February 28, 2008

O'Connor has operation

James O'Connor will miss the next few matches after undergoing surgery on a troublesome hernia and is likely to be missing for the next month as he recovers.
Rovers had hoped that he would be able to continue until the end of the season before having surgery, but after he had to be substituted during the away game at Carlisle, he elected to have surgery now.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "James has been having discomfort for some while. He's only been training a couple of times a week, and if the player isn't happy, there is no point in prolonging the decision to have surgery. James felt that his groin wasn't right, so he decided to get it done."
"The surgeon was quite confident that if we managed it properly it would last until the end of the season, but to be fair it is down to the player and if the player isn't happy there is no point in prolonging the decision to have surgery."

February 28, 2008

Chesterfield 0 Rovers 5

Rovers played a behind-closed-doors match on Tuesday in order to give some of the players who have not featured in the first team recently some much needed match practice. The whole Rovers squad, apart from James O'Connor, travelled to Chesterfield for the game, and ended up dominating the game which ended with a convincing victory margin.
The Rovers goals were scored by Jason Price, Mark McCammon, James Coppinger, Paul Heffernan and Gareth Taylor.
The match was played in three 30 minute periods rather than the usual 45 minute halves, with the Rovers side being as follows for each period:
First period: Smith; Green, Mills, S.Roberts, G.Roberts; Stock, Coppinger, Wellens, Wilson, Price, McCammon
Second period: Smith; Hird, Mills, Lockwood, McDaid; Wilson, Wellens, Stock, Elliott; Taylor, Heffernan
Third period: Smith; Hawksworth, Hird, Boyce, Bowland; Shielis, Griffiths, McDaid, Elliott; Taylor, Heffernan

February 28, 2008

O'Kelly - Rovers will get back on track

Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly is confident that Doncaster Rovers will overcome the setback of losing at Carlisle on Saturday to get back into the winning habit on Saturday when Rovers travel to Tranmere Rovers for another match against a promotion-chasing team.
"Tranmere is going to be a tough place to go on Saturday but I think every game between now and the end of the season is going to be difficult for one reason or another," he said.
"Some teams are looking to get into the promotion play-offs whilst others will either be trying to get out of the bottom four or keep out of the relegation zone. So virtually every game between now and the end of the season will have something riding on it."

February 28, 2008

Pittman scores two but Crawley out of cup

Former Rovers striker Jon-Paul Pittman scored two goals for Crawley in their Setanta Shield Southern Section quarter final against Aldershot on Tuesday, with the match ending 2-2 at the end of full time. However, things went wrong for Crawley in extra time, who eventually went down to a 6-2 defeat.

February 26, 2008

More goals

Following on from our review of former Rovers players scoring goals at the weekend, a few more have come to our attention.
Firstly, in the Scottish First Division, Colin Cramb came off the substitutes bench to score for Stirling Albion in their home game against Dundee - it didn't make much difference to his side though - they were 5-0 down at the time and went on to lose 6-1. Stirling remain bottom of the table.
In the Blue Square North, Chris Beardsley scored for Kettering Town in their 5-2 win over Hinckley, which moves the Poppies eight points clear at the top with a game in hand on their nearest rivals.
Craig Nelthorpe scored an early goal for Halifax Town in their game at Rushden & Diamonds, with Andy Campbell putting Halifax back in front after Rushden had equalised with a controversial penalty - but it proved not to be the winner, with the home side equalising in stoppage time.

February 26, 2008

Roberts wins the voting

Defender Steve Roberts comfortably won the latest "Man of the Match" vote for his performance in the match at Carlisle, gaining nearly three quarters of all votes cast. The players receiving most votes are:
1 Steve Roberts (70.97%)
2 Richie Wellens (7.68%)
3= Paul Green, Neil Sullivan (6.45% each)
Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to vote. The next voting open after Saturday's away game at Tranmere Rovers.

February 26, 2008

Voucher 17 for Leeds

Doncaster Rovers have repeated their notice that ticket number 17 from the season ticket book should be used for the Leeds United fixture only. It must not be used for any of the four matches played before then, as you will not be able to gain admission to the Leeds match if you do not produce the right numbered voucher.
The reason for this is that a number of supporters have exchanged their ticket for one elsewhere in the ground for this fixture, so their usual seat will have been resold to someone else.

February 26, 2008

Tranmere v Rovers

Tranmere Rovers have cut the price for Senior Citizens to just £5 for Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers, which matches the regular £5 that they charge for junior admission prices. The prices apply to both home and away fans and should ensure a great turnout ahead of another important clash between two promotion challengers.
Tickets can be bought at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office, which will mean that you can avoid the lengthy queues that often can be experienced on match days at the Tranmere ticket office.
Ticket prices for the Tranmere fixture, which are for the Cowshed Stand (behind the goal) are: Adults £16.50, Senior Citizens £5, Young Persons (17-22yrs) £9, Juniors £5, Disabled (ambulant and wheelchair) £5 (carer free)
Wheelchair disabled supporters should book their ticket direct from Tranmere Rovers' ticket office on 0870 460 3332.
Tickets will remain on sale until 3pm on Friday, 29th February.
The Supporters Club are running coaches to Tranmere, with departure times as follows: Retford 10.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 10.20am, Bawtry 10.30am, Rossington Styrrup 10.30am, Hare & Tortoise 10.35am, Infirmary 10.45am, Keepmoat Car Park 3 11.00am.
Fares: Members £10 - OAP's £9 - U16's £8
Non-Members £12 - U16's £10
To book a place on the coach, please contact Len South (01302 817347), Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or mobile 077404 53066)

February 24, 2008

Carlisle 1 Rovers 0

Doncaster Rovers' magnificent unbeaten away run finally came to an end yesterday, with a poor pitch not helping Rovers cause - and with a bit more luck in the second half, they could have picked up a point from the game. The only goal of the game came five minutes before half time when a great curling cross in from Carlisle's right was met by Danny Graham to leave Neil Sullivan with no chance of stopping the ball going into the net. Before that, Rovers had their chances to score, with Price and Stock going close.
The blustery conditions and an uneven surface on the pitch didn't help things, but Rovers did better in the second half, with a Paul Green drive flying narrowly wide. As the game went on, Rovers forced Carlisle to defend deeper and deeper as they surged forward in search of the equaliser, and substitute Paul Heffernan was very unlucky not to score ten minutes from the end after playing a great one-two with Richie Wellens, but a last ditch tackle by Raven denied him just as he was about to shoot.
The result sees Rovers drop to third place on goal difference behind Nottingham Forest - with the match between the two sides in a month's time set to be a vital match in determining who gets the runners-up place behind runaway leaders Swansea City.

February 24, 2008

Goals review

Michael McIndoe scored his first goal for Bristol City yesterday as they came from behind to win 2-1 at struggling Colchester - a reulst that keeps them in second place in the Championship, just a point behind leaders Stoke City.
Also in the Championship, former Rovers defender Andy Crosby scored a 41st minute goal for bottom club Scunthorpe - but Southampton scored an 88th minute equaliser to mean that Scunthorpe remain bottom of the table, although only three points from safety. The game also marked the 700th first team appearances of Crosby's career.
Finally, in the UniBond Premier Division, former Rovers striker Steve Brodie scored the opening goal for Witton Albion in their 3-0 win over Whitby Town, a result which means that Albion continue at the top of the UniBond table.

February 24, 2008

Tranmere ticket news

Tranmere Rovers have cut the price for Senior Citizens to just £5 for next Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers, which matches the regular £5 that they charge for junior admission prices. The prices apply to both home and away fans and should ensure a great turnout ahead of another important clash between two promotion challengers.
Tickets can be bought at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office, which will mean that you can avoid the lengthy queues that often can be experienced on match days at the Tranmere ticket office.
Ticket prices for the Tranmere fixture, which are for the Cowshed Stand (behind the goal) are: Adults £16.50, Senior Citizens £5, Young Persons (17-22yrs) £9, Juniors £5, Disabled (ambulant and wheelchair) £5 (carer free)
Wheelchair disabled supporters should book their ticket direct from Tranmere Rovers' ticket office on 0870 460 3332.
Tickets will remain on sale until 3pm on Friday, 29th February.

February 23, 2008

Carlisle United v Doncaster Rovers

Rovers will give James Coppinger and James O'Connor late fitness tests before naming their side for this afternoon's match at Brunton Park.Coppinger has been suffering from a shoulder injury, and O'Connor has a slight groin strain, and have missed training for much of the last week. They will definitely be missing striker Lewis Guy, who has contracted glandular fever, which may give new signings Stuart Elliott or Gareth Taylor the chance to be named in the Rovers squad for the first time since they signed on 31st January.
Rovers will also be without long-term injury casualty Gordon Greer, as well as Martin Woods and Matthew Noble, who are out on loan at the moment.
Fourth-placed Carlisle have been hit by an injury to key midfielder Paul Thirlwell, who limped out of training with an ankle injury. They will also be missing Chris Lumsdon, who is supsended, but otherwise boss John Ward has a fully fit squad to select from.
Rovers will be looking to make up ground on Swansea City, who played last night and extended their lead at the top of League One to 14 points.

February 23, 2008

Rovers can set club record

Doncaster Rovers equalled their club record of eleven away league matches without defeat in their victory at Bournemouth earlier this month - and can break that record this afternoon if they can avoid defeat against an in-form Carlisle United.
The existing record of eleven away matches unbeaten was set by the record-breaking promotion team of the 1946/47 season, and was equalled by Lawrie McMenemy's 1968/69 Fourth Division championship winning side.

February 23, 2008

Carlisle tickets

The entire allocation of 800 tickets sent to the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office for today's fixture have been sold. However, Rovers fans will be able to pay on the day, which should ensure that Rovers will be backed by over 1,000 fans in this match between two promotion contenders.

February 23, 2008

Pubs furious over closures

Doncaster pub landlords are furious over a court order granted to the police last Saturday which saw them unable to open until 4pm, owing to the Rovers v Leeds match. Despite the match being called off during the morning, the closure order still stood - leaving the pubs losing income on their busiest day of the week.
Doncaster Licensed Victuallers Association chairman Dave Sissons said: “The pubs were closed for no reason. Everybody is fuming. There must have been about 60 premises in Doncaster that were closed. Saturday afternoon is the busiest time of the week for many of them.”
The LVA has refered the case to the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, which will consider legal action to seek compensation.
A statement from South Yorkshire Police said: “Doncaster Police gained a court order to close the pubs in Doncaster town centre until 4pm on Saturday. This decision was based upon reliable intelligence and to prevent any disorder in the town centre.”

February 21, 2008

Cherries charged over conduct against Rovers

AFC Bournemouth are facing a charge of "a failure to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion" during their recent game against Doncaster Rovers at Dean Court. The FA have confirmed that Bournemouth have been charged, and have until 3rd March to respond. It seems that referee Andy D'Urso has reported the club after several players surrounded him following the first half sending off of Shaun Cooper. Rovers strikers Jason Price and Mark McCammon were booked during the incident.
D'Urso had to be escorted off the pitch at half time by a group of stewards.

February 21, 2008

Halifax thrown out of Cup

Halifax Town have been thrown out of the West Riding County FA Cup and fined £1,500 for fielding no less than five ineligible players in their quarter final against Ossett Albion.
The entire substitutes bench, which included Rovers players Craig Nelthorpe and Anthony Griffith, comprised of loan players - and loan players are not allowed to play under the competition rules. Ironically all five would have been eligible to play if it had been an FA Cup or FA Trophy tie.
Halifax named the loan players on the bench after injuries, illness and suspensions left them with only eleven fit players - which comprised the starting eleven. Of those eleven players, ex-Rovers striker Andy Campbell played an hour in his first match back after a long injury absence, and another had to come off after picking up a groin strain.
"We were disappointed with the outcome despite our letter to the Committee, providing what we believed were and are more than reasonable reasons for choosing and playing the team that we did in the game against Ossett Albion," said a club statement.
"We will provide a further response to the WRCFA in due course, but that will not alter the County FA's decision, as there is no right of appeal."
"To ask senior clubs to play in the West Riding County Cup and not play their fully registered (both with the FA and The Football Conference), regular first team players in the competition is most unusual."
At least their expulsion will solve a potential fixture list problem, with the semi-final against Bradford Park Avenue being originally scheduled for March 3rd, just 24 hours before their league match against Altrincham.

February 21, 2008

Lee after longer loan

Rovers skipper Graeme Lee has been reported as being keen to extend his loan stay at Hartlepool United beyond the initial month. In an interview with the Northern Echo, he said: "It's a month for me and the way Doncaster are going right now it's hard for me to get back in there. At the end of the month we'll look at the situation and, if I'm needed and wanted here, I'd love to stay. If I'm not needed at Doncaster then I'd still like to be playing, maybe somewhere else until the end of the season.' I am out of contract in the summer so I need to get as many games in as I can.''
Lee has not played for Rovers so far this season after suffering knee and neck injuries, but has now regained full fitness and played his first game for Hartlepool last Saturday.

February 21, 2008

Hawes on the move

Worksop Town have sold their club captain Steve Hawes to UniBond Division One South club Sheffield FC for an undisclosed four-figure fee. Former Rovers midfielder Hawes lost his place in the Worksop side last month, with boss Peter Rinkcavage accepting a cash bid when the offer came in.
"Steve has been unsettled in recent weeks and we received an offer that we thought was a good one, and we've got back what we paid for him," said Rinkcavage, who brought Hawes with him from Stocksbridge in the summer.
"I think the pressure of captaining a big club got to him. When the team was struggling at the start of the season he took the criticism of the team on his shoulders, which was obviously difficult to deal with.
" He loves Worksop Town but had stopped enjoying his football in recent weeks. He had other things going off at home with the arrival of a new baby and it all contributed."
"It's a timely reminder to all of us that at this level footballers have full-time jobs and young families to consider, as well as the club they play for."

February 20, 2008

Carlisle v Rovers

Tickets for Saturday's away game at Carlisle United are now on general sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office at the following prices:
Adults £18, Senior Citizens (65+) £12, Juniors (11-17) £8, Children (10 & under) £4, Wheelchair disabled £2 (carer free)
Tickets will remain on sale until 3pm on Friday, but they will be on sale at Carlisle on match day. However, tickets bought on the day of the match will rise by £2.
The Supporters Club are running coaches to the Carlisle match, departing as follows:
Retford 8.45am, Harworth Pit Gates 8.50am, Bawtry 9.00am, Rossington Styrrup 9.00am, Hare & Tortoise 9.05am, Infirmary 9.15am, Keepmoat Car Park 3 9.30am
Fares are: Members £15, OAPs £14, U16s £13
Non-members £17, OAPs/U16s £15
You can book your place on the coach with Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154, mobile 077404 53066)

February 20, 2008

Hird returns from loan

Defender Sam Hird has returned to Doncaster Rovers following the completion of his three months on loan at Grimsby Town. During that time he has impressed Mariners boss Alan Buckley, who commented: "He's done particularly well for us. He has done all that I would have expected of him when he signed for us. We did speak about making the move permanently but it wasn't what Sam was looking for at this stage."
Hird has elected to return to Rovers, but Buckley hopes that he hasn't seen he last of the former Leeds defender."I wanted to place him within our structure. Sam, which is his right, feels that because of his contract at Doncaster he needs more money than that. That is Sam's prerogative. Perhaps we haven't seen the last of him."
"I don't know what is going to happen to Sam through the summer, but I will keep abreast of that and we'll be in there fighting for Sam if necessary."

February 20, 2008

Woods returns

Martin Woods played his first match for Yeovil Town under his month's loan from Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, but returned to Rovers on Monday as he requires treatment for a twisted ankle. Yeovil will assess Woods' fitness today to determine whether he is likely to be fit to play in Saturday's game against Southend United.

February 20, 2008

McCormack move saga goes on

With it being tipped that former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack will sign a pre-contract agreement with Wigan Athletic in the next few days, it now seems that Aston Villa may enter the race for the 21-year old, whose contract at Motherwell runs out in the summer. He would therefore be available to any club on a "Bosman" transfer, although as he is under 24, a transfer fee will be payable.
The move to Wigan still seems to be favourite though, although there is apparently going to be a clause in the agreement which enables McCormack to move to another club in the event of Wigan being relegated at the end of the season.

February 19, 2008

Leeds new date - 1st April

The home game against Leeds United has been rescheduled for Tuesday, 1st April with a 7.45pm kick-off. Tickets for the original date will be valid for the rearranged game, and as for the game on Saturday, please note that the ticket office will not issue any replacement tickets for any that may be lost, stolen or damaged.
Please also note that season ticket holders must use ticket number 17 for the Leeds game, so please take great care that you do not use this for any other fixture.
Full refunds for any tickets bought for the original date are now available from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office.

February 19, 2008

Leeds tickets

With some fans having to return tickets for the Rovers v Leeds clash as they will not be able to attend a midweek game, there are now some tickets for the game available from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. However, Rovers are still insist that anyone wanting to buy tickets for the match will have to bring along a utility bill to proved their address.
The two sides are yet to agree about a rearranged date for the game. It was thought that the match would be played a week today - February 26th - but the longer the delay in any announcement, the more the likelihood diminishes.

February 19, 2008

On target

A former Rovers player on the score sheet this weekend that we didn't mention yesterday was Jamie Barnwell, who scored in the 11th minute of Hall Road Rangers' 2-0 away win at Yorkshire Amateur in the Northern Counties East League (Division One).
Barnwell (then known as Barnwell-Edinboro) played for Rovers briefly during the Conference years.

February 19, 2008

Wheater set to sign on for more

Former Doncaster Rovers loan defender David Wheater has said that he is about to sign a new contract at Premiership club Middlesbrough. His current deal runs out at the end of the season, but over the weekend he said: "I don't want to play for anyone else apart from Middlesbrough. Obviously there might come a time further down the line where I might want to play for Manchester United, Arsenal or whoever, but this is my hometown club and I can't think of anywhere else I would rather be. The manager has shown faith in me and I love playing here."

February 19, 2008

Are they kidding....

Both the BBC and Teamtalk websites carry snippets taken from yesterday's daily papers - and the say that the Daily Mirror yesterday carried the rumour that Leeds United boss Bary McAllister is planning a swoop fro Rovers defender Adam Lockwood and striker Jason Price.
Whilst an interesting story, we can't see that happening!

February 19, 2008

The ref's view

The referee for Saturday's match explained the circumstances behind Saturday's postponement yesterday, which left him with no alternative but to call the highly anticipated clash off.
Andre Marriner explained: "We got a call from the club secretary at Doncaster Rovers at 8.30am. They said there may be a problem, and could we come and do a pitch inspection. On arrival, we found only a third of the pitch covered with frost covers, and the rest of the pitch was totally unplayable in terms of the ice on it. The decision to call the game off was easy. It's totally down to player safety and that of the match officials as well. I put my boots on to do the inspection and I was sliding along. It was iced over, and there was no way that match could have been played."
Part of Leeds United's anger over the situation was the lack of communication from Rovers which meant the team were unaware of the postponement until they turned up at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.

February 19, 2008

Ryan's fury over postponement

Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan spoke of his fury at the postponement of Saturday's home game against Leeds United in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post. With a capacity crowd due to attend, Ryan had flown back from South Africa for the match - all for nothing after the match was called off at 9.30am, with the pitch unable to be thawed out in time for a midday kick-off.
Ryan told the paper: "I'm absolutely fuming. I'd flown back from Cape Town to be at the game, and we've been left looking like idiots. I spoke to SMC on Friday to tell them to cover the whole pitch and they've only covered a third of it. I'm appalled, and we as a club have been left to carry the can. It should have been a fantastic match, and a lot of people were looking forward to it. I can only apologise to them because this shouldn't have happened."
Ryan now fears that the postponement may give Leeds an advantage, saying: "This might have cost us three points. I was very confident that we would win the game because we're in excellent form at the moment and Leeds' result haven't been great. Who's to say that the situation will be identical when the game comes around again? I'm angry about this, and I'll be even more so if we've thrown away three points."

February 18, 2008

Belle Vue redevelopment

Councillors have backed some outline proposals to turn the Belle Vue site into a large-scale residentail site, but plans could be delayed over negotiations as to the leasehold of the land held by Westferry, who hold a lease for a further 56 years. Doncaster Council own the freehold, and will have to negotiate with Westferry as to the details of the redevelopment deal, with both parties likely to have to split the proceeds.
The 'Belle Vue masterplan' includes proposals for five separate plots of housing and apartments, improved pedestrian links and a children's play area.
One of the sticking points is likely to be the relocation of the Doncaster Town Moor Golf Club, whose club house is on the Belle Vue site. A site on some unused farmland at the top of Rose Hill Rise has been suggested, but local residents have concerns about increased traffic and noise in the area, should the move go ahead. The residents are carrying out their own survey to prove their point , but a Doncaster Council spokesman said: "The capacity of Rose Hill Rise has been studied by highways consultants and they have reported that there is sufficient capacity available for the proposed use. Furthermore, discussions with residents have indicated a few measures that could be implemented to ease their concerns, such as having a one-way system."

February 18, 2008

Coaches to Carlisle

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Carlisle United, with the following departure times:
Retford 8.45am, Harworth Pit Gates 8.50am, Bawtry 9.00am, Rossington Styrrup 9.00am, Hare & Tortoise 9.05am, Infirmary 9.15am,
Keepmoat Car Park 3 9.30am.
The fares for members are £15, OAP's £14 and U16's £13
For non-members the fares are £17, and OAP's/U16's £15
To book a place on the coach, please contact: Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154, mobile 077404 53066)

February 18, 2008

Paul returns to Chippenham

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Martin Paul has signed for Chippenham Town for a third time, although he remains registered for Bath City, who play in the Blue Square South, where he was playing on a non-contract arrangement. However, Bath have four strikers available for selection at the moment, so Paul has been allowed to play for Chippenham, where he has scored a club record 112 goals during his various stays.
Martin Paul was one of a large number of players to be signed during the summer of 1995, but never actually played a first team game for Rovers.

February 17, 2008

Goals review

Adebayo Akinfenwa started his first game for Northampton Town - and rewarded that decision by scoring two goals as the Cobblers romped to a 4-0 home win over Gillingham. The result maintains Northampton's outside chances of reaching the play-offs, whilst leaving Gillingham on the fringes of a relegation battle. The game marks Akinfenwa's first start for a year, with the striker taking a long time to fully recover from a broken leg he received whilst playing for Swansea City.
In the Blue Square National, former Rovers striker Neil Grayson opened the scoring for Stafford Rangers in their 2-1 win over Forest Green Rovers. Grayson has been joint caretaker manager for Stafford following Phil Robinson's departure in December, but that tenure is likely to come to an end shortly, with former Wolves striker Steve Bull confirming that he is in talks to become their new manager.
Also in the Conference, former Rovers youth team striker Michael Rankine scored for Rushden & Diamonds in their 1-0 win over Altrincham.
Ross McCormack continued his great season in the SPL by scoring two more goals for Motherwell in their 3-1 away win at Gretna. McCormack is reported to be about to sign a pre-contract agreement with Wigan Athletic to move there in the summer - as long as the Latics avoid relegation. However, the situation may become more uncertain, as it is also reported that Aston Villa have enquried about the striker.

February 17, 2008

Leeds to report Rovers

February 17, 2008

Rovers apologise over postponement

The Rovers Chief Executive Dave Morris has apologised for yesterday's match being called off - but insisted that the fact that only part of the pitch was covered was not a deciding factor.
He said: "To be fair to the groundsman, by the time that midday came along - the pitch would have been playable; other than one area down the side. I know it sounds hard to believe - but the covers are only effective up to temperatures to -5. Last night we reached temperatures of -8, so the pitch would still have been too hard."
" I think that the main factor was that the game had to kick off at 12. If we had been kicking off at 3 o'clock then there wouldn't have been a problem. The Police insisted on bringing that game forward for whatever reason they had. There was only some of the pitch covered, but even with the covers it would have still been frozen. The reason we did take the option of covering that part was because we were certain that the sun would never get a chance to shine on it - but in the end it wouldn't have made any difference."

February 17, 2008

New date for Leeds match

Doncaster Rovers are hoping to rearrange the home game against Leeds United for Tuesday, 26th February, with a 7.45pm kick-off. The decision cannot be confirmed until at least tomorrow, when the matter will be discussed between the two clubs. Rovers would have preferred to have played this Tuesday, but South Yorkshire Police cannot make arrangements in time to police the stadium.
Rovers have said that all tickets for yesterday's match will be valid for when the match is eventually played, but anyone who wishes to apply for a refund should do so at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office.

February 16, 2008

Match off

Today's match against Leeds United has been postponed owing to a frozen pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium. With the temperature going down to -5C, the referee had no alternative but to call the match off as, in his opinion, it would not have been playable by midday.
No new date has yet been confirmed for the rearranged match. However, all tickets issued will be valid for whenever the match is played, and anyone that cannot attend and wants a refund will be able to do so via the ticket office at the stadium.

February 16, 2008

Rovers v Leeds

Midfielder Richie Wellens is rated as doubtful for this afternoon's game against Leeds United as he has been suffering from a cyst on his ankle - but we expect that he will play in the match. Apart from that, the injury situation has improved - Adam Lockwood, who has missed the last couple of games, is fully fit after recovering from a groin strain and will be hoping for a place in the side.
With the departure of Matt Noble, Martin Woods and Graeme Lee out on loan this week, new signings Stuart Elliott and Gareth Taylor may be included on the bench for today's game for the first time since they joined the club on January's transfer deadline day.
Leeds will be missing star sriker Jermaine Beckford due to suspension, and skipper Andy Hughes, who picked up a knee injury in Tuesday's game against Nottingahm Forest. Midfielder Neil Kilkenny may return to the side after missing three matches with a knee injury.

February 16, 2008

Booze ban reminder

Please remember that, after consultation with South Yorkshire Police, there will be no alcohol on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium today - the concourse bars and the Belle Vue Supporters Bar will be closed for the match. It also appears that the hospitality areas for the corporate clients will be simiarly affected. In addition, the pubs in Doncaster Town Centre will not be opening until 4pm. The late opening time also applies to the Rovers Return bar at the Dome.

February 16, 2008

Tickets

Please remember that no tickets will be on sale for today's game - and the ticket office will not be issuing any replacement tickets at all, regardless of the reason. This is to avoid the possibility of "over capacity" being reached. Therefore, if you do not have a ticket for the game, please stay away from the stadium today - the match commentary is being broadcast live on Radio Sheffield.

February 16, 2008

Voting results

With an understandably lower number of votes cast for Tuesday night's "Man of the match" for the Bournemouth match, two-goal hero Jason Price emerged as the clear winner of the voting, the rest of the votes were remarkably evenly spread amongst the seven players nominated. Those receiving the most votes were:
1 Jason Price (42.86%)
2= Brian Stock, Steve Roberts, Matt Mills (14.28% each)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next poll will open following today's home game against Leeds United.

February 16, 2008

Woods moves to Yeovil

Rovers midfielder Martin Woods hs joined Yeovil Town on a month's loan after struggling to get in the Rovers side regularly since joining from Rotherham United in the summer. With Rovers not having a reserve team, a loan move is an ideal opportunity for Woods to regain some match fitness. As part of the loan deal, should the initial month loan be extended, he will not be able to play against Rovers in the match on 21st March.

February 16, 2008

Noble to Guiseley

Young defender Matt Noble has joined UniBond side Guiseley on one month's loan to gain some first team match experience. Noble was given his first professional contract by Rovers in the summer, but has not featured in the first team squad so far this season.