December 31, 2007
Dynamo after Danny?
Former Doncaster Rovers central defender Danny George has been attracting attention from UniBond side Shepshed Dynamo after putting in some impressive performances for UniBond strugglers Spalding United, who are currently bottom of the UniBond Division One (South) table. George joined Spalding, nicknamed the Tulips, in mid-August from Stamford, having previously played with Spalding assistant manager, Mark Hone, at Lincoln United. Interestingly, Danny is now going under the name of Daniel, and is a bank manager!
December 31, 2007
The Bath connection
Two former Rovers players are now turning out for Team Bath, who play in the Southern League Premier Division. Adam Brown, who was released by Rovers during the summer, is listed as being a member of their squad whilst studying at Bath University, as is former youth team player Gerard Alonso.
December 29, 2007
Rovers 3 Southend United 1
Three first half goals put Doncaster Rovers on the way to a significant win over play-off challengers Southend United at the Keepmoat Stadium. Rovers went in front in the 8th minute as Adam Lockwood's header from a corner crashed against the crossbar, bounced down and crossed the line before Southend managed to clear the ball.
Southend equalised shortly afterwards, but Rovers went back in front on the half hour as Paul Green crashed the ball into the net from 15 yards. The final goal of the game came just a few minutes before half time when a swerving shot from Gareth Roberts gave the Southend goalkeeper no chance of saving the ball.
The second half was evenly contested with chances being fewer than before the break, but Rovers' victory was never seriously in doubt.
The three points lifts Rovers to the heady heights of fourth place - and just one point behind second placed Nottingham Forest.
The "man of the match" voting will be open until approximately 5pm on Monday afternoon. Click on the logo to the left if you would like to take part.
December 30, 2007
Phil O'Donnell
Former Rovers striker Ross McCormack scored one of Motherwell's five goals as they beat Dundee United 5-3 in the Scottish Premier League match yesterday. Whilst Motherwell strengthened their chances of a UEFA cup qualifying place with the victory, the result was overshadowed by the tragic death of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, who collapsed near the end of the game, and was pronounced dead a little over half an hour later after he had been taken to hospital. We would like to express our profound sympathy to his family and all connected with Motherwell Football Club.
December 30, 2007
Goals review
In addition to Ross McCormack's goal mentioned above, we continue north of the border, with ex-Rover Richard Offiong opening the scoring for Hamilton in their 3-1 win at Morton in the Scottish First Division, which keeps them a point clear at the top of the table.
Apart from that, the only other two former Rovers players that we have noticed scoring goals this weekend are in the UniBond League - in the Premier Divsion, Rod Thornley scored one of Witton Town's goals in their 3-0 home win over Buxton, and the evergreen Neil Redfearn scored for Bridlington Town in their 2-1 defeat at Mossley.
December 29, 2007
Voting results
A total of nine players were nominated for the "Man of the Match" for the Boxing Day clash against Northampton Town, but the winner was clear, with Paul Green receiving a shade over half of all votes cast in the poll. The players receiving most votes were:
1 Paul Green (50.82%)
2 Steve Roberts (17.74%)
3 Mark McCammon (12.90%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - the next poll will open following this afternoon's home game against Southend United.
December 28, 2007
O'Driscoll after hat-trick of wins
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has challenged his side to win three matches in a row as they go to consolidate their place in the top six tomorrow afternoon against eighth placed Southend United.
He said: "Back-to-back wins was important. Teams in this division don't usually get them. It was a good away win at Crewe and we finished it off here. Northampton were in form and we did a good job on them. We have now another game at home on Saturday against Southend and if we can get three wins out of three, that would be smashing."
December 28, 2007
Rovers v Southend
Rovers have two injury concerns ahead of tomorrow's home game against Southend, with late checks due to be taken on Sean McDaid and James Coppinger. McDaid has a tight hamstring, with Coppinger suffering from a cut on his thigh - Steve Roberts and Adam Lockwood picked up minor knocks, but both are expected to recover in time to play tomorrow. Longer term injury casualties Paul Heffernan and Graeme Lee continue to be absent, and Gordon Greer will be missing due to a groin complaint.
Southend are likely to be without defender Garry Richards after he missed the last match due to illness and has not trained this week. Che Wilson (hamstring) will also be absent, and Alan McCormack will not play due to a suspension earned when he was sent off in Southend's defeat at the hands of Oldham Athletic. Striker Leon Clarke is set to play the final match of his loan at the club, although he is expected to sign a full transfer from Sheffield Wednesday next week.
December 28, 2007
Walker gets York job
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Colin Walker has been appointed as manager at York City after being caretaker for the last six games, during which time the club won five and drew one.
That improvement of form was considered to be down to the efforts of Walker, thus earning himself the job as successor to Billy McEwan.
December 27, 2007
Gateshead want Nelly return
The Newcastle Chronicle has carried an article which reports that Gateshead manager Ian Bogie is keen on taking left-winger Craig Nelthorpe back to the International Stadium, following his successful loan spell at the club last season. However, they report that it is uncertain whether Rovers would sanction Nelthorpe's return to Gateshead, where he scored 8 goals in 19 appearances in his last spell at the club.
December 27, 2007
Sarge scores the winner
Ex-Rovers centre-back Mark Albrighton scored the only goal of the game for Cambridge United in their home game against Histon. The three points took Cambridge up to third place in the Blue Square Premier table, and closed the gap between them and second-placed Torquay United to four points.
In the Blue Square North, former Rovers striker Brian Quailey scored Nuneaton Borough's final goal in their 4-0 home win over Hinckley United, which lifts Boro into sixth place.
December 26, 2007
Rovers 2 Northampton 0
Another great performance from Doncaster Rovers saw them cruise to a convincing victory against a disappointing Northampton Town side, thanks to two first half goals from Mark McCammon and Adam Lockwood. With the visitors rarely threatening Rovers, and hardly landing a shot on target in the entire afternoon, a Rovers victory was never seriously in question once Mark McCammon crashed home the opening goal after only ten minutes play. The newly found tactic of using wingers and getting crosses into the box paid handsome dividends, with the aerial presence of McCammon and Price doing well - especially McCammon, who was marked by a right back who was a good foot shorter than him!
The win lifts Rovers back up into the top six - the next two matches are set to be huge as far as maintaining a top six presence - Southend are just below Rovers in the table, as are Walsall, where Rovers travel on New Year's Day. A win in those to matches will set up the second half of the season very nicely indeed!
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered - the result will be announced on Saturday morning.
December 26, 2007
Walker after York job
Colin Walker, the former Doncaster Rovers striker, is hoping for a late Christmas present - to be named as manager at Conference club York City. Walker has been caretaker/manager at the club for the last four weeks after succeeding Billy McEwan, and his side have responded with three wins in the last four league games. York had indicated that an announcement of who was to be the next manager at the Minstermen would be made by Christmas, but they now are hoping to have the new man in place in time for the opening of the January transfer window. Walker clearly wants the job - but the York board are considering all options before naming their man.
Besides the presence of striker Chris Beardsley in the York squad, the former Doncaster connection continues - Eric Winstanley, who was the youth team boss at Rovers before Paul Wilson arrived at the club, is currently Walker's assistant at the KitKat Crescent.
Walker played 12 games for Rovers in the 1982/83 season scoring five goals, returning three years later for a brief three game spell after playing in New Zealand.
December 26, 2007
Joyce continues stay at Bideford
Sean Joyce has signed a new contract with Toolstation Western League Premier Division club Bideford, meaning that he continue at the club until the end of the 2008/09 season. Joyce has earned a reputation as one of the top non-league managers after guiding Bideford to four Western League Premier Divisoin titles between 2001/02 and 2005/06, which continues to mean he gets offers to manag other clubs in the West Country - but he has turned them all down, inlcuding Falmouth Town and Truro City.
After refusing promotion to the Southern League in past seasons, arrangements are being put in place for future seasons to enable Bideford to move up to the next level in the football pyramid - but that step will not take place until at least 2009/10, due to the higher financial burden and travelling commitments that come with higher league football.
Joyce, born in Conisbrough, joined Doncaster Rovers from school and made 39 appearances before moving on to Torquay United in 1988, where he went on to make 150 appearances for the club. He continued to play for clubs down in the south-west before making the step up into management.
December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas
We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for your support during the last twelve months, which is greatly appreciated. Let's hope that the coming year has plenty to celebrate for all Doncaster Rovers supporters!
December 25, 2007
Voting results
With two goals on his return to the starting eleven, it was inevitable that Jason Price would grab all the headlines for his performance in the away game at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday. His contribution was recognised by those who voted for the "Man of the Match" - he was the runaway winner of the voting, receiving almost two out of three votes cast. Seven players received nominations, with the two receiving significant numbers of votes being:
1 Jason Price (62.5%)
2 Paul Green (21.875%)
Thank you to all of the people who took the time to vote. The next poll will open following the home Boxing Day clash against Northampton Town.
December 25, 2007
Rovers v Northampton Town
Doncaster Rovers can name an unchanged side for tomorrow's home game against Northampton Town, with none of the players taking part in the 4-0 win at Crewe picking up any injuries. Gordon Greer, Graeme Lee and Paul Heffernan will definitely miss the match with injuries, but apart from that, all members of the squad are available for selection.
Northampton wil be missing Ryan Gilligan due to suspension, with striker Ian Henderson (knee ligament) and wing-back Andy Holt (ankle) also missing out tomorrow. Long term injury casualty Giles Coke will also be missing as he recovers from a hernia operation. Top scorer Andy Kirk returned from injury for their last game against Bournemouth last Friday, and has reported no adverse reaction, so is likely to partner Poul Hubertz in attack.
December 24, 2007
Gill on target again
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Robert Gill was on the score sheet again in Waikato's 1-1 draw against Hawke's Bay in the New Zealand Football Championship. His goal four minutes from time came from the penalty spot and keeps Gill as joint top scorer in the league, with six to his name so far. The spot kick was a remakable fifth of the season - and they've only played seven matches!
I don’t think I’ve ever played in a team where we’ve had five penalties in seven matches," skipper Gill said after the game. "But it was a definite penalty."
The New Zealand league now takes a three week break over the Christmas and New Year period.
December 24, 2007
Darby calls for hard work

Duane Darby, the ex-Rovers striker, is now caretaker manager at British Gas Southern League Premier Division club Bromsgrove Rovers, and got off to an ideal start last week with a 1-0 victory over Hitchin Town. The former England semi-professional striker is urging his squad to keep putting in the hard work to to continue their improvement in fortunes.
December 24, 2007
Cramb faces six weeks out
Colin Cramb, now playing for Stirling Albion, faces an absence of up to six weeks after damaging some ankle ligaments during their game against Queen of the South last weekend. Cramb played 60 games for Rovers between 1995 and 1997, scoring 25 goals before leaving for Bristol City in a £200,000.
December 22, 2007
Crewe 0 Rovers 4
What a difference a week makes - last Sunday was as poor a performance that Rovers have produced all season - yet this weekend, they cruised to a 4-0 victory to end their four game run without a win. Jason Price started the game and repaid the faith placed in him by scoring Rovers' first two goals - then two in the 90th minute, from Paul Green and Lewis Guy, proved to be the icing on the cake. Whilst Crewe were reduced to ten men ten minutes from full time, the result was assured beforehand and leaves Rovers just one point behind the play-off places going into the Christmas period.
December 23, 2007
Mills set for Rovers return
Manchester City defender Matthew Mills, who had a three month loan at Doncaster Rovers curtailed by injury, is set to become a Doncaster Rovers player during the January transfer window. Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll confirmed that the 21-year old defender was on his shopping list for January after impressing both supporters and the Rovers coaching staff during his loan spell at the club.
Mills is due back in training at the beginning of January, after which, Rovers are likely to make their move.
The urgent need for another striker seems to have diminished with news that Paul Heffernan is likely to be back in action a little earlier than Rovers had anticipated. Even so, the Irishman is still likely to miss the Christmas matches, with a return due early in the New Year.
December 23, 2007
Goals review
The review of former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday is by necessity somewhat brief, perhaps not helped by many of the non-league fixture lists being decimated by the freezing conditions.
In League Two, ex-Rovers loan striker Lester set Chesterfield on their way to a 2-0 home win over bottom club Mansfield Town, with the win taking the Spireites into the promotion play-off places.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, Dene Shields scored the winning goal for Ross County in their First Division home victory over Berwick Rangers - the three points means that County have closed the gap with leaders Raith Rovers to just a single point.
December 23, 2007
Thistle hope McGuire will stay
Inverness Caledonian Thistle are hoping that former Rovers defender Phil McGuire will stay at the Caledonian Stadium after his loan expires in early January. The Inverness defensive record has improved immensely since McGuire has arrived - they go into Christmas in sixth place in the Scottish Premier League after yesterday's 3-2 victory at Hearts. McGuire's form has kept long-serving Stuart McCaffrey out of the side, who is now likely to leave the club in the January transfer window after over seven years at Inverness. "Stuart has been with the club seven and a half years but has made it clear he wants regular first-team football," said the manager. Craig Brewster.
December 22, 2007
Crewe v Rovers
Doncaster Rovers look set to welcome Gareth Roberts and Jason Price back into the squad for this afternoon's game at Crewe Alexandra, with Rovers needing to improve on last Saturday's poor form during the game against Yeovil Town.
Roberts has been out for a month following a hernia operation, with Price missing several matches with a back problem, although he did make an appearance as a second half subsitute last Sunday.
Gordon Green remains sidelined with a groin injury, and whilst Paul Heffernan will also be absent for the next few matches, Rovers ahve reported that he is making good progress and may be back earlier than expected.
Also pushing for starts are Mark McCammon and James Coppinger, who have been limited to places on the subsitutes bench in recent matches - but they may be the options taken by Sean O'Driscoll as he bids to keep the pressure on the top six clubs over the busy Christmas period, during which time, Rovers will be looking for close-on maximum points if they are to maintain a serious promotion challenge.
Crewe welcome back four players from injury for today's game. Ryan Lowe has overcome a thigh strain after missing a few matches recently, and Lee Barnard, Danny O'Donnell and Chris McCready also make returns.
December 22, 2007
Leeds tickets selling well
Doncaster Rovers have reported that 1,250 tickets for the away game at Leeds United were sold on the first day on sale. With tickets only currently available to season ticket holders (and half-season ticket holders), it looks likely that most of the ticket allocation of 2,900 will be sold by the time they go on general sale on 7th January. We understand that, subject to demand, there is a possibility that more tickets may be made available by Leeds United.
December 22, 2007
Hird extends stay
Doncaster Rovers defender Sam Hird has had his loan at Grimsby Town extended for a second month. He has started five games so far for the Mariners, helping to improve their league position as they battle against relegation at the bottom of League Two. Rovers have inserted a 24-hour recall clause in the new loan deal.
December 22, 2007
Apologies
We would like to apologise for the unprecedented break in updates on this web site. This was due to a combination of technical problems caused by a breakdown in broadband access, and work pressure. We assure you that normal service will now be resumed and daily updates will continue throughout the Christmas period, during which time we will catch up on all news events that have happened during the last seven days.
The next update will come this evening when we will open the "Man of the Match" vote for the away game at Crewe Alexandra.