May 15, 2007

Tigers set for the Keepmoat

Hull City are the latest club to confirm a pre-season friendly fixture against Doncaster Rovers. They have announced that they will pay their first visit to the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday, 28th July (kick-off 3pm).
This currently gives Rovers four home pre-season games so far - Manchester City (Sat 14 July), Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wed 25 July), Hull City (Sat 28 July) and Manchester United (Fri 3 Aug). Away games at Retford and Worksop have also been announced.

May 15, 2007

Atkins leaves Celtic

Doncaster-born former Rovers defender Mark Atkins has left Stalybridge Celtic, along with manager John Reed, after a two and a half year stay at the club. The management duo were told that their contracts would not be renewed ahead of the Nationwide North's final game of the season at Gainsborough Trinity. Whilst avoiding relegation against all the odds in their first season at the club, and missing out on a play-off place on the last day of the season in the following year, this last season was a battle against relegation, with Reed confirming "As a group of players and management staff, we've under achieved this year."
However, even though he was greatly disappointed with the chairman's decision, Reed said that he and Atkins would be back into management sooner, rather than later, saying: "Hopefully, the phone will ring saying there’s a job for us because me and Mark want to carry on and we’re not bothered which one of us is in charge."

May 15, 2007

Lewis returns to U's

Former Rovers assistant manager Mickey Lewis has been appointed as youth team coach at Conference club Oxford United. He had been expected to be reunited with Dave Penney at Darlington, but has decided to return to Oxford, one of his former clubs, and told their official website: "I had such great times here at Oxford and I'm really excited to be back. It's a different place to the club I left - positive and forward-looking."
Lewis was a player at Oxford for eleven years, and also played for Derby County and West Bromwich Albion.

May 14, 2007

Hayter - no plans to speak to other clubs

Bournemouth striker James Hayter has told the Dorset Echo that he is in the dark over reports that he is to sign for Doncaster Rovers. Despite the Rovers' official site claiming he had travelled up to Doncaster last week, Hayter claimed that he was in Bournemouth town centre at the time.
He said: "I'm under contract to Bournemouth and have no immediate plans to speak to any other club, unless someone tells me differently."

May 14, 2007

Goals review

Two goals by former Rovers striker Ross McCormack proved not to be enough to give Motherwell victory in their last match of the season against St Mirren, with his side going down to a 3-2 home defeat. It turned out that the result was sufficient for both clubs to avoid relegation from the Scottish Premier League.
Also amongst the goals this weekend was former on-loan player David Wheater, who scored in first half injury time of Middlesbrough's home game against Fulham. His side went on to a 3-1 victory, with Mark Viduka scoring the other two goals.

May 14, 2007

Melligan offered new deal

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder JJ Melligan is one of eight players to have been offered a new contract at Cheltenham Town by manager John Ward. Melligan, who has been in a great run of form over the latter part of the season, has been at Whaddon Road for three seasons, and has now made over 100 League starts for the club. He played 21 games for Rovers during the 2003/04 season whilst on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

May 13, 2007

Boss - cash doesn't buy success

Following the news this week that Rovers were prepared to smash their transfer record to bring in James Hayter - although nothing can be signed unitl June 1st, when the 'transfer window' opens - Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was sounding a more cautious note.
Rovers are said to be concentrating on signing a few quality players rather than quantity of playres during the summer, as O'Driscoll has targetted three or four key players to strengthen his squad.
However, Sean warned: "Having cash to spend doesn't always guarantee success but it certainly increases your options."
Rovers are expected to name Neil Sullivan as one of the signings, when his contract runs out at the end of the month. With Leeds boss Dennis Wise having indicated that Sullivan is not in his plans for next season, Sullivan is set for the Keepmoat Stadium following a highly successful and popular three months on loan during the last season.

May 13, 2007

Bayo - I want to stay

Former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has said that he wants to stay at Swansea City after being offered a new contract by the club, despite missing the latter part of the season with a broken leg. The big striker is one of eight players at the club out of contract next month, but has confirmed that he is in talks with the Swans over a new deal.
"There is a new deal on the table which I'm grateful for, and I believe the negotiations are going on this week. I hope that something can be worked out as I've always wanted to stay here as it's a fantastic club with real potential. My agent is sitting down with the chairman so I'm sure both parties can reach agreement which means I can stay at Swansea. I'm not interested in going anywhere else."

May 13, 2007

Ingham released

Michael Ingham, the goalkeeper who appeared once for Doncaster Rovers during the 2004/05 season on loan from Sunderland, has been released by Wrexham following their narrow escape from relegation to the Conference. New boss Brian Carey has announced the departure of just two players so far, with discussions taking place with eight other out of contract players due to begin soon. Ingham, a former Northern Ireland goalkeeper, lost his place after Carey brougth in Anthony Williams on loan from Carlisle United after taking over from previous boss Denis Smith in January.

May 12, 2007

Hayter - not 'done deal'

Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond has scotched initial claims by Doncaster Rovers that their leading scorer James Hayter is set to move north to join his former manager, Sean O'Driscoll. After a series of reports this week, which culminated in the Rovers' official website saying that Hayter was discussing personal terms with the club, Bond broke his silence to explain the situation.
"Doncaster Rovers have tabled a bid for James Hayter. I'm not prepared to disclose details of the bid, that is club business. There are a number of factors to be taken into consideration. Firstly, what James wants to do. I would never want to keep a player against his wishes and, in saying that, I'm not suggesting for one minute that he doesn't want to stay here."
" James has expressed a desire to see what the possibilities are. Every player has a price. James is out of contract at the end of the coming season and would be at liberty to walk away without the club receiving any compensation."
Bond added: "No way is it a done deal. We find ourselves in a slightly precarious position in that James only has one year on his contract to run. If a longer contract could be negotiated, it might put a different complexion on the situation."
Bournemouths chairman, Jeff Mostyn, was saying similar things: "I can confirm we have received an offer for James Hayter and the player is now considering his options. In planning for the future, no consideration has ever been given - at any stage - for the sale of any players. It has never been our strategy. This doesn't prevent football clubs showing an interest, or indeed, making an offer for any member of the playing staff."

May 12, 2007

O'Driscoll on transfer speculatiion

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has issued a statement on the Doncaster Rovers Official Site which expands on the club's previous statement concerning James Hayter.
O'Driscoll confirmed that a bid had been tabled for the player, which had been accepted by AFC Bournemouth, and that Rovers have opened initial discussions with Hayter and his agent.
He said: "We understand that this will be a big decision for James at this time in his career and acknowledge the fact that other clubs will be interested in his services. The deal is a long way from being finalised and further negotiations will take place once James returns from a short break with his family."
"A statement will be issued should further developments occur."

May 12, 2007

Ryan - hands off Heff

Rovers chairman has issued a stark "hands off" warning to any clubs interested in signing Rovers' top playres this summer. "We won't be letting any of those players leave the club this summer. I have been the chairman here for nearly nine years now and in that time we have never sold anyone whom we wanted to stay. James is the best player in League One, Paul is the best finisher, and Graeme is a hero to our supporters," he added. "They are all under contract and, as far as I am aware, are all extremely happy at Doncaster Rovers."

May 12, 2007

Flitney leaves

Former Rovers goalkeeper Ross Fitney has been released by League Two club Barnet, as part of their squad clear-out which sees five players leave Undershill. Flitney lost his first team place to Lee Harrison during the seaosn, and has been available for loan since. He was at Rovers on loan from Fulham for the last part of the 2004/05 season as cover, but did not make a first team appearances for the club. He has also had loan spells at Brighton & Hove Albion.

May 12, 2007

Beardsley released by Diamonds

Ex-Doncaster Rovers striker Chris Beardsley is one of six players to be released by Rushden & Diamonds' manager Garry Hill as Hill looks to build a squad which will challenge for promotion from the Conference next season. Beardsley joined the Diamonds on loan from Mansfield Town in January, subsequently signing an 18-month contract with the club. However, he only scored two goals since joining the club.

May 11, 2007

Warrington signs for Millers

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington has joined Rotherham United on a two year contract. The 32-year-old keeper had been offered a new one year contract at Bury, for who he had been playing since January, but he elected to move to a club closer to his South Yorkshire home.
Andy made over 200 first team appearances for Rovers until a broken leg sustained against Manchester City in the Carling Cup meant that he missed 12 months whilst he recovered.

May 11, 2007

Penney swings the axe

Former Rovers manager Dave Penney has told four more players that they are surplus to requirements, leaving him with just seven players under contract, which include former Rovers players Tim Ryan and Gregg Blundell. Penney released seven other players last week, including ex-Rovers strikers Simon Johnson and Alun Armstrong, as he looks to substantially rebuild the squad he inherited, which missed out on qualifying for the promotion play-off positions.
However, he has offered a new contract to ex-Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill, who joined the club on loan from Grimsby Town during the January transfer window.

May 11, 2007

Clough after McGrath

Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough has targetted former Rovers midfielder John McGrath as one of the players he wants to sign during the summer as he bids to strengthen the squad that narrowly missed out on the Conference play-offs this season. McGrath is currently at Tamworth, and potentially joins former Rovers midfielder Paul Carden, who has been offered a new contract by Burton.

May 10, 2007

Hayter heads to Donny

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that they have made a bid for Bournemouth striker James Hayter, which is understood to involve a club record transfer fee. Bournemouth are reported to have accepted the Rovers bid, and personal terms are now being discussed with the player. Hayter has been at Bournemouth since 1996, and has made just over 400 first team appearances for the club, scoring 107 goals. Last season he scored 12 goals, despite a number of the games being in midfield - which still made him top goalscorer for the club. He has been Bournemouth's top goalscorer for the last four seasons.

May 10, 2007

Ryan sets aims for next season

Immediately after the end of the 2006/07 season, John Ryan reflected on what he considered a good season and was already looking forward to the 2007/08 season. Unsurprisingly, Ryan's aim for next season was simple - promotion to the Championship, although thankfully the club still seem to be shying away from slogans of the like of "Destination Championship"!
Ryan said: "We've had three pretty solid seasons in League One and I am sure that a lot of other clubs would like that record. But we are going all out next season to win promotion to the Championship as, in all fairness, we did this season. We were badly hit by injuries this season and hopefully we'll get a better rub of the green next season."

May 10, 2007

Supporters Club awards

Graeme Lee was named at the Supporters Club "Player of the Year" for the 2006/07 season before Saturday's home game against Northampton Town. Defender Adam Lockwood was named as April's "Player of the Month".
Rovers held their own awards ceremony on Saturday evening, with Paul Heffernan receiving the "Players' Player of the Year" award, and Ben Smith the "Players' Young Player of the Year" award. Matt Noble, who has just been awarded a professional contract, won the youth team "Player of the Year" award.

May 10, 2007

Futcher listed

Former Rovers defender Ben Futcher has been made available for a free transfer by Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson. He is one of seven players to be told they can look for a new club - the others being Danny Crow, Richard Butcher, Guy Bransotn, Shane Huke, Trevor Benjamin and Justin Richards. All have twelve months left on their current contracts, with all but Crow and Butcher being allowed to leave on free transfers.
Futcher featured briefly in Rovers' final season in the Conference, and has since played for Lincoln City.

May 10, 2007

Wright extends his stay

Alan Wright, who appeared for Rovers on loan this season, has had his loan at Nottingham Forest extended. Wright's loan deal at the City Ground expired on Saturday, but with Forest being involved in the end of season play-offs, Sheffield United have allowed his loan to be extended so he can feature in all of the play-off matches.

May 9, 2007

Manchester City in pre-season game

A third home pre-season game was added to the fixture schedule yesterday with news that Premiership club Manchester City will be facing Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday 14th July. Rovers defeated City in the Carling Cup two seasons ago at Belle Vue, which followed on from a rather eventful pre-season game between the two sides when Kevin Keegan was manager at City. The match will kick off at 3pm.
Rovers have already arranged to play Manchester United (Friday 3rd August) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wednesday 25th July) at the Keepmoat, with away games at Retford and Worksop Town.

May 9, 2007

Sean's view of the season

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has said that he considers that his first eight months in charge at the club have been a success - despite Rovers failing to qualify for the end of season play-offs.
"It depends how you judge success," he said. "From my point of view, it is getting the best out of the players that you have available. I would imagine that we have done that. With a bit of luck and a smaller injury list, I don't think that it (play-off qualification) should have been beyond us. There is an awful lot of pressure on us to be successful. In your mind, you know what you want to achieve but when it doesn't happen you have to try and work even harder to make it happen."

May 9, 2007

Gill hits another two

Former Rovers striker Robert Gill continued his prolific start to playing football in New Zealand by scoring another two goals as Gisborne City won 5-0 away at Palmerston North Marist on Saturday. Gill hit a hat-trick in his debut for the club - then got sent off for disputing a disallowed goal in the following game, which earned him a one week suspension.
Gill joined the New Zealand club from Ilkeston Town in March.

May 8, 2007

Rovers release five

Five players have been released by Doncaster Rovers following the expiry of their current contracts at the club. Four of those released were already known - Jan Budtz, Liam Green, Adam Brown and Rob Pacey - with Sean Thornton being the new name to be leaving the club. In addition, Mark McCammon and Craig Nelthorpe have been offered new contracts with Rovers.
Thornton has been at the club for two years, but has failed to deliver the type of performances that were hoped on a consistent basis.
Budtz knew some weeks ago, before he went on loan to Wolves, that his contract would not be renewed this summer, with the other three being former youth team players who have not made a sufficient impact on the first team squad since being given their first year professonal contracts.

May 8, 2007

Andy to stand down

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative's chairman and Supporter Director, Andy Liney, has announced that he will not be standing for re-election when his current period of office expires in August. Andy has been performed these roles since the inception of the VSC six years ago, and is standing down due to a number of reasons. He hopes that a new person in the role will help to bring a fresh impetus to the Co-operative - his recent disagreements with the Stadium Management Company of the Keepmoat Stadium have made it impossible for him to raise fans' problems with relation to the stadium. We would like to pay tribute to the countless hours that Andy has devoted to the VSC over the past six years, and hope that some suitable candidate will come forward to continue the fine work that he has done.
A full statement announcing his resignation appears on www.vikingsc.co.uk.

May 8, 2007

Man of the match voting result

There was only one real contender for your final "Man of the match" of the 2006/07 season. James Coppinger's fine performance on Saturday was recognised by the supporters as he cruised to victory in the voting by receiving three-quarters of all votes cast. With just six players receiving nominations, the leading votes were given to:
1 James Coppinger (75.0%)
2 Craig Nelthorpe (13.46%)
We would like to thank everyone for their participation in the "Man of the Match" voting throughout this season - the fifth season we have run this voting, with an ever-increasing number of people taking part. During the summer break we will be compiling the "Player of the season" results, which take into account every vote cast for a first team competitive match, and will be revealing the results in due course.

May 7, 2007

Boss laments missed opportunity

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll looked back at Saturday's draw with Northampton Town and thought his side could have won the game. He said: "I'm frustrated, disappointed - I feel that it's another game that we should have won. We were a bit all or nothing. We were trying to win the game, but we could have ended up losing it. It is a bit exciting, I suppose, but it leaves you on a bit of a knife-edge. I think that when we were clearly the better side, we needed to have made that count a little bit more. Fair enough - the front line is a bit distorted and Bruce Dyer probably wasn't fit to start. Even though we had a centre-half playing up front as we did today, if we want to be move forward, we need to be more composed in those situations."

May 7, 2007

Sarge returns

Former Rovers defender Mark Albrighton returned to Boston following the ending of his loan spell at Rushden & Diamonds for Saturday's match, but was an unused substitute in their crucial game against Wrexham. Boston lost the match 3-1, which means that they have been relegated to the Conference after a five year stay in the Football League. The club also entered into administration before the match ended, but the league have yet to confirm as to when they will suffer the ten point deduction.

May 7, 2007

Cramb sends Albion into final

A late goal from former Rovers striker Colin Cramb has put Stirling Albion into the Scottish First Division play-off final. His goal in the 79th minute gave Stirling a 3-1 victory over Raith Rovers, and they will face Airdrie in the final this week.

May 5, 2007

Rovers 2 Northampton 2

Rovers managed to name a recognised striker in their side after all, despite fears that all would be absent due to injury. Bruce Dyer, in what could be his last appearance for the club, overcame a back injury to start - but was to only last until half time before being replaced by Sam Hird.
Rovers had a great start by going in front in the 13th minute, with Craig Nelthorpe getting his first League goal for Rovers, as he turned his marker before firing home. Northampton pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time, with Crowe scoring from close range.
In the second half, Rovers went in front again when Gareth Roberts fired home after the ball had been laid back to him by Mark Wilson - but again they let the lead slip, with the visitors equalisign five minutes later. Both sides had the chance to win the game, with Rovers having the more notable chances in the closing minutes, but the match ended all square.
The last "Man of the match" vote of the season has now closed. Thanks go to everyone who took part. The result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

May 6, 2007

Rovers name new sponsors

Doncaster Rovers have announced that Wright Investments, local property developers, will be the club sponsors for the next three years. The deal will involve shirt sponsorship as well as other promotions. Rovers will be releasing the 2007/08 kits during July, which will have the Wright Investments logo in place of the Carlotti branding. Rovers report that the value of the sponsorship deal is the largest in the history of the club, with John Ryan saying: "This is a major deal for the club and shows that we are looking to fulfill our dream of Championship football with the backing of a major local sponsor. This will allow us to progress in partnership with Wright Investments as both sides can see the value of the alliance. This is the best deal we have ever had for a main sponsor and it shows just how far we have come since the low days in the Conference."

May 6, 2007

Streete released

Former Rovers defender Theo Streete has been released by Rotherham United following their relegation to League Two. Street played on loan from Derby County for Rovers during the latter part of 2006, and had the distinction of being the last player to score a first team goal at Belle Vue. Despite Rovers offering him a contract, he elected to join Rotherham in the January transfer window - a decision that he no doubt now regrets! Street, along with two others, have all been told this week that they will be released by the Millers when their contracts expire during the summer break.

May 6, 2007

Scunny match cancelled

The Rovers have added one fixture and announced that one match has been cancelled in their pre-season schedule. The away trip to newly promoted Scunthorpe United has been cancelled - but an away trip to Retford Town - likely to be the first of the pre-season games - has been arranged for 10th July.
The pre-season fixture list currently stands at four games:
Tuesday, 10th July - v Retford Town (away), kick-off 7.30pm
Thursday, 12th July - v Worksop Town (away), kick-off 7.30pm
Wednesday, 25th July - v Wolverhampton Wanderers (home), kick-off 7.30pm
Friday, 3rd August - v Manchester United (home), kick-off 7.45pm

May 5, 2007

Rovers v Northampton

The final match of the season arrives with Rovers struggling to find any fit forwards to name in their side. It looks highly likely that James Coppinger and Craig Nelthorpe may be the players asked to fill the void, with Mark McCammon, Paul Heffernan, Jason Price, Lewis Guy, Bruce Dyer and Jonathan Forte all likely to be absent due to injuries. Jan Budtz will keep his place in the side for what will be his last game before he leaves at the end of the season.
Northampton also have little to play for, having secured League One football for next season. They are strengthened by the return of Jason Crowe and David Hunt after injury, but Brett Johnson, Sean Dyche and Joe Burnell are all out due to injury.

May 5, 2007

Kit presentation evening

The presentation evening for those who have sponsored items of players' kit this season is to be held in the pre-season period for next season, as no date could be arranged before the players depart for their summer breaks. No date has yet been confirmed, but we will let you have full details in due course.

May 5, 2007

Johnson released

Former Rovers manager Dave Penney has released more of the players from the Darlington squad, taking the number that have left since he took over last October to 14. One of the latest batch of players to be released is ex-Rovers striker Simon Johnson, who briefly played for Rovers during Penney's time at the club, but left to join Darlington well before Penney made the move.

May 4, 2007

...... and then there were none

Whilst boss Sean O'Driscoll will wait until after today's training session before deciding his side for tomorrow's home game against Northampton, there is the real prospect that Rovers will name a side without any recognised strikers for the season's finale. The injury crisis deepened with news that Lewis Guy suffered an ankle injury in training, and Jonathan Forte and Bruce Dyer have back injuries. With the absence of Paul Heffernan, Mark McCammon and Jason Price, O'Driscoll may be forced to play James Coppinger and Craig Nelthorpe as his front two.
The Rovers boss commented: "We will know more on Friday but at the moment our attacking options range from limited to non-existent. I'll just be happy if we can put out a balanced side otherwise there could be some strange permutations. Whatever side we turn out the players will want to try and finish with a flourish to reward the fans for all their support this season."

May 4, 2007

Forte goes back

Jonathan Forte has returned to Sheffield United a week earlier than planned with news that he will miss out on the final game of the season due to a back injury. Forte was due to remain at the club until the end of the season, but is undergoing treatment at Bramall Lane.
He initially arrived at Rovers in August 2005, completing three successful months on loan - then returning last July on a season-long loan.
This season has seen him make 51 first team appearances for Rovers in all competitions, scoring nine goals along the way, including the opening strike of Rovers' Johnstone's Paint Trophy final in Cardiff.

May 4, 2007

Rovers release three

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that three former youth team players have been released at the end of their first year as professional players. Adam Brown, Liam Green and Rob Pacey have been released following their appearance in this week's reserve team game against Hartlepool United.
Adam Brown is perhaps the most unfortunate, having missed the vast majority of this season due to a serious injury, but made a successful return to action in the closing couple of reserve matches of the season.
Liam Green and Rob Pacey have failed to make their mark on the first team, and have spent much of this season out on loan at non-league clubs.
We wish all three well for their future careers.

May 4, 2007

Turner earns new deal

Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner has been given an extension to his contract at Goodison Park, with his contract now running until the summer of 2011. The 23-year old former Scotland Under-21 joined Everton in 2003, and spent the final couple of months of the 2004/05 season on loan at Belle Vue when Andy Warrington was injured. This season has seen Turner spend a couple of months on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, although he returned to Everton to play in their home Premiership game against Manchester United last weekend.
He said: "Everton is a very big club, they have offered me this contract and it is my ambition to become the number one here. Tim (Howard) has been phenomenal this year and he deserves the number one spot, but I intend to be fighting for it. I have signed a two-year extension to the two years I had left on my contract and I would like to think that in four years' time I will be playing week in, week out."

May 2, 2007

Rovers offer Sullivan contract

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has confirmed that the club have offered goalkeeper Neil Sullivan a contract for next season. Sullivan returned to Leeds United at the end of his loan period, but is widely expected to return to Rovers during the summer. His contract at Leeds only runs until the end of the season, and Leeds boss, Dennis Wise, has said that he will not be offered a new deal.
O'Driscoll said: "Hopefully Neil Sullivan will be coming back for next year but Leeds have just been relegated so whether that changes the situation I'm not sure. But Neil has indicated he would like to come and we have offered him a contract."
The Rovers boss also confirmed that Jan Budtz will leave the club in the summer, despite a successful loan at Championship club Wolves.
"He has been with a Championship club so he is more aware now of what you need to do to get to the top level. He will play the last two games and hopefully it will stand him in good stead for next season."

May 2, 2007

Rovers take Bent on trial

Rovers have given teenage striker Elliott Bent a trial at the club, and he played in Tuesday's reserve team game at Grimsby Town. The brother of Charlton striker Marcus Bent, he is also expected to be included in the reserve team game against Hartlepool United this week. Rovers assistant manager Richard O'Kelly said: "Sean (O'Driscoll) and I have watched him over the last couple of years and he has caught our eye and we had a good report on him last week at the exit trials so we thought that we would bring him in for a couple of days' training. He did okay and went close to a goal, along with Craig Nelthorpe, early in the second half during a spell when it looked as though we could get back in the game."

May 2, 2007

Griffith returns

Rovers midfielder Anthony Griffith has returned to Doncaster following the expiry of his loan at Stafford Rangers. He helped Stafford in a successful fight against relegation, but previously barely featured for Rovers after the arrival of Sean O'Driscoll. Anthony played in the reserve team against Grimsby earlier this week.

May 2, 2007

Penney rules out move for Wheater

Despite a highly successful long-term loan at the club, Darlington boss Dave Penney has ruled out the return of Middlesbrough defender David Wheater next season. The defender had played on loan at Rovers during the previous season, with Penney commenting: "He won't be coming to Darlington. Considering his progression from our level, he's good enough to play in the Championship or in League One if he goes out on loan again. It would have been great to have him on loan for a season, but we want permanence."

May 1, 2007

Two more pre-season games announced

In addition to the high-profile games against Wolves and Manchester United, Doncaster Rovers have announced two further pre-season games - both away. They will face Worksop Town on Thursday, 12th July (kick-off 7.30pm), then travel to Scunthorpe United on Saturday, 21st July (kick-off 3pm).
This gives the full list, as it stands at the moment, as:
Thursday, 12th July - Worksop Town (away) - kick-off 7.30pm
Saturday, 21st July - Scunthorpe United (away) - kick-off 3pm
Wednesday, 25th July - Wolverhampton Wanderers (home) - kick-off 7.30pm
Friday, 3rd August - Manchester United (home) - kick-off 7.45pm

May 1, 2007

Grimsby Town 4 Reserves 0

In their final game of the season, Rovers' reserves crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Grimsby Town yesterday evening. Rovers featured a number of youth team players, owing to injuries decimating the first team squad, along with a trialist, Elliott Bent, who is currently on work experience from Fulham.
Grimsby started the match off well, and whilst Rovers gained more possession after a while, they went behind in the 21st minute - a second beign conceded in the 39th minute. A third goal was conceded just before half time.
Rovers started well in the second half, although the closest they came was when Craig Nelthorpe chipped the keeper, but the ball landed on the roof of the net. A fourth goal was conceded in the 65th minute following a poor clearance by Rovers keeper Michael Guilliatt, and the home team comfortably retained possession for the rest of the match.
Rovers: Michael Guilliatt, Matt Noble, Andrew Boyce, Rob Pacey, Sam Hird, Adam Brown, Liam Green, Anthony Griffith, Craig Nelthorpe, Elliott Bent, Jason Hardy
Substitutes used - Andy Hawksworth (for Hardy, 68), Danny Bowland (for Griffith, 74), Tom Griffiths (for Brown, 82), Luke Duffy

May 1, 2007

Golden boot