January 15, 2008

Leeds tickets almost sold out

The Keepmoat Stadium's ticket office report that they have just 83 tickets remaining for Saturday's game at Elland Road, which marks Doncaster Rovers' first visit to Leeds in a league game for 52 years. With Rovers' recent good form, demand for tickets has picked up of late, so if you want to see the game, you'll need to get down to the ticket office as soon as you can!
Ticket prices for the game are as follows: Adults £25, Senior Citizens (60+) £15, U16's £12, Disabled/Carer (wheelchairs only) £15.
There are no student concessions available for this match.

January 15, 2008

Wellens wins voting

Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens won the latest "Man of the Match" voting by a clear margin, following his superb performance during Saturday's home game against Carlisle United. Three further players of the nine nominated were closely contesting second place, with the players receiving most votes being as follows:
1 Richie Wellens (58.10%)
2 James O'Connor (13.33%)
3 Steve Roberts (12.38%)
4 Paul Green (9.52%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to take part. All the votes are included in a cumulative total which will determine your "Player of the Season" - that total is currently headed by Richie Wellens.

January 15, 2008

Walker receives accolade

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Colin Walker, recently installed as manager at York City, has been named as the Blue Square Premier's "Manager of the Month" for December. He was appointed as caretaker-manager during November, accepting the role on a permanent basis after an impressive start to management, which saw his side remain unbeaten, gaining ten points from four league games.

January 15, 2008

Hynes future uncertain

Derry City boss Stephen Kenny has refused to confirm whether they have received contact from an Irish League club in relation to signing former Doncaster Rovers striker Peter Hynes. The future of the Dublin-born striker may not be resolved until negotiations to bring a new striker to Derry are resolved - until those negotiations are resolved, any decision regarding Hynes will be delayed.

January 14, 2008

Akinfenwa heads for Lions exit

Former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will leave Millwall when his contract at the club expires tomorrow. Akinfenwa has failed to impress during his month at the club after recovering from a broken leg suffered whilst playing for Swansea last season - but he finally got his wish to play for a club in London!

January 14, 2008

Sale gets new job

Mark Sale, who played for Doncaster Rovers during their seasons in the Conference, has been appointed as youth team manager at Blue Square Premier club Burton Albion. Sale, 35, takes over from Mick Curry, who is leaving to take up a job in New Zealand.
Sale, a former Burton youth team player, said: "I'm looking forward to the job because I've missed being around a football club since I retired from playing last year - and, better still, it's with my local club."
Sale will combine his new post with that of a football development officer with East Staffordshire Council.

January 14, 2008

Duane doesn't want to be boss

Ex-Rovers striker Duane Darby has been appointed as caretaker manager of Southern League Premier Division club Bromsgrove Rovers - but he doesn't want the job on a permanent basis. He has said that he wants to stay at the club in a coaching capacity, but finds the managerial side frustrating.
He said: "In the long-term, I'm not in the frame for the job but I know there isn't a rush to bring in a new manager, especially with things going well. I would like to stay on and help with the coaching. I have enjoyed my time as a manager, but it is very frustrating. You kick every ball and the time doesn't go as quickly as when you are on the pitch."

January 12, 2008

Rovers 1 Carlisle United 0

Rovers turned on the style this afternoon in their key League One game against second placed Carlisle United. The visitors took until the last ten minutes to land a shot on target, by which time the Rovers midfield had given their Carlisle counterparts a lesson on how to play the game. Leeds boss Dennis Wise was at the Keepmoat to check out Rovers, and must have had plenty to think about on this showing. The goal, when it came, was a scrambled affair, with a Steve Roberts shot from a corner being cleared off the line - the ball then bobbled about as Rovers tried to put the ball in the net and Carlisle tried to clear it - but eventually the ball was forced into the net, with James Hayter appearing to get the final touch befroe it crossed the line.
The win put Rovers back up into fourth place after slipping down to seventh due to missing out on games last weekend, although Leeds could go above Rovers on Monday if they win their delayed match.

January 13, 2008

The goals check

All of the former Rovers playres scoring goals yesterday were in non-league football, where the FA Trophy second round dominated procedings. Jon-Paul Pittman scored Crawley's second goal in the 12th minute as his side went through to the next round with a 2-1 win over Eastleigh. John McGrath scored Burton Albion's fourth goal in their 4-1 victory at Vauxhall Motors.
In the Blue Square North, Chris Beardsley kept up his great statrt at Kettering Town with another goal in the league leaders' 2-0 win at Hucknall, and finally, Mark Hume scored a last minute consolation goal for Harrogate Town as they went down 3-2 at Stalybridge Celtic.

January 13, 2008

McGuire signs new deal at Thistle

Phil McGuire, the former Doncaster Rovers centre back, has signed a two and a half year contract at Scottish Premier League club Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He had been at the club for most of the season on loan from Dunfermline, impressing the Inverness manager with his contribution to the defence keeping numerous clean sheets as they climbed up the SPL table.

January 13, 2008

Pacey leaves

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team defender Rob Pacey has left AFC Telford United after being at the club since the summer. Pacey had been at the New Bucks Head after joining in the pre-season period, and made 18 appearances, but has struggled to keep a place in the team. Boss Rob Smith said: "With regards to Rob Pacey, we thank him for the contribution that he has made. The lad has travelled down from Yorkshire on a regular basis and that showed tremendous commitment. We wish him well."

January 12, 2008

Rovers v Carlisle United

Doncaster Rovers play their first home game of 2008 this afternoon when second-placed Carlisle United visit the Keepmoat Stadium. James Coppinger and James O'Connor will return to the squad for the game, but Paul Heffernan and Gordon Greer will continue their absence due to injury. Defender Matt Mills is eligible to play today after rejoining the club on loan until the end of the season..
Carlisle will be without midfielder Paul Thirlwell with a calf injury, but he may be replaced by Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, who is available after completing a one-match supsension.
Today's match sees the Rovers pay tribute to members of the emergency services of both Doncaster and Carlisle, who helped rescue many people in the floods which hit the two towns in 2007 and 2005 respectively. Members of the emergency services were eligible to buy tickets at £9.99 to watch today's match (although the discounted tickets are not available for purchase today).

January 12, 2008

Oji signs deal with O's

Former Rovers loan defender Sam Oji has moved to Leyton Orient after being released by Birmingham City after impressing Martin Ling during his loan at the club earlier this season. Oji has signed a deal until the end of the season, and will be used as cover for the right back position.

January 12, 2008

Horsfield for Rovers?

Sheffield United striker Geoff Horsfield has been named as a possible target for Doncaster Rovers, with Rovers looking to further strengthen their squad for the second half of the season. Rovers are reported to have tabled a six-figure bid for a striker, but Sean O'Driscoll refused to confirm if Rovers had bid for the Blades hit-man, especially bearing in mind the club's unsuccessful interest in midfielder Neil Kilkenny.
However, he did say: "Geoff Horsfield has been there and done it and has got a good pedigree as a centre-forward"

January 11, 2008

Mills returns to Donny

Manchester City defender Matt Mills is returning to Doncaster Rovers on a loan deal that will run until the end of the season. His first loan at the club was interrupted by a cartilage injury, but Sean O'Driscoll has been keen for the youngster to return to the club as part of Rovers' promotion challenge. Whilst Mills is eligible to play tomorrow, he is unlikely to start the game, with the midweek friendly fixture being his first match after recovering from his cartilage operation.

January 11, 2008

Nelly off to Halifax

Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe has joined Halifax Town on a month's loan and is set to make his debut for the Shaymen against Bishops Stortford tomorrow. Director of Football, Mickey Walker, said "It will be good for Craig, he'll be playing full-time for a good team and should be available for the game against Bishop Stortford."
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll had been hoping to get Nelthorpe a loan move to a Football League club.
Nelthorpe has been overlooked so far this season, with only a handful of substitute appearances to date.

January 11, 2008

Richardson off to Forest

Goalkeeping player/coach Barry Richardson has had his contract at Doncaster Rovers cancelled by mutual consent to allow him to take up a coaching position at Nottingham Forest. Forest's move for Richard arose after their goalkeeping coach, Dave Watson, left to join Premiership club Birmingham City.
Richardson has been at Rovers in three separate spells, and has made a total of 58 first team appearances for the club.

January 11, 2008

Rovers recall Smith from loan

Doncaster Rovers have recalled goalkeeper Ben Smith from his loan at Lincoln City, with Barry Richardson's departure to Nottingham Forest meaning that Rovers had no goalkeeping cover for Neil Sullivan. Smith is now available for selection for tomorrow afternoon's game against Carlisle United.
Smith made nine appearances for Lincoln City in a loan that has lasted almost two months.

January 11, 2008

Youth game off

This evening's youth team game away at Mansfield Town has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. There is no news as to when this fixture will be rearranged for.

January 11, 2008

Injury update

Rovers skipper Graeme Lee is set to return to full training next week after missing all of this season due to neck and knee injuries. Lee has been gradually building up his fitness with no adverse reaction, and is two weeks ahead of his schedule for a return to action. He still needs to do some more strengthening work on his knee, but is ready to step up to working with the first team squad.
Sean McDaid comes back into contention for tomorrow's game after recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up on Boxing Day.
However, Gordon Greer appears to be out for up to two months after a scan revealed a hip injury will require surgery. Striker Paul Heffernan's return is also likely to be delayed after he contracted shingles, and has been ordered to stay away from the training ground for the next week. Heffernan had been expected to rejoin full training next week, but his anticipated return against Leeds United is now in doubt.

January 10, 2008

Kevin joins the Iron

The day after having his contract at Doncaster Rovers cancelled "by mutual consent", Kevin Horlock signed for neighbours Scunthorpe United in a short-term deal that runs until the end of the season. Horlock has not played a first team for Rovers since early last season, when he picked up a serious knee injury, but despite now being fully fit, the competition for midfield places meant that he was unlikely to feature for the remainder of the season, when his deal at Rovers expired.
Acknowledging that Scunthorpe were taking a gamble on signing him, Horlock said: "It must be a risk from the club's point of view because I've not played a lot of games. For the club to say they will take me to the end of the season, I'm very thankful. But I know it's not a risk. I'm raring to go and chomping at the bit. When you have a long injury it's incredible how much hunger you get back to play football again. I've been training since October. The only slight problem I've got is match fitness, which only comes from playing games."

January 10, 2008

Mulligan moves

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Dave Mulligan has signed for League One strugglers Port Vale on a deal until the end of the season. Mulligan, who has not started a game for Scunthorpe so far this season, joined the Iron from Rovers two summers ago but, despite still being a regular selection at international level for New Zealand, he has struggled to cement a regular place in Scunthorpe's side. Port Vale have taken over the remainder of Mulligan's contract, with the prospect of a fruther deal if he impreses at Vale Park.
Dave said: "I got a call from my agent last night saying Vale were interested and I jumped at the chance. I can't wait to get my boots on. I hope to make a difference and then, if I do well enough, earn myself a new contract at the end of the season""

January 10, 2008

Rovers check out Mills in friendly

Doncaster Rovers travelled to the City of Manchester's second pitch on Tuesday to play Manchester City reserves in a 'behind closed doors' friendly. The match gave Rovers the opportunity to give the full squad a run-out after not having a match last weekend, with the challenge against the Premiership side set to give them a good work-out. Rovers lost the match 3-0 - two of the goals came in the dying moments of the game when both sides mainly comprised youth players, with Sean O'Driscoll being pleased with the performance of his squad.
He said: "We took the whole squad and most of them played for an hour. The attitude of everyone was first-class and we played some good football. Hopefully it will have got the players back in the right frame of mind for the return to the nitty-gritty of League One football against Carlisle on Saturday."
The match also gave Rovers the chance to check on the fitness and form of centre back Matt Mills, who is a transfer target after impressing during a three month loan earlier this season. O'Driscoll commented: "It was Matt's first game back folllowing his cartilage operation. He played for an hour but he looked a bit ring rusty and needs a few more games under his belt before he is ready to play first-team football again. We are still interested in signing Matt on a permanent basis and I spoke to a few people about him while I was there. We'll wait and see how his knee reacts and take it from there."

January 10, 2008

McGuire turns down Caley offer

Ex-Rovers defender Phil McGuire has turned down a pre-contract offer from SPL side Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who want him to stay at the club after his loan deal runs out later this month. McGuire has been at Inverness on loan from Dunfermline since the summer, and has impressed Thistle bosses by his performances, which have helped the club to climb up the table.
McGuire will be a free agent later this month, but has rejected the first offer from Inverness, who must now decide whether to go back with a second offer, although other clubs may now have been alerted to his availability.

January 8, 2008

Horlock leaves

January 8, 2008

Carden makes loan move

Cambridge United have signed former Rovers midfielder Paul Carden on loan from Accrington Stanley with a view to a permanent transfer. The 28-year old has joined the U's on loan for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, also at Cambridge, ex-Rovers defender Mark Albrighton has signed an extension to his contract, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2010 season.

January 8, 2008

Redfearn leaves Bridlington

The much travelled former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn left UniBond Division One (North) club Bridlington Town last week following the dismisal of manager Ash Berry, who brought him to the club only a few days earlier. Redfearn had joined Bridlington after a short time at Frickley.

January 7, 2008

Dyer set to leave Rovers

Bruce Dyer looks set to leave Doncaster Rovers after making just three appearances for the first team so far this season. Dyer has suffered from a number of injury problems during his time at the club, and does not appear to be part of Sean O'Driscoll's plans.
O'Driscoll has been quoted as saying: "Bruce has had an ongoing problem with his back which flares up every now and again. But he has looked fit in training and if somebody either made an enquiry or came in for him then we wouldn't stand in his way. Bruce has slipped down the pecking order and a player of his age and experience and wants to be playing on a regular basis. He can't do any more to get into the squad than he is already doing. As I say he looks fit now and I would imagine that he'd be an asset for someone out there looking for a striker."

January 7, 2008

Goals review

Our look at ex-Rovers players scoring goals this weekend begins in the third round of the FA Cup, with David Wheater scoring the winning goal for Middlesbrough in their 2-1 win at Bristol City.
After that, we drop down into the Blue Square Premier, where John McGrath scored in the second minute for Kidderminster Harriers in their 2-2 draw at York City.
In the Blue Square North, Chris Beardsley continued his great start at Kettering Town by scoring two goals in their 3-1 win over Harrogate Town, which keeps the Poppies clear at the top of the table.
Finally, in the UniBond Challenge Cup, Rod Thornley scored twice for Wittion Albion as they beat Curzon Ashton 2-1.

January 7, 2008

Belles ease into next round

Doncaster Rovers Belles had an easy passage into the next round of the Women's FA Cup at the weekend, with a 5-0 win over Swindon, the lowest-placed club left in the competition. Despite the heavy defeat, Swindon boss Roger Reeves, said: "It was a tremendous day for the club. We had a crowd of over 500 and the occasion has certainly raised our profile in and around the town."

January 7, 2008

McIntyre in move to Shrews

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Kevin McIntyre has been transferred from Macclesfield Town to Shrewsbury Town, with the Shrews paying a £50,000 fee to acquire his services. McIntyre has been at Macclesfield since December 2004, since when he has made over 150 first team appearances. He controversially left Rovers at the end of the 2001/02 season after missing his final season at the club due to injury, opting to sign for Chester City on a free transfer at the end of his contract.

January 5, 2008

Steve wins your vote

Centre back Steve Roberts won his first "Man of the Match" for his performance in the away game at Walsall on New Year's Day. There were a total of seven players who received votes, with those receiving most being as follows:
1 Steve Roberts (40.625%)
2 Paul Green (28.125%)
3 Adam Lockwood (9.375%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. With no game this weekend, the next vote will open following next Saturday's home game against Carlisle United.

January 5, 2008

Greer needs operation

Doncaster Rovers have been rocked by news that centre back Gordon Greer will be missing for the first few weeks of 2008 after finding out that he needs to have a hip operation. Greer has been missing for a few weeks due to a groin problem, so Rovers sent him for a scan, which revealed the hip injury.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "We decided to investigate and that showed up an injury that he probably already had and the groin problem was probably symptomatic of it. He has got a bit of a tear and we've got to get him to the right person so that we can get it repaired. I don't know how long Gordon is going to be out. But you are talking weeks not days."
With transfer target Matt Mills not returning to training until the middle of the month after a cartilage operation, Rovers may have to bring in a defender on loan as cover.

January 5, 2008

Kilkenny signs for Leeds

Birmingham midfielder Neil Kilkenny, rumoured to be a transfer target for Doncaster Rovers, has signed for League One rivals Leeds United on loan with a view to a permanent transfer being completed early next week. The Leeds United official web site states that they are awaiting confirmation that the loan move was completed in time for Kilkenny to be selected for this afternoon's FA Cup tie against Northampton Town.

January 5, 2008

Rovers change rules for Leeds tickets

Doncaster Rovers have announced that supporters who have two stubs from the final five home games of 2007 will be able to buy a ticket for the home game against Leeds United. Previously, Rovers were stating that three stubs were needed to qualify for a ticket. The new arrangements will apply during the period between Monday, 7th January and Friday, 11th January.
From Monday, 14th January, all season ticket holders will be able to buy two additional tickets, subject to availability - but season ticket holders buying tickets under this arrangement will be responsible for the conduct of people in the additonal seats. Season ticket books must be produced when buying tickets.
Please note that no tickets will be on sale on the day of the game for this fixture. The home game against Leeds United has a 12 noon kick-off.

January 4, 2008

Dene on target again

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Dene Shields scored for Ross County in their 5-1 demolition of Peterhead in the Scottish Second Division in their Bank Holiday fixture on Wednesday. The victory sees County in second place in the table, just a point behind leaders Raith, but having played two games less than the leaders.

January 4, 2008

Wilder loses patience with Griffith

Halifax Town manager Chris Wilder has lost patience with Anthony Griffith following his latest red card, which will see the young midfielder suspended for five matches. Griffith is on a season-long loan from Doncaster Rovers at Halifax, and Wilder had been intending to sign him on a permanent transfer at the end of the season. The latest sending off, for a two-footed lunge on Farsley Celtic's Gareth Grant, has forced the Halifax boss to review the situation.
He said: "I have had a chat with him and he knows he has to change or he has no future in the game. He was one of the players I was considering signing permanently but that's not going to happen now."
"'I want them to compete but it is a ridiculous situation at the moment and he needs to think long and hard about it."

January 4, 2008

O'Driscoll - intereseted in Kilkenny

With speculation of potential transfer targets for Rovers during the January transfer window, Sean O'Driscoll has commented on his interest in two of the most widely tipped targets.
He confirmed his interest in Manchester City centre back Matthew Mills, following his highly successful three month loan at Rovers earlier this season. However, any move for the young defender may be delayed slightly as he continues to recover from a cartilage operation. Mills is expected back in training in mid-January, so any move to sign him is likely to be delayed until the end of the month.
With continuing rumours on the situation regarding Birmingham City midfielder Neil Kilkenny, O'Driscoll confirmed his interest, saying:"Neil is a very good player. We have seen plenty, as we have faced Oldham four times this season. If he becomes available, he is certainly be a player we would be interested in."
However, following his loan at Oldham, the Latics are also hopeful of signing the player, after also having a fee agreed with the Blues.

January 1, 2008

Walsall 1 Rovers 1

Doncaster Rovers took a valuable point from Walsall this afternoon against a side who had been unbeaten in their last eleven games - the point keeps Rovers in fourth place. Notably, the point takes them above Leeds United, who surprisingly crashed to a 3-1 home defeat against Oldham today. Rovers went in front on the stroke of half time, with Jason Price scoring after the Walsall goalkeeper failed to keep hold of the ball from a shot by Hayter. With three points looking to take Rovers into third place, things looked good until the 73rd minute, when Walsall scored with a header from a corner.

January 2, 2008

Goals time

We begin with a brief look at former Doncaster Rovers players scoring goals in the New Year matches.
In League Two, Jack Lester scored for Chesterfield as they beat bottom club Wrexham 2-1 at Saltergate, which keeps them nicely positioned in the promotion play-off places.
Dropping down into the Blue Square Premier, ex-youth team striker Michael Rankine scored an 84th minute equaliser for Rushden & Diamonds in their game at Stevenage Borough - however a last minute goal saw the home side picking up all the points.

January 2, 2008

Beardsley joins Poppies

Chris Beardsley, who was briefly on the books at Doncaster Rovers, has joined Blue Square North club Kettering Town on a month's loan. The striker has recently returned to fitness after recovering from a broken jaw sustained against Crawley earlier in the season, but good form by an improving York City side has limited his first team chances.
He got off to a good start at Kettering yesterday, scoring twice on his debut for the divisional leaders in their 6-1 crushing of Solihull Moors.

January 2, 2008

Griffith off again

Midfielder Anthony Griffith, who is on a season-long loan at Halifax Town from Doncaster Rovers, was sent off for the third time this season in yesterday's home game against Farsley Celtic, which will no doubt mean a lengthy ban. The red card was given for a crude tackle on Pakistan international Amjad Iqbal in the 28th minute, but despite being a man short, Halifax remained on top and registered a 2-0 victory. Griffith has also been booked seven times in the 19 first team games he has played this season.

January 1, 2008

Walsall v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll looks likely to keep faith with the same starting eleven that has propelled Rovers into the top four over the Christmas period, with Mark McCammon and Jason Price keeping their places ahead of James Hayter and Lewis Guy, who we expect to have to settle for a place on the bench this afternoon. Adam Lockwood will be included, despite needing treatment early on in the game against Southend for an elbow injury, which required pain killers and strapping.
Walsall welcome back defender Dan Fox after completing a suspension as they strive to keep an eleven match unbeaten run going. Michael Dobson could be included in the squad after an absence dating back almost two months due to a knee injury, but defender Paul Boertin is unlikely to feature, as he his also suffering from a knee injury.

January 1, 2008

Kilkenny set for Rovers?

Doncaster Rovers appear to be about to sign Birmingham City midfielder Neil Kilkenny, if newspaper reports are to be believed. The Times and Mirror reported yesterday that the move is likely to go through, despite an offer from Oldham Athletic, where he has been on loan for the first part of the season.
Oldham's official website has reported that they are awaiting a decision from the player. They have agreed a transfer fee with Birmingham and have been negotiating personal terms since. Oldham also carry a report suggesting that Rovers have also had a bid accepted by Birmingham, so the next few days could prove most interesting!

January 1, 2008

Green wins again

Paul Green has again cruised to a convincing victory in the voting for the latest "Man of the Match". His performance in the home game against Southend saw him pick up over three times as many votes as his nearest rival, Steve Roberts. With seven players receiving nominations, the players receiving most votes were as follows:
1 Paul Green (64.47%)
2 Steve Roberts (19.73%)
3= James O'Connor, Richie Wellens (5.26% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open after this afternoon's away game at Walsall.