May 31, 2007

Hynes scores first goal

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Peter Hynes scored his first goal for Derry City after joining the club from Newry City during their close season. Hynes had to spend the early matches on the sidelines due to a UEFA ruling which says that players cannot sign for more than two clubs during a twelve month period running from July to June. Since the Irish season runs from March to November, they had to get special dispensation to approve the transfer of around a dozen players who also fell foul of the UEFA ruling.
Hynes' first goal for Derry came in Sunday's home game against Waterford United.

May 31, 2007

Transfer update

Following yesterday's confirmation that James Hayter had signed for Doncaster Rovers, news is beginning to emerge of further transfer targets who may be on their way to Doncaster. A number of them are already familiar to Rovers fans, with goalkeeper Neil Sullivan expected to sign in the near future after being released from Leeds. Also said to be on their way to the Keepmoat Stadium are striker Danny Cadamarteri, who is said to have impressed O'Driscoll during his loan spell at the club last season, and Jonathan Forte, who spent all of last season on loan at Rovers. Forte has been transfer listed by Sheffield United, who are understood to want a £50,000 transfer fee for the player, and he has been reported to have been the subject of talks between the two clubs in recent days.
Also interesting the Rovers boss are Burnley duo Gareth O'Connor and John Spicer, both of who have worked with Sean O'Driscoll at Bournemouth, and have been out of favour at Burnley of late.

May 31, 2007

Leo heads back to Diamonds

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West has returned to Conference club Rushden & Diamonds after completing his loan spell at Shrewsbury Town. Fortune-West made 23 appearances for the Shrews since joining them in November, and also played for Torquay United last season.

May 30, 2007

Press conference to confirm Hayter move

Doncaster Rovers have called a press conference for 10am this morning to confirm that they have signed Bournemouth striker James Hayter for a club record fee of around £200,000.
The Dorset Echo has reported that Hayter passed a medical in Doncaster yesterday, and that he will be unveiled to the press this morning. Similar stories have been reported in the Yorkshire Post and BBC Radio Sheffield.
It has been widely known that Bournemouth accepted a bid from Rovers earlier in the month, but confirmation of the deal was delayed as the player was away on holiday.
The striker, who played much of last season in midfield, has scored 93 goals in 305 League starts for the Cherries.

May 30, 2007

Brevett retires

Oxford United have announced that former Doncaster Rovers defender Rufus Brevett, now aged 37, has retired as a professional footballer. Brevett signed for Oxford last season, which proved to be the last move in a career in which he made almost 700 League and cup appearances, including in the Premiership for Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and West Ham United.
Oxford manager Jim Smith confirmed: "Rufus has told me he's packing in the game."
Brevett was a major part of the team which made it through to the Conference play-offs, although he missed the last two matches of the season after being sent off against Northwich Victoria. He returne dto appear in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Exeter, but did not feature in the second leg.

May 30, 2007

Quailey offered new deal

Veteran striker Brian Quailey has been offered non-contract terms by Nuneaton Borough for next season. Quailey rejoined Nuneaton for a third spell at the club last season, and clearly did enough to persuade boss Kevin Wilkin to offer him a further deal.
The former Rovers striker is thinking over the offer, and has said that he will let Wilkin know of his decision before next Monday.
Wilkin said: "I felt Brian put a lot into his game over the last few games and deserves the chance to show his full capabilities and that's why I've asked him to stay, albeit not on a contract."

May 29, 2007

Hayter signs for Rovers

Bournemouth striker James Hayter has signed for Doncaster Rovers, with the fee understood to be a club record £200,000. ITV's Calendar reported the news this lunchtime, with the Yorkshire Post revealing that Rovers have called a press conference for 10am at the Keepmoat Stadium on Wednesday morning.
Hayter's arrival will mark Rovers' first signing of the summer, with goalkeeper Neil Sullivan having talks and a medical this week prior to signing when his contract at Leeds expires at the end of the month.

May 29, 2007

Ticket office extends opening hours this week

The Keepmoat Stadium has announced that the ticket office will be opened for extended hours this week, with it anticipated that more supporters will be wanting to buy season tickets during the week. Renewing season ticket holders have until Thursday to guarantee their seat for next seaosn - and from Friday, new applications for season tickets can be made. It is also anticipated that a significant number of supporters are waiting until 1st June to renew their ticket so that they can move seats from last season.
The opening hours for the remainder of this week are:
Tuesday, Wednesday - 9am to 6pm
Thursday, Friday - 9am to 7pm
Sunday - 9am to 4pm

May 29, 2007

Hayter to finalise terms

The Dorset Echo has reported over the weekend that Bournemouth striker James Hayter will be travelling up to Doncaster tomorrow to finalise personal terms and undergo a routine medical examination before his transfer is confirmed on 1st June. The 28-year old striker is reported to have been offered a "lucrative" three year contract at Rovers, with Rovers "understood" to have offered a transfer fee in the region of £200,000 with sell-on clauses.
The apparent confirmation comes despite Bournemouth boss Kevin Bond's attempts to persuade Hayter to stay, but the combination of an increased salary along with rejoining his former boss O'Driscoll seem to have been the deciding factors.

May 29, 2007

Pre-season ticket information

Doncaster Rovers have released ticket information for the pre-season matches against Wolves and Hull which will be played at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Tickets for both matches will be £10 for adult season ticket holders and £5 for concession season ticket holders, and for non-season ticket holders, they will be £15 for adults and £8 for concessions.

May 28, 2007

Rovers maintain interest in Hird

After a move for Leeds United defender Sam Hird appeared to be unlikely after quotes attributed to boss Sean O'Driscoll, comments made last week by assistant manager Richard O'Kelly appear to indicate that Hird remains a potential target.
Hird, who spent three months on loan at Rovers at the end of last season, was released by Leeds along with goalkeeper Neil Sullivan after the 2006/07 season ended.
O'Kelly said: "Sam Hird is a player who is a Doncaster boy. He came into the football club and ticked a lot of the boxes, as we hoped he would. He is a Leeds United player until May 31, as is Neil Sullivan, so we will have to see how it goes with those two. But I would imagine we would be one of the clubs that would be interested in talking to them both."

May 28, 2007

Player of the season

We have now completed our calculations four our "Player of the Season" rankings, which have been produced by including every vote cast for the "Man of the match" during the season. A total of 32 players received votes during the season, with 11 of them receiving less than 1% of the votes each. They are listed below - the remainder will be revealed during the remainder of the close season. With keen competition for the top places, who has been voted as the "Player of the Season"? You'll have to wait and see!
The eleven players receiving less than 1% each are:
Liam Green (0.03%), Kevin Horlock (0.14%), Alan Wright (0.17%), John Filan (0.22%), Sam Hird & Peter Gilbert (0.25%), Alan Blayney (0.28%), Antony Griffith (0.31%), Harry Worley (0.34%), Craig Nelthorpe (0.62%) and Jan Budtz (0.70%).

May 28, 2007

Barbados target World Cup

Barbados believe that they can qualify for the 2010 World Cup - as long as they can recruit a number of professional footballers who qualify to play for them. Paul Ifill, a former Sheffield United player who now plays for Crystal Palace, said: "The BFA must work harder at getting more and better quality friendly internationals. We must look at playing teams ranked in the top 80 and try and get these games in line with the international breaks. This is something I want to talk to the BFA about because we must get our world ranking in the top 75 so that the local players can gain professional contracts in England."
Barbados are now ranked at 113 in the world, after dropping back from 98 following a draw with Guatemala, their only friendly international in the last four months.
Rovers striker Mark McCammon has featured for recent games for Barbados, and he is clearly part of the international side's thoughts for the future.
"It will be a hell of a lot stronger team with these guys than just having Mark (McCammon) and myself," Ifill said. "If Trinidad and Tobago can qualify for a World Cup final with the team they have, I honestly believe Barbados can as well if we can get the players together."
Other players who have been approached, who are presumably eligible to play for Barbados include Jonathan Forte, who played for Rovers on a long term loan last season.

May 27, 2007

Hayter - is striker Rovers-bound?

Contradictory signals continue to be given by the Doncaster and Bournemouth camps as to whether striker James Hayter will join Rovers this summer. The Doncaster Free Press have suggested that the player has just to confirm some details of his personal terms, with both Sean O'Driscoll and John Ryan hoping for an early resolution.
O'Driscoll is quoted as saying: "I'm very hopeful we will have something positive to announce shortly. James is a consummate professional and if we can do a deal he will be a big asset."
Ryan is reported to have said that if everything goes according to plan, Rovers will have wrapped up four players to sign for the club "by the end of next week"
However, Bournemouth boss Kevin Bond held talks with Hayter on Wednesday - the first time he has talked to the player since transfer talk started. Whilst news of Rovers' interest may spark interest from other clubs, Bond is hopeful that his star striker may stay at Dean Court. However, Hayter's future appears to be away from Bournemouth, with the club board having accepted Doncaster's transfer fee offer, believed to be in the region of £200,000.
Hayter's contract at Bournemouth runs until June 2008, with the possibility of a testimonial next summer.

May 27, 2007

Rovers physio to Darlo?

The local press in Darlington is tipping Rovers physio Will Short to take up the physio's job at Darlington, following Short's resignation from Rovers last month. Darlington's physio, Paul Gough, resigned from the club last week after four years at the club after the club expressed concern at the amount of time Gough, the owner of three physiotherapy clinics, would be able to devote to the club.

May 27, 2007

Masters Tournament

The annual "Yorkshire Masters Football Tournament" is to be held at the Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield, on Saturday 23rd June. The competition will feature teams from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and Rotherham United. The tournament is part of a national competition for ex-professional players aged 35 and over. Three former Rovers players will be taking part in the Yorkshire heat - Brian Deane (for Sheffield United), Dylan Kerr (for Leeds Unitd) and Ian Helliwell (for Rotherham).
The full squads for the competiton are:
Sheffield Utd: Simon Tracey, Chris Wilder, Peter Duffield, Tom Cowan, Carl Bradshaw, Glyn Hodges, Mitch Ward, Paul Wood, Mark Todd, Brian Deane.
Sheffield Wednesday: Kevin Pressman, Julian Watts, Mark Smith, Wayne Jacobs, Charlie Williamson, David Reeves, Colin West, Efan Ekoku, Chris Waddle.
Leeds Utd: Henry Smith, Neil Aspin, Rod Wallace, Andy Williams, Chris Kamara, Jon Newsome, Dylan Kerr, Carl Shutt, Terry Connor, Jason Wilcox, David Batty, Gunner Haller, Thomas Brolin.
Rotherham Utd: Bobby Mimms, Shaun Goodwin, Lee Glover, Des Hazel, Ian Banks, Nick Dawes, Mark Robbins, Ian Helliwell, Alan Knill.
Squads are "subject to change" - the event will be televised on Sky Sports.
Tickets for the tournament can be bought at the Hallam FM Arena box office on 0114 2565656 or at www.hallamfmarena.co.uk, priced £14 for adults and £8 for children.

May 26, 2007

Player of the season

Following on from the Retford Branch of the Supporters Club announcing their "Player of the season", the Harworth "Away Player of the Season" has now been announced, which sees Adam Lockwood as the clear winner ahead of James Coppinger. The full list of players receiving votes is as follows:
Adam Lockwood 72, James Coppinger 53, Graeme Lee 44, Jason Price 44, James O'Connor 40, Paul Green 35, Brian Stock 33, Paul Heffernan 29, Sean Thornton 27, Jonathan Forte 21, Ben Smith 20, Lewis Guy 18, Mark McCammon 18, Gareth Roberts 12, Neil Sullivan 11, Sean McDaid 10, Danny Cadamarteri 9, Theo Streete 7, Stephen Roberts 6, Mark Wilson 6, Jan Budtz 5, Harry Worley 5, Anthony Griffith 3, Alan Blayney 3, Craig Nelthorpe 1, Alan Wright 1.

May 26, 2007

McIntyre offered new deal

Former Doncaster Rovers left back Kevin McInture is one of twelve players at Macclesfield Town to be offered a new contract by manager Paul Ince.
The Macclesfield boss said: "The core of the squad from last season has been offered new deals and we are hopeful that most of them will accept the terms we have to put to them. Unfortunately we have had to let some players go. That is never nice but it is the reality of football, and in doing so it provides me with some scope to strengthen the squad in key areas and improve our chances of success next season."
McIntyre joined Macclesfield Town from Chester City in December 2004, having left Rovers in May 2002.
Former Rovers defender Dave Morley remains under contract at Moss Rose.

May 26, 2007

Digs needed for youth players

Doncaster Rovers are on the look-out for someone to provide accommodation for two of the new youth team players for next season. If anyone can help, please contact Chris Mortley on 01302 764656 or emailing chris.mortley@doncasterroversfc.co.uk.

May 25, 2007

Copps scan - no operation needed

A scan has revealed that Rovers striker James Coppinger is unlikely to need surgery on an ongoing groin injury - and that rest and exercises should solve the problem.
Assistant manager Richard O'Kelly confirmed that the scan didn't show up any problems. "We are not really sure what the problem is. It could be caused by an imbalance in that one side of the muscle is stronger than the other side. The specialist said that he thinks that the problem would settle down with rest and rehabilitation and it is looking as though it has done that. James has been doing some core stability exercises and has also been doing strength and flexibility routines on muscles on the affected area."
"We are in for a week in June and we are going to see how he goes then. If there is a problem during that week then we'll get it sorted out as quickly as possible. If James did need an operation it would only be a four-week job and he'd be back for the start of the season."

May 25, 2007

McCammon update

Striker Mark McCammon is progressing well from surgery on his shoulder, although he is still likely to miss the first two weeks of Rovers' pre-season training.
However, Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has said that the big forward is yet to sign a new one year contract, despite John Ryan's claim to the contrary a week ago..
"Nothing is happening at the moment, but a week is a long time in football so something might happen soon," said O'Kelly.

May 25, 2007

Jermaine owed money

Former Doncaster Rovers winger Jermaine Wright, now at Southampton, is one of seven players still owed money by debt-ridden Leeds United. The Elland Road club, who will ply their trade in League One next season, owe money to 1,350 creditors, including seven former players who are owed £630,000 between them, with the total owed being £35 million.
Wright is joined in being owed money by Danny Mills, Michael Ricketts, Eirik Bakke, Paul Butler, Steve Stone and Sean Gregan.
Under Football League rules, all players' wages must be paid in full by clubs in administration.
A proposed CVA will be voted on by creditors on 1st June, with Ken Bates' consortium, who are offering just 1p in the pound to other credtiors, now facing competition from other groups interested in taking over the club.
Wright played ten games for Rovers during the 1995/96 season after being brought in on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers by then-boss Sammy Chung, but has made most career appearances for Ipswich Town in a four year stay which began in 1999.

May 25, 2007

Morgan turns down Nomads offer

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Alan Morgan has turned down the chance to become manager at Connah's Quay Nomads following the departure of former boss Neville Powell to Bangor City. Powell indicated on his departure from the club earlier this month that he wanted Morgan to become his assistant at Bangor, but the Nomads board were keen to maintain some continuity during the summer.
However, Morgan has said that he does not feel quite ready to step into management yet, and has elected to move to Bangor, so he can continue to gain managerial experience.
Morgan made three appearances for Rovers during the 2002/03 season after arriving on a free transfer from Tranmere Rovers.

May 24, 2007

Carden signs for Stanley

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Paul Carden has joined League Two club Accrington Stanley on a free transfer from Burton Albion. Carden, aged 28, started his career as a trainee at Blackpool before enjoying spells with Rochdale, Doncaster Rovers, Chester City and Peterborough United. The news comes barely 72 hours after Burton Albion had announced that they had shaken hands on a new one-year deal with the player. Carden has said that he elected to sign for a club in the north-west for "unexpected family reasons".

May 24, 2007

Dino leaves Southport

Five players, including former Rovers striker Dino Maamria, have left Southport following their relegation to the Conference North. Maamria joined Southport in March in a loan deal which lasted until the end of the season, and now returns to parent club Rushden & Diamonds.
Maamria started 20 Conference games for Rovers between 1998 and 2000, scoring 10 league goals.

May 24, 2007

Rovers add nine to youth squad

Doncaster Rovers have announced that they have added nine new players to the youth team squad for the 2007/08 season - goalkeeper Jack Ward, defenders Charles Fisher, Matthew Martin and Matthew Fenny, midfielders Joe Conkleton, Robert Hall and Robert Clark, and strikers Alex Henderson and Craig Stoddart. Jordan Sheppard and Scott Bibby have also had their schoolboy deals extended for a further year.

May 24, 2007

Season ticket loans

For the second season, any supporters wanting to borrow money to buy their Rovers season ticket can do so with the help of Danum Credit Union. To do so, please go to the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Office to apply for the ticket you require, and you will obtain authorisaiton on the application form. The membership and loan application should then be sent, with appropriate identification, to Danum Credit Union. Presuming the loan is approved, Danum Credit Union will send payment directly to the ticket office, after which the season ticket can be collected.
The ticket office are reporting that season ticket sales currently stand at 2,546, although that does include Premier Club members and box holders.
Existing season ticket holders have their seats reserved until 31st May for renewal, after which all tickets go on general sale.

-	Adult	Concession	12-16’s	U11’s
Category A	£420.00	£305.00	£305.00	£305.00
Category B	£360.00	£250.00	£60.00	£30.00
Category C	£280.00	£150.00	£60.00	£30.00

Rovers have announced that season ticket prices may increase from 1st July.

May 23, 2007

Pre-season update

Doncaster Rovers have added another away game to their pre-season match schedule, with a trip to York City on Saturday, 21st July. Admission prices for the game have already been announced - £5 for adults and £3 for concessions. At the moment, it will be just pay-on-the-gate, but Rovers report that there is a possibility that tickets will be on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office.
The new fixture means the current pre-season match schedule is now:

Tuesday, 10th July	Retford (away)	Kick-off 7.30pm
Thursday, 12th July	Worksop Town (away)	Kick-off 7.30pm
Saturday, 14th July	Manchester City (home) (to be confirmed)	Kick-off 3pm
Saturday, 21st July	York City (away)	Kick-off 3pm
Friday, 25th July	Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)	Kick-off 7.30pm
Saturday, 28th July	Hull City (home)	Kick-off 3pm
Friday, 3rd August	Manchester United	Kick-off 7.45pm

May 23, 2007

Ravenhill extends Quakers stay

Darlington have confirmed that former Rovers midfield player Ricky Ravenhill has agreed a new contract to stay at the club. Ravenhill joined the Quakers in January on loan from Grimsby Town, and made 15 appearances during the rest of the season. Ravenhill's decision means that there are just three players to decide on new contracts offered to them.
Ravenhill is joined at the Darlington Arena by former Rovers players Tim Ryan, Gregg Blundell and the newly arrived Steve Foster, who has just signed a two year deal. Foster has also just been confirmed as Darlington's team captain for next season.

May 23, 2007

Blayney released by Latics

Former Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney is one of three players to be released by Oldham Athletic's manager John Sheridan following their failure to progress in the end of season play-offs.
Sheridan commented: "This isn't a nice time, but these are decisions I have to make and I feel I've made them for the good of the club. I want to bring in more quality and continue to improve on what's been a fantastic season."
Blayney eventually joined Oldham after being released by Rovers in the January transfer window, moving to Boundary Park after failing to land a contract at Brighton & Hove Albion.

May 23, 2007

Forest let Lester go

Nottingham Forest manager Colin Calderwood has released nine players as part of his team rebuilding plans, with Forest facing a fourth successive season in League One next year. Amongst the nine released is former Rovers striker Jack Lester, who has made 189 appearances for Forest during two spells at the club. He made five appearances for Rovers whilst on loan from Forest during the 1996/97 season, scoring one goal.

May 22, 2007

Danny released

Danny Cadamarteri, who spent the latter part of the 2006/07 season at Doncaster Rovers on loan from Leicester City, is one of five players to be released by the Foxes. Leicester changed their manager whilst Cadamarteri was on loan at Rovers, and whilst he was involved in Leicester's closing matches of the season, he evidently does not feature in new manager Nigel Worthington's plans for next season.

May 22, 2007

Ticket office extend opening hours

The Keepmoat Stadium ticket office is opening for extended hours next week as the deadline for renewing season ticket holders to buy their new season tickets comes to a close. Until 31st May, season ticket holders from last season can renew their seat from last year - but from 1st June, that reservation comes to an end, meaning that someone else could buy a season ticket for your seat, if you have not renewed.
New season ticket applications will be allowed from 1st June.
The ticket office will be open on Bank Holiday Monday - 28th May, giving all supporters an ideal opportunity to buy their new season ticket.
Opening hours for next week are as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (28/29/30 May) - 9am to 6pm
Thursday/Friday (31 May/1 June) - 9am to 7pm

May 22, 2007

Courses for school holidays

Football in the Community will be holding their popular soccer courses during the school half term holiday next week. The courses will take place between Tuesday 29th May and Friday, 1st June at Hall Cross Lower School, Armthorpe Tranmoor School, Kirk Sandall Junior School and Misterton Primary School. The courses run between 9am and midday each day, with boys and girls aged between 4 and 14 years old being welcome. To book a place on the courses, please ring Richard or Wayne on 01302 764663 or email them on roversinthecommunity@doncasterroversfc.co.uk.

May 22, 2007

Crichton joins Linnetts

The much-travelled former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Paul Crichton has joined Southern Premier League club Kings Lynn as their first choice goalkeeper for next season. The 38-year old has agreed non-contract terms at The Walks after being released by Conference National club Cambridge United at the end of the season. Crichton spent a successful eight-match loan spell at Kings Lynn last season.

May 21, 2007

Duane released by Boro

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Duane Darby has been released by Nationwide North club Nuneaton Borough. The 33-year-old striker made 41 appearances for the club since arriving in February last year, scoring 12 goals, but was told last week that he was surplus to requirements by manager Kevin Wilkin, who said: "Duane was on a decent wage and it does free up more money for me to work with so I can freshen up a few areas, mainly up front. I feel the team has not played to Duane's strengths as we have lacked quality from wide areas but he's getting no younger and maybe it's the right time for him to look elsewhere."
Darby played 17 games for Doncaster Rovers in the 1995/96 season, scoring 4 goals, before moving on to Hull City.

May 21, 2007

Rovers continue to wait

Doncaster Rovers will have to wait at least a few more days for any progress on their bid to sign Bournemouth striker James Hayter. Rovers have tabled what is described as a club record fee for the striker, with the striker quoted as knowing nothing about the proposed move when the news initially broke just over a week ago. However, the Bournemouth boss, Kevin Bond, made the following comments on the situation: "James is out of contract at the end of next season and would then be at liberty to walk away without the club receiving any compensation. James has also expressed a desire to see what the possibilities are. In an ideal world, I would want to keep my better players and James is one of those. But all factors must be considered.”
Rovers are aiming to sign a small number of quality players to their squad during the summer to boost their promotion campaign for next season. They are also holding a concert by Joe Longthorne at the Dome on Saturday, which will be with the aim of raising more money for Sean O'Driscoll's transfer fund. Tickets are available from the Dome ticket office at £17.50.

May 21, 2007

Retford branch "Player of the Season"

The Retford branch of the Supporters Club announced their "Player of the Season" at the Supporters Club end of season dinner held just over a week ago. With the top positions keenly contested, there were joint winners, with Graeme Lee and Adam Lockwood tying for top place.
The full list of players receiving votes is: Graeme Lee 51, Adam Lockwood 51, James Coppinger 45, James O'Connor 41, Jason Price 37, Paul Green 33, Sean Thornton 28, Paul Heffernan 26, Gareth Roberts 20, Lewis Guy 20, Ben Smith 19, Brian Stock 19, Jonathan Forte 17, Mark McCammon 14, Neil Sullivan 14, Sean McDaid 12, Danny Cadamarteri 9, Theo Streete 9, Mark Wilson 8, Jan Budtz 7, Harry Worley 4, Anthony Griffith 3, Stephen Roberts 2, Kevin Horlock 2, Craig Nelthorpe 1, Alan Blayney 1, Alan Wright 1.

May 21, 2007

Thornton to head back home?

News reports in Ireland suggest that Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton may be able tot make a return to his home country following Rovers' decision to release him at the end of his contract. St Patrick's Athletic's manager, John McDonnell, is reported to be considering making the Drogheda-born midfielder a contract offer to further strengthen the current eircom League leaders. However, should they decide to go ahead, the Irish club cannot sign Thornton until 1st July, when the Irish "transfer window" opens. Ireland are mid-way through their league season, which began in February.
St Patricks are also reported to be interested in signing former Coventry City and Republic of Ireland youth international Barry Quinn, who is now at Oxford United.

May 20, 2007

Blades list Forte

Sheffield United have put Jonathan Forte on the transfer list following their relegation from the Premiership this summer. Forte has spent the last season on loan at Rovers, and most of the previous season at Rovers and Rotherham, failing to break through to the Blades' first team. Forte is amongst six players under contract who have been put on the transfer list, with a further ten players released at the end of their contracts.
One of those released at the end of his contract is left back Alan Wright, who spent a month on loan at Rovers earlier this season, and has spent the last couple of months on loan at Nottingham Forest.

May 20, 2007

Leeds release Sam

Leeds United have released young defender Sam Hird, who made five substitute appearances for Rovers whilst in the closing stages of this season whilst on loan from the former Championship club. However, it looks unlikely that Hird will follow Neil Sullivan to the Keepmoat Stadium, with Sean O'Driscoll's comments in the local press this week appearing to make such a move doubtful.
O'Driscoll said: "We'll decide what to do about Sam in due course. He is not a priority at the moment and that is no disrespect to Sam because he did really well while he was here on loan. He is a Doncaster lad and he has got a great attitude and he is someone that we are considering. But as I say we've got other priorities at the moment."

May 20, 2007

Chairman - Penney is staying

Darlington chairman George Houghton has moved to quash persisting rumours that manager Dave Penney is to leave the club. The ex-Rovers boss has been linked with a number jobs higher up the Football League in recent weeks, with Leeds United the latest to be linked to him.
However, Houghton, who has backed Penney with a transfer kitty of 25% higher than the club had last summer, put down all talk of their boss moving on, saying: "This guy is the right manager for Darlo. He's not going anywhere, Dave knows he can take this club right to the top. He is 100% staying here."
With a growing number of players at Darlington who have also played for Doncaster Rovers, Ricky Ravenhill looks likely to stay at the club after being offered a new contract last week. He will join Tim Ryan, Steve Foster and Gregg Blundell at the club, with their experience of winning promotion with Rovers seen as vital in Darlington's push for promotion from League Two next season.

May 20, 2007

Rovers miss out on Saints defender

The Doncaster Free Press have reported that Rovers have missed out with an ambitious bid to sign Southampton's highly rated 20 year old Martin Crainie, a former England Under-19 international. Rovers are reported to have made a £150,000 bid.

May 19, 2007

Bees release Nelson

Brentford have announced that former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Stuart Nelson is among eight players released by the club at the end of their contracts. The others to leave the club are Thomas Pinault, Adam Griffiths, Lloyd Owusu, Neil Shipperley, Joe Keith, Calum Willock and Nathan Abbey.
Nelson played for Rovers between 2001 and 2003, but only made two League starts, owing to the good form of regular goalkeeper Andy Warrington. He left to briefly join Hucknall Town before being given his chance at League level with Brentford, moving to London for a £10,000 fee.

May 19, 2007

Nelthorpe signs new deal

Teenage winger Craig Nelthorpe has signed a new contract with Doncaster Rovers, after playing the second half of the season on non-contract terms, which allowed him to also play for Gateshead. Nelthorpe featured in a few first team games towards the end of the season, and looks to have a great future ahead of him.
Progress in the chase for striker James Hayter looks to be 'on hold' for the next few days, as the player is away on holiday at the moment. However, the player does seem keen to join, although the release of the news may well alert other clubs to his availability.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll commented: "He indicated he would like to come here - and that's the first step. I'm naturally cautious because anything can happen in football. He's back from holiday in the next few days so we will be much clearer by then and we should know one way or the other by the end of next week."

May 19, 2007

Smith lets Rufus go

Oxford United manager Jim Smith has released seven players following the club's defeat in the Conference play-offs. One of the seven released is ex-Rovers defender Rufus Brevett, who joined Oxford last September, and made 19 league starts for the club. Brevett began his career at Belle Vue in 1988, playing over a hundred games for Rovers before moving on to Queens Park Rangers for £250,000 in 1991. A further £375,000 transfer to Fulham followed in 1998, with subsequent clubs being West Ham United, Plymouth Argyle and Leicester City.

May 19, 2007

Scott leaves

Newly promoted AFC Telford, who will play in the Blue Square North (the new name for the Conference North) next season, have announced that they have released former Rovers youth team player Scott Willis. Scott did not play for the Rovers first team, but has also played for Leigh RMI, Wigan Athletic, Lincoln City, Hereford United and Vauxhall Motors.

May 18, 2007

Sullivan update

May 18, 2007

McCammon signs on for Rovers

We are glad to report that Rovers striker Mark McCammon has signed a new contract with Doncaster Rovers. A new offer has been on the table since the end of the season, with Rovers seeing his physical presence as an ideal quality to complement the likes of Paul Heffernan.
The news was announced this week by Rovers chairman John Ryan, who said: "Mark McCammon re-signing is great news also, giving us another dimension. It is great to see the team develop."

May 18, 2007

Morgan to be boss at Nomads?

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Alan Morgan has been offered the manager's job at Welsh Premier League club Connah's Quay Nomands following the departure of Neville Powell, who joined Bangor City after a 14 year stay at Nomads. Morgan has asked for some time to consider the offer, and has promised a decision in the next few days. Morgan, who was previously maanger at NEWI Cefn Druids, has been assistant maanger at Connah's Quay since last July.
Morgan has also had an offer from Bangor City to join his former boss to Farrar Road.

May 18, 2007

Lewer joins Cambridge

Alan Lewer, who was assistant manager at Doncaster Rovers during the managership of Steve Wignall, has been appointed as assistant manager at Conference club Cambridge United. Lewer, now 51, has also previously been assistant manager at Crawley Town, Chester City and Boston United, as well as being manager at Nuneaton Borough, Telford United and Forest Green Rovers.
On his appointment, he said: "Cambridge has a fantastic fanbase. The potential is here. I feel that the club is ready to go back into the Football League, and if we do get out of the conference I think we can kick on further again."

May 17, 2007

Rovers stars work through the summer

Whilst most of the squad has departed for their summer holidays, the injured players will be going in to the training ground at Cantley Park during the summer to work on regaining their fitness in time for next season.
Ben Smith (cartilage), Steve Roberts (foot), Graeme Lee (ankle), Paul Heffernan (ankle), Jason Price (Achilles tendon), Bruce Dyer (back), Lewis Guy (sprained ankle) and Mark McCammon (shoulder) will all be working with physio John Dickens, with all but Price expected to be fit for the pre-season period.
Additionally, long term injury victim Kevin Horlock continues to make good progress. He resumed light training by the end of the season, and will be working on a strenghtening programme during the summer so that he is fit enough to start pre-season training with the rest of the players.

May 17, 2007

Clough swoops for McGrath

Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough has signed former Rovers midfielder John McGrath as part of his aim of strengthening his Albion side which narrowly missed out on a play-off place last season. McGrath joins from Tamworth - as has Jake Edwards. Both have agreed 12 month contracts following Tamworth's relegation from the Conference.
McGrath has said that the chance to work with Clough was one of the key things that persuaded him to sign for the club.
He said: "I started my career on the left wing, but I prefer playing in the middle, where you can get more involved. The manager said he sees me as a central midfield player, which is a fantastic accolade coming from Nigel Clough, who has had years of experience playing at the highest level. The manager was a big factor in me coming here. Being a midfielder himself, playing for great sides like Forest and Liverpool, I can only learn from him and his experience. Hopefully, he will help me become a better player."

May 17, 2007

Richards in the frame

Former Rovers defender Steve Richards is one of an impressive number of candidates for the manager's job at Scarborough, who have been relegated from the Nationwide North this summer. Richards is one of many names to have been mentioned, along with Blyth Spartans' chief Harry Dunn, Wakefield's Gareth Stoker and former Stalybridge and Harrogate boss John Reed. Farsley Celtic boss Lee Sinnott was also one of the names mentioned as a potential candidate, but presumably with Farsley's successful play-off victory this week meaning they will play in the Conference next season, Sinnott will not be moving to the McCain Stadium.

May 17, 2007

Albrighton weighs up options

Financially-striken Boston United face a player exodus ahead of next season, with the take-over of the club meaning that boss Steve Evans cannot prevent players leaving York Street. With the date for a change of ownership still in doubt, the club, which went into administration during the last mtach of the season, cannot begin negotiations with any players for next season.
Only seven players remain under contract for next season, with former Rovers defender Mark Albrighton being one of them. Albrighton played for the latter part of the season on loan at Conference club Rushden & Diamonds, but returned to Boston at the end of the season.
All seven remaining under contract can, because no-one at the club has been paid for three months, leave the club after serving notice.

May 16, 2007

Sponsor a goal

Pledges for the Viking Supporters' Co-operative's "Sponsor a goal" campaign for the 2006/07 season are now due for payment, with a total of 52 goals being scored during the League One season. Therefore, £26 is due from those who sponsored 50p per goal, and £52 for those sponsoring £52 per goal.
Payment can be made in a variety of ways - on-line at www.vikingsc.co.uk,or by post to Viking Supporters' Co-operative, P.O. Box 21, Retford, DN22 8JY (please make cheques payable to "Viking Supporters' Co-operative").
Please visit their website for full details.

May 16, 2007

Foster joins Darlington

Former Doncaster Rovers captain Steve Foster has turned down the offer of a new contract at newly promoted Scunthorpe United to join League Two club Darlington. Foster rejoins ex-Rovers boss Dave Penney at Darlington, with his experience of gaining promotion considered important as the Quakers look to improve on their 11th place finish last season. He joins Darlington after turning down the offer of a two year contract at Scunthorpe, where he was their "player of the season" for 2006/07.

May 16, 2007

Leeds release four

Leeds United have confirmed that they have released a further four players following their relegation to League One. Among the four are goalkeeper Neil Sullivan and defender Sam Hird, both of who played for Rovers on loan last season. Leeds have announced that all four are out of contract at the end of June, and are now free to find other clubs.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has already said that Sullivan has been offered a contract, so the Leeds confirmation of his release should mean that negotiations can now progress.

May 16, 2007

Campbell signs for more

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Andy Campbell has signed a new contract at Halifax Town, after his goals towards the end of the season played a vital part in Halifax avoiding relegation from the Conference. His first goal for Halifax, on 3rd October 2006, was his first goal in first team football since April 2004 - during which time he played for Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers, Oxford United, Dunfermline Athletic and Halifax Town.