 |
 |
 |
|
| June
15, 2008 |
Hume
exits Wetherby Road |
 |
Harrogate
Town have confirmed that former Doncaster Rovers defender Mark Hume has
left the club to join Buxton. Hume scored 16 goals for Harrogate last
season. Since leaving Rovers in 2000, Mark has played for Barrow, Alfreton Town and Stalybridge Celtic. |
| June
15, 2008 |
O'Driscoll
confirms Spicer interest |
 |
Sean
O'Driscoll has confirmed that he has spoken to Burnley midfielder John
Spicer after he was released by the Turf Moor Club at the end of last
season. The Rovers boss has previously worked with Spicer, who was on
loan at Bournemouth from Arsenal , with O'Driscoll commenting: "John
was somebody that I had on loan, whilst I was at Bournemouth, and did
very well. He then moved to Burnley and I don't think that worked out
as well as he hoped it would. We thought at the time that it might be
a bit too early for him. He's available and has four or five clubs interested
in him. We've talked to his representatives and to John himself and everything
is moving forward. I would hope that previous association would stand
us in good stead. With all these things I think that we encourage people
to ensure that this is the right move for them. It's no use in having
an unhappy player, so if he's got four or five other clubs interested
- we have no problems in him speaking to them and I think that process
is going on now. We're due to meet again next week and I think that something
will probably be formulated then." O'Driscoll also took the time to deny the rumours that Rovers are chasing Dundee United midfielder Mark Kerr, preferring to stress that his priority was to get Rovers' out of contract players signed up for next season. |
| June
15, 2008 |
How
far will you go to follow the Rovers? |
||
.jpg){kind=small} |
Ahead
of a host of new clubs to play and new grounds to visit next season in
the Coca Cola Championship, a number of fans may be interested in some
statistics that we've looked up this week. If you were to set off from the Keepmoat Stadium for all away matches, you would have to travel a mind-boggling 6,170.56 miles (according to the RAC's website), which would see you on the road for a shade over 62 hours. The shortest trip is to Barnsley (19.32 miles), followed by Sheffield United (23.35 miles) and Sheffield Wednesday (24.64 miles). The longest trip is to Plymouth Argyle at 297.43 miles each way, followed by Swansea City (240.82 miles) and Cardiff City (204.99 miles). The full list is:
|
| June
15, 2008 |
Bradley
- side must do better |
 |
Mark
Bradley, who played for Doncaster Rovers in their first match in the Conference,
has admitted that his Linlithgow side have fallen short of the standards
they have set themselves in recent seasons. The midfielder said: "Winning
the Super League and Scottish Cup last season was terrific but this campaign
has been the total opposite. We know we've let people down and it's important
we bounce back for next season. I can't put my finger on what went wrong
but there's no denying it has not been good enough." |
| June
14, 2008 |
Rovers
players in World Cup action |
 |
Two
players with Doncaster Rovers connections have been included in the Barbados
squad for their two World Cup qualifying matches against the United States.
Rovers striker Mark McCammon and former Rovers loanee Jonathan Forte are
amongst the nine overseas players included in the 19-man squad, with the
two matches against the USA being played today (in Carson, Los Angeles)
and next Saturday (in Bridgetown, Barbados). The Barbados Football Assosication will be hopoing to turn around recent poor form, with friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago and Bermuda ending in defeats - although those matches did not include most of their overseas players. Barbados face a huge challenge in their World Cup campaign, with the United States being over 100 places higher in the world rankings. |
| June
14, 2008 |
Millers
to train at the Keepmoat |
 |
Rotherham
United look to be close to sealing a deal that will see them training
at the Keepmoat Stadium. The club have been forced to look for alternative
training facilities after being forced out of their Hooton Lodge training
HQ as part of the fall-out of moving out of Millmoor. Rotherham are to
play all their first team games at the Don Valley Stadium in Attercliffe
until a new community stadium is built in Rotherham, although that is
not likely to be built for three or four years. They had to move out of
Millmoor when negotiations with the Booth family, who own the freehold,
broke down. Rotherham were wanting to find a training base within their home town, but it looks almost certain that they will train at the Keepmoat Stadium this season, whilst trying to find a permanent base within the Rotherham area for future use. Places were available within Rotherham, but boss Mark Robins has been attracted by the good surfaces available at the Keepmoat complex. |
| June
14, 2008 |
Rovers
set to play loan market |
 |
Rovers
boss Sean O'Driscoll has admitted that it will be difficult for Doncaster
Rovers to compete in the Championship transfer market due to the increased
expectations of selling clubs, players and their agents. Whilst Rovers
have been a fairly big club in the lower divisions, they are up against
some clubs with huge resources next season, with the exit of Paul Green
to Derby County highlighting the problem of wages on offer from ex-Premiership
clubs. It looks likely that Rovers will play the loan market again this season, hoping to repeat the success of bringing Matt Mills to the club last season. O'Driscoll said: "No longer can we be expected to go out and compete because we can't. That's something to get used to but it's not a problem. Hopefully we can go into the loan market and attract people." |
| June
14, 2008 |
Saints
delay decision |
 |
Southampton
are continuing to delay on releasing a 'retained list' for next season
following the installation of Jan Poortvliet as their new head coach two
weeks ago. A number of players, including former Rovers winger Jermaine
Wright, are still speaking to the club over new offers - but those players
will become free agents at the end of June. However, chairman Michael
Wilde is refusing to say who will stay and who will go. He said: "The retained list will not be released as we are in the process of writing and/or speaking to those players being given a free transfer, notifying them and thanking them for their services to the club." In a separate announcement yesterday, Southampton announced that they will be closing part of their St Mary's ground next season as part of the club's cost-cutting measures. The four corners of the stadium will be closed, a move that will affect around 700 season ticket holders. The club hope that the changes, in conjunction with cuts to subsidised bus travel and match day staffing, will save up to £250,000 next season. Wilde said: "We deeply regret having to take these measures, but unfortunately they have been forced upon us by the financial situation we find ourselves in. We now have to make some unpleasant and unpalatable decisions to get the finances back on track." The areas will be reopened for games where huge crowds are expected. |
| June
13, 2008 |
Rovers
drawn away |
 |
Doncaster Rovers have been drawn away at Notts County in the first round of the Carling Cup. The match will be played in the week commencing Monday, 11th August 2008. |
| June
13, 2008 |
Carling
Cup draw today |
| |
The
first round of the Carling Cup will be drawn at 10 o'clock this morning,
and will be broadcast 'live' on Sky Sports News. This will be the first
fixture known for the 2008/09 season, with the matches to be played in
the midweek commencing Monday, 11th August. Although the Football League
website has not been updated for this season, we understand that the draw
will be regionalised into north and south regions, and then seeded dependent
on last season's league positions. The results will be published on www.football-league.co.uk immediately after the draw has been made. The league fixtures for next season will be published at 10 o'clock on Monday morning (16th June). |
| June
13, 2008 |
Season
tickets - one day left for discounted prices |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Today
is the last day that you can buy next season's season ticket at discounted
prices - from Monday morning, they will rise as detailed below:
With around 6,500 season tickets already sold, it looks likely that John Ryan's dream of having 8,000 season ticket holders for next season will be achieved, so with more away fans expected next season, it looks certain that crowds of over 10,000 will be seen at all matches. Be sure of seeing every home match next season - as well as having a priority for any cup matches - buy buying your season ticket! |
| June
13, 2008 |
Beaglehole
is Northern Ireland U21 boss |
 |
Steve
Beaglehole, the former Doncaster Rovers coach and manager, has been appointed
as manager of the Northern Ireland Under-21 and Under-19 teams. Beaglehole
is currently coach of the youth and reserve teams at Leicester City. He
will continue in his roles at Leicester, along with his new duties for
Northern Ireland. He has previously been coach at Leeds United and Nottingham
Forest. |
| June
13, 2008 |
Dino
signs for Larissa |
 |
Ex-Doncaster
Rovers loan goalkeeper Dino Seremet has signed a two year contract for
Maltese club Larissa. He played for Rovers on loan from Luton Town during
the 2005/06 season, playing two matches - a 2-0 win against Bristol City
in the league, and the famous 3-0 Carling Cup win over Aston Villa. After leaving Luton Town in 2006, Seremet, born in Slovenia, played for Kerkyra in Greece's First Division, then last season played for Kallithea, who play in the Greek Second Division. |
| June
13, 2008 |
Odds
for next season |
| |
With
the start of the season still almost two months away, the bookmakers are
already trying to work out how successful clubs will be next season in
the Championship. Newly relegated Birmingham City are joint favourites with Queens Park Rangers to go straight back up, at 6/1, followed by Reading (8/1) and Crystal Palace (10/1). Those considered outsiders to win promotion next season are Blackpool and Barnsley (both 100/1), and Burnley (66/1). On that basis, Rovers, rated as a 50/1 chance along with Sheffield Wednesday, are tipped by Bet365 to come just above the relegation places. Many other bookmakers predict a mid-table finish for Rovers, with odds of around 33/1 for them to land the Championship title. |
| June
12, 2008 |
Elliott
to sign |
 |
Winger
Stuart Elliott will sign for Doncaster Rovers on July 1st, upon the expiry
of his deal with Hull City, reports Hull's local paper. He will apparently
sign a two year contract with Rovers, ending a six year stay at the Tigers. He has been quoted as saying: "Doncaster are a fantastic club and being back in the Championship has put the icing on the cake for me. Hopefully, I can be back on the goal trail soon. But I've no regrets about the move. It was time for me to move on in the final year of my contract with City." Elliott scored 65 goals in 156 League starts for Hull City, one of their top scorers over his time at the club. He said: "I'm ready for a new challenge. I've made some great friends and the move to Doncaster is ideal for me as I'll still be able to live here and do my Christian work with the city's young people, which is vitally important to me." |
| June
12, 2008 |
Rovers
face Frickley |
| |
Frickley
Athletic have announced that they will be playing a Doncaster Rovers XI
on Tuesday, 5th August. With it being in the week before the season starts,
the Rovers side is likely to comprise of youth team players and a number
of players who may not be involved in the first team squad the following
weekend. They are yet to confirm the kick-off time for the match, which
is to be played at their stadium on Westfield Lane, South Elmsall. |
| June
12, 2008 |
Brodie
joins Buxton |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers striker Steve Brodie has joined UniBond Premier Division
Buxton, making the 35-year old the second player to leave Witton Albion
this summer. In making the move, Brodie meets up again with John Reed, who was his boss at Stalybridge Celtic a couple of seasons ago. Reed said: "He is a really good player and there is flexibility about him and where he can play. He can play centre midfield, left midfield or can play upfront as well. I really did like him when he played for me at Stalybridge and he will be a great addition for us." |
| June
12, 2008 |
McCormack
for Celtic? |
 |
The
latest twist in the saga of which club former Rovers striker Ross McCormack
will sign for next season took a new twist last week when news emerged
that he could be set for a shock move to SPL club Celtic, according to
the Scottish Sun. However, Motherwell boss Mark McGhee has poured cold water on the story, saying that his close friendship with his former team mate, Celtic boss Gordon Strachan, would mean he would be aware of any such interest. McGhee said: "I would be amazed, given how close Gordon and I are, if he showed an interest in Ross without speaking to me. He has not contacted me so this story is total speculation." The Motherwell boss is still hoping that Ross will decide to stay at the club, who have the lure of UEFA Cup football next season, but a move to Wigan or Middlesbrough still looks likely. |
| June
11, 2008 |
Rovers
open day |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers hold their second Open Day at the Keepmoat Stadium this summer,
giving supporters the chance to look all around the stadium. All areas
of the ground will be open to view, with club staff available to talk
to supporters throughout the day. A number of stalls and entertainment
will be laid on during the day, and the Rovers squad will be training
on the pitch at some stage during the day. The Open Day will be on Sunday, 20th July - exact times have yet to be confirmed by the club. |
| June
11, 2008 |
Season
tickets |
| |
With
over 6,000 season tickets already sold, we would like to remind supporters
that they only have until 13th June if they wish to buy their season ticket
at a discounted rate. After that date, prices will rise. In addition, renewing season ticket holders will have their seat reserved until the same date, after which they will go on open sale - so to make sure that you keep the same seat as last season, make sure you get down ot the ticket office this week! Opening hours are: Monday to Wednesday - 9am to 4.30pm Thursday - 9am to 7pm Friday - 9am to 4pm. |
| June
11, 2008 |
Rovers
clarify released player details |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers issued a clarification this week of the players who had been released
by the club this summer. They have confirmed that only Graeme Lee and
Matthew Noble have been released at the end of their contracts. All other
players have been offered new contracts with the club and are currently
in discussion with the club about their offers. This includes Jason Price and Steve Roberts, who have been mentioned elsewhere as having been released by the club. We understand that the following players are in negotiations with the club: Jason Price, Steve Roberts, Mark McCammon, Mark Wilson, Craig Nelthorpe, Sam Hird, Adam Lockwood and Gareth Roberts. |
| June
11, 2008 |
Wednesday
target Offiong |
 |
Despite
being saddled with millions of pounds of debt, Sheffield Wednesday are
being reported to be targeting Hamilton's former Rovers striker Richard
Offiong this summer. Wednesday boss Brian Laws is understood to be tabling
a £400,000 bid - if successful, it would make the club his ninth,
despite being only 24 years old. Offiong signed on a free transfer for Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2005, but made only nine appearances before moving to Hamilton Academicals twelve months later. He scored 15 goals in his first season at the club, followed by 21 goals last season - with this gol scoring record attracting the attention of Sheffield Wednesday, who have battled against relegation for two successive seasons. |
| June
11, 2008 |
Wright
future uncertain |
| |
Ex-Rovers
winger Jermaine Wright faces an uncertain future at Southampton following
a change of management at the club. Wright has been at the Saints since
February 2006, and has made exactly 100 first team appearances for the
club. However, he is now out of contract, as were nine players, and their
future would be determined by incoming manager Jan Poortvliet, who is
expected to have a reduced budget to work with, although more money will
be put into their academy set-up, with the intention that the Saints will
be aiming to bring young players through to first team level. Wright played 13 games for Rovers whilst on loan from Wolves in the 1995/96 season. |
| June
10, 2008 |
Rovers
after Kerr? |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers are reported to be one of a number of clubs vying for the signature
of Dundee United midfielder Mark Kerr, who has turned down the offer of
a new contract at the Scottish club. Burnley are understood to be the
favourites, with Owen Coyle, boss at Turf Moor, being an old team mate
of Kerr. Other clubs said to be interested in signing Kerr are Coventry
City, Leicester City and Doncaster Rovers. Kerr is a Scotland 'B' international and has made over 100 games for Dundee United. |
| June
10, 2008 |
Pre-season
plans |
| |
The
Rovers squad are currently on their summer break, and will report back
for pre-season training on July 7th. Unlike in past years, the players
have not been given a training guide to follow during the summer, in recognition
that their summer break will be much shorter than usual after being involved
in the end of season play-offs, but they will be expected to be "in
shape" when they report back next month. The squad will again visit
RAF Cottesmore for five days following the successful visit they made
to the RAF base last summer. No further details of pre-season games have been made, with just the three home games, against Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Scunthorpe United. |
| June
10, 2008 |
Tyrone
moves to Gulls |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers midfielder Tyrone Thompson has been transferred from
Crawley Town to Torquay United, just a few weeks after agreeing to stay
at Crawley for next season. The 27-year old has signed a two year contract
with the Gulls, with Crawley boss Steve Evans saying that they could not
match the wages Thompson was being offered by Torquay. Evans said: "He has been a super player for us and the fact he would have still signed speaks volumes for his character, We wish him luck and although he leaves he will always be welcome back." |
| June
10, 2008 |
Adriano
signs on again |
 |
Forest
Green Rovers have confirmed that former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Adriano
Rigoglioso has signed a new contract with the club. In all, eleven players
have signed new deals at the New Lawn, with just three expected to leave,
including the highly rated Stuart Fleetwood, who is reported to be interesting
a number of Football League clubs - with Charlton Athletic expected to
win the race for his signature. Rigoglioso rejoined former Morecambe boss Jim Harvey at Forest Green last summer, with the Gloucestershire based club finishing in the highest place in their history - eighth in the Blue Square Premier Division. |
| June
10, 2008 |
Nicol's
men hold on to go clear at the top |
 |
Ex-Rovers
defender Steve Nicol saw his New England Revolution side go four points
clear at the top of the Eastern Conference at the weekends, although second
placed Chicago Fire have three games in hand. Revolution made it hard for themselves after going into a 2-0 first half lead, with goalkeeper Matt Reis making a number of important saves as FC Dallas putting up a determined effort to level the scores. As it was, Nicol's men won the game 2-1 to pick up a valuable victory. Nicol's injury-hit side will be further depleted in the coming weeks due to players being called up for World Cup qualifying matches. |
| June
9, 2008 |
Wellens
- Rovers not in Championship to "do a Scunthorpe" |
 |
Rovers
midfielder Richie Wellens thinks that Doncaster Rovers will comfortably
survive in the Championship next season, and insists that the club is
not just there to make up the numbers. Wellens commented: "It's up
to the club and depends what the club wants to do. Do we want to push
on and go again? Obviously, we are a new club in the Championship and
the priority is to finish and stay in the division and establish ourselves." "There are a lot of Premier League teams who have been in League One. You only have to look at Bristol City and Hull, who were recently in League One - and Fulham, Reading and Wigan have been as well. It will take a lot of money to establish ourselves in the Championship, but the manager has got a way of playing and it's difficult to say, but I think we can be comfortable in the Championship." "We're not going into the Championship just looking to do a Scunthorpe and looking to just survive. We're going there to compete." |
| June
9, 2008 |
Ingham
to York |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper loan Michael Ingham has signed for York City
following his release by Hereford United. Ingham, now 27, previously played
for the Minstermen on loan from Sunderland five years ago. Ingham, who
also has been on loan at Carlisle United, Coleraine, Stoke City, Stockport
County and Darlington, is a full Northern Ireland international. Most
of his football career has been spent at Wrexham, joining in July 2005
and he went on to make over 80 appearances for the club. |
| June
9, 2008 |
Brian
goes to Number 10 |
 |
Brian
Deane, the striker who began his career at Doncaster Rovers before going
on to have great success in the game at the highest level, was amongst
a group of footballers, both old and new, who visited 10 Downing Street
recently as part of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign. The Prime Minister
met the group, which included Sol Campbell, Chris Kamara, Peter Beardsley,
Paul Elliott and Shaka Hislop, and thanked them for playing their part
in fighting discrimination and promoting sport throughout the country. Shaka Hislop, Honorary President of the campaign said : "I think that the campaign has developed fantastically well. I believe that we have become an integral part of society now. Different communities have all embraced us and it is good to see that we are getting our message across to the kids. We are really making a difference." |
| June
9, 2008 |
Bayo
signs new deal at Sixfields |
 |
Former
Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has signed a new one-year deal at Northampton
Town, despite interest from a number of clubs, including Grimsby Town
and Leyton Orient. There is a possibility of the contract being extended
for a further year if the 26-year old striker meets certain targets. Northampton boss Stuart Gray said: "He was within his rights to talk to other clubs, I am delighted that he has shown us some loyalty. He did very well for us when he came in last season and I think he is enjoying it here. He is popular in the dressing room and the fans love him, and now he has a bit of security I hope he can kick on and we will really see the best of him." |
| June
8, 2008 |
Rovers
on way to new record |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers have broken the existing club record for the number of season tickets
sold, with last season's record of 5,000 being broken over two months
ahead of the new campaign. Queues have been seen on most days outside
the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office as supporters take advantage of prices
being held at last season's level until next Friday (13th June). John Ryan has also said: "I understand that up to 2,000 have not yet renewed their ticket so you could be looking at between seven and eight thousand." With such a high take-up of season tickets, it is highly likely that there will be a number of games which will be sold out, with this season's average attendance of just under 8,000 virtually certain to be beaten consistently. |
| June
8, 2008 |
Rovers
linked with Hull pair |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers are being reported to be set to offer Stuart Elliott a permanent
move to the club following his release by Hull City this summer. Elliott
spent the latter part of the 2008/08 season on loan at Rovers, but made
only occasional appearances for the club, although it is understood that
injury limited his availability. Elliott could be joined by Tigers' team mate Michael Bridges, who seems likely to move on after failing to hold down a regular first team place at the KC Stadium last season. The 29-year old has also been linked with a move to Hartlepool, but wants to remain in the Championship, so a move to Rovers could be on the cards. |
| June
8, 2008 |
Jack
wins five |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers loan striker Jack Lester has swept the board at Chesterfield's
"Player of the Year" awards, picking up five trophies at their
recent awards ceremony after scoring a superb 27 goals this season. Lester won the following awards: Players Player of the Year. Chesterfield Football Supporters Society (CFSS) Chesterfield Supporters Club Chesterfield Disabled Fans Group Young Spireites Lester paid tribute to his manager for helping him to have a highly successful season, saying: "I am delighted to receive this recognition but do recognise that whilst scoring goals can grab the headlines, it is a team game. I want to thank manager Lee Richardson for giving me the confidence to go on and score so many goals this season." |
| June
8, 2008 |
Donny
in ground share |
.gif) |
Doncaster
Rovers have announced that they will ground-share with a leading women's
team for the forthcoming season. Nothing strange about that, you may say,
with the Doncaster Rovers Belles having been tenants at the Keepmoat Stadium
since it opened eighteen months ago. However, on this occasion, we're
talking about Doncaster Rovers - Australian style. They are to share their
Anderson Park ground with top flight women's club Eltham North for the
2008 season, which will enable Eltham North to take a number of Doncaster
players into their squad - with around 12 already having registered -
although Doncaster will still field a team in the State League. Under
the deal, Eltham North will play in Rovers' yellow and green strip for
home games played at Anderson Park, but will play in their traditional
red and black kit for away games. Eltham North have made the move due to the poor state of the pitch at Eltham North Reserve - the second season they have been forced to play home games away from their home stadium, which is due for redevelopment in 2010. They played home games at the Darebin International Sports Centre in Thornbury, which made it difficult to attract new players. |
| June
7, 2008 |
Matt's
operation delays transfer |
 |
The
proposed transfer of Matthew Mills from Manchester City to Rovers has
been delayed as the player is having an exploratory operation on his knee,
which has been neccessary after a less than 100% recovery from a cartilage
operation in November. Boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "Matt came back here for a second extended loan spell early in the New Year and was a regular but his knee was never 100 per cent during that time and we had to manage the problem. I don't think it is anything serious but the surgeon is going to put a scope into the joint and have a look around." Rovers are reported to have put in a £300,000 bid for the defender - a club record - which has been accepted by Manchester City, but terms have yet to be discussed with Mills' agent. Despite interest from Swansea and a change of manager at City, Rovers are still hopeful of landing the player, with the manager saying: "Matt came out on loan last season because he wanted to put himself in the shop window because he wasn't getting a game at City," said the Rovers boss. He came here and did well and got on well with everybody and we'd like to sign him on a permanent basis. But it is down to Matt to decide where he feels his future lies." |
| June
7, 2008 |
Fixtures
update |
| |
As
most Rovers fans will know, the fixtures for next season will be announced
at 10am on Monday, 16th June by the Football League. The first fixture
information for the new season will come at 10 o'clock on Friday, 13th
June, with the draw for the first round of the Carling Cup. The first
league matches of the 2008/09 season will be played on Saturday, 9th August,
with the first round of the Carling Cup being played during the following
week. |
| June
7, 2008 |
Hynes
brace causes cup upset |
 |
Two
goals from ex-Rovers striker Peter Hynes gave Sporting Fingal the headlines
in Ireland last weekend as they dumped Premier Division strugglers Cobh
Ramblers out of the FAI Ford Cup. First Division Sporting went into the
match unbeaten in seven games and made home advantage count against their
higher league opponents, with both of Hynes' goals coming in the second
half. In the same competition, another former Rover, Adam Hughes, scored twice in the first half at Drogheda United cruised to a 3-0 win against non-league Douglas Hall. |
| June
7, 2008 |
Crawley
sign up eight |
| |
Crawley
have signed eight of their players from last season for the forthcoming
campaign, with two former Rovers players - Tyrone Thompson and Jon-Paul
Pitman, amongst those accepting new deals with the Blue Square Premier
club. Thompson moved to Crawley from troubled Halifax Town twelve months ago, with Jon-Paul Pittman joining the club direct from Rovers after a short stay at the Keepmoat Stadium. |
| June
6, 2008 |
Sam
flies out to brother's bedside |
 |
Rovers
defender Sam Hird put all thoughts of a new contract at Rovers out of
his mind last week as he flew out to be at the bedside of his brother,
Steve, who was badly injured in a fall sustained in a walking holiday
in South Africa. The 18-year old fell whilst walking in the Drakenburg
Mountains, and is understoood to have laid at the foot of a cliff for
up to eight hours before being rescued and taken to hospital with what
are described as "life threatening injuries". The accident happened just 24 hours before Rovers faced Leeds at Wembley, and Sam's parents initially told him that the fall was not as serious as it was, in order not to upset Sam and to mean that he wouldn't miss the big play-off game. Sam was then told of the true extent of Steve's injuries after the open-top bus celebrations the following day, and he immediately flew out to South Africa to be with his brother, taking with him the match DVD, programme and his Rovers shirt, so that he could show Steve his souvenirs of the big day. Steve is still described as critical and is too ill to be moved. We wish Steve all the best for a speedy and full recovery. |
| June
6, 2008 |
Spike
to Spireites? |
 |
Local
press reports from Chesterfield suggest that former Rovers captain Graeme
Lee may be about to sign for the Spireites, just 24 hours after Rovers
finally confirmed that he had been released. Lee spent the latter part
of last season on loan at Shrewsbury Town before returning to provide
back-up for Rovers in the play-off games, but had been expected to go
on loan to Chesterfield before moving to the New Meadow. |
| June
6, 2008 |
Rovers
reality check |
| |
Sean
O'Driscoll has said that the club face a big reality check following their
promotion to the Championship. Since their time in the Conference, Rovers
have been seen as one of the larger clubs - but that all changes now. O'Driscoll said: "The club has been quite a large fish coming up through the leagues from the Conference. But that has all changed now and we have to face facts. I'm being offered loads of players I can't afford at the moment. It's a problem for any club but we certainly can't compete with the likes of Derby financially - in fact we are the poor relations when it comes to the vast majority of teams in the division. But that doesn't mean we can't compete on the pitch and still play attractive football. It's a situation I've been used to most of my managerial career and it's a case of finding our way in the market and targeting the right players." |
| June
6, 2008 |
Rovers
after Spicer? |
| |
Yesterday's
press reports suggest that Burnley's John Spicer may be the player to
replace Paul Green, who left last week to join Derby County. Sean O'Driscoll
confirmed that he was interested in the 24-year old midfielder, who played
for him whilst on loan from Arsenal at Bournemouth whilst O'Driscoll was
still there. The Rovers boss said: "John is a player with a lot of
ability and a lot of energy and I think he would fit in very well here.
He was brought up the right way at Arsenal but I think the move to Burnley
may have come a little too soon in his career. We will be having a chat
with him but there is nothing definite because I know there are four or
five other clubs interested." Sean also confirmed that Rovers were unable to match the terms that Derby had offered to Paul Green, commenting: "Paul's departure is disappointing but football is a short career and I would never decry any player for trying to get the best deal he can. When you listen to the terms he was offered he really had no choice. The deal was completed swiftly which suggests it may have been on the boil for a while but these things happen and we have to move on." |
| June
6, 2008 |
Roberts
in Reds return? |
 |
Former
Rovers striker Neil Roberts could still make a return to Wrexham, despite
being told that he had no futrue at the Racecourse Ground. Boss Brian
Little weilded the axe following Wrexham's relegation to the Conference,
with Roberts' reaction being: "It has come as a massive shock and
a big blow. When you are club captain, and have played the most games
this season than I have in any season, barring a couple of bad performances
I feel I have done alright. Especially when you consider how many changes
have been made to the team - you can't form any sort of partnership with
another player. But I have still kept my place in the team and as captain,
and I thought there would be something there for me. I am really gutted.
It is a club close to my heart, for obvious reasons, and it will always
be that way. I am upset but I wish the club and the fans all the best
for the future. I am sure they will bounce back from relegation and I
genuinely hope they do." Hoewver, it now turns out that there is a possibility that Roberts may yet return to the club, albeit on a significantly reduced contract. However, Brian Little justified the mass change of players in his squad, saying: “I genuinely feel I need to change the team around – and if a few people disagree, they disagree. But I think, overall, the majority will accept this team needed changing ahead of next season and that’s what we’ve tried to do. We’ll only find out if it works next season and I’ve listened to the arguments that I should give some of the lads a chance in the Conference. But if we were mid-table next Christmas and I had not used an opportunity to change things and make a difference then not many people would be very happy with me. The club is in a better position off the field than it has been for several years and we have to change fortunes on it. From my point of view I’m not frightened to attempt what I’m doing.” |
| June
5, 2008 |
Rovers
chiefs plan for Championship |
 |
Rovers
chairman John Ryan met Sean O'Driscoll yesterday to begin planning for
next season's Championship campaign. O'Driscoll has just returned from
a holiday, and his first priority will be to ensure that the majority
of the out of contract players sign new deals currently on offer. The
Yorkshire Post reports that offers have been made to out of contract Jason
Price, Mark McCammon, Mark Wilson, Craig Nelthorpe, Sam Hird, Adam Lockwood,
Gareth Roberts and Steve Roberts. O'Driscoll already has had one set-back with Paul Green leaving to join Derby County, with the Yorkshire Post also reporting that Swansea City are attempting to hijack Rovers' attempt to sign Matt Mills from Manchester City. Rovers have already been reported to have agreed to pay a club record £300,000 transfer, but are unwilling to be "held to ransom" over his wages. Ryan said: "We are under no illusions that next season is going to be tough and, if we don't get relegated, that will be regarded as a success. But I know a lot of the players are confident that we can do well. They have looked at what Hull and Bristol City have achieved in the last couple of seasons and think that may be possible for us too." |
| June
5, 2008 |
McGrath
signs new deal |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers midfielder John McGrath has finally signed a new contract
with Burton Albion, meaning he will remain at the Pirelli Stadium for
next season. McGrath had been considering interest from other Blue Square
Premier clubs, but was unwilling to move from his Doncaster home, which
ruled out some options. The 28-year old had been voted as last season's
"Player of the Year" and joined Burton from Tamworth last summer. |
| June
5, 2008 |
Swailes
turns down Gran Canria to stay at Accies |
 |
Ex-Rovers
defender Chris Swailes has postponed plans to emigrate so that he can
play in the Scottish Premier League. The 37-year old had planned to retire
and take up a coaching job in Gran Canaria, but the lure of playing in
Scotland's top flight has persuaded him to sign a new 12-month contract
after Hamilton Academicals won promotion. Boss Billy Reid said: "Chris has done tremendously for us over the past 18 months. He has put his plans to uproot his family to Spain on hold. It's a big gain for Accies. He has played in the Premiership down south and will clearly give us top-flight experience for next season. He has never let us down and is a big part of our squad." |
| June
5, 2008 |
Budtz
to Lincoln? |
 |
Lincoln
City are rumoured to be targeting former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Jan
Budtz following the departure of Alan Marriott this summer. They are understood
to have registered an interest in the player - despite his 'up and down'
season, which has seen him dropped on occasions after committing some
"howlers" during his first season at Victoria Park. |
| June
4, 2008 |
On
track for record season tickets |
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| |
Doncaster
Rovers have reported that around 5,000 season tickets have already been
sold, which almost equals the number sold for last season, despite there
still being two months to go before the season starts. Season tickets
for the South Stand have almost sold out already, and we understand that
all Category C tickets have now been sold. Supporters wanting to renew their season ticket should note that they must do so by June 13th if they are to be guaranteed the same seat from last season - also, the cost of season tickets rises after that date. After that date, most match day ticket categories will rise by £1 - details are as follows:
|
| June
4, 2008 |
Sarge
signs for Boro |
 |
Stevenage
Borough have signed former Doncaster Rovers defender Mark Albrighton from
Blue Square Premier rivals Cambridge United for what is described as a
nominal fee. The 32-year old joined Cambridge on a one year deal last
summer, which was extended until 2010 in January. However, Cambridge are
working to a reduced budget for next season, which has forced a number
of players to leave, meaning they will rely on younger players next season.
Albrighton played 40 matches last season and was a key part of the side
that reached the Blue Square play-off final. Mark played 97 games for Rovers between 2002 and 2006, scoring 6 goals for the club. |
| June
4, 2008 |
Akinfenwa
stays at Sixfields |
| |
Ex-Rovers
striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has turned down approaches from Leyton Orient,
Grimsby Town and Walsall to sign a new contract with Northampton Town.
Cobblers boss Stuart Gray said: "Bayo was within his rights to talk
to other clubs but I am delighted he has shown us some loyalty. He did
very well for us when he came in last season and I think he is enjoying
it here. He is popular in the dressing room and the fans love him. Now
he has a bit of security I hope he can kick on and we will really see
the best of him. I like forward players with a physical presence and he
has a huge ability to make the ball stick. Not only that, he has an excellent
goal record he has maintained throughout his career. We wanted to keep
him and he wanted to stay and I am delighted we can continue to plan for
next season with Bayo now a part of those plans." |
| June
3, 2008 |
Rovers
in player search |
 |
Rovers'
asssitant manager Richard O'Kelly has confirmed that Rovers are continuing
to search for players to further strengthen their promotion-winning squad
ahead of next season. He said: "You never stop looking for players who you feel could improve the squad because you can't afford to stand still in football. Obviously with us going up into the Championship we have had loads of phone calls from agents representing players interested in coming here. We've got plenty of players in mind; it is just a case of whether they would want to come here and if they did whether they would fit into our wage structure. There is never any guarantee you will get the players you want but I would imagine that we are probably a better proposition than this time last year. We would also like to think that the club has got a reputation in the game for the way we play football." |
| June
3, 2008 |
Season
tickets continue to be in demand |
| |
The
queue for season tickets at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office has continued
this week, with fans having to wait around an hour to be served. Whilst
no sales figures are available, things look good as regards John Ryan's
plea for an increased number of season ticket holders for Rovers' first
season in the second tier of English football in the last fifty years. The renewal period for exisiting season ticket holders has been extended until 13th June, after which prices will rise - and if exisiting season ticket holders do not renew before then, their seats will become available for new applicants. So make sure you get your application in if you want to keep the same seat as last season! Please remember that you can avoid the queues by handing in a completed application form at Main Reception in the South Stand - a copy of the application form can be downloaded if you click on the logo to the left. Tickets ordered this way can be either picked up a few days later, or posted out (at an additional cost). |
| June
3, 2008 |
Cramb
to club number 17 |
 |
Former
Rovers striker Colin Cramb has been released by Stirling Albion following
their relegation from the Scottish First Division this season. However,
it didn't take him long to get signed up for next season, with the 33-year
old agreeing terms with Third Division club East Stirlingshire, which
becomes the 17th club of his nomadic career, which has seen him play in
England, Scotland and Holland. Whilst Cramb has scored goals at all of his clubs, he has also gained a reputation of being difficult to handle. But that reputation is not something that boss Jim McInally is worried by. He said: "A lot of people think of him as a controversial figure. But I certainly know him very well from his time at Stirling Albion. I tried to sign him for Morton in the last winter transfer window and although he has had his problems with injuries he is also a guy we know can bag goals." Cramb missed much of last season due to injury, but has generally been injury-free throughout his career. McInally finished by saying: "It's all about how you man manage him. Apart from the last season at Stirling Albion he has been relatively injury free. People will tell you this and that about him, but we think we know him well enough that we believe he will do us a turn." |
| June
3, 2008 |
Carden
on the move |
 |
Paul
Carden, who played for Doncaster Rovers when they were in the Conference,
has become Wrexham manager Brian Little's first signing of the summer.
Carden moves from Accrington Stanley, but spent much of the last season
on loan at Blue Square Premier club Cambridge United, playing a key part
in their promotion campaign which only faltered at the play-off stage. Wrexham's assistant manager, Martin Foyle, said: "Paul has certainly had a good winning mentality this season with Cambridge, so I feel that can rub off. He will be an important signing for us." |
| June
3, 2008 |
Hynes
on the mark |
| |
Ex-Rovers
striker Peter Hynes scored one of Sporting Fingal's goals last weekend
as they beat Waterford United 3-1 in the eircom League First Division
fixture. The victory was Sporting Fingal's third win in a row, and takes
them to fourth in the First Division table. Hynes made five substitute appearances for Rovers during the 2003/04 season - their first season back in the Football League after winning promotion from the Conference the previous season. |
| June
2, 2008 |
Green
- "tremendous opportunity" |
 |
Paul
Green has given his first interview after his move to Derby County last
week. In the article, he described the move as a "tremendous opportunity",
saying " This is a new chapter for me and something that I felt I
had to do. Paul Jewell has shown me the ambition he has for this club
and I feel that we could really achieve something." The midfielder paid tribute to Rovers and their supporters, adding: "I have enjoyed fantastic times at Doncaster and I can't speak highly enough of the people and the fans there; they have been great to me." Green has signed a three-year contract at Pride Park. |
| June
2, 2008 |
Buckley
rules out Hird |
| |
Grimsby
Town boss Alan Buckley has conceded that his first signing of the summer
will not be Doncaster Rovers centre-back Sam Hird, who spent a highly
successful loan period at Blundell Park last season. However, Hird returned
to the Keepmoat Stadium to hold down a first team place in the final matches
of the 2007/08 season and looks set to be given a new deal by Rovers. Buckley had been keen to make an approach for Hird this summer, but commented: "I said when Sam left us last season perhaps we haven't seen the last of him in a Grimsby Town strip. And I think they were quite willing to let him go, but he's been quite outstanding in these Play-Off games. I've been talking to Richard O'Kelly, who is in Majorca, and Sam has put himself into the forefront for a new contract at Doncaster. Credit do him for that but that's one out of the window for us." |
| June
2, 2008 |
Pacey
released by Reds |
 |
Central
defender Rob Pacey, who came up through the Rovers youth team, has been
released by Blue Square North club Alfreton Town. Pacey was given a first
year professional contract at Rovers following his time in the youth team,
but was released by Rovers last summer. Since then, he has played for
Retford United and AFC Telford, and spent the final months of his time
at Rovers on loan at Gateshead. |
| June
2, 2008 |
Award
for Richard |
| |
The
success of Hamilton last season has been reflected in the end of season
awards, with their players winning four of the leading awards at the Irn-Bru
Scottish Football League awards evening. Hamilton won the "team of
the season" award for their surprise winning of the First Division
title, with their manager, Billy Reid, picking up the "manager of
the season" accolade. Former Rovers striker Richard Offiong was named as "First Division Player of the Season" after scoring 21 goals during the season. |
| June
1, 2008 |
Scunny
pre-season game confirmed |
 |
Scunthorpe
United will visit the Keepmoat Stadium for a pre-season game on Saturday,
19th July, with the match kicking off at 3pm. It will be the first time
that the two sides have met since the 2006/07 season, with the Iron going
on to promotion to the Championship. This summer sees both sides again
in different divisions - with Rovers being promoted up to the Championship
and Scunthorpe passing them in the opposite direction after just one season
in the second tier. This becomes the third home pre-season game of the summer, coming after news of the home games against Bolton Wanderers (Friday 1st August) and Newcastle United (Saturday 26th July). |
| June
1, 2008 |
Rovers
in new stadium deal |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers have confirmed that they will now pay a greatly increased rental
payment to the Keepmoat Stadium in exchange for some added benefits after
it had been found that the agreement drawn up between Rovers and the council
before the stadium had been built meant that the stadium lost around £20,000
a week. After previously expecting the council to honour the 25-year deal,
the negotations just concluded give a "win-win" outcome for
both the stadium and football club. The new deal, which sees the club now paying almost £1 million a year to the Stadium Management Company, will give Rovers full advertising rights, income from operating the car parks on match days, with Rovers now paying for full stewarding costs. Rovers have also agreed a number of extra benefits, including the use of artificial pitches for two hours on first team Saturday match days, and gym membership for the Rovers players. |
| June
1, 2008 |
Ross
looks at his options |
| |
Motherwell's
former Doncaster Rovers striker Ross McCormack has admitted that being
given his first cap for Scotland could persuade him to stay at the club
for next season. He came close to leaving Fir Park in the January transfer
window, but pledged to honour his contract until the end of the season.
Motherwell ended the campaign by qualifying for the UEFA Cup which, in
addition the the news that boss Mark McGhee has pledged his future to
the club, gives the club hope that McCormack may yet sign a new contract
at the club. It still remains highly likely that the player will be playing in England next season, with Wigan Athletic reported to be favourites to win McCormack's signature. It was a good season for Ross - as well as being called up by his country, he also picked up the "Young Player" award at the club's end of season presentation evening. |
| June
1, 2008 |
Horlock
released |
 |
Scunthorpe
United have released former Rovers midfielder Kevin Horlock at the end
of his short term contract at the club. He moved to Glanford Park from
Rovers in January, but failed to make a first team appearance as United
were relegated to League One - and he finished the season on loan at Mansfield
Town. Last season was one to forget for the veteran midfielder - he spent most of it injured, and then could not force his way back in to the first team squad due to the fine form of the other midfielders at the club. |
| June
1, 2008 |
Wheater
wins Boro awards |
 |
David
Wheater, who played for Doncaster Rovers on loan from Middlesbrough, has
capped a great first full season in Boro's first team by winning the "Player
of the Year" award at the club's end of season awards evening. Just
twelve months ago, Wheater had just completed a loan spell at Dave Penney's
Darlington and was sixth choice centre back at Boro. The 21-year old defender
was been included in the England squad for this summer's friendlies against
the USA and Trinidad & Tobago. |