June 30, 2007

St Pats not taking Thornton

Irish side St Patrick's Athletic are not taking Sean Thronton back to his homeland. He was strongly linked with a move to Ireland after his release from Rovers in the summer. Manager John McDonnell told the Irish Daily Mirror that it was the salaries that players comanded in England which will put them beyond the reach of their wage structure.

June 30, 2007

Former Rovers striker Darren France is the new assistant manager at the newly former Scarborough Athletic Football Club. The new club, which was born after the folding of Scarborough FC have appointed Darren's father Brian as manager with Darren as his assistant. The pair have been partners in management before in a very successful period for North Ferriby.

June 29, 2007

Adebayo off to Swindon

Swindon Town look set to sign former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa after he refused a new contract offer at Swansea City. Swindon will sign the 25 year old, subject to a medical. Bayo has also had spells with Barry Town, Boston, Leyton Orient, Rushden & Diamonds and Torquay, before joining The Swans in 2005. He made four league starts for Rovers and another five from the substitutes bench, scoring four goals.

June 29, 2007

Bury capture Futcher

Former defender Ben Futcher has joined Bury. Futcher, who was released from his contract at Peterbrough at the end of last season, has chosen Bury after tough competition from Mansfield. Futcher made two starts for Rovers after his free transfer from Stalybridge Celtic back in 2002. During his career he has also played for Oldham, Lincoln, Boston and Grimsby.

June 29, 2007

Budtz to Hartlepool

Goalkeeper Jan Budtz has signed for Hartlepool. The Dane, who starred in the Carling Cup victory over Manchester City in the 2005-2006 season, was released by Doncaster at the end of last season. He was bought from Nordsjaelland after begining his career at B1909 Odense. He went on loan to Wolves in the latter stages of the last capaign but didn't do enough to earn a permanent deal with the Midlands club. He faces competition from ex-Coventry goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett.

June 28, 2007

Crawley take two

Crawley Town have announced the signings of two players with Rovers connections. Their manager, former Boston boss Steve Evans has signed midfielder Tyrone Thompson and striker Jon-Paul Pittman. Thompson had a loan spell from Sheffield United whilst Rovers were in the conference and has been more recently with Halifax Town. Pittman was released at the end of last season having made just one substitute appearance for Rovers in the JPT Trophy.

June 28, 2007

Forte for Scunny ?

Billy Sharp is on the verge of re-signing for Sheffield United having left there just two seasons ago. We understand that as part of the dea ltwo of the Blades younger talents will be travelling in the opposite direction. The players rumoured are Ian Ross and Jonathan Forte. Forte spent all of last season with Rovers and featured in 41 league games. He, of course, scored the opening goal in the JPT Trophy Final at Cardiff.

June 27, 2007

Horlock out for at least three months

Rovers have announced that veteran midfielder Kevin Horlock has dilocated his shoulder and has been told he will be out for at least three months. Last season Horlock missed virtually the whole season, stating just the first two games and scoring in one of them. It is a bitter blow for the player who joined on a permanent basis last summer after a highly impressive loan period. We wish Kevin a speedy recovery as his fitness this season will be imperative if Rovers are to embark on a promotion assault.

June 26, 2007

It gets worse

James Coppinger is to be out for four to six weeks having had surgery on his groin today. At the end of last season it was decided that James did not require surgery, but having shown no sign of recovery, it was decided that surgery was necessary. Hopefully James will be able to return for the eagerly anticipated friendly agaisnt Manchester United on August 3rd.

June 27, 2007

The Keepmoat an evacuation centre

Despite most of Doncaster being flooded out, we are pleased to report that The Keepmoat pitch is in perfect condition. The sophisticated drainage system that was installed means that had a game been due to be played today it would have gone ahead and the rugby game scheduled for Sunday is not under threat from the weather. The Keepmoat is on standby in case it is needed as an evacuation centre if more areas of the town are flooded out in the next 24 hours.

June 26, 2007

Glynn back in the Premiership

Having been appointed as part time coach for Northern Ireland recently, Glynn Snodin has today left Southampton and has rejoined his former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley at Premiership West Ham. The Hammers are in discussions with Southampton over a compensation arrangement. We'd like to congratulate Glynn and wish him every success in his new role.

June 26, 2007

Kelly to Rhyl

Former Rover Jimmy Kelly has signed for Principality Welsh Premier League club Rhyl. Rhyl, who co-incidentally play at a ground called Belle Vue have Kelly's former Chester collegue Dave Cameron as coach. Rovers fans will remember Cameron as the Chester player that missed the final penalty in the Conference play-off semi final four years ago. Kelly now 34 made 61 Conference appearances for Rovers.

June 25, 2007

Sir Bobby Charlton to kick off match

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton will kick off the friendly game between Rovers and Manchester United at The Keepmoat Stadium on August 3rd. He agreed to do so after dining with Rovers chairman John Ryan. Sir Bobby is pictured (left) with Ronan Keating and Pele. Two of the three are now due at the Keepmoat in the next five weeks.

June 25, 2007

Huddersfield game moved for TV

The league game against Huddersfield Town, originally arranged for Saturday 13th October has been moved back a day for television coverage. The game will now kick off at 4pm on Sunday 14th October and will be shown live on Sky Sports. The game sees a repeat of the Keepmoat Stadium's first game in which Mark McCammon scored the first in a 3-0 win.

June 24, 2007

Rovers open meeting

Doncaster Rovers are to hold an "open meeting" at the Dome on Saturday, 4th August at 11.00am - the day after the home pre-season game against Manchester United. Everyone interested may attend - the "big guns" from Rovers, including chairman John Ryan, along with Sean O'Driscoll and Richard O'Kelly, will be in attendance and will be answering questions. So, why not come along and see what they all have to say about their plans for the new season - it should be a worthwhile and informative session.

June 24, 2007

Beardsley signs for Minstermen

Former Rovers striker Chris Beardsley has signed for Blue Square Conference Premier club York City after being released by Rushden & Diamonds after an 18-month stay at Nene Park. The 23-year old began his career at Mansfield Town before briefly joining Rovers - leaving to join Kidderminster, before returning for a second spell at Mansfield.

June 24, 2007

Sullivan proud of Leeds past

Rovers' new signing Neil Sullivan is looking forward to an Elland Road return with Doncaster Rovers this season. The former Scotland goalkeeper admitted that one of the first fixtures he looked for when the were released earlier this month was Rovers' game at Leeds.
He told Yorkshire Radio: "It was one of the first games I looked at. It will be good going back, but I'll be a Doncaster Rovers player and I'll want to win. I had a fantastic time and Leeds is a fantastic club. Things didn't work out for me, but I had a fantastic time and met some good people. To have it on my CV is something I'll look back on with a lot of pride."

June 23, 2007

Tris for Celtic

Blue Square Conference Premier newboys Farsley Celtic have signed former Doncaster Rovers striker Tristram Whitman from Alfreton Town. Alfreton finished 14th in the Conference North last season - Farsley went up by finishing fifth and winning the promotion play-offs. Whitman, Tristram Whitman, who made 37 starts for Rovers between 2000 and 2003, and has also played for Tamworth, Crawley, Dagenham & Redbridge and Scarborough, is the second signing of the summer for Farsley.

June 23, 2007

Fixture changes

Rovers have announced that the dates of five fixtures for next season have been changed.
The revised dates are as follows:
Friday, 7th September - Northampton Town (away) - kick-off 7.45pm (was Sat 8 Sep)
Sunday, 28th October - Leyton Orient (home) - kick-off 3pm (was Sat 27 Oct)
Sunday, 16th December - Yeovil Town (home) - kick-off 3pm (was Sat 15 Dec)
Friday, 28th March - Nottingham Forest (home) - kick-off 7.45pm (was Sat 29 Mar)
The full list of fixtures can be found by clicking on "matches" - the link to the fixtures are supplied by kind permisison of the Viking Supporters' Co-operative's website.

June 23, 2007

Bayo talks to Robins

Ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has been holding "very positive" talks with newly promoted Cheltenham Town following his departure from Swansea City last week. The 25-year old striker, who has also been linked with a move to Gillingham, is hopeful of resolving his future early next week.
He said: "I have had talks with Swindon and it was very positive. I have met Sturrock and he knows what he is talking about and he is putting together a good team. I got very good vibes from him and in that respect everything is looking good but now I have got to sit down with my family and decide which is the best move for all of us. Location is important for my family. I am a London boy and one of the clubs is close to London but Swindon would be fine too as I have got a place in Bristol so it would be just down the road for me. By early next week everything should be sorted and the decision will be made."

June 22, 2007

Ex-Rover one of many to switch from Lincoln

Former Rovers midfielder Jason Minett is one of six players who will move from Lincoln United to Grantham Town this summer - with the total number of former "Gingerbread" players in the Grantham squad likely to be as high as nine next season. Grantham boss John Wilkinson has said that he has agreed terms with Mario Ziccardi, Stuart Reddington, Ian Wilkins, Dave Gilbert and Jason Minett - all also former Grantham players. Minett played 58 games for Rovers between 1998 and 2000 before leaving to join Boston United.

June 22, 2007

Matt finally signs

Matt Noble has signed his one year contract with Doncaster Rovers after impressing the Rovers management in the youth team and reserve team last season. It had been known for some time that he had been offered the deal, but he eventually signed an hour after Neil Sullivan was unveiled as a Doncaster Rovers player earlier in the week.

June 22, 2007

Redfearn joins Vics

Neil Redfearn has been appointed as manager at Blue Square Conference Premier club Northwich Victoria, with former Norwich and Manchester City manager John Bond continuing in a consultancy role. Redfearn, who returned to playing last season with Bradford Park Avenue, impressed the Northwich board, with chairman Mike Connett saying: "From the start Neil impressed us with both his professionalism and experience. And that impression was reinforced the more we spoke to him. We believe he's just the kind of coach that Vics need at this stage of the team's development, with the emphasis on Premier League-style ball possession. We want to get away from the kind of knock and run tactics that we've seen in the past. We also need to get into the play-offs of the Blue Square Premier. Neil is the man who is going to do it for us on both counts."
The former Rovers midfielder had previously expressed a wish to manage Boston United, but the ongoing impasse regarding the takeover at the club prevented him joining.

June 21, 2007

Stuart signs for Orient

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Stuart Nelson has signed for League One club Leyton Orient on a two year contract. Nelson, now aged 25, was released by Brentford at the end of last season after not being offered a new contract following a Bees career of 136 games. Nelson was at Rovers between 2002 and 2003, but only made two first team appearances during that time. He then moved on to Hucknall Town before being given another chance at League level when signing for Brentford in a £10,000 transfer.
Orient boss Martin Ling told Orient's website: "I'm glad to get the goalkeeping position wrapped up, with Stuart and Glenn Morris competing for the jersey."

June 21, 2007

Adam signs on again

Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Adam Collin has signed a new 12 month contract with Blue Square Conference North club Workington Reds after being a key part of last season's successful campaign. Collin signed for Rovers on loan from Newcastle United for the latter part of the 2003/04 season as goalkeeping cover, but did not make any first team appearances for the club.

June 21, 2007

Bayo leaves Swans

Swansea City have confirmed that Adebayo Akinfenwa and Izzy Iriekpen have left the club after rejecting new contract offers. Both players were unhappy with the one-year contract offers, with Swansea reported to be unwilling to negotiate with the players. A third player, Kris O'Leary, who is the longest serving player in the Swansea squad, has a further week to confirm whether he will stay, as he is out of the country at the moment - but it has been reported that O'Leary has received an offer of a three year contract at Cheltenham Town.
Ex-Rover Akinfenwa, who is still recovering from a broken leg, but expects to be fully fit for the new season, previously expressed his opinion that the new contract offer made him feel "unappreciated". Reports suggest that he is interesting several clubs, including three at League One level, and is expected to sign for a new club in the next couple of weeks.

June 20, 2007

Ticket news update

Doncaster Rovers have now sold a record-number of season tickets, with 4,420 already bought for next season - ticket prices are set to rise from 1st July, although the club have yet to announce what that increase may be.
The Keepmoat Stadium website report that tickets for the away pre-season friendly fixture at Retford on Tuesday, 10th July will go on general sale today, at £5 for adults, £3 for senior citizens/students, £2 for under-16's. Admission for wheelchair disabled supporters will be £3, but their carer will be admitted free of charge.
Tickets for the Carling Cup game against Lincoln City (Tuesday 14th August) will go on sale to season ticket holders from next Monday, and on general sale from Monday 9th July.
Ticket prices will be:
Season ticket holders: Adults £10, Concessions £5
Non-season ticket holders: Adults £15, Concessions £8, Under-11's £5.
Tickets for the Manchester United pre-season game will go on general sale from 1st July - they are currently on sale to season ticket holders, with 7,387 already having been sold.

June 20, 2007

Duo sign on

Further to yesterday's announcement that Neil Sullivan and Sam Hird have agreed to join Doncaster Rovers, some details have now emerged about their deals. Both will sign on 1st July, after their contracts at Leeds expire. Sullivan has signed on a two year contract, with boss Sea O'Driscoll warning him that he will have to fight for his first team place.
He said: "Neil was first choice whilst he was here last season, but he knows that there will be no guarantees next season. He knows that at his age that he is not going to play in every game next season and that we also have high hopes of young Ben Smith and he will prove a good mentor."
"We have given Neil a two-year contract and he has assured us that barring accidents that he is keen to keep playing. Neil is an experienced keeper and he fitted in very well during his two spells on loan last season. You need a good spine in a team and he has proved a good custodian of the keeper's shirt during his career and breeds confidence in the back-four."
Hird, although he was not at yesterday's press conference, has signed a one-year deal with Rovers. O'Driscoll said: "Sam has got a year to prove himself and he'll push everybody and he'll set standards for doing things right and he'll make the squad stronger. Sam is only 19 but I would have no hesitation in playing him if the circumstances dictated because I think that he would give me what he has got and that would be good enough. He has got confidence without being arrogant and I am sure that he will be pushing to get into the starting line-up."

June 20, 2007

Reed brings in Freeman

John Reed, recently appointed as manager of UniBond Premier League newboys Buxton, has appointed former Rovers defender Clive Freeman as his assistant manager. Freeman, now aged 44, played 23 games for Rovers in the 1993/94 season before moving on to have a non-league career at Farsley Celtic, Emley, Bridlington Town, Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley. He has since been assistant manger at Guiseley and Bradford Park Avenue before his move to Buxton this week.

June 19, 2007

Two for Rovers

The Doncaster Free Press have confirmed suspicions that the two signings being unveiled at the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon are goalkeeper Neil Sullivan and defender Sam Hird. Both appeared for Rovers on loan from Leeds United last season, and both were released at the end of last season.

June 19, 2007

Akinfenwa set to leave Swans

It looks likely that former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will be one of four players to leave Swansea City today - if manager Roberto Martinez sticks to today's deadline for them to sign new contracts at the club. The situation has dragged on since the end of last season, with Martinez having previously said: "After June 19 the offers are no longer on the table. We are communicating with the players and I think things could be sorted out a little before that."
Whilst stressing that he wants all four to stay, Martinez is keen to resolve the situation one way or the other, so he knows if he needs to enter the transfer market to find replacements.
The four concerned are club captain Garry Monk, Adebayo Akinfenwa, defender Izzy Iriekpen and veteran midfielder Kris O'Leary.
Akinfenwa has said that he has received offers from two Championship clubs, and commented: “As it stands it looks like I won’t be at Swansea next season. I’ve got to feel like I’m appreciated. At the moment I don’t feel like I’m appreciated at Swansea. I’ve talked to my family and agent and I think their offer shows a lack of appreciation. I’ve tried to meet Swansea half way but I’ve just hit a brick wall.”

June 19, 2007

Rovers call press conference

Doncaster Rovers have called a press conference for 1pm today, at which they are expected to announce the signing of one - possibly two - players. With Mickey Walker hinting that most, if not all, of the signings Rovers were wanting to make this summer would be completed by the end of the week, we expect one of the players to be unveiled to be that of goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.

June 19, 2007

Horlock fit in a week

Following a number of stories circulating at the moment about Kevin Horlock having picked up a shoulder injury, we are glad to report that the injury has been assessed and he will be fit within a week. He will therefore be returning to training, along with the rest of the squad, early next month for the pre-season training period.

June 18, 2007

Harrogate sign Mark

Blue Square North club Harrogate Town signed five players last week, including former Rovers player Mark Hume, as they strengthened their squad in order to make a promotion challenge next term.
Hume arrives at Wetherby Road after spending last season at Nationwide North rivals Stalybridge Celtic. Primarily a defender, he has also been playing up front, scoring nine goals last season. He started his career at Barnsley before joining Rovers in 1998 - loan spells at Gateshead and Gainsborough Trinity were followed by a full transfer to Barrow in 2000. After making 188 appearances for Barrow, he moved to Alfreton Town in 2004, before moving to Stalybridge last summer.
The other players signed by Harrogate were defender Nathan Peat (ex-Hull and York), striker Lee Whittington (ex-Rotherham and Scarborough), goalkeeper Paul Musselwhite (ex-Port Vale and Scunthorpe) and goalkeeper Curtis Aspden, who has signed on a season-long loan from Hull City.

June 18, 2007

Limber in charity bike ride

Former Rovers defender Nicky Limber is one of three teachers from Danum School who will be making a charity cycle ride from John O'Groats to Lands End next month. The journey is due to start on 19th July, and they hope to complete the journey in nine days. All sponsorship raised will be divided equally between their two nominated charities - Meningitis UK and Whizz Kids.
For further information, please check their website on www.danumriders.co.uk.

June 18, 2007

Thompson gets OBE

FA chairman Geoff Thompson, who worked for Doncaster Rovers in the early days of his career, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Geoff began as a referee in the Yorkshire League before becoming secretary of the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA in 1968, going on to be secretary of the Durham and Birmingham county FAs in the 1970's before joining Rovers for a spell as general manager - returning to the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA in 1979. In 1989 he was chairman of the FA's disciplinary committee, then in 1999 was elected chairman of the FA, and has since worked his way up in UEFA, being made vice-president in 2002. He will finish his term as FA Chairman next year, but will continue in his roles as UEFA and FIFA vice-president.

June 17, 2007

Bayo given until Tuesday

Swansea's local paper has reported that four Swansea City players, including former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, have been given until Tuesday to sign new contracts at the club. The four are reported to be unhappy at the terms they ahve been offered, but the club are hopeful that they will all be persuaded to stay.
Akinfenwa has been offered a new 12 month contract at the Swans, and has previously expressed a desire to stay at the club.

June 17, 2007

Redfearn can't wait much longer

Former Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn has confirmed that he is still keen on beoming Boston United's next manger, despite the club suffering two relegations in the summer. However, with the ongoing takeover of the club continuing to show no signs of coming to an early solution, he has warned that he will have to look at some other job offers on the table.
"I am still interested in Boston, but I can't wait forever," he told the Lincolnshire Echo.
"It doesn't bother me that they are a division lower. All that means is it would take longer for the club to get back into the league. They were still getting crowds of 2,500 last season which shows there is great interest in the club. But I have some other offers which will be resolved within days."
Boston were relegated from League Two to the Blue Square Premier League at the end of last season, but demoted a further level owing to terms of their CVA not undertaking to repay football creditors in full.

June 17, 2007

North Branch AGM

The Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club North Branch will be holding their Annual General Meeting at the Co-op Club (at the rear of The Range, York Road) at 7pm on Wednesday, 18th July. There will be a finger buffet after the meeting, with players and a guest speaker expected to appear. There will also be an opportunity to have your photograph taken with the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

June 16, 2007

Blunt stays on despite Sutton dropping down

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Jason Blunt is to stay as manager at Sutton despite the club resigning from the Northern Counties East League Premier Division due to financial reasons. The club have stated that, despite the consortium which took over the club last year investing heavily last season, the considerable debt inherited has caused problems. They have been advised to cease trading as a limited company - but the club will reform as Sutton Town AFC and they have applied to join the Central Midlands League.
Blunt, along with a number of last year's squad, will join the newly formed club, with an academy also being set up to encourage younger players to come through the ranks, with ex-Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman assisting with coaching the youth academy.

June 16, 2007

Rovers' Open Day

Doncaster Rovers are to hold their first Open Day at the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday, 8th July - with some of the activities taking part on the Lakeside Sports complex.
They are aiming to make the event bigger than last season, with a full training session being followed by the chance for the supporters to meet the players to get photos and autographs.
Rovers in the Community will also be running some special events during the day.

June 16, 2007

Supporters Club AGM

The Annual General meeting of the Main Branch of the Doncaster Rovers Supporters' Club will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, 5th July at the Park Hotel on Carr House Road. Members, both old and new, will be welcome at the meeting.