April 30, 2008

Keepmoat opens up for Cheltenham experience

With the Rovers allocation of tickets for Saturday's away game at Cheltenham sold out, the Keepmoat Stadium bar and restaurant in the East Stand will be opening for Rovers supporters to join together for the experience of the dramatic end to the 2007/2008 season. Unfortunately arrangements could not be made for a giant screen to show live video coverage of the match, but the Radio Sheffield commentary will be broadcast at the stadium. Admission is free, and food will be available - families will be welcome.
The Reds Bar in Silver Street will also be open and will also be broadcasting the live commentary.
The match, just in case you haven't worked it out, is being broadcast on BBC Radio Sheffield.

April 30, 2008

Coach information

Gloucestershire police have asked anyone organising a coach down to Cheltenham on Saturday to contact them for specific instructions - please email PC Mark Smith on mark.a.smith@gloucestershire.police.uk.
With a capacity crowd attending, the police have asked for all spectators to arrive at the ground in good time so that they are in their seats in time for the kick-off. They have also warned that any Doncaster Rovers supporters found in the home parts of the ground will be removed by stewards.

April 30, 2008

Supporters Club travel

The Rovers' Supporters Club are running eleven coaches to Cheltenham on Saturday. Seats are still available - phone Paul Mayfield (077404 53066) or Len South 01302 8173470) to book. If anyone has booked a seat but has not got a ticket to the game, so will consequently not be travelling, they are asked to contact Paul or Len on the above numbers so that their seat may be made available to someone else.
Coaches will leave Retford at 9am and will pick up at Harworth (9.05), Bawtry-Rossington (9.15), DRI (9.30) followed by Keepmoat Stadium car park 1.

April 30, 2008

Griffith joins Vale

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Anthony Griffith joined Port Vale yesterday on a free transfer after agreeing a two year deal at Vale Park. He has been at Halifax Town on loan this season, playing 37 games for the Shaymen despite receiving a number of red cards.
Whilst one Rovers player arrives at Vale Park, a former Rovers player left - defender Dave Mulligan has not been offered a new contract after joining Port Vale on a short term contract in January after leaving Scunthorpe United.

April 30, 2008

Rovers trio win Donny Star awards

The Doncaster Star has reported that three from Doncaster Rovers have won awards at their end of season awards ceremony which was held on Monday evening.
Sean O'Driscoll was voted as manager of the year, Richie Wellens won the Rovers' player of the year, and John Ryan won a special award for his special contribution to the rise of Doncaster Rovers over the last ten years, from the depths of the Conference to the brink of the Championship.
Former Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington won the Rotherham United "player of the year".

April 29, 2008

Matt wins the voting

Defender Matt Mills comfortably won the "Man of the Match" voting for Saturday's home game against Luton, gaining a little under half of the votes cast. There were nine players receiving nominations, with the top three being:
1 Matt Mills (44.71%)
2 Sam Hird (21.18%)
3 Paul Green (9.41%)
Thank you to everyone who took part - all votes go through to the "Player of the Season", which is made up of every single vote cast during the season.

April 29, 2008

Finley fired

Ex-Rovers central defender Gary Finley has been sacked as manager of UniBond club Colwyn Bay after failing to reach the target set by his chairman. Colwyn Bay failed to reach the play-off places in the UniBond First Division (South) by finishing in eighth place, with the club issuing the following statement: "Colwyn Bay Football Club have taken the decision to relieve Gary Finley of his position with immediate effect. A further statement will be released shortly."
Finley played six games for Rovers during the ill-fated 1997/98 season.

April 29, 2008

O'Connor gets place in "Team of the Week"

Rovers defender James O'Connor has been included in the League One "Team of the Week" for his performance in Saturday's home game against Luton Town, his first such accolade of the season.
Richie Wellens was included in the League One "Team of the Season" for his consistently good midfield performances which have put Rovers on the brink of promotion to the Championship.

April 26, 2008

Rovers 2 Luton Town 0

Rovers hold the cards as far as the second automatic promotion place is concerned after a dramatic League One day saw second placed Carlisle United hammered 3-0 at Millwall. Rovers defeated Luton Town to move past them into second place - if Rovers win their last match, it will not matter whether all of the chasing pack win or not - Rovers will be up!
However, things are still very tight - Carlisle slip to fourth, although just a point behind Rovers, with Nottingham Forest winning this afternoon to go into third.
Rovers put in a superb display for the first half an hour of the match, being continually denied by excellent saves by Luton keeper Dean Brill. The breakthrough came when Matt Mills fired home from short range following a corner on the left. The goal saw Rovers sit back deeper for the remainder of the half, with Luton coming more into the game - but the visitors failed to seriously test Neil Sullivan.
The cheers went up at half time when the half time scores saw Carlisle one goal down against Millwall - and a huge cheer erupted around the stadium ten minutes into the second half when Millwall scored their second goal against Carlisle. It was still nervy stuff from Rovers though, with Luton having the possesion for more of the match than was comfortable - a one goal lead can always be taken away with a late equaliser - but the nerves were soothed in the 82nd minute when Mark McCammon headed home from eight yards. He got booked for taking his shirt off in the celebrations - but no-one really cared. Rovers could now be in the Championship next season. All they have to do is beat Cheltenham next week.........!

April 28, 2008

McDaid out for season

Rovers will be without defender Sean McDaid for the end of the 2007/08 season after it was confirmed that he has dislocated his knee. The 22-year old suffered the injury in a 'behind closed doors' match against the Combined Services last Tuesday and would also miss the play-offs, should Rovers fail to qualify for automatic promotion on Saturday.

April 28, 2008

Goals review

Ex-Rovers winger Michael McIndoe was hero and villain on Saturday in Bristol City's game at Sheffield United. City won a penalty in the 25th minute after Dele Adebola was fouled - and McIndoe stepped up to score his fifth goal of the season from the penalty spot. Sheffield United equalised four minutes later - then in the 53rd minute took the lead when McIndoe was rather harshly judged to have handled the ball, conceding a penalty from which the Blades scored their winning goal. Despite only winning one of the last ten games, Bristol City have still qualified for the end of season play-offs in the Championship.
In League Two, Neil Roberts scored a last minute consolation goal from the penalty spot as Wrexham finished off a poor season with a terrible performance in their 3-1 home defeat by Accrington Stanley, with the Welsh club being booed off the pitch in their final Football League game at the Racecourse Ground before tasting life in the Conference next season.
In the Blue Square North, Boston United finished off their first season after a double relegation last summer with a 2-1 victory over Hyde United - former Rovers on-loan defender Simon Weaver scoring for the Pilgrims.

April 28, 2008

Buses to Cheltenham

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Cheltenham Town.
Coaches will leave Retford at 9am, Harworth 9.05am, Bawtry/Styrrup 9.15am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 9.30am and the Keepmoat Stadium at 9.45am.
The fare will be: Members: Adults - £15, OAP - £13, Under 16 - £11
Non members: Adults - £17, Under 16s - £15
If you would like to book a place on the coaches, please contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066)
The North Branch are also running a coach as follows:
Departure times: Moorends Hotel 9.00am, The Range, York Road 9.25am, Esso Garage, York Road 9.30am, Don Valley 9.35am, Woodlands 9.40am, Carcroft (Stick and Tape) 9.45am and Skellow Grange 9.50am.
The cost for their coach is £12:00 per person.
To book a seat, please ring Jim Lambie (01302) 726083 or Dave Grain on (01302) 787127.

April 28, 2008

Cobblers want Bayo to stay

Northampton boss Stuart Gray has confirmed that they will be offering former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa a new contract, but that offer is subject to medical advice. The big striker had a steel rod insertedafter he broke his leg whilst playing for Swansea against Scunthorpe last season.
Gray commented: "We are waiting on medical advice for Bayo. He has got a steel rod in his leg and we know that if he had that out then he would be a lot freer and we could get him fitter."

April 25, 2008

Lee gets Rovers recall

Rovers defender Graeme Lee has been recalled from his loan at Shrewsbury Town as Rovers prepare for the final two League One matches of the season. The 29-year old has impressed during his time at the New Meadow, and had been expectign to stay until the end of the season. However, Rovers only have one fit centre back for tomorrow's game, with Adam Lockwood (foot) and Gordon Greer (hip) being joined on the injured list by Steve Roberts, who appears to have a cartilage injury. If a scan proves it is a cartilage injury, Roberts will be ruled out of the remainder of the season, including the play-offs.
John Dickens said: "Steve has had a few days' rest and treatment but his knee was still swollen and sore today. Steve got a kick on the knee in Saturday's game at Orient and he may also have damaged the joint. We didn't know whether it was just bruising from the kick or the cartilage which is causing the problem.
"My own view is that Steve has damaged the cartilage. If it is a cartilage then we'll get him in as quickly as we can but he would still miss the rest of the season, even if we had to go into the play-offs."
Lockwood is in with an outside chance of playing against Cheltenham next week after starting running a couple of days ago.
Whilst James O'Connor has covered at centre back before, with Paul Green covering at right back, Rovers will probably prefer to keep O'Connor in his usual role, allowing Green to continue his superb performances in midfield. That would give former skipper Lee to make his first appearance of the season in a match that could see Rovers end in second place if Carlisle slip up at Millwall.
Sean McDaid will miss the rest of the season after it turned out that he has dislocated his knee-cap.

April 25, 2008

Ryan in rallying call

Chairman John Ryan has appealed for the Rovers fans to turn out in their droves for tomorrow's crucial home game against relegated Luton Town at the Keepmoat Stadium.
With Rovers challenging for automatic promotion, Ryan said: "Saturday's game is probably the most crucial game in the history of Doncaster Rovers Football Club. It is imperative that Rovers' supporters get behind the players on an occasion where the players are sure to be a little tense and nervous.
"I cannot emphasise how important it is that every Doncaster Rovers supporter really gets behind the team and give the players a boost. We can't affect what Carlisle are doing at Millwall. But you can affect the spirit and performance of Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat on Saturday. It is vital that we beat Luton. if we do it will take the final games of the season to decide who goes up automatically.
"So my message to all Doncastrians is to come to the game on Saturday and really, really get behind the boys. It is the last home game of the season and sure to be a great game. It could very well be our last home game in League One for a quite some time – let's hope so!"

April 25, 2008

Brockie leaves Harrogate

Former Rovers defender Vince Brockie has been relieved of his position as First Team Manager at UniBond club Harrogate Railway Athletic following a slump in form after their highly publicised FA Cup run earlier this season. Harrogate are to advertise for a replacement, with David Morgan taking charge for the final game of the season tomorrow. The club are in the bottom third of the table, although safely above the relegation places.

April 25, 2008

Leeds letter breaches confidentiality

A letter send out by Leeds United Chief Executive Shaun Harvey may have broken the confidentiality agreement in place whilst their appeal against their 15 point deduciton is being heard. Harvey sent a letter to Football Legue clubs last month outlining the eight points that would be the basis of their appeal, stating that Leeds believed they would prove a lack of independence in the League's attempts to legitimise its 15-point penalty through a club vote, adding that in voting on the issue all of Leeds's League One competitors would have "a vested interest".
Sir Philip Otton, who chaired the FA's independent arbitration panel, is believed to be considering the letter's implications. He is known to hold the confidentiality of his proceedings paramount, giving all parties what one source referred to as "a big talking to" and threatening reprisals for breaches.
Leeds United and the League undertook to adhere to the Football Association's regulations in the arbitration that concluded on Monday, meaning they were bound by the confidentiality clauses underlined under FA rule K6: "The parties shall preserve and respect the confidentiality of the arbitration proceedings, including the issues in the dispute and the evidence and arguments presented by the parties.
The outcome of the arbitration hearing is to be announced by 1st May.

April 24, 2008

Injury update

Central defender Steve Roberts looks to be a doubt for Saturday's home game against Luton Town after limping off with a knee injury against Leyton Orient last weekend. Roberts has had treatment during the week, with Rovers hoping that he will be fit to take part on Saturday. To ensure that they have adequate cover, Rovers have recalled Graeme Lee from his loan at Shrewsbury Town, as Matt Mills is the only other fully fit central defender at the club.
Richie Wellens, who was doubtful before the Leyton Orient game with a back injury, has reported no adverse reaction and has trained normally with the rest of the squad. Defenders James O'Connor and Gareth Roberts have both had treatment for ankle injuries this week, but have been able to train as normal.
The major doubt surrounds the availability of Sean McDaid, after he suffered a kick to the knee in a behind-closed-doors match against the Combined Services at Cantley Park on Tuesday. He missed training yesterday to have treatment, but Rovers are hoping he will recover to be available for selection on Saturday.

April 24, 2008

Bayo in limbo

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will have to wait a little longer to find out whether he will be kept on by Northampton Town at the end of the season. Akinfenwa joined midway through the season when he was without a club following a lengthy absence due to a broken leg, scoring regularly in his early games with the club.
The Cobblers confirmed that they will release four at the end of the season - Danny May, Brett Johnson, Joe Burnell and Poul Hubertz - but no decision has yet been made on the future of Akinfenwa.

April 24, 2008

Brabin puts Port into play-offs

Gary Brabin's Southport registered a key victory last weekend when they beat fellow promotion hopefuls Nuneaton Borough 2-0 to move within touch of the play-off places. They followed that up with another 2-0 win, this time at home to relegated Leigh RMI, on Tuesday, to move into the play-ff spots. A win in their last match of the season, at already relegated Vauxhall Motors, will mean that Brabin's men are sure of a play-off place.
Brabin was appointed as manager at Haig Avenue only a couple of weeks ago after Peter Davenport was sacked as Southport slumped from being automatic promotion candidates to falling out of the play-off places. Brabin's arrival seems to have done the trick - much improved performances and results seem to suggest that his contract, which only runs until the end of the season, will be extended.

April 23, 2008

Leo sinks Celtic

Former Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West scored one of York City's four goals last night as they defeted Farsley Celtic 4-1 in the Blue Square National. The result sees York certain to finish in midtable, but means that Farsley are virtually certain to be relegated - they are three points away from safety with just one game left, and an inferior goal difference.
Aldershot have been promoted to the Football League - they reached the 100 points mark last night - and the play-offs will take place between Torquay United, Cambridge United, Exeter City and Burton Albion.
In the Blue Square North, ex-Rovers defender Mark Hume scored for Harrogate Town in their 1-1 draw at Tamworth. The result means Harrogate stay one place outside the play-off places, although only behind Barrow on goal difference.

April 23, 2008

Youth Team 3 Grimsby Town 2

Doncaster Rovers won their final game in the Youth Alliance on Saturday, meaning they are currently top of the league table. However, second placed Hull City are just three points behind and still have two games to play.
The Rovers goals on Saturday were scored by Henderson and Griffiths (2).
Rovers: Biggs, Fenney, Conkleton, Fisher, Charles, Duffy, Hall, Shielis, Fairhurst, Bibby, Henderson
Substitutes: Hawksworth (for Bibby, 47), Stoddart (for Shielis, 80), Nodder, Moxam, Martin

April 23, 2008

Cheltenham - all tickets sold

Doncaster Rovers have sold all of their allocation of tickets for next Saturday's away game at Cheltenham Town - the game which could see them promoted to the Championship. Rovers sold out of all of their 1,554 allocation on Tuesday and no further tickets will be available. This match is all-ticket, so please do not travel down to the game without a ticket as none will be available on the day.
Cheltenham have also reported some Rovers supporters buying tickets for the home parts of the ground - they have now withdrawn their on-line ticket sales and will be checking all personal and telephone applications.

April 23, 2008

Man of the Match voting

In a close-run contest for your "Man of the Match" at Leyton Orient on Saturday, it proved impossible to separate the top two players - Paul Green and James O'Connor eventually tied for the accolade, with 70% of the votes between them. A total of eight players received nominations, with the leading recipients being:
1 Paul Green , James O'Connor (34.29% each)
3 Matt Mills (13.89%)
Thank you to everyone who took part in the voting. After Richie Wellens has been out in front of the "Player of the Season" for much of the 2007/08 season, it now looks like being a close contest between him and Paul Green. Wellens still has the lead - but for how long?

April 21, 2008

Ticket update

Non-season ticket holders wishing to buy a play-off semi-final match ticket (should Rovers not be promoted automatically) are reminded that they will need to retain their ticket stub from Saturday's home game against Luton Town to be given their place in the allocation of tickets.
Season ticket holders will be given priority - they will be able to buy one ticket (as the season ticket book does not include play-off matches) and one additional ticket - season ticket books will need to be produced when buying the play-off tickets.
Next in line will be supporters who can produce two ticket stubs - one from the Swindon Town game and one from the Luton Town game - followed by supporters who have collected a ticket stub from one of the final two games.
Of course, these arrangements will only apply if Rovers finish in one of the four play-off places at the end of the season.
Tickets for the final away game of the season, at Cheltenham Town on Saturday, 3rd May, are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office - at the rate of one per person due to the limited number of tickets available.
Prices are: Adults £18, Seniors (65+) and Students (with NUS card), Ambulant disabled (carer free) £12.00, Juniors (16 & under) £7.00.
The allocation for wheelchair disabled supporters has totally sold out.

April 21, 2008

Player of the Year

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Ross McCormack of Motherwell is in line to be named as Young Player of the Year for Scotland, being nominated along with Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Scott Arfield (Falkirk), Steven Fletcher (Hibs), and Kevin McDonald (Dundee). McCormack has grabbed the headlines with his performances and goals for Motherwell this season. He is out of contract in the summer, and has so far not signed a new deal at Fir Park, leading to speculation that he will sign for Premiership club Wigan Athletic or Middlesbrough in the summer.

April 19, 2008

Leyton Orient 1 Rovers 1

April 20, 2008

Around the goals

Neil Roberts, the former Doncaster Rovers striker, was the toast of Wrexham by scoring a goal that kept the glimmer of hope alive that they may yet avoid relegation to the Blue Square National. His 77th minute goal defeated Notts County - with County only two points above the relegation places, with two games to play. The win for Wrexham means they are still six points adrift of safety - but they do have three games to play.
Ex-Rovers striker Chris Beardsley was on target for Kettering as they beat Workington 3-0, thus assuring that they will be promoted as champions of the Blue Square North.
Also celebrating yesterday was ex-Rovers striker Richard Offiong. He scored Hamilton's second goal in their 2-0 win over Clyde, meaning that they are promoted to the Scottish Premier League as First Division champions.
Not celebrating yesterday was former Rovers loan defender Peter Gilbert. He was sent off early in the second half whilst playing for Sheffield Wednesday as they went down 2-1 at the hands of Blackpool - a result that leaves Wednesday deep in the relegation mire.
In League One, former loan Rovers midfeilder Michael Timlin scored one of Swindon's six goals as they hammered relegated Port Vale 6-0, which moves Swindon well clear of the relegation battle.
Finally, the UniBond First Division South, Robert Pell scored for Quorn in their 2-2 draw at Kidsgrove Athletic.

April 20, 2008

Injury ends McGuire's season

Phil McGuire, the former Rovers centre back, will take no further part in Inverness Caledonian Thistle's remaining SPL matches after undergoing surgery on his groin, which will ensure that he is fully fit for when the squad report back for pre-season training.
Caley maanger Craig Brewster said: "Phil had an operation on Monday so he is out for the rest of the season. He was requiring surgery and had to get his groin repaired. He was taking a lot of anti-inflammatory tablets, so we thought the best time to get it done was now. That will make sure he is fit and raring to go for pre-season."

April 19, 2008

Leyton Orient v Rovers

Rovers enter one of the most important weekends of the season boosted by the return of James Coppinger, who has recovered from a virus, and Matt Mills, who sat out the last match due to a supsension after being sent off against Huddersfield. Richie Wellens is only rated as 50/50 - he trained yesterday, but has been struggling with a back injury sustained in the home game against Leeds at the beginning of the month.
However, with the players that stepped into the breach for the Swindon game last Friday impressing O'Driscoll, none of the returning players are guaranteed a place in the side today.
Leyton Orient go in to today's match on the back of five successive defeats, but Sean O'Driscoll has warned his players that the O's players will be keen to end that sequence of results.
He said: "I think that Orient have lost five games on the trot and to say that there isn't any pressure on them would be wrong. I think that there will be a lot of pressure on them to get a result. If you lose five games on the trot, no matter at what stage it is in the season, I think that there is pressure on the manager and on the players."
Leyton Orient will be without defenders Alton Thelwell (knee) and Tamika Mkandawire (hernia) for today's game - neither player will feature again this season - but Brian Saah has recovered from a hamstring injury and will partner former Rovers loan defender Sam Oji in central defence.

April 19, 2008

Lockwood may be back

Rovers skipper Adam Lockwood could recover from a foot injury in time to play before the end of the season - but it will be close. Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll confirmed that Lockwood has a chancee of being back in the next two weeks - which would mean he could be available for the final game against Cheltenham Town, as well as any play-off matches (should they be required!).
O'Driscoll commented: "Adam has a chance of being back before the end of the season. He's back doing a bit of light training. No contact work, but he has been putting pressure on it; he's back on the bikes and he is keen to get back as quick as he can. We don't want to push him and there is a fine line between getting someone back as quick as you can and pushing him so that you lose him for the foreseeable future."

April 19, 2008

The big match

Doncaster Rovers could climb back into second place this afternoon if results go in their favour. Second placed Carlisle United, three points ahead, face a tricky home game against Southend, who are securely placed in the play-off places. Rovers have the seemingly easier task at mid-table Leyton Orient, who have lost five games in a row. Rovers are three points behind Carlisle, but have a one goal advantage in goal difference - so the automatic promotion place could yet come down to who has the superior goal difference.
Nottingham Forest have a seemingly easy afternoon at home to relegated Luton Town, with Leeds facing a battle away at Millwall.
The promotion situation could yet be in total confusion after the season is due to have ended - with the outcome of the independent tribunal expected "before May 1st". Should there be a delay in the decision, the scheduling of the play-offs could be plunged into disarray - although we presume that the final at Wembley will go ahead on Sunday, 25th May. If Leeds are given the whole 15 points back, it is highly likely that the clubs in the promotion chase adversely affected by the decision will appeal in some form - which could set the whole schedule back even further.

April 19, 2008

Lee set for Shrews return

Rovers defender Graeme Lee is likely to return for Shrewsbury Town this afternoon after missing their last two games. Lee, on loan at the Shrews, had 20 stitches in his mouth following a challenge in the match against Chesterfield at the beginning of the month.

April 18, 2008

Ryan - Leeds will fail

Rovers chairman has told the BBC that he believes that Leeds United will fail in their bid to have their fifteen point deduction overturned.
The independent tribunal set up to hear the validity of the case began on Wednesday and is due to finish today - although radio reports this morning suggest that the verdict will not be made public until early/mid May, after the play-off matches have started. The outcome of the hearing was originally expected next week.
Rovers, along with other clubs, have also been reported as considering legal action should Leeds be given all, or some, of their points back. Rovers will review the situation once the tribunal has made its decision.

April 18, 2008

Ex-Rovers duo on target

Two former Doncaster Rovers players scored for Hall Road Rangers in their Northern Counties East League Division One fixture agaisnt AFC Emley this week. Goals from Andy Hayward and Jamie Barnwell contributed to Rangers' 5-1 victory.

April 18, 2008

Rigo to remain at Rovers

Ex-Rovers midfielder Adriano Rigoglioso has hinted that he would like to stay at Forest Green Rovers next season, despite the fact that they cannot now qualify for the end of season play-offs in the Blue Square National (formerly the Conference). Leading scorer Stuart Fleetwood and left back Anthony Tonkin are almost definitely leaving at the end of the season, but Rigoglioso looks certain to stay - as long as there is no change in management.
He said: "As long as the manager is still here then I`d love to be here. I've enjoyed my time at the club and the fans have been good to me. The season has probably ended at the wrong time for me, as I'm just getting back to a bit of decent form. We'll have to wait and see who stays and who goes in the summer, and sometimes a few changes can be a good thing to freshen things up."

April 18, 2008

Sam's future uncertain