April 15, 2009

Lockwood out for season

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that defender Adam Lockwood will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a twisted ankle in Saturday's 3-1 win at Ipswich Town. Lockwood was injured in the closing minutes of the game and had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher. The player was due to have a scan on the injured ankle yesterday to determine the exact diagnosis.
Lockwood has been in the side in recent matches, but was replaced by Jos van Nieuwstadt for Easter Monday's game against Preston.

April 15, 2009

Plymouth ticket information

Tickets are still available for Saturday's away game at Plymouth Argyle. Rovers have been allocated 1,056 tickets for the match, with the Keepmoat Stadium website reporting that 290 have been sold to date. The tickets are now on general sale at the following prices:
Adults: £24
Senior Citizens (65+): £16
Under-23s: £16
Under-18s: £7
Ambulant disabled pay relevant price, but their carer can be admitted free
Wheelchair disabled supporters must buy their tickets direct from Plymouth Argyle on 0845 338 7232.
You can also buy tickets for Plymouth's family area at £26 for a family ticket (1 adult & 1 child). Up to 2 additional children's tickets can be bought for the family area at £7 each.
Please note that proof of age will be required at the turnstiles at Plymouth.
Tickets can be bought on the day of the game, although prices will rise by £2 for all categories.

April 15, 2009

Wolves tickets SOLD OUT

Please note that the entire Doncaster Rovers allocation of tickets for the final match of the season at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, 3rd May, have been sold out. The Keepmoat Stadium ticket office will not be receiving any further allocation.
With Wolves likely to be celebrating winning promotion to the Premiership on that day, and probably also being confirmed as champions, the home part of the ground is also likely to be sold out. At the moment, tickets are only being sold in the home end to qualifying supporters with sufficient loyalty points. Should any remain, they will go on general sale - but according to their official website, they will only be sold to supporters with a "supporter number".

April 15, 2009

Plymouth coach info

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Plymouth Argyle. They will leave Retford at 6.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 6.20am, Bawtry 6.30am, Rossington Styrrup 6.30am, Hare & Tortoise 6.35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 6.45am and the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 7.00am.
The fares are:
Members £28.00, OAP's £26.00, U16's £24.00
Non-Members £30.00, OAP's £28.00, U16's £26.00
To book a place, please contact: Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066)

April 15, 2009

Doncaster Sports Awards

The Doncaster Sports Awards are to be held at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday, 22nd May, with celebrity guests, entertainment and a two-course dinner.
You are able to make your nomination for a number of award categories, with the awards highlighting unsung 'heroes' to top names in Doncaster sport.
Those nominated for an award must have been born, live or operate in Doncaster.
Full details can be found on the Keepmoat Stadium website by clicking on the logo to the left - the categories of award are as follows:
Sports Personality of the Year
Junior Sports Personality of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Team of the Year (amateur)
Coach/Manager of the Year (pro or amateur)
Disabled Sports Personality
Unsung Hero
Outstanding Individual Sporting Moment
Amateur Sports Club of the Year
Professional Club of the Year
Sports Business of the Year
Hope for the future award

April 13, 2009

Rovers 0 Preston 2

Doncaster Rovers slumped to a home defeat against play-off hopefuls Preston North End with a lacklustre performance that perhaps reflected the fact that the three points picked up on Saturday should be sufficient to ensure Championship survival. A number of relegation threatened clubs picked up points which means that Rovers are now six points above the top relegation place with three games to go - before this afternoon's match they were nine points ahead with four games to go. It should be enough points, but it's going to be a bit closer than most would like!
Preston, on the other hand, needed to win all of their remaining games to have a chance of a play-off place - they were 7 points adrift before the game started, with this result cutting that deficit to four points with three games left to play. On this showing, they may well nick the last play-off place, although they were guilty of some blatant time-wasting at times this afternoon.
Preston's first goal was headed home from close range by former Rovers loan striker Chris Brown - a second coming in the second half when the Rovers defence was carved open. Rovers could have been another goal down, but the linesman's flag denied Preston. Rovers only had minimal chances against a resolute visiting defence, with LuaLua, Wellens and Guy having half-chances, but the Preston keeper was not seriously tested all afternoon.
The lengthy Rovers injury list looks to have increased by one, as Lewis Guy limped off after a lively performance midway through the second half to be replaced by top scorer Paul Heffernan, who had to make do with scraps of service for the time he was on the pitch.

April 14, 2009

Around the goals

Former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack scored another two goals yesterday afternoon to help Cardiff City beat Burnley 3-1 - a win which leaves Cardiff one point short of having qualified for the play-offs, and just four away from automatic promotion. McCormack's double was left late though - his goals came in the 85th and 93rd minute of yesterday's game, which lifts his goal tally for the season to 23 (21 in the league).
In League One, Jason Price scored his third goal for Millwall since moving to the New Den on loan as the Lions beat promotion contenders Peterborough United 2-0. Boro remain in second place, but Millwall are one point away from booking a place in the play-offs. They are nine points ahead of 7th placed Scunthorpe with three games to go.
League One saw two former Rovers players scoring goals - Adebayo Akinfenwa scored for Northampton in their 3-2 home defeat against Southend, whilst Mark McCammon scored for Gillingham in their 2-1 home win over Dagenham & Redbridge to register their first win in four matches.
Finally, it will not have gone unnoticed that Chris Brown, now at Preston North End, scored yesterday afternoon.

April 14, 2009

Lewer out as Weymouth drop into bottom three

Alan Lewer was sacked as manager at troubled Blue Square Premier club Weymouth following Saturday's 1-0 defeat by already relegated Lewes. The former Rovers assistant manager has been in charge at Weymouth since November following the sacking of John Hollins, and has had to contend with all the first team squad leaving due to financial problems at the club, meaning the club have had to field a virtual youth side in many matches. Whilst the situation has stabilised with a new consortium taking over the club, an 11-game losing run has seen Weymouth drop into the bottom three, although a 1-1 draw yesterday moved the club up one place.
Weymouth have appointed former Wales boss Bobby Gould as Lewer's replacement - the 62 year old has not had a managerial role since leaving Cheltenham Town in 2003.

April 14, 2009

Voting results v Ipswich

The five players receiving votes for Saturday's away game at Ipswich were all in close contention to win the poll, but eventually Dean Shiels emerged as the winner with over one in three votes going in his favour. The players receiving the most votes were:
1 Dean Shiels (36.84%)
2 Paul Heffernan (26.32%)
3 Matt Mills (21.05%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - the Man of the Match voting for the Easter Monday clash against Preston North End is now open - please see further down the page if you wish to place your vote.

April 14, 2009

What the managers said

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was left frustrated after his side's lacklustre display in yesterday's 2-0 home defeat against Preston - a result which means Rovers could still do with picking up another win to avoid any last match nerves. Remarking on the turnaround in form since the victory at Ipswich on Saturday, he said: "It was chalk and cheese from our performance against Ipswich. We got what we deserved today. All season we've not focused on anything, people ask about targets and points and this that and the other, but we've always talked about performances and that has not changed. The first 20 minutes was tight. They are a decent Championship side. We gave up, I thought, after the first goal. We've got to set standards to be consistent game after game after game."
" I'm probably as disappointed as I have been all season. I can live with people making mistakes, because the way that we play, you've got to encourage people to do things that are not the norm and to not panic in difficult situations, but I just thought that we lacked enthusiasm, focus, concentration. I can live with results, whether you win games or lose games, but not performances. We've lived and died on performances and I just didn't think that we were good enough."
Preston's manager, Alan Irvine, came out of the match with his dream of qualifying for the end of season play-offs still alive. Of those chances, Irvine said: "Obviously we're relying on other teams to slip up badly, but we just have to do our own job, finish the season on a high and see where we get to."
He added: "It was a great response, we've all been hurting really badly after the game against Blackpool, to be honest I still am now, but I feel a lot better than I did this morning and I'm absolutely delighted with the way they went about their jobs. They were very professional in the way that they went about their jobs, especially without the ball because Doncaster are a very good football team. It was a great response from the players, not one that I'm surprised with because they've shown fantastic character all through the season and they are a terrific group to work with."

April 13, 2009

Rovers v Preston

Preston North End are the visitors to the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon, with the visitors still harbouring ambitions of reaching the play-offs, although they are seven points adrift with only four games to go. Their failure to win this afternoon, accompanied by Cardiff, Burnley and Reading winning would mean that Preston would miss the end of season lottery. It should make for an entertaining game as Preston should be arriving in Doncaster intending to pick up three points and, as we all know, Rovers stand a good chance when up against a team intent on attack.
Rovers are likely to name a similar squad to that which appeared at Ipswich Town on Saturday, although Adam Lockwood is set to miss out due to sustaining a twisted ankle in that game. Jos van Nieuwstadt or Sam Hird are likely to replace Lockwood.
Preston may include former Rovers loan striker Chris Brown in their side as he has recovered from a knock which has kept him out of the last couple of matches, although Callum Davidson is set to miss the game with a hamstring injury. Richard Chaplow and Barry Nicholson will miss the game with hamstring and rib injuries respectively.

April 13, 2009

Jimmy Neighbour

Former Doncaster Rovers assistant manager Jimmy Neighbour has died suddenly at the age of 58. Neighbour suffered a heart attack on Saturday whilst recovering from a hip replacement operation.
Jimmy is best known for his long playing career at Tottenham Hotspur, joining the club in 1966 as a junior, making his first team debut in 1970 against Stoke City, with his final League game coming whilst loan at Bournemouth in 1983. After four years coach with Enfield, during which time they won the FA Trophy in 1988, he was also youth development officer at West Ham United, assistant manger at Rovers and manager at St Albans. He rejoined Spurs as coach of the Under-17 side in 2000 until leaving the club in 2005.
We would like to express our condolences to his family at this sad time.

April 13, 2009

Preston match officials

The match officials for this afternoon's game against Preston North End have been confirmed as follows:
Referee: Mr I.G Williamson (Berkshire)
Assistants: D.K Benton & D.R Street
Fourth Official: S. Ledger

April 13, 2009

Joyce signs new deal

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Sean Joyce has signed a new two year contract at Bideford Town after another successful season at the club which has just seen him named as "Manager of the Month" for March in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.
Joyce has been with Bideford since 1998, with the club having won the Western League title on several occasions during his tenure.
Joyce is already looking forward to next season, saying: "The chairman said 'we're pleased with what you're doing' and we want to push on again. It commits me for two years and the rest of the lads know I'll be here and they can commit as well. There's some good young lads coming through with a bit of pace, we're up to second in the league now and we've probably got there sooner than expected."
After being at the club for eleven years, Sean looked back on joining the club. "
Former chairman Jim McElwee offered me the job with no experience when we were down the bottom of the league," he said.
"I remember saying to my missus 'what shall I do?' She said 'take it, you'll probably get found out in a couple of months and they'll sack you anyway'.
"I don't think I've been found out yet. You look back at when we won the Western League four times in five years — to win it as many times as we did was quite extraordinary.We haven't had a trophy in the last two or three years but we got to the Les Phillips Cup final last year and this year we've had a great FA Vase run and we're second in the league. Maybe at another club the last two or three years seems successful."
Sean Joyce made 39 league starts for Doncaster Rovers between 1985 and 1988 before leaving to join Torquay United, where he went on to play over 150 times before droping into non-league football with Emore, Bideford and Taunton Town.

April 12, 2009

Ipswich 1 Rovers 3

Rovers ended a four match losing run by winning at Portman Road, with the three points gained more or less assuring the club of Champonship football next season. Rovers are now nine points ahead of third-bottom Norwich City with four games to play - which ought to be enough, although another win would make it so much more comfortable.
Rovers went in front in the 9th minute when Gareth Roberts scored - but was it a cross or an intended lofted shot which went over a helpless goalkeeper, Richard Wright? Nevertheless, Rovers were in front, although Ipswich hit back strongly to equalise four minutes later as Pablo Counago fired home from 20 yards.
Whilst Rovers had their chances, notably from Dean Shiels, Ipswich had the better of the rest of the first half, and Rovers were perhaps relieved to reach half time all-square.
Early in the second half, Neil Sullivan had to pull off a good save to deny Balkestein, but after that, Rovers imposed themselves on the game, with Woods shooting narrowly over from 30 yards. Rovers' second goal came in the 74th minute - James Chambers' far post cross was met by Paul Heffernan, whose header was well saved, but the Rovers striker was first to reach the loose ball to score.
Rovers added a third goal five minutes from time, with a slick passing move ending with a cross in from James Chambers finding Lewis Guy, who subsequently passed to James Hayter, who resisted the challenge from Campo to score from close range.
The "Man of the Match" voting is now closed. The result will be confirmed tomorrow morning. The voting for the home game against Preston North End will open on Monday evening.

April 12, 2009

What the managers said

The two managers had contrasting views following yesterday's clash between Rovers and Ipswich Town.
Unsurprisingly the Ipswich boss, Jim Magilton, was hugely disappointed after the match which saw Ipswich's disappointing run continue.
He said: "I feel let down because we downed tools. We capitulated. Doncaster showed more desire. We were at home but some of the players felt sorry for themselves. I am not going to offer any excuses because it was poor. I wasn't surprised by the crowd reaction. I expected it and probably deserved it."
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was grateful for the three points, but after previously saying that another four points would be enough to ensure surivival, he now claims not to have been looking at the league table all season!
He commented: "What's safe? We haven't looked at the table all season and we're not about to start now. All we have tried to do is maintain a level of performance and that's not going to change. Every point is precious in this division so to get three away from home was a very good result."
Of the game, Sean said: "Every point is precious in this division so to get three away from home was a very good result. The first goal was a bit of a fluke. These things can go for you sometimes and not at others. We started really well. Ipswich came right back into it and caused us major problems, but half-time came at just the right time for us. It was a massive help. We were quite pleased when they went a bit more direct because that made it a bit easier for us."

April 12, 2009

Goals check

We begin our review of former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday in the Championship, where Ross McCormack scored twice to give Cardiff a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace. The win lifts Cardiff into 4th place, although they are unlikely to catch third-placed Sheffield United, who are now five points ahead.
In League One, Gordon Greer, on loan at Swindon from Rovers, scored a 47th minute goal as Swindon eased their relegation worries with a 3-2 win at Brighton, who are now deep in relegation trouble, with only Hereford and Cheltenham below them in the table. Swindon are now six points above the relegation spots.
In League Two, Jonathan Forte, on loan at Notts County from Scunthorpe, scored a 75th minute consolation as County lost 2-1 at Rotherham. County are 11 points ahead of next to bottom Chester City with four games to go, so their Football League status is more or less definite now.
Finally, Neil Roberts scored for Rhyl as they won 1-0 at second placed Llanelli - a win that extends Rhyl's lead at the top of the Welsh Premier table to five points.

April 12, 2009

Lockwood injury concern

The lengthy injury list at Rovers was increased by one yesterday afternoon when Adam Lockwood was hurt in the closing stages of the game at Ipswich Town. Lockwood was carried off in the 90th minute with what has been disagnosed as a twisted ankle. Sean O'Driscoll confirmed: "He's twisted his ankle. There's nothing outwardly to say that he has done this, that or the other. He's on cruches at the minute and was in a lot of pain initially. Things have settled down and he will travel back on the coach with us. We'll have to assess him in the morning and I would expect him to be extremely doubtful for Monday."
Lockwood's injury means it likely that either Jos Van Nieuwstadt or Sam Hird will win a place in the starting lineup for tomorrow's game against Preston North End.
Rovers will assess Lockwood's injury in the morning, although it must be likely that he will miss at least the next couple of games.
The Rovers injury list is already lengthy, with the following already in the treatment room: James O'Connor, Brian Stock, Ben Smith, Sean McDaid, Stuart Elliott, James Coppinger, Tomi Ameobi

April 11, 2009

Ipswich v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers look likely to name an unchanged squad for this afternoon's game at Ipswich Town after it was confirmed that Richie Wellens has recovered from a 'dead leg' picked up in last Saturday's game at home to Watford.
Darren Byfield has returned to training and is available, but we do not expect him to feature.
After the 5-4-1 formation backfired spectacularly last Saturday, we predict that Sean O'Driscoll will give Dean Shiels a start this afternoon playing in a withdrawn striker's role, with one of the centre backs making way for him.
Those definitely missing this afternoon will be injury casualties James O'Connor (ankle), Brian Stock (back), James Coppinger (ankle), Stuart Elliott (ankle), Sean McDaid (knee), Tomi Ameobi (calf) and Steve Brooker (ankle).
With both sides on a relatively poor run of form - Rovers have lost the last four league matches, whilst Ipswich have won only one in the last seven matches, both sides will be hoping that a win this afternoon will give a boost to their form for the last few matches.

April 11, 2009

Ipswich v Rovers

The main team news for Ipswich Town this week surrounds someone who has never played a first team game - striker Connor Wickham, who is expected to make his Ipswich debut this afternoon. Connor will become Ipswich's youngest-ever first team player if he features today, a the age of 16 years and 11 days old. Wickham has been training with the first team this week whilst on his Easter school holidays, but has had to withdraw from the England Under-16 tournament which is being held in France this week for his chance of going into the Ipswich record books.
Ipswich boss Jim Magilton said: "He's going to sit on the bench, so it will be a very proud moment for him I'm sure. Nothing fazes the lad and his quality is there for all to see, I've no hesitation of throwing him in. I managed to see Norman Whiteside when he was an Under-15 international and his stature and his all round game - they say an old head on young shoulders - Connor has that. If he goes on to do half as well as Norman has done then we'll have some player."
Jason Dozzell holds the record at present, having made his Portman Road debut in February 1984 aged 16 years and 57 days.
Ipswich will be boosted by the return of Giovani Dos Santos, who has recovered from a groin injury - they may also welcome back Jon Walters, who has recovered rapidly from ankle ligament damage that was expected to rule him out until next season. Moritz Volz is fit again after a groin problem, but winger Luciano Civelli is a long-term absentee with a serious knee injury.
Skipper Gareth McAuley and defender David Wright are both doubtful with hamstring injuries, and winger Luciano Civelli will miss the game with a serious knee injury that will keep him out until next year.

April 11, 2009

O'Driscoll's comments

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has spoken this week of his desire to rotate the squad to give some of the fringe players a chance in the first team - but he cannot do so until their Championship future has been assured.
He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "You would like to rotate the squad from a point of strength, but we are not there. Balance wise we are bit disjointed by the loss of Brian Stock. He's been a big miss and trying to work out what the best permutation has been a bit awkward for us. But we've got young Wade Fairhurst and we'd like to give him a full debut and we've got Kazenga Lualua, who needs 90 minutes, plus a couple of centre halves who could do with games, but we have to focus on what we need to do and not what we'd like to do."

April 11, 2009

Penney arranges all-star fund raiser

Former Rovers boss Dave Penney, currently in charge at financially stricken Darlington, has arranged a fund-raising match to help secure the future of the Quakers. The match, which will be played on Sunday, 3rd May, is set to include a number of former stars from Darlington, Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
The star attraction for the match is undoubtedly the former Newcastle and England midfielder Paul Gascoigne, who has agreed to play in the match. Also taking part will be Sunderland's Kevin Ball and Marco Gabbiadini.
Supporters will be given their chance to play alongside the stars, with five places being sold to the highest bidder.
Darlington will field a team of players taken from their 1999/2000 play-off season.
Penney has arranged the match to raise funds for the club which has reported debts of £5 million.
He said: "This game will be fantastic entertainment and a superb end to the season. It will be a great family day out."
Tickets are now on sale at £10 for adults and £5 for children.

April 10, 2009

O'Kelly - four points needed

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said earlier in the season that he does not want to go into the last three games still needing points to be safe - but it looks like it may be close as to whether he achieves his wish.
His assistant, Richard O'Kelly, predicts that another four points need to be added to the Rovers' tally to ensure safety, saying: "You can never be certain at this stage but I think four more points will more or less guarantee it for us - and it would be nice to get them in the next two games. Easter is always an important time of the season.It doesn't always decide promotion or relegation issues but it can have a big influence on both."
He added: "Although it comes towards the end of a long and hard season I've always found Easter an enjoyable time, You've got two games in quick succession and it's great if you do well in the first because it always sets you up for the second. And if you end up losing the first match you don't have to wait long before putting it right."

April 10, 2009

Spicer tips Rovers to end run at Ipswich

Rovers midfielder John Spicer has predicted to the Doncaster Star that Rovers will end their run of four consecutive Champoinship defeats tomorrow when Rovers travel to Ipswich Town.
He said: "There are no easy games in this league and it will be no different at Ipswich on Saturday, but we'll go there with a game-plan and hopefully, if we get a bit of luck - which we didn't have on Saturday - we can get a result. It would be great to pick up a win, or even a point. Either would be a good result. Obviously we were disappointed that we lost against Watford at home on Saturday, but I don't think that the lads felt too badly about the performance because I don't think that we played that badly."
"A lot of the other results went for us at the weekend but we don't think about things like that. All we are thinking about is what we are doing. If we pick up at least one win then it takes care of the relegation situation. Of course it helps if the teams in and around the relegation zone drop points - it's a bonus, but as a team, I don't think that we are panicking; everyone knows what we have to do.It is not as though we are playing badly. I thought that we did enough to get a point at least on Saturday - if not a win. So I can't see why we can't go to Ipswich on Saturday and nick a result."

April 10, 2009

Keeper joins the Mariners

Kyle Letherhen, who has just completed a two month loan at Doncaster Rovers, has joined Grimsby Town on trial. The Welsh under-21 international joined Rovers as cover for Neil Sullivan whilst Ben Smith recovers from injury, but returned to Barnsley when Rovers moved to sign young Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Woods. He will train with the Mariners for the next few weeks.

April 10, 2009

Wellens set for return at Ipswich

Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens is set to return to the side after having to be substituted during the second half of Saturday's defeat against Watford due to picking up a "dead leg".
However, Wellens has joined in training this week and is expected to be included in the squad for tomorrow's game at Ipswich Town.
Rovers look likely to be naming from an unchanged squad for tomorrow's match with no other new injury concerns reported this week.

April 10, 2009

Jackett praise for Price

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett has praised the contribution of Rovers striker Jason Price since joining on loan ahead of the loan transfer deadline last month. The partnership Price has formed with Gary Alexander is one that Jackett believes can fire the Lions to automatic promotion, with both scoring in last weekend's victory over Walsall.
He said: "The contribution of both was good going forward. It would be lovely to settle them down and to be able for them to continue that partnership and hopefully let it grow. I hope to have Gary available for a sustained run because the form he is in at the minute, he looks a key player. Jason Price has got experience. For his size he has good touch. He generally does the right thing and can get hold of the ball."

April 9, 2009

O'Connor misses rest of season

Rovers defender James O'Connor will miss the rest of the 2008/09 season after the club confirmed this morning that the player has undergone surgery on an ankle injury which has kept him out of the side for the last few matches. The club initially hoped that an injection would resolve the injury, but that was to prove not to be the case.
Rovers physio John Dickens said: "James O'Connor is currently recovering after surgery. He has had some surgery to his ankle and he won't feature again for the team for the rest of the season. We tried an injection to try and get him through until the end of the season but he wasn't able to train on it. We had no option than to have the operation done now. It was a tidy-up job and he will be out for a few weeks. After that everything should be fine."

April 9, 2009

Cramb leaves East Stirling

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Colin Cramb has left Scottish Third Division club East Stirlingshire a month after being sent off against Dumbarton for dissent. Boss Jim McInally was unhappy with the striker's conduct which saw him red carded for dissent and told the player that he would not play for the club again. Whilst Cramb has completed the supsension for his red card, he has not been selected for the last six games - and today the club confirmed that he had left "by mutual consent".
The 34 year old Scot is much travelled and is now looking for the 17th club of his career, with disciplinary problems plaguing him at various times. The sixteen clubs so far are: East Stirlingshire, Stirling Albion, Hamilton Academical, Southampton, Falkirk, Hearts, Doncaster Rovers, Bristol City, Crewe Alexandra, Fortuna Sittard, Shrewsbury and Grimsby, before a brief return to Hamilton in 2005 - along with three loan spells, at Walsall, Notts County and Bury.

April 9, 2009

Ipswich match officials

The match officials for Saturday's away game at Ipswich Town have been confirmed as follows:
Referee: K Stroud
Assistant referees: S Child & N Kinseley
Fourth official: O Langford

April 9, 2009

Title chase for Bradley's men

The fortunes of Linlithgow Rose have taken a decided turn for the better since they sacked their manager and appointed Ian Gallagher and ex-Rover Mark Bradley to run the team until the end of the season. The club have now won four games in a row and have not conceded a single goal since the pair took the managerial reins - and they are now looking to extend their lead at the top of the Super League with only three game to go.
Bradley, whose only appearance for Rovers was in their first Conference match at Dover in 1998, said: "Our aim is to put pressure on Bonnyrigg by winning all our remaining games. They still have a number of matches to play especially against clubs at the bottom of the table who will be fighting to stay up. 'We will be looking for them to slip up at some stage."
Rose's final matches are against Camelon (h), Whitburn (a) and Bathgate (a).
The duo have been told that they will remain in charge for the time being - both have now back to full fitness but have not selected themselves as they prefer to concentrate on their managerial roles.
Bradley said: "The players have responded each week and it would be unfair to change a winning team."

April 8, 2009

O'Driscoll prepares players for dogfight

Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has warned his players that they still have to fight against the prospect of relegation, and that they are not yet certain how many points will ensure their Championship safety.
Rovers are currently 7 points ahead of third-bottom Nottingham Forest with five games to play, with O'Driscoll admitting: "I've no idea how many points we need to be safe but I know we are in a dogfight in this division - and that's been the case from the very first game. It's immaterial whether we deserved to take something from the game (against Watford) or not because the facts are that we didn't."

April 8, 2009

Gilbert has contract cancelled

Former Doncaster Rovers loan left back Peter Gilbert has left Sheffield Wednesday after having his contract cancelled by mutual consent. He joined Wednesday from Leicester City in January 2006, but has only featured in 34 league games over three years, and has not featured regularly under new boss Brian Laws. The player had a transfer request turned down last August, but the Owls have released him now to enable Gilbert to find a new club in time for the summer. Presumably as he is now a free agent, he will be able to sign for another club this season, even though the transfer window has now closed.
A Wednesday statement read: "Sheffield Wednesday would like to thank Peter for his contribution since signing in November 2005 and we wish him well for the future."
Gilbert played four games for Doncaster Rovers during his month on loan in January 2007.

April 8, 2009

Rovers - just one in Actim Index top 100

Doncaster Rovers have only one representative in the Actim Index Top 100, which is an official player rankings index for the Coca Cola Championship. Their website says: "It is statistically proven to identify the best players regardless of position by taking into account positive contributions within a game, as well as team results. The index is based upon Actin Stats - The Official Stats of The Football League - and is produced by PA Sport in conjunction with Football DataCo. They are derived from all the actions that take place during a match, including goals, shots on target, corners, fouls, offsides, passes, tackles, blocks and clearances.
The top players are dominated by players at promotion chasing clubs, with Wolves having three players in the top ten - Burnley have five players in the top 20.
Rovers' only representative is James Coppinger, who is currently in 72nd place with 367 points - and with him set to miss the whole of the rest of the season, he will certainly finish much lower by the season's end.
The top five players are:
1 Sylvan Ebanks Blake (Wolves) 727 points
2 Kevin Doyle (Reading) 680 points
3 Stephen Hunt (Reading) 645 points
4 Tommy Smith (Watford) 622 points
5 Michael Kightly (Wolves) 587 points
To find out more, check their website by clicking on the logo to the left.
Alternatively, the whole of the top 100 players listed can be found at http://actimindex.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/champ_index_top10020.gif

April 8, 2009

Daily Star - LuaLua in £300,000 move?

The Daily Star reported yesterday that "Doncaster will sign Newcastle striker Kazenga LuaLua, 18, in a £300,000 deal if he impresses while on-loan until the end of the season."
We suspect this story is somewhat off the truth - from quotes attributed to Sean O'Driscoll in the last ten days, the likelihood is far more likely to be a season-long loan if the player impresses sufficiently in the next month.
Rovers brought on new loan signing Kazenga LuaLua in the second half and in addition to having a hand in Hayter's goal he acquitted himself well.
O'Driscoll said: "He'll give us something. He's got an eye for goal but he's still young and a lot of the things that we do will be new to him. I would like to have brought him on when we were winning by two or three goals, but I thought that he coped with it well. He's here until the end of the season and hopefully he'll do well for us."

April 7, 2009

Ralph Graham

The death of former Doncaster Rovers winger Ralph Graham has been announced at the age of 79. Ralph was born in Belmont, County Durham and joined Rovers from Broadway Athletic in May 1947, having played at schoolboy level for Hatfield Woodhouse. After a year in the Rovers' reserve team, Ralph made his Rovers first team debut on 8th January 1949 in a 3-2 win at York City in Division Three (North). Over the following two seasons he played 15 times for Rovers without scoring, and then moved on to Southport in 1950, where he played 29 times in the 1950/51 season, scoring nine times.
Ralph emigrated to Canada in 1956, where he continued to play occasionally until retiring at the age of 40.
We would like to send our sympathies to his family and friends at this sad time.

April 7, 2009

Rovers Belles 0 Chelsea 1

Chelsea beat Doncaster Rovers Belles on Sunday, courtesy of a first half goal by Emma Whitter, although the Rovers Belles were unfortunate to find Chelsea keeper Siobahn Chamberlain in inspired form. But for the performance of Chamberlain, Doncaster could well have earned at least one point.
The Chelsea goal led a charmed life, with Vicky Exley unfortunte to see her shot beat the keeper - but it rebounded off the post to safety.
Doncaster Rovers Belles' boss John Buckley said: "We definitely deserved something out of the game. It's nothing to do with effort, but I know how they can play and it's just about how they can perform for 90 minutes. We want to really challenge for that fourth spot and we're not giving it up."

April 7, 2009

Voting results

Maybe the result and the performance was disappointing on Saturday, but it was also notable that we received the lowest number of votes for a home "Man of the Match" polls for many seasons. We received nominations for eleven players, although the serious battle was between two substitutes - Dean Shiels and James Hayter, with the rest of the votes relatively evenly spread.
The players to receive most votes were:
1 James Hayter (29.73%)
2 Dean Shiels (27.03%)
3 John Spicer (10.81%)
4 James Chambers (8.11%)
We would like to thank everyone for their vote, which are accumulated into a "Player of the Season" chart which will be announced after the end of the season. Let's hope the next match inspires more votes - the next poll will open following Saturday's away game at Ipswich Town.

April 7, 2009

Ipswich match coach information

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Ipswich Town. They will leave Retford at 8.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 8.20am, Bawtry 8.30am, Rossington Styrrup 8.30am, Hare & Tortoise 8.35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.45am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 9.00am.
The fares are:
Members £18.00, OAP's £16.00, U16's £14.00
Non-Members £20.00, OAP's £18.00, U16's £16.00
To book a place on the coach, please contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066)

April 6, 2009

What the managers said:

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has admitted that his side are not out of the relegation battle yet, after a disappointing loss at home to Watford on Saturday. The result sees Rovers seven points away from danger with five matches to be played by most clubs.
He said: "It's immaterial whether we deserved to take something from the game or not because the facts are that we didn't. But I don't have a problem with our performance. I thought we reacted well after going behind and showed a lot of character. I've no idea how many points we need to be safe but I know we are in a dogfight in this division - and that's been the case from the very first game."
Despite a first half that saw Rovers go two goals behind in a five minute spell, O'Driscoll said: "We started really well but goals change games and we had to go from Plan A to Plan B much quicker than I thought. We changed the structure of the side but the tactics were the same - to try to win the game. It didn't happen because they scored two early goals and were experienced and cute enough to hold on to their advantage.
Understandably Brendan Rogers, O'Driscoll's counterpart at Watford, was much more pleased with the way that things went on Saturday, commenting: "We probably need one more win to be sure we stay up, but our ambitions are higher than that. I am pleased with our progress but I want us to maintain our motivation and finish as high as we can. We played Doncaster at home in my first match in charge last November and they gave us a lot of problems."

April 6, 2009

McCormack scores again!

Former Doncaster Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack scored his 16th goal of the season for Cardiff City yesterday, netting with a dramatic injury-time penalty to earn the Bluebirds a 2-2 draw against Swansea City. The result keeps Cardiff nicely involved in the promotion chase in sixth place, with the Welsh club having at least one game in hand on all of their main challengers.

April 6, 2009

Ipswich Town tickets update

Please note that, due to this Friday being a Bank Holiday, all tickets for Saturday's away game at Ipswich Town will be taken off sale at 3pm on Thursday, 9th April, so that any remaining unsold can be returned to Ipswich for sale on the day of the match. Whilst tickets will be on sale at Portman Road, please note that there will be an increase of £2.50 on advance ticket prices.
Rovers have received an allocation of 1,400 tickets at the following prices:
Adults: £28
Senior Citizens (60+)/Young Adults (16-19), Students: £19.50
Under 16s: £10
Ambulant/Wheelchair disabled & carer: £16.50 (tickets to be purchased direct from Ipswich Town on 01473 400556)

April 6, 2009

Wheater to stay at Boro

Former Doncaster Rovers loan defender David Wheater has confirmed that he intends to stay at Middlesbrough, even if the club are relegated at the end of the season. In a refreshing change to most footballers' attitudes, Wheater intends to see out the remainder of his contract, saying: "It is up to the manager what he does. Maybe he will want to sell some players. But I have two-and-a-half years left on my contract so I will be at Middlesbrough for another two-and-a-half years for sure. In your career you are going to go through difficult times, I guess it's just good that I am getting it out of the way early on. I don't want to go through this ever again but I have to use these experiences to help me. It's going to be a physical battle but we need to start scoring. We've had the chances, we just need to stick them away."
Middlesbrough are deep in relegation trouble in the Premiership, with only West Bromwich Albion below them.

April 5, 2009

Rovers 1 Watford 2

Doncaster Rovers produced a very disapointing performance yesterday afternoon when they slumped to a 2-1 home defeat against a Watford side that are now probably safe from the prospect of relegation. Rovers began the match with five in defence and just Paul Heffernan up front - the formation proved a disastrous decision by Sean O'Driscoll as Watford scored twice in a five minute spell, with their players going past a static Rovers defence that looked unwilling to put a challenge in for the ball. Rovers did have periods of possession, but it was back to the performances of earlier in the season when possession never really looked like achieving anything. The attacking potential was virtually zero, with Paul Heffernan isolated in attack and having to chase on the scraps of long high balls which the Watford defence tidied up with ease.
Both Watford goals came down their right wing, where they found space to cross the ball in from well within the penalty area - the first goal went in from two yards out when the ball hit the unfortunate Sam Hird - the second was a looping header that went way out of the reach of Neil Sullivan into the far corner.
At least the Rovers management acknowledged that the formation was wrong when they made their first substitution after just 32 minutes. Sam Hird was very unfortunate to be replaced by Dean Shiels - he was by no means the worst defender on the pitch - but at least the introduction of the Northern Ireland international sparked a bit of life into Rovers. Even so, Rovers threatened very little up front, but as the game went on, the potency increased as James Hayter and Kasenga LuaLua were introduced in the second half. In fact, it only took Hayter six minutes to score Rovers' goal - a delightful curled shot from the right of the penalty area which went into the far top corner. LuaLua looks like he could have potential, but he will have to curb his youthful exuberance when challenging to get the ball off the opposition - he was cautioned for a challenge on Danny Rose and was perhaps fortunate only to receive a lecture from the referee only a few minutes later.
Maybe next week we will see the famed goal celebration of his?
The result leaves Rovers seven points ahead of third-bottom Nottingham Forest with five games to play - it's getting tight, but surely they can pick up one more win from somewhere?

April 5, 2009

Goals check

Rovers striker Jason Price's Millwall career stats reads "Played 2, Scored 2" after yesterday's game which saw the Afro Goal Machine score in the 17th minute to open the scoring in the Lions' 3-1 home win over Walsall, which consolidates the club in third place, five points adrift of automatic promotion.
Apart from that, the only other former Rovers player that we've spotted scoring a goal was Mark Hume, who scored twice for Eastwood Town in the UniBond Premier Division as his side ran out as 5-1 winners of bottom club Prescot Cables.

April 5, 2009

Keepmoat hosts final

The Keepmoat Stadium will host the final of the Sheffield Cup on Wednesday, 22nd April, when Kirburton will face Wakefield side Hall Green. The match kicks off at 7pm.

April 5, 2009

Hardy joins Matlock

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team player Jason Hardy has joined UniBond Premier League club Matlock Town as ex-Rovers player Mark Atkins, now boss at Matlock, moved to strengthen his side ahead of their transfer deadline. Matlock are struggling this season - yesterday's results sees them just one point ahead of the relegation places - but at least Atkins' men did themselves some good with a 4-0 home win over Marine.
Atkins said of Hardy jioning the club: "Jason's not been playing for a while and really needs some more training sessions to build up his fitness."

April 4, 2009

Rovers v Watford

Doncaster Rovers will have to make a late decision on the fitness of defender James O'Connor before naming their squad for this afternoon's home game against Watford. O'Connor has missed the last six weeks with an ankle injury, and is still only rated as 50/50 today. If he fails to make further progress towards fitness, Rovers may elect to bring forward his ankle operation from the summer to ensure that he is fully fit for the return to training in July.
Presuming O'Connor fails to make it today, James Chambers will continue at right back, with Gareth Roberts at left back.
Rovers will be missing a number of players for today's game - James Coppinger, Brian Stock, Stuart Elliott, Sean McDaid, Tomi Ameobi and Ben Smith are all out with injuries. Jason Price has left to join Millwall on loan since Rovers' last match, but Gareth Taylor and Lewis Guy have returned from loan spells at Carlisle and Hartlepool respectively, and both are available for selection.
New loan signing Kasenga LuaLua is set to make his Rovers debut, although he may well have to settle for a place on the bench, as we suspect that Dean Shiels will be given a starting place up front alongside Paul Heffernan.
Richie Wellens and Matt Mills have both recovered from knocks which had affected them in recent games.
Watford will be missing Grzegorz Rasiak due to a groin injury - Mart Poom and Gareth Williams are both injured and will miss the game.
John Harley will return this afternoon after a two game suspension - skipper Jay DeMerit has been struggling with a calf problem in recent games, but played for the United States last week and is expected to be fit today. Top scorer Tommy Smith has recovered from a knee problem and looks likely to play this afternoon.
Boss Brendan Rodgers is boosted by being able to include two new signings today. Defender Andrei Stepanov has signed as a free agent and comes into contention after playing for the reserves in midweek. Danny Rose has joined Watford on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and could also be included - but Lee Williamson left to join Preston on loan ahead of the loan deadline.

April 4, 2009

Season tickets go on sale Monday

Existing season ticket holders should, by now, have received a letter from Doncaster Rovers inviting them to renew their season ticket at the same price as last season. Prices will be held until 31st May, when prices are expected to rise. Season ticket holders will have their current seats reserved until 31st May - after that, their seat will be placed on general sale.
Season ticket prices which apply until 31st May are:

Category	Adult price	Concessions	12-16s	U11s
A	£420	£305	£60	£30
B	£360	£250	£60	£30
C	£280	£150	£60	£30

April 4, 2009

Nelly after new deal

April 3, 2009

New boy set for Keepmoat debut

New loan striker Kazenga LuaLua is set to make his first Rovers appearance tomorrow afternoon as Rovers face Watford in a crucial Championship encounter, with the Hornets being just one place beneath Rovers. Both sides will be looking to pick up three points to virtually eliminate any chances of relegation - with Southampton's holding company entering administration yesterday, the Saints look favourites alongside Charlton to be League One bound. And both clubs face each other at The Valley tomorrow!
LuaLua has made a big impact on the Rovers squad since joining them for training this week.
Assistant boss Richard O'Kelly said: "He's trained with us for three days and he's enjoyed himself and he's glad to be part of the first-team squad. He's got quick feet and he's got the ability to have a shot at goal without an awful lot of back-lift. I certainly think that he has made an impression on the other boys, which is always good. We've brought him in to be involved. How much he is involved will be decided by numbers."
With Rovers only rarely including a goalkeeper on the bench this season, it is unlikely that new goalkeeper Gary woods will feature tomorrow.

April 3, 2009

O'Kelly - "destiny lies in our own hands"

Rovers boss Richard O'Kelly has predicted that as little as four points from the remaining six games could be enough to ensure that Doncaster Rovers are playing Championship football next season. Rovers lie eight points ahead of third-bottom Nottingham Forest before this weekend's fixtures, with the ideal chance to pick up points from one club below them tomorrow, when Watford visit the Keepmoat Stadium.
O'Kelly said: "Four points, whether it be from a win and a draw, or four draws, could be enough; it all depends on how other results go. What is not in doubt is that our destiny lies in our own hands. Were we to win all our home games then we'd be safe no matter what other clubs do. It would obviously be a big boost to us at the start of the final run-in were we to beat Watford. The big thing is that we go out and perform because that will give us our best opportunity to come out of the game with something. At the end of the day we need to pick up something, be it either one point or three."

April 3, 2009

Tomorrow's ref

April 3, 2009

Rovers linked to Lincoln star?

Some news reports suggest that Doncaster Rovers and Nottingham Forest are chasing Lincoln City's star striker Dany N'Guessan, who will be out of contract in June. Also alleged to be tracking the player are Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.
Lincoln have offered the young striker a new contract and, providing the offer is an improvement on his current contract, as he is under 24 years old, Lincoln will receive a transfer fee even though he is out of contract.
In the January transfer window, MK Dons are reported to have had two bids, one for a "six figure sum" turned down by the Imps.

April 2, 2009

McCormack off the mark for Scotland

Former Doncaster Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack scored his first goal for Scotland last night in their 2-1 home win in the World Cup qualifying campaign against Iceland at Hampden Park. McCormack's goal came as he latched on to a pass from Alan Hutton just before half time to put Scotland ahead, with his shot from 10 yards placed high into the net.
The next match for Scotland in the World Cup campaign is not until August, when they visit Norway - all other sides in Group 9 play twice in June.
Scotland : Gordon, Hutton, McManus, Caldwell, Naysmith, Morrison (Rae 90), Darren Fletcher, Brown, McCormack, Miller, Steven Fletcher (Teale 78).
Subs Not Used: McGregor, Berra, Ferguson, Clarkson, Whittaker.
Goals : McCormack (39), Steven Fletcher (65)
BBC Sport Player "Man of the Match": Scotland's Ross McCormack

April 2, 2009

Injury update

Brian Stock's surgery on his back injury has gone well and the player should be fully fit for when the players return to training after the summer break. Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll commented: “The news about Brian is very good. From what I can gather the surgery will relieve pressure on a nerve and enable him to play pain free next season. It’s not been a major thing and he should be raring to go again when we start back in pre-season training.”
James Coppinger's ankle injury will not require surgery, but he will not feature for the rest of the season as he continues to recover following the collision sustained midway through the home game against Reading.
James O'Connor has missed a number of matches due to an ankle injury. It looks as though he will be fit to play for the rest of the season after having an injection in the joint, but he is likely to require surgery in the summer.
Meanwhile, the blank weekend due to the international matches seems to have benefited Rovers, who had a number of players carrying knocks. Matt Mills and Richie Wellens both returned to training on Tuesday and appear to have recovered from the minor injuries.
As assistant boss Richard O'Kelly said: "I think the break has done the players good. It has given them the chance to refresh themselves. It has also given them the chance to get over their little niggles.

April 2, 2009

Youth team 1 Lincoln 3

The recent improvement in youth team results came to an end at Cantley Park on Tuesday, when they went down to a 3-1 home defeat against Lincoln City. Rovers went behind in just the third minute when they failed to deal with a cross in from the right wing - a second was conceded in the 17th minute following another cross in from the right, which resulted in Towler putting the ball into his own net.
It got worse - on 21 minutes Rovers went three goals down after Biggs raced out of his penalty area to clear the ball upfield, but his kick went straight to a Lincoln player, who calmly passed the ball into an unguarded net.
Rovers pulled themselves back into the game in the 27th minute when they pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after Towler was brought down. However, despite applying pressure in the second half, there were no further goals to either side, despite a number of opportunities.
Rovers: Biggs, Towler, Turner, Clark, Fisher, Woodford, Blake, Hall, Brunt, Moxam, Grayson
Substitutes: Hoyle (for Grayson, 72), Thompson (for Hall, 78), Oldham (for Blake, 86), Bradshaw, Betts

April 2, 2009

New Rovers quiz book

An "Official Doncaster Rovers Quiz Book" is to be published on 25th April, which is said to test your knowledge of the facts, figures and fixtures that have played a big part in Rovers' history through the years.
The book desrciption given on the publisher's website is:
"Is Doncaster Rovers your favourite football team? Never missed a match? Are you an expert on the facts, figures and fixtures that have shaped the club’s history? Then this quiz book is exactly what you need to find out how much you really know about the people and places that have helped to define the Rovers down the years. With 800 cunning questions covering every aspect of the club from unforgettable players, memorable managers and difficult opponents to honours and awards, kit, wins, draws and losses, this book can’t fail to turn up one or two surprises alongside all the well documented facts.
Packed full of information, The Official Doncaster Rovers Quiz Book is certain to provide hours of entertainment for football fans of all ages whether your aim is to impress your family and friends with your knowledge or simply learn more about the Donny.
This tribute to Doncaster Rovers is a must have for all Rovers supporters and anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of football."
Click on the book image to access their webiste which contains more information.

April 1, 2009

Goals review

There were a couple of former Doncaster Rovers players scoring goals in last night's matches.
In League One, Danny Cadamarteri scored a 78th minute winner for Huddersfield Town in their 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers, whilst in League Two, Jack Lester scored his 19th goal of the season for Chesterfield as they drew 1-1 at Aldershot to leave his club one point outside of the play-offs with a game in hand.

April 1, 2009

Southampton on the brink

April 1, 2009

Ipswich ticket information

Tickets for the away game on Saturday 11th April at Ipswich Town are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Rovers have received an allocation of 1,400 tickets, which are now on general sale.
Prices for the tickets are as follows:
Adults: £28
Senior Citizens (60+)/Young Adults (16-19)/Students: £19.50
Under 16s: £10
Ambulant/Wheelchair Disabled & Carer: £16.50 (tickets to be purchased direct from Ipswich Town on 01473 400556)

April 1, 2009

Wignall book out

Former Doncaster Rovers defender and manager Steve Wignall has written his autobiography, entitled "You can have chips!" - which is described as a "warts and all" account of a footballers' life.
He is scheduled to have a book-signing session at Waterstones in the Frenchgate Centre on 25th April - we'll confirm times a little closer to the date in case anyone is interested.
The description of the book as listed on www.Amazon.co.uk says:
"Steve Wignall developed a keen interest in football at a young age and dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. In his autobiography You Can Have Chips! Steve documents his journey from hopeful youngster to seasoned player and beyond to coach and team manager. With a long playing career to his credit, Steve is able to give an honest account of the highs and lows of life as a professional footballer and as he points out, it doesn t matter what club you play for or at what level, the skills required to survive and succeed in the tough world of football remain the same. This book provides a fascinating insight into what really goes on behind the scenes and highlights just how much the game has changed over the years since Steve was an apprentice."
About the Author
Steve Wignall was born in Liverpool in 1954 and his early love of football was cemented at the age of nine when his father took him to Anfield for the first time. Having trained with the junior team at Liverpool FC, Steve was disappointed not to receive an apprenticeship with them at age 16. An able grammar school student he then rejected a more academic path to sign as an apprentice with Doncaster Rovers. This proved to be the start of a long and successful career playing for Doncaster, Colchester, Brentford and Aldershot before cutting his teeth in management with Aldershot Town. He went on to manage Colchester United and Stevenage before returning to Doncaster Rovers as manager in 2000 followed by a brief spell managing Southend United in 2003. Steve Wignall is married to his childhood sweetheart Anne, and has two grown up sons and one daughter.

April 1, 2009

Kinnear set for back-room job as Shearer takes Newcastle job

Whilst it may first appear to be an April Fool's Day prank, news emerged last night that Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer will be named as manager at the club later today. Shearer is reported to be named as manager for the rest of the season, with his first match in charge the rather daunting home game against Chelsea. However, a full house is now virtually guaranteed, with the former England striker aiming to inspire his team to pick up enough points to avoid relegation. Newcastle are now in the bottom three, with the club having suffered a slump in fortunes since boss Joe Kinnear was taken ill - they have not won a match since 21st December, when they beat Tottenham 2-1.
The news of Shearer's appointment means that ex-Rovers boss Kinnear will not be appearing on the touchline this season as he had previously hoped - he had pencilled in a mid-April return, although much depends on next Monday's meeting with his doctors. Kinnear hinted yesterday that he may take up an "upstairs" position at St James' Park - he may well become Director of Football, with Dennis Wise expected to leave the club this summer.