May 15, 2008

Man of the Match

With a great response to the "Man of the Match" voting for last Friday's away game at Southend, no doubt aided by the fact that it was televised, the overwhelming decision of those who voted was that Gareth Roberts was the best Rovers player that evening. Gareth received over half of all the votes cast, coming well ahead of the other nine players to receive nominations.
The players receiving most votes were:
1 Gareth Roberts (55.81%)
2 Paul Green (17.44%)
3 Sam Hird (9.30%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open following tomorrow evening's second leg at the Keepmoat Stadium against Southend United.

May 15, 2008

Southend tickets

Tickets for tomorrow evening's game against Southend United are now on general sale - in fact, they went on general sale two days earlier than originally scheduled to enable as many supporters as possible to buy tickets in good time.
With a fantastic atmosphere guaranteed, even though the match is being televised 'live' on Sky Sports, it seems that another five-figure crowd will pack into the Keepmoat Stadium, eager to see Rovers in their attempt to reach Wembley. Earlier in the week, Southend reported that they had sold over half of the 3,000 tickets allocated to them.
Tickets will remain on sale until kick-off tomorrow evening.

May 15, 2008

Fans to play vital role

Rovers assistant manger Richard O'Kelly has urged the supporters to play their part in helping the team win a place in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
He said: "We want to create an atmosphere at the Keepmoat Stadium in Friday's semi-final second leg against Southend that will give us the edge. Everyone talks about the crowd being like a 12th man and we know that if the Doncaster supporters get behind the team it has a massive effect on the players."
"The home game against Nottingham Forest was a classic example of the crowd making a hell of a difference to the team's performance. So if the fans can turn up in their numbers and support us in a positve manner it can only be good for us."
With the tie finely balanced and both teams confident of winning tomorrow evening, the Rovers management are keen to have as much going in their favour to keep the dream of Championship football next season alive.

May 15, 2008

Wellens in "Team of the Season"

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens has been named in the "Team of the Season" for League One after producing consistently impressive performances in the heart of the Rovers midfield. Wellens has previously been included in numerous "Team of the Week" line-ups during the season.
The midfielder has also been named as the Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club's "Player of the Year".

May 15, 2008

Marples released

Former Doncaster Rovers right back Simon Marples has been released by Chester City at the end of his Deva Stadium contract. Marples has been at Chester for two seasons, during which time he has started 40 league games. It became likely that he would not be retained this summer when news emerged that he had been placed on "gardening leave" shortly after new boss Simon Davies arrived, with the PFA also being involved in giving the player advice.
Marples becomes one of seven players released by Chester, with another six being offered new deals - one of which is ex-Rovers defender Kevin Sandwith, who is due to give his decision in the next few days.

May 12, 2008

Paul Birch

May 12, 2008

Dyer awaits decision

Former Rovers striker Bruce Dyer will have to wait to see if he will be retained at Chesterfield for next season. Six players have been released by the Spireites boss Lee Richardson following their failure to reach the League Two play-offs, but Dyer's name was not on that list. Dyer joined the club on a short-term contract in March, with his deal lasting until the end of the season.

May 12, 2008

Timlin signs for Swindon

Fulham midfielder Michael Timlin has signed for Swindon Town on a two year contract after a successful season on loan at the County Ground. Timlin, who has also played on loan at Rovers during the 2005/06 season, made the move four years after turning professional at Fulham, signing the contract just before Swindon's last match of the season.

May 9, 2008

Southend 0 Rovers 0

Doncaster Rovers and Southend United fought out a very entertaining goalless draw at Roots Hall this evening, with both sides taking some points out of the game to make them optimisitc about success in the second leg in a week's time. Richie Wellens failed a fitness test on a groin injury, with James Coppinger dropping back to play in his role, with Lewis Guy, Paul Heffernan and Jason Price up front.
Southend had the better of the first half - Rovers had the upper hand after the break, with Jason Price having a good chance around ten minutes from time to put Rovers ahead.
Paul Heffernan was sent off in the 87th minute for a head-butt committed close enough to the referee to not have a chance of getting away with the offence. Rovers still managed to repel the late Southend onslaught as they tried to make the man advantage play - Rovers will probably be considered to hold a slight advantage when the two sides again lock horns at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Thanks for all the votes cast for this match - the result will be announced on Thursday afternoon. The voting is now closed.

May 11, 2008

Penney's men edge ahead

A dramatic injury-time winner by Ian Miller means that Dave Penney's Darlington side, featuring just two former Rovers players in their side yesterday, go into the second leg of the League Two play-off semifinal with a one goal advantage after they defeated Rochdale 2-1 at the Darlington Arena.
The second leg will be played at midday on Saturday, 17th May, with the winners facing either Wycombe Wanderers or Stockport County at Wembley on Monday, 26th May.

May 11, 2008

Tickets v Southend

The ticket office will be open today between 9am and 3pm for the sale of tickets for Friday's home game against Southend United. As well as season ticket holders, tickets will also be on sale to supporters with stubs from both the Swindon and Luton home games at a rate of one per person.
Any remaining tickets will be go on sale to fans with ticket stubs from one of the Swindon or Luton games on Tuesday morning, and on general sale from Thursday morning.
Telephone orders will be accepted, but will not be posted out as stubs or season ticket books need to be produced upon the collection of tickets.

May 11, 2008

Pacey released

Rob Pacey, the former Doncaster Rovers youth team defender, has been released by Alfreton Town boss Nicky Law after a short stay at the Impact Arena.
Pacey was released by Rovers at the end of his first year pro-contract last summer, joining AFC Telford for the first half of the season, before moving on to Alfreton in January 2008.

May 10, 2008

Brabin gets the job

Ex-Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin has been appointed as manager at Blue Square North club Southport following a successful caretaker period in charge of the team, during which time he guided them into a play-off position. Southport offered Brabin a deal on Tuesday night, which he accepted once it was confirmed that the club will be maintaining their full-time status
The appointment is Brabin's first as manager, although he had previously been assistant manager at Welsh Premier club The New Saints.

May 10, 2008

Chester duo await decision

Two former Rovers players are amongst seven now out of contract at Chester City and are awaiting manager Simon Davies' decision as to who will be kept for next season. Kevin Sandwith and Simon Marples will find out their fate shortly, although it seems likely that Marples, who has been placed on "gardening leave" for the latter part of the season, will be released to enable a replacement to be signed.

May 10, 2008

Ross gets Scottish call-up

Ex-Rovers striker Ross McCormack has been called into the full Scotland squad for their friendly fixture against the Czech Republic in Prague on May 30th. Previously capped at under-21 level, McCormack impressed national boss George Burley when seleted, who commented: "Ross has had a good season. He has done well with Billy Stark in the Under-21s. I'm a firm believer that, if you do well with the Under-21s, you should get to move up to the senior squad. There is no doubt the boy has got ability and I'm delighted to move him up."
The call-up is the first time that the Motherwell striker has been selected at senior level.
The full squad is: Gordon (Sunderland), Marshall (Norwich); Anderson (Sunderland), Berra (Hearts), Caldwell (Celtic), Dailly (Rangers), Hutton (Tottenham), McManus (Celtic), McNaughton (Cardiff), Naysmith (Sheff Utd), Whittaker (Rangers); Fletcher (Man Utd), Hartley (Celtic), Morrison (West Brom), Rae (Cardiff), Robson (Celtic), Thomson (Rangers); Boyd (Rangers), Fletcher (Hibs), McCormack (Motherwell), McFadden (Birmingham), Maloney (Aston Villa), Miller (Derby).

May 9, 2008

Southend v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers will give late fitness tests to Paul Green and Jason Price ahead of this evening's away game at Southend United. Green picked up a slight ankle injury in training on Tuesday, and Price has been carrying a slight hamstring strain in recent matches. Both players will travel with the rest of the squad, with Sean O'Driscoll expecting they will both be fit for selection.
Adam Lockwood and Gordon Greer have trained this week, meaning O'Driscoll will have back-up for Matt Mills, Sam Hird and Graeme Lee.
Southend welcome back manager Steve Tilson to the touchline after serving a two-match ban. They also have Lee Barnard available after recovering from a calf strain, and Damian Scannel returns after recovering from an infection.
Rovers have won six of the last seven meetings between the two sides - will tonight make it seven out of eight?

May 9, 2008

Rovers raring to go

The set-back of missing out on automatic promotion doesn't seem to have adversely affected the Rovers squad, according to assistant manager Richard O'Kelly.
He said: "The players were really bright in training when they reported back today. I think the decision to give them two days off to get over the disappointment of Saturday's defeat at Cheltenham was a really good one."
"Obviously there is still some disappointment at missing out on automatic promotion, but the mood in the camp today was 'we've got a big game at Southend in three days so let's be ready for it.' Disappointment has been replaced by a determination to try and see the job through in the play-offs."

May 9, 2008

Rovers aim for clean sheet

Doncaster Rovers will be hoping to keep a clean sheet in this evening's away game at Southend United, meaning the second leg of the play-off semi-finals will give Rovers a good chance of progressing to the final.
Boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "If we can keep a clean sheet we know we will be at least level when we start the second leg at the Keepmoat in seven days time and I'd settle for that now. But really any result that leaves us in with a chance in the second leg will be acceptable and we have to treat it as one long 180-minute game."
"Obviously everyone is aware of what is at stake and we know this isn't just another game. But the principles will be the same in that we will be out to try and take control, impose ourselves and put in a good performance. How we cope with the occasion is important and absolutely paramount is what we do when we are in possession of the ball."
He added: "People say the play-offs are a lottery - and I don't disagree. But if that is the case we have to make sure we do everything we can to buy the winning ticket."

May 9, 2008

No tickets on sale today

Please remember that there will be no tickets on sale at Roots Hall for this evening's game against Southend United. Tickets were on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium until 7pm yesterday evening. Just over 800 tickets have been sold to Rovers fans - everyone else will have to settle for watching the match 'live' on Sky Sports. BBC's Radio Five Live is also covering the match this evening.

May 7, 2008

Ryan - don't give up

After taking the time to recover from the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion on Saturday, Rovers chairman John Ryan is still confident of success in the play-off games against Southend, which would give Rovers a second shot at promotion in the final at Wembley.
He said: "Luck deserted us badly today - but my dream of a Leeds United versus Doncaster Rovers final is still on. We've got Southend and we are capable of beating Southend over two legs, and we are capable of beating Leeds United at Wembley."
With a plea to the supporters to continue to believe in the side, he finished by saying: "Don't give up hope - we're still there. We can beat Southend and if we can get Leeds or Carlislein the final, we have a good chance of winning that too."

May 7, 2008

Ex-Rovers trio set for play-off final

Three former Doncaster Rovers players are set to feature in the Blue Square Premier play-off final following last night's victory by Cambridge United, who defeated Burton Albion 2-1 to win 4-3 on aggregate. Mark Albrighton, Paul Carden and Leo Fortune-West could be included in the final against Exeter City on Sunday, 18th May, with the winners winning a place back in the Football League.
Mark Albrighton has been a regular in the Cambridge side this season, Leo Fortune-West has been on loan at York City for much of the latter part of the season, but returned to play in last night's game, and Paul Carden has been on loan at the club from Accrington Stanley since November. We wish them well - will Fortune-West have another promotion to add to his collection?

May 7, 2008

Wrexham release Roberts

Ex-Rovers striker Neil Roberts is one of seven players released by relegated Wrexham. The experienced trio of Neil Roberts, Chris Llewellyn and Danny Williams have not been offered new deals by boss Brian Little as the Welsh club face their first season in the Blue Square Premier. Just two out of contract players have been offered new deals - in addition 14 were released last week - three were released, five have been transfer listed and six loan players have gone back to their parent clubs.
Roberst has scored 28 goals in 130 games for Wrexham in two spells at the club, and returned to the Racecourse two years ago from Doncaster, and has been an influential part of the struggling side this season, scoring on nine occasions.

May 7, 2008

Man of the Match

Paul Green chalked up yet another "man of the match" victory for his performance in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham Town, gaining over half of all votes cast. That means he has now won five out of the last seven votes, and now sees him neck and neck with Richie Wellens, who has been the long-time leader after some impressive performances earlier in the season.
A total of seven players received nominations on Saturday, with those receiving the most being as follows:
1 Paul Green (54.29%)
2 Richie Wellens (14.29%)
3 Matt Mills (11.43%)
4 Gareth Roberts (8.57%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next voting will open following Friday's away game at Southend United.

May 5, 2008

Coach information to Southend

The Supporters Club will be running coaches to Friday's play-off game at Southend United. Members of the Supporters Club will be in attendance at the Keepmoat Stadium today from around 10am, so you can buy your coach ticket at the same time as your match ticket.
Coach tickets will also be on sale at the Park Hotel between 7.30pm and 9.00pm Monday to Thursday.

May 5, 2008

Southend ticket prices

Ticket prices for Friday's game at Southend United have been confirmed as follows:
Adults: £22
Senior Citizens (60 and over): £15
Students & young people (17-20) (all with ID required): £14
Juniors (16 & under): £11
Ambulant/wheelchair disabled: £15 (carer free)
Family ticket (1 adult, 1 junior in family enclosure): £22 (limited supply)
Tickets go on sale today to season ticket holders, 1 ticket per season ticket book

May 5, 2008

Play-off ticket information

Tickets for the home and away legs of the play-offs will go on sale as follows:
Away leg (Friday, 9th May):
Monday/Tuesday (5/6 May): Season ticket holders (1 ticket per book) - Opening hours 9am to 6pm
Wednesday (7 May): General sale (1 per person, subject to availability) - Opening hours 9am to 6pm
Home leg (Friday, 16th May)
Thursday, Friday, Saturday (8/9/10 May): Season ticket holders (1 + 2 additional per book) - Opening hours 9am to 6pm (until 3pm Saturday)
Sunday, Monday (11/12 May): On sale to fans with 2 stubs (from Swindon & Luton) - 1 ticket per person - Opening hours 9am to 3pm Sunday, 9am to 5pm Monday
Tuesday/Wednesday (13/14 May): On sale to fans with 1 stub (from Swindon or Luton) - 1 ticket per person - Opening hours 9am to 6pm
Thursday/Friday (15/16 May): General sale (subject to availability) - utility bill required as proof of address - Opening hours 9am to 6pm (until kick-off on Friday)
Away Rover tickets will be held until 6pm on Wednesday.
Telephone orders will be accepted, although whilst tickets are only on sale to season ticket holders or stub holders, tickets cannot be posted out and must be collected from the ticket office (or on the day of the match) - they will need to be produced to collect your tickets.
The issue of season ticket renewals may be delayed during this time.

May 5, 2008

Goals review

On the final full weekend of fixtures of the season, we take a look at former Rovers players scoring goals.
Beginning in League One, we congratulate Swansea City and Nottingham Forest for their promotion to the Championship, and commiserate with Bournemouth, Gillingham, Port Vale and Luton Town for their relegation.
The only former Rovers player finding the net this weekend is Adebayo Akinfenwa, whose 3rd minute goal put them on the way to a 2-1 home victory over Tranmere Rovers.
In League Two, Jack Lester scored for Chesterfield in their 1-1 home draw with Notts County. Chesterfield finish just one place outside the play-off places, although nine points behind!
Congratulations go to Milton Keynes Dons, Peterborough United and Hereford United for their automatic promotion, with Dave Penney's Darlington qualifying for a play-off place alongside Stockport, Rochdale and Wycombe. Mansfield and Wrexham will play in the Blue Square National next season after being relegated.
In the Championship, Michael McIndoe's third goal of the season assisted Bristol City into a play-off place as they beat Preston North End 3-0, and Jonathan Forte scored for Scunthorpe United in their 3-3 draw against also relegated Colchester United. Leicester City hit the headlines for being relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history.

May 3, 2008

Cheltenham 2 Rovers 1

Doncaster Rovers saw their automatic promotion hopes dashed on the last day of the season as they slipped to defeat against a determined Cheltenham Town side who had to win to avoid the prospect of relegation to League Two. Rovers went behind midway through the first half when Steven Gillespie fired the ball home from eight yards. A much improved display after the break saw Rovers lay siege to the Cheltenham goal, which held firm until the 76th minute, when Paul Green saw his fine left-footed shot give Doncaster the equalising goal. With Cheltenham barely having a shot in the second half, Rovers had chances to go in front, with Matt Mills, Mark McCammon and Brian Stock all having chances to score the winning goal. As it was, in a rare break down field, Cheltenham won a corner, from which O'Connor's headed clearance fell to Connor, who fired home through a forest of players to give Cheltenham a dramatic lead. Despite Rovers' best attempts, the equalising goal failed to materialise, meaning that they slipped to defeat. With Nottingham Forest winning, Rovers finished the season in third place, and Forest winning the second automatic promotion place - the only time in the entire season they had been in such a lofty position.

May 3, 2008

Rovers face play-offs

Doncaster Rovers will face Southend United in the semi-finals of the League One play-offs, after finishing in third place following this afternoon's matches. The first leg will take place at Southend on Friday, 9th May, with the second leg being played at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday, 16th May. Both matches will kick-off at 7.45pm and will be broadcast 'live' on Sky Sports.

May 3, 2008

Cheltenham v Rovers

Rovers will be waiting on a late fitness test before knowing whether influential midfielder Brian Stock will play in this afternoon's crucial League One fixture. Stock was substituted with an ankle injury last Saturday, and has had an injection in the injury in a bid to recover in time.
Rovers will certainly be without Steve Roberts, Adam Lockwood and Sean McDaid, with former skipper likely to be included again.
Cheltenham will include Steven Gillespie, who was substituted as a precautionary measure after suffering from cramp, and may also be able to call upon Alex Russell (stomach) and Alan Wright (achilles), both of who have resumed training this week. However they will definitely be without long-term absentees Damian Spencer (knee), Michael Townsend (illness), Gavin Caines (knee) and John Finnigan (ankle).

May 3, 2008

Keep off the pitch

Doncaster Rovers and Gloucestershire Police have issued a warning that all supporters should stay off the pitch at the end of today's match at Whaddon Road. Whilst there may be cause for celebration for both sets of supporters, a pitch invasion will not be tolerated and anyone going onto the pitch runs the risk of receiving a banning order, meaning that they potentially would miss out on seeing any matches next season.
Should the pitch remain clear, either/both teams will come back on to the pitch to do a lap of honour so that everyone can enjoy the occasion.
Please also note that the Football League require all matches to kick-off at 3pm, whether everyone is inside the ground or not, so that all matches can finish at the same time. All supporters attending should, therefore, make sure that they arrive at the ground at least thirty minutes before the match is due to start.

May 3, 2008

Weaver considers deal

Former Rovers loan defender Simon Weaver has been offered a new contract at Boston United, although he is reported to be still thinking about the deal put to him. Five players at the club have already been offered new deals, with eight youth team players being signed up for the first team for next season. Boston are currently in the Blue Square North, after suffering a double relegation last season.

May 2, 2008

Police advice

The police are warning Doncaster Rovers supporters who do not have a ticket for tomorrow's game not to travel down to Cheltenham. Rovers have sold out their full allocation and no tickets will be on sale tomorrow. Any Rovers fans found in the home areas of the ground will be removed by stewards.
With a capacity crowd likely, all those with tickets are advised to turn up in good time to make sure they are in their places in time for the kick-off.
A Rovers victory will ensure they will play Championship football next season - whilst Cheltenham also need to win to be sure of avoiding relegation to League Two. A big day is in prospect for both sides!

May 2, 2008

Rovers team news

Rovers are still waiting to see if influential midfielder Brian Stock will be fit to play in tomorrow's final League One game of the season. He limped off during last weekend's victory over Luton Town with a foot injury and has been receiving treatment all week in a bid to be fit.
Definitely missing out tomorrow will be Sean McDaid and Steve Roberts with knee injuries, with Mark Wilson also absent as he continues to recover from a groin operation.
Apart from that, we expect the team to be similar to last weekend, with Sam Hird retaining his place in central defence after an impressive performanace against Luton, meaning that former skipper Graeme Lee will again probably have to settle for a place on the substitutes bench.
Cheltenham will wait for fitness tests on three players - Alex Russell (stomach), Steven Gillespie (cramp) and former Rovers loan left back Alan Wright (achilles). All three have returned to training, but will face a late decision as to whether they will be selected for tomorrow's key game.

May 1, 2008

Rovers promotion challenge stays on track as Leeds appeal fails

Doncater Rovers' promotion challenge remains in their own hands after Leeds United's appeal against their 15 point deduction failed this afternoon, meaning the Elland Road club stay in sixth place. All that Rovers now have to do is to win on Saturday afternoon and they will be playing in the Championship next season. Leeds United are reported to have accepted the decision and they consider that the matter is closed.