June 30, 2008

McCormack opts to join Bluebirds

Former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack has signed for Championship club Cardiff City on a "Bosman" transfer, with the Bluebirds understood to be set to pay around £100,000 in compensation to Motherwell. McCormack had been talking to Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Wigan Athletic, but the 21-year old has opted to sign for Cardiff - because it gives him the chance to team up with boyhood hero Robbie Fowler.
Motherwell manager, Mark McGhee, was keen to keep McCormack in Scotland, with 'Well having qualified for the UEFA Cup this season.
McCormack made his full Scotland debut recently in a friendly fixture against the Czech Republic following a highly successful season in the SPL.

June 30, 2008

Roberts signs for Rhyl

Neil Roberts has signed a three year deal at Welsh Premier League club Rhyl after declining a number of offers from Football League clubs. The Wrexham-born forward said that the prospect of starting a career in coaching tipped his decision in favour of the Welsh club, as he said: "I have spoken to a number of Football League clubs, but decided this is the right move for me and my family. I'm looking to further my career in the coaching side of things, and going to Rhyl will give me the opportunity to do that as well as continuing to play football."
Roberts left Wrexham at the end of last season upon their relegation from the Football League, with boss Brian Little opting to release most of the squad as they prepared for life in the Blue Square Premier League.

June 30, 2008

Tris moves on

Ex-Rovers striker Tristram Whitman has signed for UniBond Premier League Eastwood Town, with the club looking to use him as an out-and-out striker, as opposed to a number of his former clubs, who have utilised his pace and control as a winger. His goal-scoring saw him at Bradford Park Avenue on loan from Farsley Celtic for the end of last season, with his nine goals in 11 games helping Bradford win promotion to the Blue Square North.
After beginning his career at Arnold Town, Whitman moved to Rovers for £10,000 in February 2000, scoring 15 goals in 32 appearances befroe then moving on to Harrogate Town, Crawley Town, Alfreton Town, Tamworth and Dagenham & Redbridge.

June 30, 2008

McIndoe extends Bristol stay

Former Doncaster Rovers winger Michael McIndoe has signed an improved three year contract at Bristol City, which will keep him at Ashton Gate until 2011. The player seems to have settled at Bristol after playing for six clubs in as many seasons since 2001, including a three year stay at Rovers between 2003 and 2006. McIndoe was City's joint second top scorer last season, netting six times.

June 30, 2008

Wembley DVD on sale

Rovers have a limited number of DVDs of the game against Leeds United at Wembley on stock at both of the club shops, at £10.50 per copy.

June 29, 2008

Rovers turn down TV date

Doncaster Rovers have turned down the prospect of appearing on a 'live' Sky Sports match at the end of October. TV bosses were wanting to screen Rovers' home game against Barsnley, but Rovers are reported to have turned down the televising of the match at the Keepmoat Stadium, as it would mean they would have to play two games in three days. Apparently Barnsley were happy to play the Monday evening match, but it needs agreement of both clubs to agree the date.
Rovers faced the prospect of a Monday night game following their away game at Norwich City on Saturday, 25th October.

June 29, 2008

Celtic snap up Price

Blue Square North club Farsley Celtic have signed former Doncaster Rovers utility player Jamie Price. Price spent last season at Harrogate Town, who leaves Wetherby Road with a great testimonial from General Manager, Alan Williams, who said: "Jamie was always in our plans for next year, but in his own words Farsley made him 'a fantastic offer'. We have to consider the long term financial security of the club and there comes a point when it's in everyone's best interests to part ways and move on. Jamie is a fantastic lad and we are very sorry to lose him. We wish him well and he will always be welcome back at Wetherby Road."

June 29, 2008

Moore keeps Bantams waiting

Bradford City manager Stuart McCall has revealed that former Doncaster Rovers defender Darren Moore is set to make a decision on which club to join in the next week. Moore has been away for a week to consider the various options availble to him, with McCall hoping to hear from the player by the middle of this week.
Another club waiting for Moore's decision is Leicester City. The Foxes' chairman, Milan Mandaric, made an approach for him before the appointment of new manager Nigel Pearson. Moore played at Portsmouth whilst Mandaric was chairman at the club - but it is uncertain whether Pearson is as keen on signing the central defender as his chairman.
Moore has been doing a management course during the summer break as he looks towards a post-playing career.
Derby's chairman, Adam Pearson, admitted that nothing is “cut and dried” with Moore, who was named player of the season by the Pride Park fans during the club’s doomed year in the Premier League.

June 29, 2008

JJ's recovery ahead of schedule

Rovers striker Jason Price is understood to be ahead of schedule after having an ankle operation early in the close season, meaning that he should be fully fit for the new season. The 31-year old signed a new 12-month contract last week, and said last week that he could be running in two weeks - two weeks ahead of the schedule originally given by the specialist.
Price said: "The recovery is going well, which is a massive boost because I would have only had two weeks to get my running preparation sorted. Now, I should have three to four weeks so I should be fit for the start of the season."

June 28, 2008

Rossington Main

Rovers will start their pre-season programme this season at Rossington Main. The game, to be played on Wednesday July 9th, will have a 6.30pm kick off. Sean O'Driscoll has promised to take the full squad to the fixture. Although it is an away game, tickets are being sold from the Keepmoat Stadium priced at £5 adult & £2 concession from Monday 30th June. The match is an all-ticket game with 1,700 Rovers tickets available.

June 28, 2008

Newcastle & Bolton

The pre-season fixture against Newcastle United on July 26th has now been confirmed. Tickets are priced at £15 adult and £5 concessions. This gives the Rovers a second home game against Premiership opposition with Bolton travelling to the Keepmoat on August 1st. Please note that the fixture against Bolton has a 7.30pm kick off.

June 28, 2008

Scunthorpe United

On July 19t,h Rovers entertain Scunthorpe United at the Keepmoat Stadium with a 12.00pm kick off. Tickets are priced as the Newcastle and Bolton games at £15 adults and £5 concessions. Tickets for all home pre season games will be available from Monday 30th June.

June 28, 2008

Rovers will play Port Vale at Vale Park on July 29th at 7.30pm. Ticket cannot be bought in advance for this game. No prices are currently available for this fixture.

June 24, 2008

Afro goal machine signs on

After at first turning down a one year contract with Rovers, striker Jason Price has signed a new deal with the club. Although the length of the contract was initially the sticking point, JJ told the press that he has now got a one year deal that will be extended if he playes a certain number of games.

June 24, 2008

As does Sam Hird

Sam Hird was the first player yesterday to re-sign for Rovers. Sam, who excelled at the centre of defence in the play-off games at the end of last season, has signed to the middle of 2010. Hird enjoyed a successful spell at Grimsby last season.

June 24, 2008

As does Gareth Roberts

The second signing yesterday saw 30-year old left back Gareth Roberts sign a new two year deal. The former Tranmere player was a key player in Doncaster's success last season.

June 24, 2008

A new signing for the club yesterday was that of Stuart Elliott. Stuart signs from Hull following a loan spell that started in the January transfer window, His experience at Championship level was a deciding factor in making the move permanent for both parties. We welcome all the players back to the Keepmoat. There is no news yet on the contracts of Mark McCammon, Adam Lockwood, Steve Roberts and Craig Nelthorpe and their contracts all run out at the end of June. All have been offered new deals and the club are hopeful that all will sign again.

June 21, 2008

Kick-off delayed as Sky come to Keepmoat

Rovers' home game against Ipswich Town has been chosen to be televised by Sky Sports. That means that the match, to be played on Saturday, 15th November, will have its kick-off time delayed until 5.20pm so that it fits in with the TV schedules. This is the first Rovers match of the season scheduled to be televised, as the Rovers meet Ipswich for the first time at this level since April 1958 - which, coincidentally, was Rovers' last match in the second tier until the 2008/09 season.

June 21, 2008

Tickets v Scunthorpe

Ticket prices for the home pre-season fixtures against Scunthorpe United on Saturday, 19th July, will be £15 for adults and £5 for concessions. The match will kick-off at 12 noon due to police advice, despite the match only being a pre-season game.

June 21, 2008

Leo signs for Alfreton

Ex-Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West signed for Alfreton Town earlier this month, when he became the sixth new signing for Nicky Law's team. Fortune-West was released by Cambridge United at the end of last season, but despite interest from three other Blue Square Premier clubs, the 37-year old signed for Alfreton, who play in the Blue Square North.
Another former Rovers player, Simon Marples, became Alfreton's seventh signing of the summer, when he signed for the club this week.

June 21, 2008

Rigo to miss start of training

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Adriano Rigoglioso, who now plays for Forest Green Rovers in the Blue Square Premier, will miss the start of pre-season training awhilst he recovers from minor surgery to a knee problem. The rest of the Forest Green squad report back for training next Wednesday.

June 21, 2008

Tea time with Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have had two special editions of tea named after them in honour of their Wembley triumph against Leeds United last month. The "Doncaster Diver" (named after James Hayter's diving header which won the match) and "Rovers Breakfast Tea" are on sale from "All About Tea", who can be contacted on 023 9273 9887 by e-mail at service@allabouttea.co.uk.

June 20, 2008

Pre-season game announced

Doncaster Rovers have announced that they will travel to Port Vale for a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, 29th July, with the match kicking off at 7.30pm. No details of ticket prices are yet available.
This means that Rovers have so far confirmed pre-season games against Bolton Wanderers (home), Frickley Athletic (away), Port Vale (away) and Scunthorpe (home), but the anticipated home game against Newcastle United still has not been confirmed.

June 20, 2008

Moore for Leicester?

Former Rovers central defender Darren Moore looks as though he may have a choice of clubs for next season after being told by Derby County that he is free to move away from Pride Park, even though he still has a year left on his Derby contract.
Leicester City are reported to be interested in signing Moore - with chairman Milan Mandaric even supposed to be prepared to sign the player before a new manager is confirmed.
A move to Bradford City looks unlikely, with the potential drop down to League Two likely to the crucial factor.
Swansea City, newly promoted to the Championship this season, are also said to be linked with the veteran defender.
Derby boss Paul Jewell said of the situation: "We'll just have to wait and see. I think Leicester is complicated by the fact that they're interviewing for a manager and, obviously, if they get one sooner rather than later, then Darren may decide to go there. Nothing's cut and dried on that, although I certainly know Bradford are interested in him."

June 20, 2008

Talks continue

Sean O'Driscoll has confirmed that contract talks with striker Jason Price are still continuing, saying: "I don't know what he has said to anyone else but as far as I'm concerned Jason is keen to stay and we are still talking to him."
The 31-year old striker, who is recovering from an ankle operation, had previously been reported elsewhere to be considering leaving Rovers after being unhappy with the offer on the table, but the odds on Price staying at the club seem to have improved.
However, it seems that defender Steve Roberts has turned down a one-year contract on offer, although young central defender Sam Hird is reported to be close to agreeing terms with the club after impressing in the last few matches of the season.

June 20, 2008

Lee not for Pools

It appears that Rovers defender Graeme Lee will not be moving to former club Hartlepool United, following an interview by Danny Wilson in their local press this week. Whilst a number of potential targets are mentioned, the article does say that Lee will not be on his way the north-east, as Wilson believes that he already has got enough central defenders in his squad.

June 19, 2008

Carling Cup ticket info

Notts County have confirmed that their Carling Cup game against Doncaster Rovers will be played on Tuesday, 12th August, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Ticket prices have now been agreed between the two clubs, and will cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Tickets are not yet on sale, but are expected to be available from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office "in the near future".
Please note that you will need identification to prove eligibility for concessionary tickets.

June 19, 2008

Schofield's new job

Former Rovers captain John Schofield has been appointed as first team coach at Walsall and will work with new Saddlers' manager Jimmy Mullen when he takes up his post next month.
Schofield holds a UEFA "A" licence and is working towards his "pro" licence, and said of his appointment: "I am looking forward to taking up the position. I have experience of working with both senior and young professionals and am looking forward to working alongside Jimmy Mullen.After visiting the Banks's Stadium last week and having a tour of the club's new training ground, you can see that this football club is geared up for success."

June 19, 2008

Marples signs for Alfreton

Blue Square North club Alfreton Town have signed former Doncaster Rovers right back Simon Marples, who signed a one-year contract yesterday. Marples was released by Chester City at the end of last season after falling out of favour during the season, that saw him spend the last few weeks of the season on "gardening leave" after a disagreement with the new manager.
Marples joined Chester in June 2006 after being released by Rovers, and went on to play 50 matches for City.
Alfreton are hoping that Marples' signing will solve a problem they have had with the right back position for two seasons, with boss Nicky Law commenting: "It is a major coup for Alfreton Town. We have fought off some really stiff competition to land him. We have been after him for a couple of months and it took three or four meetings with him to sort it out. It has been hard work but we are delighted to have pulled it off. He will be a massive player for us. It really shows the calibre of player we have been looking at. He is knowledgeable and hugely experienced with over 200 League and cup appearances behind him but he has also still got a lot left in him.
“The most positive thing is that he doesn’t want to come in and just amble along. He is very ambitious and still wants to win things and he was asking the club’s ambitions more than the other way around."

June 18, 2008

Spicer signs

Doncaster Rovers completed their first signing of the summer when they signed Burnley midfielder John Spicer yesterday afternoon. Spicer was released by the Clarets at the end of his Burnley contract, so joins on a free transfer, and signed a two year contract with Rovers. The 24-year old former Arsenal trainee previously played under Sean O'Driscoll's guidance when he was on loan at Bournemouth, and it is reported that it was this connection that enabled Rovers to get their man ahead of a number of other clubs.
Spicer said: "I'm delighted with the move. Knowing Sean and Richard, I know they both like to play football. It's nice to come to a manager who knows you already and you know them and how they work, plus their strengths and my strengths. I know that they like to play football and play the right way, which is the way that I like to play. Hopefully we can have a good two years together and a successful upcoming season in the Championship. I watched Doncaster play in the play-offs and I saw the way that they move the ball. And, looking at the stadium and the facilities, I'm chuffed with the move."

June 18, 2008

Scunny match confirmed

Doncaster Rovers have finally confirmed that Scunthorpe United will visit the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday, 19th July for a pre-season fixture. However, the match will kick-off at 12 noon due to advice from South Yorkshire Police.
The fixture becomes Rovers' second pre-season game to be confirmed, with Bolton due to play Rovers at the Keemoat Stadium on Friday, 1st August.

June 18, 2008

Injury update

June 18, 2008

Belles sign two

Doncaster Rovers Belles have signed two players ahead of next seasons' Women's Premier League campaign. Joining the club are England under-23 international Rachel Williams, who joins from Leicester City and striker Suzanne Davies, who completed her transfer from South Yorkshire neighbours Rotherham United.
Rovers Belles boss John Buckley said: "Rachel was a priority target for us and we are very pleased that she has decided to join the club. We are convinced that she can make a big impression in the Premier League as well as on the international scene with England."
"This is third time lucky for us with Sue. We have tried to bring her to the club twice in the past and I am delighted that she has agreed to come this time. I think that she will give us more of a physical presence in attack and I am convinced that she will be a success at this level."

June 17, 2008

Price set to leave?

Rovers striker Jason Price may be set to leave the club after being disappointed at only being offered a one year deal at the club. The Welshman is out of contract at the end of the month and had been hoping for a two year deal, so he is now reported to be considering his future if fresh terms cannot be agreed.
Price joined Rovers in January 2006 and has gone on to become a supporters' favourite. However, he stresses that he would like to stay and his agent is still in contact with the club in the hope that a deal can be worked out.
Price told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "They've offered me a year and I've told them I'm not taking a year. After all the hard work I've put in, to be rewarded with a year is disappointing. I would like to stay and don't want to leave Doncaster but, at the same time, I've got to do what's right for me. I'm still hoping something can be sorted at Doncaster sooner or later, but it's been quite a long time now and we're in the middle of June. I just think I've got a lot more to give than be worried about a one-year contract."
He added: "It's sad what's happened, but that's football. It's a dog-eat-dog world, isn't it? I was expecting a couple of years and at this point I'm a free agent, so we'll have to wait and see what happens. I've had a couple of League Two offers and one from a League One club, but it's quite a distance away."

June 17, 2008

Shrewsbury after Lee

Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Simpson has confirmed that he is interested in taking Rovers defender Graeme Lee back to the New Meadow. Whilst being cagey about all transfer negotiations, Simpson said: "He's one of a number of players I might speak to and see what their thoughts are. I had conversations with Graeme between him leaving here and Doncaster's Wembley appearance. I've not spoken to him since he left Doncaster, but it's something I may do."
Lee played for the Shrews on loan in March, but was recalled to Rovers for the closing matches of the season.

June 17, 2008

Rovers check on Crewe midfielder

Doncaster Rovers are reported to be interested in highly rated Crewe midfielder Gary Roberts, according to Sky Sports. The 21-year old has turned down new terms offered to him by Crewe, but still has twelve months left on his current contract. Crewe have now put Roberts on the transfer list as they hope to receive a substantial transfer fee for one of their prized assets. Derby, Norwich, Coventry, Leicester, Watford, Blackpool, Doncaster and Crystal Palace are all reported to have watched Roberts closely in the closing weeks of last season.

June 16, 2008

Fixtures

The fixtures for next season have now been announced, with Rovers facing a trip to Derby County's Pride Park for their first Championship encounter in fifty years. With Rovers drawn away to Notts County in the first round of the Carling Cup during the following midweek, the first home game of the new campaign will be on Saturday, 16th August, when Cardiff City will visit the Keepmoat Stadium for the first time.
Christmas sees Rovers visit the City Ground, Nottingham on Boxing Day, with a home game against Burnley on Sunday 28th December.
The season ends (play-offs excepting!) on Saturday 3rd May, when Rovers travel to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The full fixture list can be seen by clicking on the logo to the left.

June 16, 2008

O'Driscoll confident that Mills will sign

Sean O'Driscoll is still confident that Matt Mills will be a Doncaster Rovers player for the coming season. O'Driscoll said: "Matt is keen to come and we have had tentative discussions with his agents and that is ongoing. Manchester City have indicated the figure that we would have to pay for Matt and they have stuck by their guns. When we took him on loan and indicated whether there would be a deal in the future, they indicated the figure and we are happy with that."
City are still deciding whether Mills needs a further operation on his knee - a scan in January showed that he might need another operation to clear out some tissue after his previous surgery, but opinion now puts doubt on whether the second op is necessary.

June 16, 2008

USA 8 Barbados 0

The difference in the world rankings between the United States and Barbados was there for all to see yesterday when the USA registered the largest victory in their history by beating Barbados 8-0 at the Depot Center Stadium, Los Angeles.
The US scored their first goal after just 54 seconds and went on to a 3-0 half time lead.
Barbados included a number of players from English football in their side, including Doncaster Rovers striker Mark McCammon and former Rovers striker Jonathan Forte.
The Barbados side was: Alvin Rouse; Dyson James, Daryl Ferguson, Greg Belle, Bryan Neblett; Jonathan Forte (Riviere Williams, 69), Norman Forde (Malcolm Marshall, 72), Jonathon Nurse (John Parris, 76), Rommelle Burgess; Paul Ifill, Mark McCammon.

June 16, 2008

McCall after Moore

Bradford City boss Stuart McCall has been in talks with Derby County defender Darren Moore, but admits that he does not think that his audacious bid will be successful. The drop to League Two may prove to be too much for the former Rovers central defender, who was named as Derby's player of the year last season.
McCall said: "It would be a major coup to sign a player like Darren, but I honestly can't see it happening. Only last season he was a Premier League player and I'm sure Championship clubs are looking at him too. We've put our hat in the ring and had a good chat with him and it's just a case of fingers crossed now."
Moore has a further year left on his contract at Derby, but has been given permission by Paul Jewell to find another club, who said: "I spoke to Darren at the end of the season and told him if he could find a club we wouldn't stand in his way. Darren's been a terrific professional. I managed him at Bradford - in fact I think I sold him at Bradford. If Bradford want to do a deal, we'll help that along. I'm sure there won't be any shortage of takers for him."