May 31, 2008

Lee released

Graeme Lee has been released by Doncaster Rovers following an injury-hit season which has seen him make only a couple of substitute appearances, as well as going out on loan to Hartlepool United and Shrewsbury Town as he battled to regain full fitness.
Lee picked up a neck injury during a freak accident in pre-season training - then after finally overcoming that problem, he injured his knee just as he had resumed full training. Graeme was recalled from a loan at Shrewsbury towards the end of the season to provide defensive cover to an injury-ravaged defence, although he only made a couple of late substitute appearances in the play-off games. The Doncaster Star report that he is interesting Rotherham United, Bradford City and Stockport County.

May 31, 2008

Bolton wander down to the Keepmoat

Doncaster Rovers confirmed yesterday that Premiership club Bolton Wanderers will travel to the Keepmoat Stadium for a friendly fixture on Friday, 1st August. The match will kick-off at 7.30pm.
It is also understood that Kevin Keegan will bring his Newcastle United side to Doncaster on the previous Saturday (26th July).

May 31, 2008

Hawkins joins Seagulls

Ex-Rovers central defender Colin Hawkins has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer after being released by Coventry City at the end of the season. The 30-year old spent the last few matches of the 2007/08 season on loan at Chesterfield, but moved to the south coast to work with boss Micky Adams for a second time - Adams was previously manager at the Ricoh Arena.
"He is a leader on the pitch," said Adams. "The influence he will have, particularly on our youngsters, will be invaluable."
Hawkins is relishing the challenge and looks forward to an injury-free season after enduring a long lay-off over the last couple of seasons due to an achilles tendon injury. Hawkins and his wife, Elaine, are expecting their first child, which is due to be born on Tuesday.

May 31, 2008

Weaver rejects Boston

Simon Weaver, who played for Doncaster Rovers on loan from Manchester City during the 1997/98 season, has turned down a new contract at Boston United. Blue Square South club Kings Lynn moved quickly to sign the experienced defender, now 30 years old, who is a long-term target for manager Keith Webb. The Doncaster-born defender has a wealth of non league experience at Nuneaton, Kidderminster, Scarborough and Tamworth. Weaver appeared 16 times for the Pilgrims last season after linking up with ex-Lynn boss Tommy Taylor in December. Weaver scored on the final day as Boston beat Hyde 2-1 to clinch a top ten finish but revealed he had to leave the cash-strapped Pilgrims for financial reasons. It turns out that Weaver coudl have joined Kings Lynn last summer, but, as Webb explained: “He's one we had a look at last summer but he got injured playing in a trial game, so as a club we had to look elsewhere. He can play a variety of positions. I think he could do a job right across the back four and even in midfield.”

May 31, 2008

Mariners check out Bayo

Grimsby Town confirmed last week that they have made an enquiry about signing Northampton Town's former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa. With striker Gary Jones set to leave Blundell Park, Grimsby are keen to sign a target man, with assistant manager Stuart Watkiss saying: "He is a player that we have certainly enquired about. The manager has spoken to his agent and we have lodged our interest but that is as far as it has gone. The manager is back from holiday today and Akinfenwa is one of several players he will make further enquiries about. He has played at a good standard and with a team that has done well over the last few years.He has had his injury problems but he has gone to Northampton and again done well. He would bring a little bit of pace and power to our front line, which at the level we play at is important."

May 30, 2008

Green leaves for Derby

Doncaster Rovers fans have been getting used to the prospect of starting next season without midfielder Paul Green - the only player still at the club who joined during the Conference days. It was announced yesterday that Green had signed for Championship club Derby County on a free transfer as Rovers could not match the terms offered by the club newly relegated from the Premiership.
Green only played occasionally in the early stages of the season, with Sean O'Driscoll opting to play Mark Wilson instead, but eventually persuaded the Rovers boss to include him in the side with a number of "Man of the Match" performances. That led to him being a regular for the second half of the season, and played a key role in the play-off games at the end of the season.
Green leaves on a free transfer as his contract is due to expire in June - and it appears that he opted to wait until the end of the season to see which league Rovers were playing in before deciding whether to accept the contract Rovers had offered. With Derby competing in the same division as Rovers, that reason clearly wasn't the only factor.
However, we thank Paul for all of his efforts whilst at Doncaster Rovers and wish him well in his future footballing career - apart from the two matches next season when Derby face the Rovers, of course! He has been a fine servant to the club and has made well over 200 appearances for the club, despite being only 25 years old.

May 30, 2008

O'Driscoll - "we proved them wrong"

Looking back on Sunday's victory at Wembley in the League One play-off final, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has said: "The players have worked hard all season and this is their reward. It will be a big financial burden in the Championship but somehow we have to manage that. We've always tried to play football and some people have said we couldn't go up doing that. I'm delighted to prove them wrong. We played good football today but we also defended very well and I'm happy for everyone." e added: " We've already started thinking about next season and we will be working hard to try and improve the squad in the summer."

May 30, 2008

Doolan leaves Rochdale

Veteran former Rovers midfielder John Doolan has left Rochdale to become player/coach at Blue Square North club Southport, where ex-Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin is manager. The 34-year old made 90 appearances for Rochdale, whose boss, Keith Hill, said: "John is a fantastic character and will be missed. He always gave 100% and provided a fantastic example to the young players in the dressing room. I cannot speak highly enough of him and I am sure he will make a real success of coaching because he is a natural."

May 30, 2008

Worley moves to Leicester

Leicester City have signed defender Harry Worley on a free transfer from Chelsea, thus extending his stay at the club as he joined them on loan in March.
The 19-year old said of the move: "Leicester is the club for me - I'm more than happy to be here. Relegation is a blow but I'm still young and enthusiastic, and determined to play my part in helping the club get back up to the Championship."
Worley played a few games for Rovers last season whilst on loan, but failed to impress and returned to Stamford Bridge after making 10 appearances for Rovers during his two month stay.

May 30, 2008

JJ on the transfer list

Ex-Rovers winger JJ Melligan has been placed on the transfer list by Leyton Orient despite still having a year left on his contract at Brisbane Road. Melligan joined the O's from Cheltenham Town last summer, with boss Martin Ling saying: "He has not really reproduced the sort of form he showed at Cheltenham, and we will just have to see what happens. It's totally dependent on the right club coming in for JJ and him wanting to go. If there's no interest, then he will be back here with us pre-season and he really holds all the cards. But he's not done the job I hoped he would this season, and this might be just the kick up the backside he needs."

May 29, 2008

Mills set to sign for Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have agreed a deal to sign defender Matt Mills on a full transfer from Premiership club Manchester City. Mills has been in superb form all season and played a key role in Sunday's play-off final win over Leeds United.
Rovers chairman John Ryan said: "Mills said he would be more than delighted to sign for Doncaster Rovers.I asked Matty on the Wembley pitch if he fancied staying with us for next season. In reality we needed to be a Championship club to sign him so we are hopeful a deal can be done."
The defender is expected to cost the club around £300,000, which would be a new club record for a transfer fee paid.

May 29, 2008

Rovers duo have operations

Two of the Rovers side that took part in Sunday's game against Leeds United had operations on ongoing injuries on Wednesday to ensure that they will be fully fit for the new season.
Jason Price had surgery on an ankle injury suffered in the away game against Tranmere Rovers in March. He missed around a month after that game as he recovered, but has continued to suffer problems with the joint for the rest of the season.
Adam Lockwood, who made a return to playing for the first time since suffering a foot injury against Leeds United in April, became the latest of a number of Rovers players to have a hernia operation.
Two more Rovers players are also booked in to have hernia operations over the next few days. Mark Wilson, who was on course to regain full fitness after overcoming a groin injury, suffered a set-back in the week between the two Southend games. Rovers physio John Dickens said: "We had to treat the groin problem first but there was always the possibility that Mark would need a hernia operation."
Midfielder Richie Wellens is due to see a specialist today about his double hernia, which has limited his performance in recent games.

May 29, 2008

Rovers pair offered new contracts

John Ryan has confirmed that midfielder Paul Green has been offered a new contract to stay at Doncaster Rovers, with his current deal due to expire next month. The 25-year old is Rovers' longest-serving player, and is the only player who was at the club in the Conference to be still at the club.
Ryan said: "We made a very substantial offer to Paul Green and we sincerely hope he will accept it."
Green told the Yorkshire Post: "To reach the Championship with Rovers is just unbelievable. I have come up through every league and I don't see any reason why I I can't jump up another league with the club and do the job next season. "That is where I want to play, in the big games against teams like Wolves, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday."
The Rovers chairman has also confirmed that Rovers want the Afro Goal Machine to stay at the club, saying: "Jason is a great player and he'll be staying with us for sure, he is our talisman.When he's playing we're playing. We love him in the boardroom, the supporters love him and I hope he will stay for a quite a few years yet."
Price has confirmed that he would like to stay at Rovers, commenting: "My contract is up but obviously Doncaster is the place for me at the moment."

May 29, 2008

O'Driscoll in contract talks

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll is set to be rewarded with a new contract after leading Rovers to promotion as Rovers plan for a future in the Championship. With the manager's future at the club confirmed, he will now be deciding on the future of a number of out of contract players, including striker Mark McCammon and defender Sam Hird.

May 29, 2008

Charlton - buy your season ticket as Rovers are coming!

Doncaster Rovers received the accolade of being used as a selling point for Charlton Athletic's season ticket campaign following their promotion to the Championship. They are clearly looking forward to Rovers visiting The Valley with their web site headline - "Book your seat for Doncaster date" - going on to say "Charlton will renew acquaintance with Doncaster Rovers for the first time in 50 years after the Yorkshire club was promoted to the Championship on Saturday - and season-ticket holders still have time to secure their usual seat at The Valley for 2008/09."

May 28, 2008

Kevin turns down Chester

Former Doncaster Rovers central defender Kevin Sandwith has left Chester City after turning down a new 12-month deal at the Deva Stadium. The new contract would have seen Sandwith as a squad member rather than a first team player, something with the player was unwilling to accept. He has made 59 appearances and scored three goals for Chester over the last two seasons.

May 28, 2008

Queues continue for season tickets

Queues for season tickets were seen again at the Keepmoat Stadium today as demand to see Rovers in the Championship next season continued - following on from a constant queue of 40 to 50 outside the ticket office yesterday. Season ticket holders have their seats reserved until 13th June, with prices being confirmed as rising after that date. Please remember that you can fill in an application form and hand it in at Main Stand Reception, which will mean that you won't have to queue - and then you can pick up your season ticket in a couple of days time.
New applications for season tickets are being accepted, but they will not be offered seats which are currently taken by season ticket holders.
If you would like to download the season ticket application form, please click on the logo to the left.

May 28, 2008

Stock called up for Wales again

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has been included in the Welsh squad for their friendly fixtures against Iceland and Holland, but will miss out on this evenings' game against Iceland in Reykjavik due to a back injury picked up in Sunday's game against Leeds United. There is no news as to whether he will be fit to play against Holland in Rotterdam.
This is the second time this season that Brian has been called up by Wales - he was an unused substitute for their game against Luxembourg in March.

May 28, 2008

Nelly offered new terms

Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe, who is out of contract this summer, has been offered a new deal by Rovers, according to reports from the Darlington press. Despite the new offer, it has been reported that he may turn his back on Rovers in the search of first team football with Dave Penney's Darlington, as he is well aware that it will be tough to break into the Rovers first team at Championship level, with some high-calibre players already ahead of him in the pecking order.
He said: “I’ve been offered a deal at Doncaster, but want to play first-team football. I will see whether Darlington offer me anything. If they do I would like to come. I’ve enjoyed being at Darlington, and it was a great opportunity to play in such big games. I have played in a couple of nerve-wracking matches, especially at Rochdale."

May 28, 2008

Keeper wins "Man of the Match" vote

Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan was the winner of the "Man of the Match" vote, which (unsurprisingly) attracted somewhere around twice the number of votes seen for any match so far this season. James O'Connor, who was named as "man of the match" at Wembley Stadium, was voted into second place by Rovers supporters.
A total of eleven players received nominations, with the players receiving most votes being:
1 Neil Sullivan (35.67%)
2 James O'Connor (26.90%)
3 James Hayter (14.62%)
Thanks to everyone who has voted all the way through the season. We will be calculating the totals for the season over the next few days and will let you know who has amassed the most votes since last August, to be named as your "Player of the Season".

May 28, 2008

Bayo in talks with Orient

Ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa may finally get his chance to play for a London club after he admitted that he has been in talks with Leyton Orient. The 26-year old is out of contract, with his Northampton Town contract expiring at the end of the season, although Cobblers boss Stuart Gray has offered him a new contract which could last for as long as two years.
Akinfenwa said: Of course I'm very grateful for the opportunity Stuart Gray gave me last season so I will be talking with him and the chairman again. But on the other hand I'm a London boy and there is a chance to come home if I join Orient."
He continued: "I have spoken to Martin Ling and he has told me he wants me to be a member of his squad, although I've also had talks with Northampton. I had a good end to the season there, so it is a case of weighing up things and talking with my family and working out what is best.

May 28, 2008

Defeat "hard to take" - McIndoe

Ex-Rovers winger Michael McIndoe has admitted that he is finding a second successive play-off disappointment hard to take - he was part of Bristol City's side that lost to Hull City on Saturday, and also part of Wolves' side that lost to local rivals West Bromwich Albion in the semi-finals of the play-offs last season. He said: "In many ways it is harder to take this season because I have come so much closer [than Wolves] than last year. But I hate to say it but goals win matches. We never scored today which was frustrating because I felt we were the better side and I wanted the better to side to go through. They sat back and soaked up pressure never committed men forward. We did and if we had nicked a chance in the second half it would have been a different outcome I think. I'm devastated, gutted, tired...all the words you could use but we'll get our heads down and chat this week and pull things round."

May 27, 2008

Retford Branch Dinner Dance

The Retford branch of the Supporters Club are holding their annual dinner/dance at the Elms Hotel in Retford on Friday evening. There will be a four-course meal and chairman John Ryan will be in attendance, with the hope that some players will also be there. The cost is £18, which includes coach travel to and from Doncaster. About a hundred have already booked - if you want to go, please let Paul Mayfield know by Wednesday evening at the latest - phone him on 077404 53066 for more information, or to book.

May 27, 2008

Coming soon to the Keepmoat Stadium....

May 27, 2008

Ryan hails O'Driscoll

The Rovers chairman, John Ryan, has dubbed manager Sean O'Driscoll as "the Arsene Wenger of League One" following the club's promotion to the Championship at the weekend.
Ryan commented: "It is an incredible achievement and it just shows you what you can do in football. Sean has done a fantastic job. He is understated and doesn't like the limelight but I call him the Arsene Wenger of League One."
He added: "He'll have to be the Sean O'Driscoll of the Championship now though."
"Five years ago we were in non-league football and Leeds were playing in the Premier League. David beat Goliath here and I think quite deservedly too," Ryan added. "I can't imagine another team has gone from the Conference to the Championship as quickly as we have."

May 27, 2008

O'Driscoll - "''We almost didn't need to turn up"

Looking back at Sunday's success against Leeds United, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll told The Times: ''Leeds played their part. But we were organised and disciplined. Everyone knows we can play football. People usually come out to stop us play. But we always have a chance to score. We've got goals from all over the pitch. Managers come and go. This is for the supporters."
''We almost didn't need to turn up today. On the television, everywhere, it's been Leeds, Leeds, Leeds. And they've got to handle that pressure ... But I feel for them. I do.''

May 27, 2008

O'Kelly pays tribute to skipper Stock

Rovers' assistant manger Richard O'Kelly has paid tribute to Brian Stock, who was appointed as Rovers captain following Adam Lockwood's foot injury against Leeds United at the Keepmoat Stadium, which kept Lockwood out of action for the rest of the League campaign, although he did make a second half substitute appearance at Wembley.
Paying tribute to Stock, O'Kelly said: "Brian has settled into the role really well. He is an intelligent boy. He's very dedicated and meticulous in how he prepares himself for games so it is not a surprise that he has settled into the captaincy.
"Sometimes the captaincy can have an adverse effect on a player's individual performance and that is something that you have got to take into account when you appoint someone to lead the side. But I think it inspires Brian and he relishes the job of being captain.

May 27, 2008

Leo released

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West has been released by Cambridge United following their defeat in the Conference play-off final at the hands of Exeter City. Leo played the latter part of the season on loan at York City, but returned to the Abbey Stadium to play a part in all of the play-off matches. He becomes one of five players released by Cambridge as they strive to reduce the average age of their team for next season. The experienced striker has now played for 13 different clubs - York City, Cambridge United, Shrewsbury Town, Torquay United, Rushden & Diamonds, Doncaster Rovers, Cardiff City, Rotherham United, Brentford, Lincoln City, Leyton Orient, Gillingham and Stevenage Borough.

May 25, 2008

Rovers 1 Leeds 0

Doncaster Rovers defeated Leeds United this afternoon at Wembley Stadium, meaning that they will play Championship football next season. The result realises the dream of chairman John Ryan, who pledged to bring second-tier football back to Doncaster when he took over the club just under ten years ago. This season's success comes exactly five years after Rovers beat Dagenham in the Conference play-off final to win a place back in the Football League - and exactly ten years since the infamous relegation out of the Football League under the Dinard/Richardson regime.
Rovers started the match off well, but Leeds came back into the game for the second part of the first half. Rovers had a superb start to the second half though, with James Hayter heading Rovers in front - and try as they might, Leeds just could not find a way through. Leeds seemed to rely on James Beckford to score their goals, and Rovers kept him fairly quiet all afernoon, and Neil Sullivan was never really tested throughout the match.

May 26, 2008

Today's victory parade details

Radio Sheffield have revealed full details of planned celebrations for Doncaster Rovers following their promotion to the Championship yesterday.
South Yorkshire Police have stopped the parade going through Doncaster town centre, apparently due to safey concerns. This means that Rovers will leave the Keepmoat Stadium on an open topped bus parade at 3.15pm, taking a route up White Rose Way, then to Waterdale (where they hope most of the fans will congregate), heading down Bennetthorpe and round by the Lakeside to return to the Keepmoat Stadium at about 4pm.
There will be a civic reception held at the Mansion House at 6pm - but it is unconfirmed as to whether there will be a balcony parade due to public safety concerns by the police. As they have stopped the parade through the town centre earlier in the day, it is highly unlikely that there will be a public appearance by the squad at the Mansion House. We will update details as they become available.

May 26, 2008

Mayor holds reception

May 26, 2008

O'Driscoll praises players

Rovers maanger Sean O'Driscoll was quick to praise his players following yesterday's victory against Leeds United at Wembley. The win means that Rovers will play in the second tier of English football after a fifty year break.
The Rovers boss said: "We were organised and disciplined. Everybody knows we can play football and everybody comes out to try and stop us playing, but we've added something else to our game. We were hard to beat today. We were really organised and disciplined. We're always going to score. We've got goals from all over the park all season, so we've always got a chance to score a goal if we're organised."
"I'm pleased for everybody. We finished as the next team that's going to be promoted and we have come out on top against two difficult teams. We've worked really hard today and Leeds played their part. One goal settled it yesterday and one goal settled it today. All credit to Leeds. They had a 15-point deduction and then to come this close, you can feel for them."

May 26, 2008

Hayter - "I'm delighted for him"

James Hayter was singled out for praise by his manager following his winning goal in the play-off final yesterday.
O'Driscoll said after the game: "I'm blessed with forwards. I had three on the bench. James had a hernia operation and the fellow that came in did really well. It's just one of those things in football, but his attitude has been first class. He works extremely hard in training, doesn't moan, he just gets on with it and you can play him anywhere. He has that football knowledge and takes responsibility, so I'm delighted for him."
Hayter also had a great afternoon, commenting: "I thought we were magnificent. I was just going out there to enjoy it, really. I'm just delighted to be playing and I just gave it my all and luckily it turned out I got the winner. It's just unbelievable."

May 26, 2008

Boss looks forward

After reflecting on the achievement of his Rovers side yesterday, work will soon begin on planning for next season, with only a four week break for the players before they have to report back for pre-season training.
Manager Sean O'Driscoll said: "You can't stand still. As soon as the game ends you're thinking 'now I've got to try and improve the squad within the budget'."
"We'll reflect on what we did well and what we can improve on because we go into a difficult division next season."

May 26, 2008

McAllister dejection

Leeds manager Gary McAllister thinkis his players deserve recognition for overcoming their 15 point deduction to reach the play-off finals, saying: "It goes without saying how disappointed we are But what I'm trying to impress on the guys in the dressing room is that myself and the coaching staff are very proud of them. Each individual should be proud of what they have done. To start the campaign with such a hefty handicap and get right to the final play-off match, they deserve to be applauded. They've continually picked themselves up and got on with it."
"It's simple. That group of players won 27 games, gained 91 points and barring the handicap would have been promoted. We'll go away this summer and regroup. There will be a hardcore of those guys back at Elland Road. It's going to be busy for the chairman and myself trying to recruit people that can make us better."

May 25, 2008

O'Driscoll - aiming to lead Rovers to victory

A win for Rovers today will see the club reach the second tier of English football for the first time since 1957 and complete a remarkable turnaround for a club that was in the Conference just five years ago. It will also be a personal triumph for Sean O'Driscoll, who was under pressure earlier this season after Rovers opened up with some disappointing results.
"We know what we're trying to do - improve the football club. We're trying to become a Championship club, whether this season or next and stand on our own two feet. The ambitions were here before I even came. I just think how to get there had never been on the agenda. When you asked about the structure and what the plan was people looked at you as if you were speaking another language. So we've had to put in place a way of doing things and that's been a fight, because every time you lose a game people tell you that you should be doing something different. We've had to drag people kicking and screaming along with us and we've stuck to our beliefs."

May 25, 2008

McAllister - a two-time loser at Wembley - will it be three today?

Leeds United manager Gary McAllister is hoping that his losing record at Wembley ends today when his Leeds United side face Doncaster Rovers, with the winners being promoted to the Championship. McAllister has lost at Wembley as a player with both Leeds and Scotland in 1996, and accepts that Rovers will be a tough test for his players.
"I think it will be tight and close. It's set up for a good game because these are two decent sides. We're going in against a side who are in good form. It might come down to the team who plays the best on the day and takes away their nerves.
"But there are no thoughts of negativity and the biggest satisfaction for me would be for this group of players to get the accolades and the praise. I keep reiterating that because it is about the players. I don't want to give away anything that I'll be saying in the changing room beforehand. That's a very private time between the players, the coaches and me."

May 25, 2008

Lee hopes for Wembley place

Late last season, Rovers skipper Graeme Lee scored the winning goal in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final in Cardiff, but this year he will have to settle for a place on the bench after missing much of this season due to injury.
Lee said: "I have played in the losing play-off semi-finals and missed out on playing at Wembley. I'd love to get on but to even be part of the squad would be great.
"I think that it is going to be a very hard game," he said. "It is a one-off game and there is a big prize at the end of it for the winners. Neither club has bad-mouthed the other in the build-up, which has been good. Both teams have had brilliant seasons and both teams seem to respect each other. To say that Leeds had 15 points docked they've done very well. Without the deduction they would have gone up automatically so we know that they are a very strong team. But with all the good performances that we have put in over the season we know we are capable of beating anyone in this league. If we are on the top of our game on the day we know that it will take a good side to beat us. We have the ability to adapt our game to cope with whatever Leeds throw at us.
"I think the lads have learnt their lesson from that game and they have been a little bit more relaxed. They have tried as much as they can to treat it like a normal game. It would mean everything were we to be promoted to the Championship."

May 24, 2008

O'Driscoll confident

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll believes that his players can secure Championship football tomorrow afternoon at Wembley, but knows that they will have to be at their best to do so. Despite the impressive performance last Friday when Rovers demolished Southend 5-1, he said: "I don't think it will have any bearing. I think Sunday is a one-off game. It is a final and it is an occasion and whoever handles the occasion best on the day usually comes out victorious."
Both league games between Rovers and Leeds have been close, decided by just one goal, but O'Driscoll thinks there are likely to be more goals tomorrow. He said: "I've got a sneaking feeling that there will be a few goals in it. It's a big pitch and I think that there will a lot of tired legs out there in the last half-hour and I think that there will probably be a few chances."
Rovers have tried to prepare for the match as they have for every other match this season as they try to keep the nerves under control and make sure the occasion doesn't overawe the players.
"We are there to do a job of work and, although we'll take the situation as much into consideration as we can, at the end of the day we want to win the game. I am not one of those people who tell the players to go out and enjoy the big occasion because you'll never enjoy a game like this unless you win it and in order to do that you've got to do certain things. My final words of wisdom before the players go out on Sunday will be the things that we've said week in, week out all season."

May 24, 2008

Rovers are prepared

Doncaster Rovers have prepared for tomorrow's play-off final by altering the size of their training pitch to exactly the size of the Wembley pitch to make sure that the players can easily adapt for the big match.
It is typical of the level of detail that goes into the Rovers preparation to give them the best chance of winning promotion - although the weather forecast suggests it may be a damp afternoon - although that probably makes it better for the players.

May 24, 2008

McAllister - win would be great achievement

Leeds United manager Gary McAllister believes that if his side can win tomorrow's game at Wembley it would rate with the club's greatest achievements after overcoming a 15 point deduction.
"We are 90 minutes away from what I believe would be a fantastic achievement by this group of players," McAllister told BBC Radio Leeds.
"The players have worked hard to buy into anything we have tried to get across to them. The work rate and enthusiasm is something I knew was already here and I haven't been let down by that. The players have realised over this season what the ambition of the club is. It comes with the territory, if you want to be a player at Leeds this is part of it."
"The major piece of advice I'll be passing on to the players is to not let the occasion pass you by, because it does go by quick. We have worked very hard to get to this week. So as much as we have to enjoy it we have to realise Wembley is a place of work. I'm proud of taking the team to Wembley, but the proudest moment will be if we get the right result."

May 24, 2008

Coca Cola give out megaphones

League sponsors Coca Cola are giving out one-off branded megaphones to everyone going to tomorrow's game at Wembley Stadium. The megaphones will be in club colours and will be given out on Wembley Way and in the stadium before the kick-off, and are aimed at giving both sets of fans the chance to make as much noise as possible as they try to back their team all the way to promotion.
Rovers skipper Brian Stock said: "This is the first time any of us have played at Wembley, and probably the biggest game most of us have been involved in, so we'll need the fans to get behind us and make the difference. Our fans have been amazing all season and we'll be desperate to win the game and secure promotion for them."

May 24, 2008

Rovers pubs in London

A number of pubs in the Wembley Stadium area have been designated as Rovers-only pubs - please note that no other pubs in the area will admit Rovers supporters.
Those welcoming Doncaster Rovers supporters are:
Greyhound, 324 Harrow Road - Barretts Freehouse, 535 High Road (11am)- JJ Moons, 397 High Road (9am) - Thirsty Eddie's, 412 High Road - Regal Club, 610-612 High Road - Innisfree Freehouse, 30-32 Harrow Road - Mannions Freehouse, 313 Harrow Road (12 noon)- The Bear, 397a High Road.
All pubs will open at 10am unless indicated otherwise.

May 24, 2008

Rovers v Leeds team news

Doncaster Rovers have no new injury worries ahead of tomorrow's game, with Richie Wellens and Gareth Roberts, who were substituted as a precaution of last week's game against Southend, have both trained normally all week and will be included in the squad. Sean O'Driscoll has hinted that he is unlikely to make too many changes tomorrow, and we expect that Rovers will select the same 16 players that played so well against Southend at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Leeds United also have a full strength squad to select from, with Jermaine Beckford having recovered from an ankle injury, and defender Alan Sheehan having completed a suspension.

May 23, 2008

Wembley tickets

As far as we are aware, over the counter sales of tickets for the play-off final are still suspended, but supporters can still complete application forms or order them over the phone. For obvious reasons, everyone will need to pick their tickets up from the stadium. Tickets will remain on sale until 4pm today - no opening times have been advertised for tomorrow.
Counter sales had to be suspended yesterday when over 100 Leeds supporters and ticket touts gathered outside the ground, hoping to buy tickets, after the Leeds United allocation had been sold out in full on Wednesday. Under Football League instruction, tickets will only be sold to people already on the Rovers database.

May 23, 2008

Season ticket deadline extended

Following requests from supporters, Doncaster Rovers have today confirmed that the date for season ticket renewals has been extended until Friday, 13th June. The sale of season tickets has been suspended for the last week to allow for the sale of tickets for Sunday's play-off final match.
Season ticket prices that apply until 13th June are:

	Adults	Concessions	12-16's	U11's
Category A	£420.00	£305.00	£60.00	£30.00
Category B	£360.00	£250.00	£60.00	£30.00
Category C	£280.00	£150.00	£60.00	£30.00

A copy of the season ticket application form can be obtained by clicking on the logo to the left.

May 23, 2008

Brewers wait on McGrath's decision

Burton Albion are waiting to see if former Rovers midfielder John McGrath will accept the new deal that has been offered, but are aware that he is wanted by three rival clubs.
Two of the offers are understood to be from clubs in the south, which would mean McGrath would have to move from his Doncaster home.
Burton boss Nigel Clough is keen to keep John, a fans' favourite, especially after news came out last week that striker Daryl Clare had signed for Rushden & Diamonds, with other clubs attempting to cherry-pick players from his squad, that finished in a club-record fifth place in the Blue Square Premier this season.
Clough said: "We're doing everything we can to keep John at the club and we're hoping he'll show us some loyalty. We've reminded him that twelve months ago his phone didn't ring apart from us contacting him. He might have ended up staying at Tamworth and playing his football in Blue Square North instead of getting to the play-offs with us."
The 28-year old made 61 appearances for the club in the season just ended, which is the most by any player at the club, scoring nine goals. His contribution was recognised by the suppoters, who named him as the "Player of the Year".

May 23, 2008

Hawkins in demand

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Colin Hawkins, who was released by Coventry City at the end of the season, will not be moving back to Ireland, despite the attentions of Cork City. It is understood that he would prefer to stay in the English game, with Huddersfield Town, Borunemouth and Northampton reported to be interested in obtaining his services, along with Scottish club Kilmarnock.

May 23, 2008

Bayo urged to make decision

The much-travelled former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is being urged to make his mind up on whether to accept a new contract on offer by Northampton Town for next season. The Cobblers have just three out of contract players who have yet to accept new deals, with Andy Holt and Ryan Gilligan being the other two still thinking over their contract offers.
Akinfenwa is also reported to be interesting Leyton Orient, so despite his rather dodgy sense of direction, he may yet make it to London!
Northampton boss Stuart Gray said: "I have made a contract offer to Bayo and obviously the medical team need to still look at him. He needs to have the steel rod taken out of his leg and once that has been done I am confident I can get him fitter. Bayo is one of many players I've got here, along with Giles Coke, Gabor Gyepes and Chris Doig, who have not had a full pre-season and fingers crossed we can get him under contract and get him through a good pre-season. He was offered terms over the weekend and now the ball is in the player's court."

May 22, 2008

Ticket office sales halted

Doncaster Rovers have announced that the sale of tickets at the Keepmoat Stadium for Sunday's play-off final agianst Leeds United have been suspended. This decision has been taken due to a large number of Leeds United supporters and ticket touts who have started to turn up at the stadium following the Leeds United allocation selling out at Elland Road yesterday.
However, email, telephone and fax orders will continue to be taken, although the stipulation that applicants must be on the Rovers database continues to be in place.
To order tickets, please phone the ticket office on 01302 762576 or download an order form from http://www.doncasterroversfc.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/46/ef/0,,10329~126790,00.pdf

May 22, 2008

Ticket update

Due to restrictions imposed by the Football League and South Yorkshire Police, the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office will only be selling Wembley tickets to people who are already on their database. Rovers have now sold over 20,000 tickets for Sunday's play-off final game against Leeds United, with queues being experienced all week.
The ticket office is open between 9am and 6pm today, and between 9am to 4pm tomorrow. Tickets can be ordered on-line or by phone, but all tickets must be collected from the Keepmoat Stadium.
Leeds United confirmed yesterday that they have sold all of their allocation of tickets, with no more being available, with huge queues turning up at Elland Road yesterday for the remaining stock of tickets.

May 22, 2008

Setanta Sports look for Rovers fans

Setanta Sports are looking for Doncaster Rovers fans to appear on their Sports News show along with a Leeds supporter between 10am and 11am on Sunday morning. If you will be in London early enough - maybe live in London or are staying in London the night before - they would like to hear from you. Their studios are at 200 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8XZ - please contact Alex Bake on 020 7430 4105 or by email to alex.bake@itn.co.uk. You will need to be at their studios by 9.45am.

May 22, 2008

McCormack's farewell?

Former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack may be about to make his final appearance for Motherwell this evening when Well visit Hibernian for the final game of the SPL season. McCormack is out of contract at the end of the season, although he will attract a fee, which ever club he signs for, due to the Bosman ruling on transfers.
He has not ruled out staying at Mark McGhee's side, who have qualified for UEFA Cup football next season, and keeps saying that he is keeping his options open and will decide on his future once the season has ended.
He said: "I haven't planned to say goodbye to the fans simply because I could be back next season. What I am sure of though is Motherwell have been a great club for me and Mark McGhee and Scott Leitch saved my career."
"But it's probable I am moving south so chances are this will be my farewell."
Premiership club Wigan Athletic appear to be favourites to sign the former Rangers player in the summer, although Middlesbrough were also strongly connected with the player during the January transfer window.

May 22, 2008

Andy signs on for more

Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington has signed a one year extension to his contract at Rotherham United. Warrington, who signed for the Millers last summer after leaving Bury, kept 13 clean sheets this season and won their "Player of the Season" award.

May 22, 2008

Forte gets call-up

Jonathan Forte, who spent all of last season on loan at Rovers, has been called up by Barbados for their friendly matches against Bermuda in June. Forte impressed on his debut for Barbados in March and has been rewarded with a place in the squad for the matches that will take place on June 6th and 9th. Jonathan has also been selected for two World Cup qualifying matches against the USA later in the month.

May 21, 2008

Sean - Leeds are favourites

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll concedes that Leeds United will be favourites to win Sunday's League One play-off final, but considers that his Rovers side have a good chance of finishing victorious at Wembley.
He said: "The job is still half-done and now we have to try and finish it against a very good Leeds team. It depends on what Leeds do about being favourites. I don't think Gary McAllister will be putting that message to his players. We'll both be prepared and we've both got one foot in the door of the Championship. But only one of us is going through and we have to do our best to make sure it's us."

May 21, 2008

Rovers - business as usual

Despite facing their biggest game in fifty years, the Rovers management were trying to keep calm ahead of Sunday's big match, keeping to as normal a routine as possible.
Assistant manager Richard O'Kelly commented: "In terms of build-up we will be treating it as much like a normal week as possible as we possibly can. Obviously everybody is up for the game and I'm sure the players will have had family and friends on to them asking for tickets and it is easy to become distracted by all that is going on around you ahead of big games."
"But it is the job of boss Sean O'Driscoll and myself ,and the rest of the coaching team, to keep the players focused because at the end of the day we've got to go there and win a game of football. But the players are professional and they understand what they have to do and I am sure they will do what is required."
He continued: "We respect Leeds very much and we know what they are capable of. I watched their two semi-final games against Carlisle and I thought they deserved to go through over the two legs. I thought Carlisle were by far the better side in the first leg at Elland Road, but Leeds drastically raised their performance level in the second leg at Brunton Park and you have to be impressed by that because they learned from their mistakes in the first leg and put things right."
"As I say, we respect Leeds - not least for having got into the play-offs after having 15 points deducted."
"But after playing us twice, and having watched us on Friday against Southend, I am sure they will be also wary of us. We beat them at Elland Road and we were unlucky not to get a result in the return at home. I have watched the match DVD as part of doing our homework on them and was struck by the number of similarities between that game and the Southend game. We created a lot of chances on the night but we didn't take them."

May 21, 2008

Bates - "quietly cocky"

Leeds chairman Ken Bates seems to think that all Leeds United have to do on Sunday is to turn up and they'll be promoted to the Championship.
He has been quoted as saying: "I wouldn't want to sound over-confident, but in my own way I'm quietly cocky. I'd expect it to be a very difficult game, but we're going into it on the back of a classy performance at Carlisle. I've got a lot of faith in Gary McAllister and his squad."
"I've said before that I'm immensely proud of these players, not just for reaching the play-off final but for the way they approached this season and the way they've fought back from an unjust 15-point deduction. They've been tremendous."
"We're younger and fresher...we also deserve to be promoted after the season we've had, and I think the players know that. We'll see on Sunday what I have to say to the players afterwards but they've already earned an awful lot of credit for what they've done."
However, after out-playing Leeds in both of the league matches this season, Rovers are also in confident mood, especially after last Friday's 5-1 trouncing of Southend United.

May 21, 2008

Tickets still on sale

Tickets for Sunday's play-off final continue to be on general sale from the Keepmoat Stadium today, limited to four tickets per person. Please note that duplicates will not be issued and ticekts are non-refundable. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult - a Wembley Stadium and Football League instruction - and no more than two children's tickets can be bought per adult ticket. A utility bill must be provided for those buying on general sale.
Ticket prices are £60, £50, £40 and £30, with half price for concessions (U16s and Over 60s). There are also "Club Wembley" tickets available at £84, but no concessions are available in this category.
The latest estimate is that around 19,000 tickets have been sold to Rovers fans so far.

May 21, 2008

Mulligan released

Port Vale, who were relegated to League Two this summer, have announced their retained list, offering new contracts to five players. Former Rovers defender David Mulligan, who joined Vale in January on a free transfer from Scunthorpe United, is one of seven players who were not offered new deals by the club.

May 21, 2008

Wheater receives two awards

Former Rovers loan defender David Wheater won two awards at the Middlesbrough FC Official Supporters Club awards a couple of weeks ago. Wheater, whose season was capped by being named as England Under-21 captain for their match last week, won the "Young Player of the Year" award, along iwth the "Community Player of the Year" award in recognition of the amount of time he has spent attending events on behalf of the Teeside club this season.
Wheater said in his acceptance speech: “I’m very proud. It’s the fans that we play for so this award is greatly appreciated. This season has exceeded all my expectations. I thought I might have to go out on loan to get games but we had a few injuries and I was give the chance to prove myself with Boro.”

May 20, 2008

Supporters Club coaches full

The Rovers Supporters Club have announced that they have filled all of their coaches, and so are unable to accept any further bookings. This also means that there will be no coach bookings taken in the Park Hotel for the advertised evening sessions this week. Exceptional demand means they have filled over 60 coaches since boookings started on Saturday morning.

May 20, 2008

Play-off final match officials

The match officials for Sunday's play-off final have been announced:
Referee: Andy D’Urso (Essex)
Assistant Referees: John Pearce (Norfolk) Billy Smallwood (Cheshire)
Fourth Official: Paul Armstrong (Berkshire)

May 20, 2008

Rovers duo to be fit for Sunday

Rovers expect Ritchie Wellens and Gareth Roberts to be fit for Sunday's play-off final against Leeds United, despite being substituted in Friday's game against Southend. Both substitutions were made as a precaution, with Sean O'Driscoll saying: "Gareth felt his hamstring and we were mindful of doing any more damage and Ritchie's got an ongoing hernia problem and it was sensible to bring him off."

May 20, 2008

Coppinger wins voting

Perhaps rather unsurprisingly, James Coppinger won the "Man of the Match" voting for his performance in Friday's home game against Southend United. The hat-trick hero received fractionally over four out of every five votes cast - even after discounting some rather blatant attempts at multiple voting! With eight players receiving nominations, those receiving most votes were as follows:
1 James Coppinger (80/76%)
2 Paul Green (6.92%)
3 Brian Stock (4.62%)
Many thanks go to those who contributed to the highest level of voting experienced this season. The final "Man of the Match" voting will open late on Sunday evening following the play-off final at Wembley against Leeds United.

May 20, 2008

Blundell has foot op

Darlington's former Rovers striker Gregg Blundell has had an operation on an injured foot, which has kept him out of the latter part of the season. Blundell picked up the injury in training at the end of March, but by having the injury now, it is hoped that he will be fit enough to join in with pre-season training when the Darlington squad meet up at the beginning of July. The operation involved complex work on ligament, cartilage and bone, with Blundell saying: “I have four pieces of rope inserted in the joint. They used to pin it after operations like this, but use rope now because it allows for more movement in the joint, while still supporting and protecting it.”

May 20, 2008

Sandwith turns down offer

Chester City's former Doncaster Rovers defender Kevin Sandwith has left the club after turning down a new twelve-month contract at the Deva Stadium. Sandwith was offered the new deal last week, but was only being included as a squad player, which he eventually decided to decline.
Sandwith therefore joins former Rovers defender Simon Marples in leaving Chester City this summer.

May 19, 2008

Coach travel to Wembley

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Wembley on Sunday - tickets will be on sale from the ticket office at the Keepmoat Stadium during opening hours, and also at the Park Hotel between 6pm and 9pm from today until Thursday.
Coaches will leave the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday at 8.30am prompt and will not wait for late arrivals.
Tickets are £25 for adults and £23 for under-16's.
Please note that under-16's must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No alcohol will be allowed on the coaches.

May 19, 2008

Long queues this morning

It looks like there will be long queues again this morning, with the queue reaching round to the East Stand by 8am. Please be patient in your wait - hopefully the queue will not stay that long all day!
Please remember that you cannot choose an exact seat - you will be asked to select a price band/block. This will help the operators in the ticket office serve supporters as quickly as possible, which will hopefully keep the queues as short as possible.
However, today is the first day of tickets going on general sale, so a lot of people are likely to be there.
Ticket office opening hours for the rest of the week are:
Monday - 9am to 4pm
Tuesday - 9am to 6pm
Wednesday - 9am to 4pm
Thursday - 9am to 6pm
Friday - 9am to 4pm
There is a limit of four tickets per person. Please note that concessionary tickets are availble to under-16s and over 60s.
To avoid a long wait, please consider booking on-line, over the phone or by filling in an application form and picking up the tickets later in the week.
You can book on-line by clicking on the logo to the left.
The ticket office phone number is 01302 762576 - although please be patient as lines are anticipated to be busy and you may have to wait for your call to be answered.
You can downloand the application form, which can then be faxed/emailed to the club from /www.doncasterroversfc.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/46/ef/0,,10329~126790,00.pdf

May 19, 2008

Tilson backs Rovers

Southend boss Steve Tilson is backing Doncaster Rovers for Wembley glory after seeing them destroy his Southend side in the second leg of the play-off semi-final on Friday evening. He said: "They showed why I think they are the best footballing side in this division. I would love to see them now go on and get into the Championship."

May 19, 2008

Penney positive after disappointment

Former Rovers manager Dave Penney remained positive after Darlington's play-off semi-final defeat at Rochdale on Saturday. The Quakers went out 5-4 on penalties after the two sides remained locked at 3-3 after two legs and extra time. Penney's side were badly affected by injuries, particularly during the second half of the season, which saw their automatic promotion challenge falter.
Penney said: "That's life. It's a fine line and they were better than us just because they scored more penalties than us. We've had a good season and we just couldn't finish it off. We put ourselves to be in a position to challenge the top three. Obviously, with the injuries and other things, we couldn't quite get there."
Darlington lost Saturday's match 2-1, with ex-Rover Ricky Ravenhill appearing to have the last touch as he tried to keep a Chris Dagnall shot from going into the Darlington net. Another player with Rovers connections, Ben Muirhead, scored what proved to be the winning penalty for Rochdale in the penalty shoot-out. Rochdale also included ex-Rover John Doolan in their side.

May 19, 2008

Exeter win promotion

Congratulations to Exeter City, who won promotion back to the Football League yesterday afternoon by winning the play-off final 1-0 against Cambridge United, with Rob Edwards scoring the only goal of the game after 21 minutes.
Cambridge included a trio of former Rovers players in their side - midfielder Paul Carden, defender Mark Albrighton, and striker Leo Fortune-West, who was a 75th minute substitute for the U's.

May 19, 2008

Foy misses penalty

Former Doncaster Rovers left back Keith Foy missed two penalties as Sligo Rovers were knocked out of the Eircom League Cup by Galway United last week. Substiute Foy saw an 86 minute penalty saved by Galway keeper Gary Rogers and when extra-time also failed to produce a goal, the tie went to penalties, with Foy missing the target, being one of two Rovers players to miss, meaning that Galway won 6-5 on penalties. Foy also had a free-kick crash against the crossbar in extra time.

May 16, 2008

Rovers 5 Southend 1

Rovers swept aside the challenge of Southend United this evening with a superb display of football, making the result truly reflective of the dominance they had over a Southend side that has, believe it or not, been on a very good run of form up to the end of the season. Rovers went in front from the penalty spot, Brian Stock converting after Jason Price had been fouled in the area. Price also got on the scoresheet, with Coppinger adding to the total to give Rovers a 3-0 half time lead. Two further goals after the break by Coppinger gave him a hat-trick - the third a superb strike from outside the box from a free kick that gave the goalkeeper no chance of keeping the ball out of the net. A consolation goal by Southend did little to spoil the party - with the Rovers fans in party mood as the thousands of flags distributed around the stadium making a great sight. And yet the outcome could have been so different if Southend had scored instead of striking the bar early on in the game when the score was still goalless.
The win sees Rovers face Leeds United in the final at Wembley next Sunday - if they play like they did today, the Whites will be consigned to another season in League One!
The "Man of the Match" voting is now closed. Thanks to the many of you who voted. The result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

May 18, 2008

O'Driscoll praises display

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was understandably rather pleased with the performance that his players put in on Friday evening, which saw them reach the League One play-off final at Wembley.
He said: "We've been performed like that for most of the season, so you've got to score the goals and tonight we scored the goals. Sometimes it doesn't happen like that. I'm pleased for everybody. The goals were the big difference. A lot of play-off teams struggle in the home legs we just felt we needed to match their determination. We thought if we do that. I thought we did that from the first whistle."

May 18, 2008

Wembley ticket update

Tickets continue to be on sale to season ticket holders only today, with the ticket office opening at 9am and closing at 3pm, with a maximum ticket allocation of 4 per season ticket book.
They then go on general sale from Monday morning, again with a maximum of four tickets per person.
Opening hours this week are:
Monday - 9am to 4pm
Tuesday - 9am to 6pm
Wednesday - 9am to 4pm
Thursday - 9am to 6pm
Friday - 9am to 4pm
Telephone orders are being accepted, but please remember that with an anticipated high demand for tickets, you may have to wait before your call is answered. The ticket office phone number is 01302 762576.
You can also book tickets on-line at www.keepmoatstadium.talentarena.co.uk.
You can also fill in an application form which can then be emailed/faxed to the ticket office - forms can also be handed in at the club shop at the stadium or in town, or at the Rovers offices at the Keepmoat Stadium. The form can be downloaded by clicking on the logo to the left.

May 18, 2008

Sullivan commended

Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan has been "highly commended" in the annual Puma Golden Glove awards. The 38-year old keeper finished fourth in League One after keeping 21 clean sheets during the season. The League One winner was Paul Smith, who kept 25 clean sheets - Smith finished as runner up last season.

May 18, 2008

Wheater gets England honour

David Wheater, who played for Rovers on loan from Middlesbrough during the 2005/06 season, has capped a superb season by being selected to captain the England under-21's side. He received the accolade for the friendly fixture againast Wales last Thursday, which England won 2-0. Wheater has also been called into the 30-man full England squad for their forthcoming games with USA and Trinidad & Tobago.
Wheater said: "To be named captain is a fantastic honour. I didn't expect to be at Middlesbrough this season, I thought I may have been going out on loan, but the manager put me in and it's just gone on from there."

May 16, 2008

Wembley tickets

Tickets for the play-off final against Leeds United will go on sale on Saturday morning to season ticket holders, who will be limited to a maximum of four tickets per season ticket holder. Season ticket holders will also be able to buy tickets on Sunday. Opening hours are 9am to 4pm on Saturday, 9am to 3pm on Sunday. Tickets will go on general sale from 9am on Monday morning, again with a maximum of four per person.
Telephone orders will be taken, but due to the anticipated high demand, it is expected that there may be delays before you can get through.
On-line orders can be placed by clicking on the logo to the left,
Orders can be placed by fax/email by downloading the application form from http://www.doncasterroversfc.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/46/ef/0,,10329~126790,00.pdf

May 16, 2008

Rovers v Southend

Doncaster Rovers will wait until later today before deciding on their line-up for this evening's play-off match against Southend United. A number of players are said to be suffering from "bumps and bruises" following last week's match, but we expect the side to closely resemble the one that played last Friday. One definite change will come up front, where Paul Heffernan is suspended after being sent off three minutes from time at Roots Hall. Richie Wellens is still a doubt with a groin injury, with Rovers confirming that the midfielder will have surgery on the injury once Rovers have played their last game of the season.
Southend only have one injury concern ahead of today's match, with striker Lee Barnard only rated as 50/50 to play after picking up an ankle injury last Friday. Barnard has taken part in light training this week and will travel with the squad.

May 16, 2008

Rovers v Southend, head to head

Honours were even in meetings between the two clubs this season - Southend won 3-2 at Roots Hall, and Rovers won 3-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium in December. However, Rovers have won their last three home games against Southend - can they make the winning sequence four matches this evening?

May 16, 2008

Tickets

Tickets for this evening's game against Southend will remain on sale until kick-off, although it looks as though the home end will be close to full, with only 900 tickets reported to be remaining on sale yesterday evening. Rovers report that nearly 12,000 tickets have already been sold for the match, although we preseume that this includes 2,000 bought by Southend supporters out of their 3,000 allocation.
Rovers have taken delivery of some flags which will be distributed to supporters this evening - it should help make a great atmosphere as we try to will the players on to victory!

May 16, 2008

Macca fires Bristol into final

In the Championship play-off semi-final between Bristol City and Crystal Palace, former Rovers winger Michael McIndoe scored a superb late goal in extra time to help put Bristol City into the final, where they will face Hull City. McIndoe's goal followed a superb curling shot by former Swansea striker Lee Trundle as Bristol City were dominant in extra time.

May 16, 2008

Winners to face Leeds

The winners of this evening's game between Rovers and Leeds United will face Leeds United in the Coca Cola League One play-off final at Wembley. Leeds won, thanks to yet another late goal at Carlisle United last night, going through 3-2 on aggregate after losing the first leg at Elland Road 2-1 on Monday.
This evening's match will, if necessary, go to extra time, followed by penalties.