27, 2007 |
Urgent
information for users of Rovers Return |
.jpg){kind=small} |
Due
to a long standing function booked in the bar we now use as the Rovers
Return, for one night only (tomorrow) the Rovers Return will be in the
adjacent Ice Breaker bar. I am late announcing this as we were hoping
to be able to relocate this function, and only just found out tonight
we couldn't. Parking arrangements, beer prices, etc. will all be as normal. Sorry for the inconvenience, normal service will be resumed at the next home game. |
| February
27, 2007 |
Jan
stays for more |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers goalkeeper Jan Budtz is staying at Molineux for a further month
after Wolves boss Mick McCarthy decided to extend his loan for a further
month. The 27-year old moved to Wolves last month as cover for Matt Murray,
with Michael Oakes and Carl Ikeme injured. Ikeme has suffered a setback
in his recovery from an ankle injury, and it is expected that he will
not be able to return to full training for around three weeks. |
| February
27, 2007 |
Voting
results |
 |
Jason
Price won the "Man of the Match" for his performance in Saturday's
game against Port Vale, coming well ahead of his nearest contenders. Eleven
players received nominations, with the players receiving the most votes
being: 1 Jason Price (39.58%) 2 Paul Green (18.75%) 3 Mark Wilson (13.54%) 4 James Coppinger (10.42%) Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - all votes will also be added to the running totals for the "Player of the season", which is turning into a very close contest this year, with Jason Price, Paul Heffernan and James Coppinger all vying for top place at the moment. |
| February
26, 2007 |
Leo
at the double |
 |
Two
goals from former Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West enabled Shrewsbury Town
to come away from Wrexham with a 3-1 victory, leaving the Welsh club deep
in relegation trouble, with only Torquay below them in the League Two
table. Fortune-West struck in the eighth minute with a free header, and
then put the Shrews 3-0 up in the 51st minute as he put home a low cross,
before Wrexham managed to score a consolation goal a couple of minutes
later. The match saw the first team return of ex-Rover Neil Roberts in Wrexham's colours after a long injury absence. |
| February
26, 2007 |
Suspensions
lie ahead |
| |
Rovers boss Sean
O'Driscoll is hoping that the prospect of numerous suspensions will
not put Rovers off track in what will be a crucial month in determining
whether Doncaster Rovers keep in touch with the play-off places. |
| February
26, 2007 |
Brockie
takes charge |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers defender Vince Brocke, who has been assistant manager
at UniBond Division One club Harrogate Railway, has taken charge at the
club following the temporary departure of manager Martin Haresign. Club
officials will make a decision later in the season as to whether Brockie
will get the job on a permanent basis - Haresign has said that he cannot
be at Harrogate's games for the next few weeks due to work commitments. Brockie's first match in charge, against Rossendale United, had mixed amounts of success - the team produced a fine 5-1 away win, but it also saw Brockie banished from the touchline at half time. |
| February
24, 2007 |
Rovers
1 Port Vale 0 |
| |
Rovers
overcame the early set-back of losing leading scorer Paul Heffernan to
record an important win over Port Vale, despite not playing at their best.
The first half had few chances, but what there were fell to Rovers, with
Mark McCammon's header which crashed against the crossbar from twelve
yards being the pick of the bunch. Port Vale threatened little, with Neil
Sullivan having little to do in his first match at the Keepmoat Stadium. Things picked up in the second half, with Rovers looking much more lively, and it was totally deserved when they went in front just four minutes after the restart. The ball was crossed in from the right, with McCammon back heading to Jason Price at the far post, and Price's header flew into the top of the goal to put Rovers in front. Rovers had the majority of the attacking play in the second period, but Sodje had the pick of the Vale goal scoring opportunities when he forced Sullivan to make a fine save to tip the ball around the post midway through the second half. The result puts Rovers up to eighth in the table, a tantalizing three points behind sixth placed Tranmere, with two games in hand. It makes the next few games very interesting, particularly the two away games against Nottingham Forest and Oldham Athletic, which come early next month. |
| February
25, 2007 |
Around
the goals |
 |
There
were not many former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday, but we begin
in League Two, where ex-Rover Kevin McIntyre scored from the penalty spot
for Macclesfield Town on their way to a 2-1 home win over fellow strugglers
Grimsby Town. In the Conference National, Neil Grayson scored twice as Stafford Rangers won 3-0 at St Albans. Finally in the UniBond Premier Division, ex-Rover Ian Clark scored the winner for Gateshead in the 89th minute as the ended a pointless three match run by emerging as 2-1 victors against Ossett Town. |
| February
25, 2007 |
Robert
travels the world |
 |
Former
Doncsater Rovers striker Robert Gill is leaving England today to play
football in New Zealand. This season he has been playing for UniBond Premier
League club Ilkeston Town. The Ilkeston assistant manager, Jamie Smith, said: "Gilly leaves tomorrow and I'm sure going to play in New Zealand will be an experience for him. But it does mean that we are a little short in that department now, so we might have to bring someone in." |
| February
25, 2007 |
Away
coach travel |
| |
The Rovers' Supporters
Club are putting on coaches to the away game at Bournemouth on Saturday,
3rd March |
| February
25, 2007 |
Rovers
put on another train |
| |
Due
to popular demand, Doncaster Rovers have arranged for a second train to
convey fans to Cardiff for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final on 1st April.
The second train proved necessary after the first one was fully booked
within five days of tickets going on sale. The trains will leave Doncaster
station at 7am, and will go direct to Cardiff. The return journey will
set off at approximately 4pm. The return fare is £50 - if you wish to book a place, please contact the commercial department at the club. |
| February
24, 2007 |
Rovers
v Port Vale |
 |
Neil
Sullivan will make his Keepmoat Stadium debut this afternoon when Rovers
face Port Vale, taking the place of Ben Smith, who has been playing with
a slight knee injury lately. Gareth Roberts continues to be absent with
a hamstring injury, and it was reported yesterday that Steve Roberts will
also be missing after injuring his ankle in training. Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll may shuffle his pack for today's game after saying that a number of the players looked a little jaded in the early part of the Swansea game last Saturday. Sean McDaid is unlikely to feature despite making a successful playing return following a long absence due to injury. A win this afternoon could see Rovers climb as high as seventh in League One. Port Vale boss Martin Foyle looks set to name an unchanged side this afternoon as he is closing in on being able to name a full strength side for the first time since Christmas. During that time, Vale, who were promotion contenders earlier in the season, have dropped to 14th place. Midfielder Paul Harsley is still doubtful with a shin injury, and striker Luke Rodgers will be out for a further fortnight with a hamstring injury. Colin Miles has returned to full training after recovering from an ankle injury, and is available for selection today. |
| February
24, 2007 |
Mansfield
1 Youth Team 1 |
 |
The youth team drew 1-1 away at Mansfield Town last Saturday in their Youth Alliance match. |
| February
24, 2007 |
Ticket
update |
| |
The
Keepmoat Stadium ticket office have reported that any tickets ordered
by telephone for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Cardiff will not
be available for collection until Wednesday, 28th February. Tickets for the Cardiff game will be on sale until 10.30am this morning, after which only tickets for the Port Vale and Yeovil matches will be on sale. Millennium Stadium tickets will go back on sale next Monday at 9am. |
| February
24, 2007 |
Turner
goes on loan |
 |
Goalkeeper Iain Turner, who played eight games for Rovers on loan from Everton in the closing stages of the 2004/05 season, has moved to Sheffield Wednesday on a month's loan. He has been at Everton since 2003, but has only made a total of five first team appearances for them during that time. |
| February
23, 2007 |
Chesterfield
match rearranged |
| |
The
away match at Chesterfield, origianally scheduled for Saturday, 31st March,
has now been rearranged for Wednesday, 21st March, with a 7.30pm kick-off. |
| February
23, 2007 |
Sheffield
United 1 Reserves 1 |
 |
Rovers'
reserves drew 1-1 against Sheffield United B in Wednesday's match played
at Worksop Town. Rovers included defender Sean McDaid in their side for
the first time since he suffered a knee injury against Accrington Stanley.
McDaid played for an hour of the match, and did not report any adverse
reaction afterwards, which bodes well for a first team return in the relatively
near future. New defender Sam Hird scored the Rovers equaliser in the last few minutes of the match - Sheffield United had opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 80th minute after a foul by Noble. Rovers: Barry Richardson,Robert Caverner, Matt Noble, Sam Hird, Sean McDaid, Jordan Lodge, Liam Nelthorpe, Craig Sutton, Will McGee, Wade Fairhurst, Luke Bythway Substitutes: Gerard Alonso(for McDaid, 59), Jason Hardy (for Lodge, 74), Andrew Boyce (for Bythway, 78), Michael Guilliat |
| February
23, 2007 |
Heffernan
wins again |
 |
Rovers
striker Paul Heffernan was the clear winner in the latest "Man of
the Match" voting, which was for the away game against Crewe on Tuesday,
when he received almost half of the votes cast. With six Rovers players receiving nominations, the leading votes were cast as follows: 1 Paul Heffernan (46.15%) 2 Jason Price (15.38%) 2 Neil Sullivan (15.38%) |
| February
21, 2007 |
Crewe
2 Rovers 1 |
| |
Crewe
finally won against Doncaster Rovers last night, at the fourth time of
asking. It still took until seconds from the final whistle for them to
score their winning goal, when Higdon nodded home a cross from Rodney
Jack. The match marked the return to action in Rovers colours of goalkeeper Neil Sullivan, who pulled off some key saves during the match to keep Rovers in contention, particularly in the first half. Rovers went behind early in the second half following a header from a corner, but equalised six minutes later when Paul Heffernan scored his 20th goal of the season following a foul on Lewis Guy by Billy Jones. Rovers looked safe for a point until the last-gasp winner by Higdon. Even though Rovers lost, they are still only five points behind the play-off places. The "Man of the match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote- the result will be announced on Friday morning. |
| February
21, 2007 |
International
football comes to Doncaster |
 |
The
Keepmoat Stadium is to hold its first international match in March, with
the England Under-19's facing Turkey in their final match before they
play in the UEFA U19 qualifiers in May. It marks the first meeting between
the two sides at this level. Tickets for the match will cost £3 for adults (£5 on match day), £1 for children and OAP's., and will go on sale on 1st March from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. |
| February
21, 2007 |
Bayo
breaks a leg |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa was stretchered off the field
in Swansea's home match against Scunthorpe last night and was taken to
hospital with a suspected broken leg. He fell awkwardly after challenging
for a header just after half time. Swansea's caretaker manager Kevin Nugent said: "It looks bad. Obviously it's too early to confirm the full extent of the injury, but it doesn't look good. We are all gutted for Bayo. He got off his sick bed with 'flu to play and it looks as if he's suffered a serious injury for his troubles.'' |
| February
21, 2007 |
Fans
launch new Rovers Return! |
 |
Disgruntled
Doncaster Rovers' fans, disappointed that the SMC has failed to provide
them with a new clubhouse at the Keepmoat, have launched a new Rovers
Return at the Dome, to replace the popular clubhouse at the old ground.
The generous Dome management have stepped in and provided a private bar on match days, exclusively for Rovers' fans, and at no cost whatsoever. The bar has its own access direct from its own car park (up the steps which face towards Bawtry Road, and it's on the left of the entrance lobby). Even the £2.50 match day car parking fee is fully refundable on any purchases made in the Dome on the day, including getting cash change, so it amounts to free match day parking! Drinks prices are considerably cheaper than the Keepmoat, with beer at £2 being a full 70p a pint less. The bar has full Sky TV Plus, including on a large screen, something which the SMC say they cannot afford to provide at the new stadium. Fans will also be able to display all their memorabilia in the adjacent Ice Breaker Bar (which is already popular with Rovers' fans). Pictures, shirts, or any other mementoes are more than welcome, and the old sign from the original Rovers Return, kindly donated by John Rush, who purchased it at the recent auction, has already been given pride of place. The bar is part of a function room suite which includes a 170 square metre conference room opening off the bar, ideal for supporters' groups AGMs and the like, and there is yet another smaller room which also opens off the Rovers Return bar, suitable for parties, Race Nights, etc. Unbelievably, all these are available by prior booking free of charge to Rovers' fans! The Supporters' Club has already taken advantage by deciding to hold their next Race Night in the premises. |
| February
20, 2007 |
Heffernan
signs new deal |
| |
Rovers
striker Paul Heffernan has signed an extension to his contract that will
keep him at the club until 2010. Heffernan is currently the club's leading
goalscorer with 19 goals so far this season, and looks set to be Rovers'
first player to break through the 20-goal in a season barrier since they
were promoted back into the Football League. |
| February
20, 2007 |
Sullivan
returns! |
 |
Goalkeeper Neil Sullivan has signed on loan from Leeds United for Doncaster Rovers for a second time this season, and looks likely to play in this evening's away game at Crewe Alexandra. Sullivan, who shortly celebrates his 37th birthday, performed well in his previous stint at the club, not conceding a League goal during his time at Rovers - and a similar achievement this time would prove a key part of Rovers' push for promotion. Sullivan will stay at Rovers until April - but will miss the final couple of matches of the season as it would be beyond the total of three months on loan allowed during a season. |
| February
20, 2007 |
Crewe
v Rovers |
| |
Crewe
face Doncaster Rovers for the fourth time this season when the two clubs
meet at Gresty Road this evening. Rovers have no new injury worries for
the match, but Crewe have doubts over midfielders David Vaughan and Michael
O'Connor. Striker Nicky Maynard missed Saturday's match due to a hamstring
injury, and Rodney Jack looks likely to continue in his absence. Rovers now appear to be over the worst of the virus which swept through the club last week, and will have most players available for selection. Crewe have reduced the prices for this evening's match - the price reductions apply to both home and away supporters. Prices will be £10 for adults, and children £5 - although children will be admitted free if accompanied by an adult. |
| February
20, 2007 |
Man
of the match result |
| |
There
were three contenders for the "Man of the Match" for the home
game against Swansea on Saturday - Jason Price, James Coppinger and Paul
Heffernan. Again, Jason Price emerged victorious, earning just over half
of all votes cast. With nine Rovers players receiving nominations, the
leading votes went as follows: 1 Jason Price (50.68%) 2 Paul Heffernan (19.18%) 3 James Coppinger (17.81%) Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. The next vote will open following the conclusion of this evening's away game at Crewe. |
| February
19, 2007 |
Coaches
to Cardiff |
| |
The
Supporters Club will be running coaches to the Johnstone's Paints Trophy
final at the Millenium Stadium on Sunday, 1st April. Coaches will set
off at 6am from the Keepmoat Stadium- please note they WILL leave at this
time; they cannot delay at all as they have to reach Cardiff before 11am,
as the police close roads around the stadium 2 hours before kick-off.
Coaches will be parked around 15 minutes walk away from the Millennium
Stadium. Coach prices will be £25 for adults, and £20 for juniors. Representatives of the Supporters Club will be taking bookings from this evening - they will be at the Park Hotel on Carr House Road from 6.15pm until 9pm, Monday to Friday for the next two weeks. you can also buy a coach ticket from West Stand Reception at the Keepmoat Stadium from Tuesday, 20th February. Please note that no telephone bookings will be made for this match, and all sales will be cash only. Normal rules and regulations apply - see the Supporters Club website for full details. |
| February
19, 2007 |
Oji
the Pirate |
 |
Sam
Oji, who appeared briefly on loan for Rovers from Birmingham City, has
signed on a month's loan at Bristol Rovers. Oji, now 21, is not cup tied,
and is eligible to play in their Johnstone's Paints Trophy southern area
final against local rials Bristol City - the first leg of which is being
played this week. |
| February
19, 2007 |
Tickets
now on sale |
| |
The
tickets currently on sale for the Johnstone's Paints Trophy final at the
Millennium Stadium are: £28 – U11 £20 – U11 £36 – U9 £44 – M3 £28 – L7 £20 – L7 |
| February
19,
2007 |
Other
travel to Cardiff |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers are offering two packages for supporters to get to Cardiff - either
a weekend package, or a special train journey. With no scheduled trains
arriving in Cardiff in time for kick-off on match day, a special train
has been laid on which will go direct to Cardiff, with no stops or changes.
It is anticipated that the train will leave Doncaster at 7am and set off
back at about 4pm, and will cost £50 per person. The other package on offer includes overnight accommodation in Swansea and match tickets, along with transport to and from the stadium on match day. That package will cost £150 per person. |
| February
17, 2007 |
Rovers
2 Swansea 2 |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers and Swansea City played out a very entertaining 2-2 draw this afternoon
at the Keepmoat Stadium, with Rovers coming from behind twice to pick
up a totally deserved point. Swansea went in front in the first half when
ex-Rover Adebayo Akinfenwa rifled a shot from 20 yards into the back of
the Rovers net. Rovers then equalised on the half hour with a great goal
from a narrow angle by Jason Price. Swansea were then awarded a controversial
penalty which earned the match offcials a hostile reception as they made
their way of the pitch three minutes later - Lee Trundle, who caused debutant
Alan Wright trouble in the first half, converted the spot kick with aplomb. Rovers deservedly equalised through in-form Paul Heffernan, who produced a shot out of nowhere in the 59th minute. Rovers pressed forward to win the game, but could not break through a resolute Swansea defence. |
| February
18, 2007 |
Goals
review |
 |
The
wheels continue to come off the Nottingham Forest promotion campaign with
a 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest. Former Rovers striker Jack Lester scored
their goal - the defeat sees them now five points behind leaders Scunthorpe
- Forest had a lead of up to seven points at the top of the table earlier
in the season. Also in League One, it won't have missed your attention that ex-Rover Bayo Akinfenwa scored at the Keepmoat Stadium yesterday. Dropping down into the Conference, Dino Maamria scored his first goal for new club Rushden & Diamonds as they beat St Albans. In Scotland, the relatively prolific Richard Offiong scored Hamilton's first goal in their 4-2 defeat at St Johnstone. Finally, for a change we finish in Wales. Former Rovers skipper Gareth Owen, now player/manager at Airbus UK, scored their first goal in a 3-0 home win over Cwmbran. |
| February
18, 2007 |
Nelthorpe
makes scoring return |
 |
Following
his great performance for Rovers on Monday evening, Craig Nelthorpe resumed
his loan spell at Gateshead on Tuesday. He made a successful return, being
voted "Man of the Match", scoring in their 4-2 defeat away at
Ilkeston Town, although his shot did take a deflection off an Ilkeston
defender. Rovers defender Rob Pacey also played in the Gateshead side.
|
| February
17, 2007 |
The
new "Rovers Return" opens today! |
 |
Don't
forget, the new Rovers Return opens today at the Dome. It is a private
bar, just for Rovers' fans, with beer at £2 a pint, and effectively
free all-day parking (you pay £2.50, but get a voucher to spend
in the Dome). The bar is accessible through the lobby where the toilets are off the Ice Breaker bar, or can be accessed from outside up a flight of steps from its own private car park. The car park is accessed off the road that runs parallel to Bawtry Road on the side of the Dome facing Bawtry Road, and the steps are towards the corner at the main roundabout end. There is temporary signage up today, and next week it should be replaced by permanent neon signs. You can, of course, also use the main Dome car park, where there are places for 650 cars (bigger than Car Parks 2 and 3 at the Keepmoat put together). The bar will open today at 12.00 noon, although they are flexible and are happy to open earlier in future if there is demand for it. The bar will, of course, also be open after the match. It may be further to walk than parking at the Keepmoat and using the Lakeside Suite, but it will save you £5 on parking and 70p a pint on your drinks, plus food is considerably cheaper, there is full Sky TV Plus (not available at the Keepmoat) in the new Rovers Return (as well as the adjacent Ice Breaker bar), and you will have no traffic problems leaving the car park. Indeed, walking back to the Dome car park will get you home quicker than queuing to leave the Keepmoat even if you don't want a pint after the match. If you are still unsettled as to where to drink since leaving Belle Vue, give it a go! We welcome Rovers Return customers old and new! |
| February
17, 2007 |
Rovers
v Swansea team news |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers will probably make several changes from the side that beat Crewe
Alexandra on Monday. Defender Gareth Roberts will miss the next six weeks after tearing a hamstring on Monday, with loan signing Alan Wright making his Rovers debut at left back. Skipper Graeme Lee and Adam Lockwood are likely to be missing after going down with the bug that is sweeping through the Rovers squad. Better news comes with Mark McCammon and Jonathan Forte both resuming training, and are likely to be added to the squad for today's game. Young left winger Craig Nelthorpe is amongst those who will be hoping for a place in the squad today, after putting in an impressive performance on Monday evening. Swansea, today's visitors, were rocked during the week by news that manager Kenny Jackett has left the club, with senior player Kevin Nugent taking over for the moment. Swansea will be missing Alan Tate (hip) adn Leon Britton (dead-leg), Darren Way (shin), Garry Monk (knee), Steve Watt (shoulder) and Owain Tudur Jones (knee), but Tom Butler and Kevin Amankwaah will return to the squad. |
| February
17, 2007 |
Supporters
Club buses to Cardiff |
| |
Tickets for coaches
for the Johnstone's Paints Trophy final at Cardiff will go on sale from
Monday at the Park Hotel, Carr House Road. Tickets will be on sale between
6.15pm and 9pm, Monday to Friday for two weeks. |
| February
17, 2007 |
Blayney
on trial |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney is to be offered a short-term
deal at Oldham Athletic to provide cover for first choice Les Pogliacomi.
At the moment, the Latics have youth team keeper Ryan Smith on the bench,
as deputy Terry Smith is still recovering from a hand injury. Oldham boss John Sheridan said: "I'd like to try and sort something out. I've got to have a chat with the lad (Blayney) today and offer him something until the end of the season - he looks a good keeper. Les is playing well at the moment, so I'll explain that it's only for cover, but he's a person that can challenge Les. If there was an injury, I'd be comfortable with him." |
| February
16, 2007 |
Wright
for Rovers |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers have signed left back Alan Wright on a month's loan from Sheffield
United. The need for a left back became urgent following the hamstring
injury suffered by Gareth Roberts in Monday's match against Crewe Alexanda.
The only other left back available to Sean O'Driscoll is Sean McDaid,
who is also out injured at the moment, although he has now resumed some
training. Wright began his career at Blackpool, moving on to Blackburn before an eight year stay at Aston Villa. A move to Middlesbrough preceded a transfer to Bramall Lane in 2004, although he has only made two first team appearances for the Blades this season. |
| February
16, 2007 |
Cardiff
ticket update |
| |
Rovers
have now confirmed that season ticket holders will be able to order tickets
for the Johnstone's Paints Trophy final at the Millennium Stadium by telephone.
However, anyone doing so will have to collect their tickets personally,
as the voucher in the season ticket book needs to be completed and given
to the ticket office. Tickets are expected to be available for collection at tomorrow's match, although details of where that collection point will be are currently uncertain. Tickets can be ordered on the stadium ticket office phone number of 01302 762576. |
| February
16, 2007 |
Housing
plan for Belle Vue |
| |
Plans
have been revealed to turn the Belle Vue site into an upmarket housing
estate as part of council plans to sell off part of its property portfolio
to fund regenerations projects. The stadium is currently being demolished
after a gas explosion shattered the central part of the main stand. Developers behind the plans for Belle Vue say that they are "within touching distance" of an agreement with Doncaster Council, who hold the freehold on the site. Mike Clynch, a town planner acting on behalf of the leaseholders Westferry, said: "We expect the site to be cleared in the next couple of weeks and then a sale later this year." |
| February
16, 2007 |
The
train can't take the strain |
| |
With
over 20,000 Rovers fans set to descend on Cardiff on April 1st, it seems
that the option of going from Doncaster to Cardiff by train is one option
that is currently ruled out. The first train from Doncaster to Cardiff
doesn't arrive in Cardiff until 1.46pm - which rules out the option, as
the match kicks off at 1pm. Rovers' Managing Director Stuart Highfield
has confirmed that Rovers are in touch with the rail companies to try
and arrange a special train on the day, and investigations are being made
into the viability of special flights from Finningley Airport for the
match. The Rovers Supporters Club are due to announce details of coach travel to Cardiff shortly. |