April 30, 2009

Penney set to quit Quakers

A number of news sources suggest that former Rovers boss Dave Penney is to resign as manager of Darlington today after two and a half years in charge at the Darlington Arena. Penney is expected to be confirmed as the new manager at Oldham Athletic to replace Joe Royle, who is to leave the club at the end of the season. Penney can leave Darlington with just two weeks notice, should he choose not to sign the latest wage deferral offer, which management and players are being asked to sign by the club's administrators.
Penney's assistant Martin Gray and goalkeeping coach Andy Collett are also expected to move to Boundary Park with Penney.
Oldham Athletic have announced that they are holding a press conference for 3pm this afternoon, at which they will unveil the club's new manager, although they have not confirmed who that will be.
Penney had previously said that he would only make a decision on his future after the season ends - Darlington's final match of the season is on Saturday, when they travel to seemingly doomed Chester City.
Penney's handling of the financial crisis has earned huge respect from Darlington supporters due to his ability to produce good performances while maintaining a togetherness within a squad that has gone largely without pay for three months.
Darlington's immediate future was plunged into confusion yesterday with news that former club vice-chairman Raj Singh has withdrawn his offer to buy the club - the sticking point in any deal seems to be that the land the Darlington Arena stands on is owned by former George Houghton, and Houghton seems to be reluctant to sell.

April 30, 2009

Greer set for Rovers recall at Wolves

Gordon Greer looks likely to be included in the Rovers squad to travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend, with his loan spell at Swindon Town ending after last weekend's match.
He was expecting to watch his prospective new club - Swindon have tabled an offer to Greer for a full contract - play Peterborough this weekend, but has been recalled to Doncaster instead.
He said: “I spoke to the staff at Doncaster and I’m involved in the game at Wolves next week, so I’m delighted. My plan initially was to go to the (Swindon) game if I wasn’t involved at Doncaster, and I really wanted to be there at Peterborough. I’ll miss the game but I wish the guys all the best and at least we’re safe now so they can go out and enjoy the game at Peterborough with no pressure.”

April 30, 2009

Kev has to settle for runner-up medal

Former Rovers defender Kevin Horlock has had to settle for a runners-up medal after Needham Market went down to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Lowestoft Town in the final of the Suffolk Premier Cup, which was played at Ipswich Town's Portman Road stadium on Tuesday evening.
Lowestoft are set to be the runaway winners of the Ridgeons Premer League, being 14 points clear two games to go. Needham Market likely to finish in third place, having just one more game to play this season.

April 30, 2009

Shiels enjoying his time at Donny

New striker Dean Shiels is enjoying his time at Doncaster Rovers and was delighted to score his first goal for Rovers last Saturday in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. He said: "It was important for the team to finish their home programme on a high, particularly for the supporters. The club are obviously enjoying being in The Championship and they have great ambition. We started well and then were perhaps second best when they hit the woodwork three times but after I scored the goal on the stroke of half-time things just got better. I like playing just behind the strikers in that holding role, but I'm just happy to be in the team and enjoying my football".

April 29, 2009

O'Driscoll proud of players

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has spoken of his pride in his players for climbing away from the foot fo the Championship table to finish in mid-table, which will be not far short of the best final placing in the club's history. The best finish to date ws in the 1901/02 season, when Rovers finished 7th, with 40 points from 34 games (and, of course, it was only 2 points per win in those days).
O'Driscoll commented: "I think we've shown we can compete in this division now. We had a bit of luck when they kept hitting the post but against that we should have had a penalty and when the chances came we took them. The supporters have helped us a lot this season because they have stuck with us when results weren't going our way. We were bottom of the table at Christmas and I'm proud of the way we've managed to climb up the table while at the same time sticking to playing football the way we have always done."

April 29, 2009

Wolves plan flag day

It will be a big celebration on Sunday when Wolves entertain Doncaster Rovers in the final game of the 2008/09 season. They have produced thousands of commemorative gold and black flags, which will be distributed to supporters before Sunday's game. Wolves will be also producing a special 100-page commemorative programme to mark the club achieving promotion to the Premiership, although the cost will be pegged at the usual £3.
It will also be sing-a-long-a-Wolves on Sunday - they are distributing song sheets of the fans terrace anthem "The Impossible Dream".
As Matt Grayson, their head of marketing and communications, said:
Posted on: Wed 29 Apr 2009 "We've worked closely with many fans on ideas to create a day to remember on the last game of the season. Fans are unanimous that they want to celebrate the team's success by creating an awe inspiring spectacle inside the stands, which will be the envy of clubs across the country.
Rovers supporters are also planning a festive finish to the season, with a number planning to attend the match in fancy dress. They are also planning to release over 1,600 red and white balloons in the build-up to the match.
However, please remember that the match is a total sell-out, so please do not travel to the match unless you have a ticket.

April 29, 2009

Wellens cleared in spitting row

Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens was cleared yesterday of the accusation of spitting at Swansea midfielder Leon Britton during Rovers' match at the Liberty Stadium in February. Wellens was charged after a compaint lodged by Britton and his club, although the match officials did not witness the incident, which was also not captured on video recordings of the game. The FA's compliance unit talked to both sides before making their decision.
Sean O'Driscoll said: "We are pleased that this case as now been resolved and that we had a fair hearing by The FA. We would have abided by any decision that the FA had come to but now can get on with the football"

April 29, 2009

Oxford release Nelly

With the end of the Blue Square Premier season last weekend, Oxford United have moved quickly to announce their list of retained and released players.
Two players on loan at the club have returned to their parent clubs, another is in discussion about a perhament move, but eight paleyrs have been advised that they will not be offered a new deal, which include former Doncaster Rovers left-winger Craig Nelthorpe. A further two have been given free transfers, although they are under contract for another year. Nelthorpe only joined Oxford in January after being released by Rovers, and went on to play 16 games for them, scoring two goals.One of two players at Oxford to be offered new contracts is former Rovers defender Kevin Sandwith.
Boss Chris Wilder said: "It has been a tough day but I am always honest and wanted to talk to all of the players face to face.Those we have offered new deals to will add to the very strong foundations we have with players already here. I can't fault the attitude of those that we have released and we thank them for their services to this club, but we need to move forward, raise the bar a little and we have some very exciting players in our sights for the coming season."

April 28, 2009

Gordon tempted to stay at Robins

Doncaster Rovers defender Gordon Greer is tempted to turn his three-month loan at Swindon Town into a permanent move after enjoying his stay at the Robins. Greer, 28, has been a key figure in the Swindon defence, and marked his final game under his loan on Saturday by taking part in a key 2-1 win which secured their League One status for next season.
Gordon is out of contract in the summer and is currently considering his options - and an offer from Swindon is already on the table. The player said: "It feels like it's time to move on from Doncaster and I want the best deal possible for myself and my family. I've been offered a deal with Swindon, but there are offers to go back to Scotland and a couple in League Two to look at as well."
"I've really enjoyed my time here. I've loved working with the manager and players here so we'll just see what happens. I'd like to get it done the sooner the better for me and my family, but I'll have to weigh up everything."
Boss Danny Wilson has spoken of his hope that Greer will accept the offer made by Swindon. He said: "I think he's enjoyed it here. He likes the area, he loves the fans, so let's just hope we can come to some sort of agreement."

April 28, 2009

Gareth wins award

Rhyl's former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Gareth Owen is the latest winner of the Daily Post Stanley Memorial Trophy, with his midfield performances being a key part of the Lilywhites winning the Welsh Premier League title. Owen joined Rhyl from Airbus last summer, where he had been player/manager for three seasons.
On winning the award, Owen commented: “I’m astounded, I wasn’t expecting this at all. For me, football is all about winning as a team rather than gaining individual awards, but nonetheless I’m deeply honoured to win this trophy. I’d like to say a special thank you to all Daily Post readers who voted for me and to the managers who put me forward as a candidate in the first place.”
Gareth was run close in the voting by his team-mate, another former Rover, Neil Roberts. Bangor's Chris Sharp and Sion Edwards were third and fourth.

April 28, 2009

Dean wins your vote

Dean Shiels was named as your "Man of the Match" for his performance in Saturday's 2-0 home win over Crystal Palace, in which he scored his first goal for the Rovers. He came home ahead of Richie Wellens, who is returning to form after a few quiet matches, making Richie now a contender for the Player of the Season.
There were ten players who received votes, with those receiving most votes being:
1 Dean Shiels (35.06%)
2 Richie Wellens (19.48%)
3 James Hayter (15.58%)
4 Kasenga LuaLua (12.99%)
We thank everyone for their time and effort in placing their vote. The final Man of the Match vote of the season will open on Sunday evening following the away game at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

April 28, 2009

Spicer - Rovers stuck to principles

Rovers midfielder John Spicer has said that he believes the club have benefited from sticking to their principles, despite their passing style of football not paying dividends in the first half of the season. Fortunes, as we all know, turned around after Christmas, and Roves are now in with a chance of finishing in the top half of the table - although they have to better Sheffield Wednesday's result on Sunday to do so.
Spicer said: "The manager always wants us to play the right way, which I think we have done. Earlier on when the results were not going our way everyone just kept together, believing the tide would turn for us - and thankfully it has."
Spicer scored his first goal for Rovers in the away game at Plymouth, but praised Paul Heffernan for his part, saying: "It was a great ball in by Paul, I didn't have to move, he put it on the plate for me and all I had to do was hit the target."

April 28, 2009

Hall Green win Keepmoat final

Hall Green United won the Sheffield FA Challenge Cup which was played at the Keepmoat Stadium late last week. They defeated Kirkburton 2-1 in the final after coming from behind to lift the trophy, the winning goal coming four minutes from the end of the game.

April 27, 2009

Rovers Belles 3 Birmingham City 1

Doncaster Rovers Belles leap-frogged Birmingham to go into fourth place in the Women's Premier League, thanks to a convincing 3-1 victory. Doncaster dominated the early stages of the match and went in front in the third minute, thanks to a goal by Emma Johnson. They went two goals up in the 53rd minute, and whilst Birmingham pulled a goal back in the 71st minute, victory was assured when Precious Hamilton scored against her former club two minutes later.
Doncaster Rovers Belles are now ahead of Birmingham City on goal difference, although the Belles do have a match in hand on their rivals.

April 27, 2009

Rovers seek to extend Kasenga's loan

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is to contact Newcastle United to extend the loan of striker Kasenga LuaLua, whose loan deal at Rovers came to an end on Saturday. O'Driscoll is keen to keep the 18-year old for the final match of the season, and has given as clear a hint as he has done yet that he would like LuaLua to stay at Rovers for next season. However, the combination of the managerial situation at Newcastle, along with the prospect that the club could still be relegated from the Premiership, are not helping those plans.
As Sean explained: "His loan actually finishes today, so we would need to extend it and we will try and extend it for another week - depending on what Newcastle want to do with him. We have the problem that if Newcastle come down into this division, they're not really going to lend one of their players to another Championship team, so fingers crossed that Newcastle stay up."
O'Driscoll praised the contribution of LuaLua in Saturday's match, but admitted "his introduction to Championship football has been pretty brutal" after requiring treatment for two blows by Palace elbows, the second of which forced his substitution.

April 27, 2009

Coaches to Wolves

Tickets for the final game of the season at Wolverhampton Wanderers may have been sold out, but the Supporters Club are still taking bookings for coaches travelling to the match. However, please note that departure times are now earlier than those we advised last week.
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 3 at 9.00am.
The fares are: Members £12.00, OAP's £11.00, U16's £10.00
Non-Members £14.00, OAP's £13.00, U16's £12.00
To book a place on the coach, please contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066). Also, if anyone has booked a place on the coach, but has been unsuccessful in buying a match ticket, please let the Supporters Club know that you wish to cancel your place on the coach.
With the match being played on Sunday, please note that there will be a car-boot sale at the Keepmoat Stadium, which has caused the change of departure of coaches to be from Car Park 3, and not Car Park 1 as usual. If parking your car at the stadium, please note that you may be asked for a £1 car park charge by the organisers of the car boot sale.

April 27, 2009

Another day, another bid

If you believe some press reports, the battle for Rovers defender Matthew Mills is hotting up, with the Sunday Mercury reporting that Birmingham City are prepared for a "summer battle" with Newcastle United for the "£5 million-rated" player.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has often been spoken of as an admirer of Mills, but Newcatle are now understood to be tracking Mills. McLeish is keen to sign a new centre-back after Liam Ridgewell was ruled out for nine months with a broken leg, but the Blues boss had three bids for the player turned down in the January transfer window. Rovers are said to have slapped a £5 million price tag on Mills in an effort to keep him, but should serious bids arrive during the summer, the board may find the offer too much to resist.

April 25, 2009

Rovers 2 Crystal Palace 0

Rovers finished their home campaign off with a win - but it could have been so different if one of Crystal Palace's three shots that hit the post had gone in when the match was goalless. Rovers rang the changes as anticiapted, but mainly on the substitutes bench. Matt Mills was omitted due to a groin injury, with Sam Hird and Jos van Nieuwstadt in central defence - apart from that, the only real change was up front, where Kasenga LuaLua was given his first start alongside James Hayter. Rovers included Gary Woods, Waide Fairhurst, Oliver Fisher, Robert Clark and Lewis Guy on the bench, with up to three debutants possible. As it was, Waide Fairhurst took his chance as a second half substitute with both hands, impressing in his half-hour on the pitch, laying on James Hayter's goal. Fairhurst replaced the lively LuaLua, who started to show his full potential - and showed why the prospect of a season-long loan has been rumoured.
After being fortunate not to go behind in the second half after the Rovers post was rattled on three separate occasions, Rovers went in front on the stroke of half time through Dean Shiels. After some early pressure in the second half, Rovers gradually looked more assured and should have finished the game further in front, as John Spicer blazed the ball over the bar towards the end with the goal at his mercy.

April 26, 2009

What the managers said

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll paid tribute to his players and the supporters following yesterday's game against Crystal Palace, their final home fixture of the 2008/09 season.
He said: "I think we've shown we can compete in this division now. We had a bit of luck when they kept hitting the post but against that we should have had a penalty and when the chances came we took them. The supporters have helped us a lot this season because they have stuck with us when results weren't going our way."
"We were bottom of the table at Christmas and I'm proud of the way we've managed to climb up the table while at the same time sticking to playing football the way we have always done."
Of the match, he said: "We had a bit of luck when they kept hitting the post but against that we should have had a penalty and when the chances came we took them."
Visiting boss Neil Warnock warned his squad that changes would be made during the season, saying: "The way we played after the interval told me a lot about my players - some good and some bad. We know we are not good enough at the moment but have been hanging in there in recent weeks. We know the type of players we need and hopefully we can get some of those that we want. It's a great challenge for me. We haven't got much money to spend but the chairman is very supportive and it could be interesting next season."
The Warnock verdict of the game at the Keepmoat Stadium: "We hit the post three times in the first half and missed an even better chance than any of those but I was disappointed with the way we lost in the second half."
Of course, Neil Warnock is no stranger to South Yorkshire, having visited the Keepmoat Stadium during his time when manager at Sheffield United, and paid tribute to Rovers, saying: "You have to give some credit to Doncaster. It's a fantastic achievement for them to come new into the league and finish around mid-table when they were bottom at one stage. They are a lovely club and have some lovely fans."

April 26, 2009

Two offered pro contracts

Youth team players Charles Fisher and Robert Clark have been offered first year professional contracts at Doncaster Rovers after impressing in the youth squad this season. Fisher is described as a versatile defender, whilst Clark is a a central midfielder. Both will join the senior squad for next season - both were also inclued in the squad for yesterday's game against Crystal Palace, although neither made it onto the pitch.
Clark was allocated the number 34 squad number, whilst Fisher is number 35.

April 26, 2009

Lester sees red

Former Rovers loan striker Jack Lester was sent off yesterday during Chesterfield's 1-0 defeat at Accrington Stanley. Lester, League Two's leading goal scorer, was shown a straight red card for dissent in the 79th minute of the game, with the result dashing any lingering hopes the Spireites had of reaching the play-offs.

April 26, 2009

Supporters Club Dinner

The Retford Branch of the Supporters Club are holding their end of season dinner/disco on Friday, 8th May, starting at 8pm. They are hoping that a number of the playing squad will be attending the event, at which they are to present the "away player of the year". The cost is £18, which includes a four-course meal, with free pick-ups from Barnby Dun, Kirk Sandall, Armthorpe, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Waterday, Bawtry Road, Rossington, Harworth and Bawtry.
To book a place, please contact any Supporters Club committee member or call Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 or 0796 1727769.

April 25, 2009

Rovers v Crystal Palace

Doncaster Rovers look set to be without several players for this afternoon's match against Crystal Palace, with a further three players possibly missing the game due to injury.
Midfielder Mark Wilson will miss the rest of the season after tearing a calf muscle in the first half of last weekend's game at Plymouth, Paul Heffernan has had surgery on a damaged cartilage, and Matt Mills is considered doubtful with a groin injury which has troubled him for several weeks.
Add those players to the already missing James O'Connor, Brian Stock, Adam Lockwood, Ben Smith, Sean McDaid, Stuart Elliott, James Coppinger, Tomi Ameobi and Steve Brooker, with Jason Price and Gordon Greer out on loan at Millwall and Swindon respectively, and it looks as though Rovers will be down to the bare bones this afternoon.
It looks as though it is just as well that Championship safety has been assured!
The large-scale absences should give a number of fringe players the chance to impress Sean O'Driscoll, with on-loan Kasenga LuaLua and teenage Waide Fairhurst in with a chance of playing - it all depends on how Sean O'Driscoll approaches team selection, as Gareth Taylor, Darren Byfield and Lewis Guy are also available.
Crystal Palace are also without a number of players, although their absentee list is far shorter than that of Rovers, with Victor Moses and Claude Davis suspended, Shaun Derry, Johy Oster, Paul Ifill and Sean Scannell injured.
With both teams having little to play for, Palace boss Neil Warnock is also likely to take the opportunity to give some younger players a chance to impress, with James Comley, Nathaniel Pinney and Kieron Cadogan in with a chance of making the squad.

April 25, 2009

O'Driscoll on Palace game

Both managers are likely to make a number of changes to their sides for this afternoon's clash at the Keepmoat Stadium, with Sean O'Driscoll and Neil Warnock likely to take advantage of being involved in neither the promotion or relegation issues to give some fringe players some time on the pitch.
Sean O'Driscoll admitted: "We are struggling to fill the bench. We've got options up front but defensively we are a bit short. If we bring in some of the youngsters we've got to make sure that we ask them to do jobs that they are comfortable with and that they are confident enough to go out on to the pitch and play to their strengths. Waide Fairhurst has been champing at the bit to get into the team and you'd like to see what he does and how he'd cope."
"All Neil Warnock's sides are competitive. He's got the same problem as me and a few other managers in that does he risk a player whose injury you can make worse by playing him? I would imagine that a lot of his talented youngsters will be given a game. We are both second-guessing each other on what sort of teams we put out - but it will be competitive.
"It is our last game at the Keepmoat and we've not played particularly well of late - especially the Preston game - so it would be nice to finish the season giving the supporters, who have stuck with us all through the season, something to smile about."

April 25, 2009

Rovers play in green for final game

Doncaster Rovers will play in a green kit for this afternoon's match against Crystal Palace as they promote the NSPCC charity. The shirts will also include the NSPCC logo instead of the usual Wright Investments one to highlight the charity.
The shirts will not be for sale in the club shops, but are intended to be auctioned during the summer to raise further funds for the NSPCC.

April 25, 2009

Wolves match nears sell-out

Next weekend's away game at Wolverhampton Wanderers looks certain to be a sell-out following news released on Wolves' official website that less than 500 tickets remain for general sale. Due to the very limited availability, they will only be available on-line to Wolves' fans from 9am this morning. Any tickets will only be sold to fans with an existing supporter number.

April 24, 2009

Lockwood does not need op

Rovers defender Adam Lockwood wast told that he will not require surgery on his ankle injury following a consultation with a specialist earlier this week. He had a scan on the injury on Wednesday, which showed that the injury was not as bad as first feared.
As physio John Dickens told the Doncaster Star: "The scan shows that he's torn a ligament and damaged a tendon but the surgeon thinks that they will both heal okay. So we'll rehab him and take him back to the surgeon in a month for him to re-assess him."

April 24, 2009

Wright for Pool exit

Former Doncaster Rovers midfiedler Jermaine Wright will be leaving Blackpool at the end of the season after suffering an injury-plagued season which has limited him to three league appearances since joining from Southampton last summer. Wright is out of contract and he, along with Stuart Green and Marlon Broomes, are all certain to leave the club in the summer.
Wright played 13 games for Rovers in the 1995/96 season on loan from Wolves, and went on to play for Crewe Alexandra, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Millwall and Southampton, amounting over 350 League starts during his 17 year career.

April 24, 2009

Shiels named in N Ireland squad

Rovers midfielder Dean Shiels has been named in the Northern Ireland B squad for their friendly against Scotland on May 6th. Shiels has been named in recent Northern Ireland squads, but has been an unused substitute on the last two occasions, but the 'B' international should give him the opportunity to impress Nigel Worthington and his Northern Ireland management team. Sheils is the most experienced player named in the squad, so should be hopeful of starting the game.
The Northern Ireland 'B' squad for the match, which is to be played at Clyde's Broadwood ground, is: Tuffey (Partick), Carson (Sunderland), Casement (Ipswich Town), Cathcart (Plymouth Argyle), McGivern (Manchester City), Gibb (Stirling), McArdle (Rochdale), Weir (Sunderland), O'Connor (Crewe), C Evans (Manchester United), McGinn (Celtic), Garrett (Linfield), McCourt (Celtic), Donnelly (Crusaders), Little (Rangers), Ward (Sheffield United), Lawrie (Port Vale), Shiels (Doncaster).

April 23, 2009

Heffernan's season is over

Rovers striker Paul Heffernan will not play any further part in the 2008/09 season after it was confirmed that he will be going into hospital today for a cartilage operation. Heffernan, who is Rovers' top scorer for the season with ten goals, is likely to finish top scorer, as the top three goalscorers this season are all now out injured - Heffernan on 10, Brian Stock with 8, and James Coppinger with five goals. The closest after that are Richie Wellens and James Hayter, with three goals.
Sean O'Driscoll explained: "Paul has had a bit of a problem for a while and he's going in to have the operation straight away now that we know we will be playing Championship football again next season."
Rovers' injury woes continued with news that Mark Wilson will also miss the last two matches with a torn calf muscle, with Matt Mills and Gareth Roberts struggling to be fit for Saturday. With a number of players already absent due to injury, O'Driscoll may well be forced to field a number of youngster against Crystal Palace and Wolves, with the strikeforce on Saturday likely to comprise Waide Fairhurst and Lazenga LuaLua.
As O'Driscoll said: "I've been keen to give Waide a run for some time and it also presents a chance for Kazenga."

April 23, 2009

O'Driscoll praises Rovers survival

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has praised his players for achieving Championship survival three matches from the end of the season. Bearing in mind that Rovers were rock-bottom at Christmas, their exploits in the second half of the campaign have been truly remarkable, and still have it within their reach to finish in the top half of the table, although the lengthening injury list does suggest that may be out of their reach.
O'Driscoll said: "I was told after the game we were safe and I'm really delighted for the supporters.I'm proud of the players and they should be proud of themselves because they have all established themselves as Championship players now. It's an achievement for everyone really - the fans, the players and everyone connected with the club - because we have stuck together and seen it through. When you look at the teams that are in the bottom three - Charlton, Southampton and Norwich - they are all big clubs who have been in the Premiership whereas we don't even have recent experience of playing at this level. We've learned a lot on the way - especially when it comes to organisation and discipline - and we've had to."

April 23, 2009

Now Newcastle are interested in Mills?

The rumour-mill in the press has continued as the chase to sign Rovers defender Matthew Mills seems to be hotting up. We reported a couple of days ago that Birmingham City were expected to table a £2.5 million bid for the defender during the summer, having had an approach turned down during the January transfer window.
Now the Daily Star and the Daily Mirror have reported that Newcastle United are also to make a bid to sign Mills, although we suspect that nothing will be decided until the managerial situation at St James' Park has been resolved, with former Rovers boss Joe Kinnear due to return to duty at the end of the season.
Should Mills leave in the summer for the amounts mentioned, it will be a remarkable deal for Rovers, who signed him from Manchester City for £300,000 only last summer.

April 23, 2009

Carter released

Former Doncaster Rovers target Alfie Carter has been released by The New Saints ahead of the final matches of the Welsh Premier League season. He is amongst four players to be released by the Saints, who will finish in third place, their poorest final placing for several years, with Llanelli finishing as runners up to Champions Rhyl.
Carter was invited for trials at Doncaster Rovers during the 2003/04 season whilst he was a player at Bath City, but he returned to Bath after Rovers decided not to pursue their interest. He joined TNS in Augsut 2005 and scored 27 goals in his four year stay.

April 23, 2009

Match officials v Crystal Palace

April 23, 2009

Coaches to Wolves

Tickets for the final game of the season at Wolverhampton Wanderers may have been sold out, but the Supporters Club are still taking bookings for coaches travelling to the match.
They will leave Retford at 10.00am, Harworth Pit Gates 10.05am, Bawtry 10.15am, Rossington Styrrup 10.15am, Hare & Tortoise 10.20am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 10.15am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 10.45am.
The fares are: Members £12.00, OAP's £11.00, U16's £10.00
Non-Members £14.00, OAP's £13.00, U16's £12.00
To book a ticket, please contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066).

April 22, 2009

O'Kelly - same again for last two games

Despite Doncaster Rovers confirming their stay in the Championship for a second season thanks to Saturday's win at Plymouth Argyle, assistant boss Richard O'Kelly has insisted that they will follow the same approach as they have all season, meaning that the quality of their performance is paramount.
Last Saturday's game saw one of Rovers' best performances of the season but, as he told the Doncaster Star, "It is nice to be safe, but everything has been the same in training. We've still got two more games to play that we want to do well in."
"We've not set ourselves any targets," said O'Kelly. "We just want to try to perform in every game we play and to perform to our best. We are not saying that we want to try and pick up six points from our last two games; two good performances is what we are looking for. We have done that all season, so why change now?"
O'Kelly confirmed that Richie Wellens and Mark Wilson, who were both substituted due to injury on Saturday, have responded well to treatment and are expected to take their place in the side for the final home game of the season on Saturday, when Rovers face Crystal Palace.
He said: "Both of them responded well to treatment today, as did everyone who picked up little niggles at Home Park."

April 22, 2009

Horlock's charity match

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Kevin Horlock has arranged a celebrity football match to raise money for Breast Cancer Charity. The match will be played at Needham Market's ground on Quinton Road on Sunday, 26th with a 2.30pm kick-off. Admission prices will be £5 for adults, with under-16s free.. The match is being billed as a Kevin Horlock XI v Celebrity XI, with the celebrity side reported to include former pop star David van Day (known more recently for being on from "I'm a celebrity") and Phil Daniels from Eastenders.
Before dropping into non-league football after leaving Doncaster Rovers, Kevin played for Swindon Town, Manchester City, West Ham United, Ipswich Town and Mansfield Town.

April 22, 2009

Forte returns to Scunny

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Jonathan Forte has returned to parent club Scunthorpe United after completing his loan at Notts County. Whilst County were most happy with Forte's performance this season, leading to reports that they may try to sign him on a full transfer in the summer, he could not stay until the end of the season due to loan transfer regulations, which limit loan transfers to a maximum of 93 days each season (longer term loans are possible for younger players).
He returned to Glanford Park after last weekend's matches, but was not included in Scunthorpe's squad for last night's away game at Northampton due to an ankle injury sustained on Saturday, but is expected to be available for Friday's game against top of the table Leicester City.
Jonathan said: ''I'm pleased to be back, if I'm playing. I got experience at Notts County, playing nearly every week. It's been brill. 'That's all I want to do really, play games. It's a good thing that I've gone out on loan because you get your confidence back and feel a lot better about yourself. If you're not playing, if you're in and out the team, it's not good for any player. You just want to go out play games and do your best. But if that's not happening, you've got to go and seek it elsewhere.''

April 22, 2009

Rovers pair nominated

Rovers players John Spicer and James Chambers have been named in the Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week following their contribution to Rovers' 3-0 victory at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, with the victory meaning that Rovers were finally mathematically safe from the prospect of relegation.
The full "Team of the Week" for the Championship was named as: Andy Lonergan (Preston North End), James Chambers (Doncaster Rovers), Garry Monk (Swansea City), Stephen Foster (Barnsley), James Perch (Nottingham Forest), Giovani Dos Santos (Ipswich Town), Lee Williamson (Preston North End), John Spicer (Doncaster Rovers), Alan Quinn (Ipswich Town), Neil Mellor (Preston North End), Luke Varney (Sheffield Wednesday)

April 22, 2009

Penney linked away from Quakers as administration continues

Former Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney has been linked with a move away from Darlington in the summer owing to the ongoing financial crisis at the club. Penney has been reported to be linked with the managerial posts at Barnsley, Bradford City and Stockport County - although a move to Stockport seems unlikely as they are only in a slightly better financial position to the Quakers - Sale Sharks, who ground share with Stockport, have paid the police bill for County's final match of the season, otherwise the club faced the prospect of playing their last home game of the season behind closed doors.
Penney has been frustrated this season by not only the ten point deduction suffered by Darlington after the club went into administration, but also by a number of loan players having to return to their parent clubs as a consequence of the administrator's cost-cutting measures. Even now, if Darlington had not been deducted ten points, they would just be able to qualify for the play-offs.
Penney said: “We would have gone up this season. I have no doubt. I am bitter about it. I didn’t see administration coming and I don’t know why it happened. The Professional Footballers’ Association was not informed that it was going to happen, and the Football League was not informed. If there had been some warning we might have been able to get wages paid by the PFA. I believe that is the case with some other clubs. Our players are not getting paid what they should be paid.”
Due to the financial problems at Darlington, Penney faces the prospect of most of his senior players leaving the club during the summer unless the future of the club is sorted out quickly.
A deadline for potential buyers to submit bids for the club was extended until May 5th after no offer had been accepted by the administrators by the previous deadline of yesterday, although a number of people are understood to have registered an interest. The club issued a statement that said: "This decision has been made because the administrator is continuing to hold discussions with interested parties which have not come to any definitive conclusion although there are a number of parties who are willing to pursue their interest further. The club will continue as it has done and fulfil the remainder of its fixtures regardless of any offers.

April 21, 2009

Hartlepool 3 Youth Team 1

The Rovers youth team went down to a 3-1 defeat at Hartlepool United in their last game of the season. Despite Hartlepool having games in hand, it looks unlikely that they will overhaul Rovers, who are currently in third place. Hartlepool have two games to go and are four points behind Doncaster.
Rovers went in front in the first half, but the home side came back with goals from Daniel Johnson and Lee Mason (2). Unfortunately as the only report we can trace is on Hartlepool's official website, we have no details of the Rovers goal scorer or the Rovers team line-up.

April 21, 2009

Woods - tired Rovers looking forward to summer break

An interview with Rovers midfielder Martin Woods and published in the Yorkshire Evening Post has revealed the problems of running with a very small squad in the Championship this season. With a lengthy injury list limiting the rotation possible in the closing matches of the season, the win on Saturday that confirmed that Rovers will finish above the relegation places was most welcome, with their second half of the season exploits confounding the pundits, who had the club down for an instant return to League One.
The disappointing performance in Rovers' last home game, against Preston, highlighted a number of differences between clubs in the Championship - Rovers were, relatively speaking running on empty, and Preston had the luxury to bring in two good strikers, Brown and Mellor, who proved to be Rovers' undoing in that game.
Woods said of that game: "We were disappointed with the result on Monday when we played poorly (against Preston). A lot of the boys are really tired. It's been a long season and you can't be carrying any players in this league. As soon as you start to do that, you can lose and you've got to be fully switched on in this league because teams can punish you.
"We didn't have much of a summer off last year, but we've nine weeks off this year and everyone is looking forward to it."
He continued: "We've had to be at 100 per cent, and playing at our best, to get results this season. We have not got a big squad at all, so maybe things just caught up with us on Monday."
The worn nature of the Keepmoat Stadium pitch has been commented upon by many, and Woods also paid reference to it. "Everybody knows the way we try and play football, which is getting it down on the deck. So the pitch hasn't been doing us any favours at all as it's so bobbly. It's hampered us a bit. Away from home, people have seen when we've played on pitches that are really nice and looked after, we feel we can go and play our football. We try to do it at home, but it's not quite the same as it's not as smooth. It's been a bit hard, to be fair."

April 21, 2009

Keepmoat to host internationals

The Keepmoat Stadium has been chosen as one of the venues for the forthcoming Under-19 European Championship Elite Qualifying Tournament which is being played in May. The Young Lions will face Bosnia at the Keepmoat Stadium on Wednesday, 27th May - the match will kick-off at 7pm. The FA website have not confirmed any ticket prices at the moment.
Other countries taking part in the qualifying tournament are Scotland and Slovakia.
Other matches will be played at Bradford City's Valley Parade and Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground.
The full list of matches in the tournament is:
Wednesday, 27th May
England v Bosnia (27 May, Keepmoat Stadium)
Scotland v Slovakia (27 May, Bramall Lane)
England v Slovakia (29 May, Valley Parade)
Scotland v Bosnia (29 May, Keepmoat Stadium)
England v Scotland (1 June, Bramall Lane)
Bosnia v Slovakia (1 June, Valley Parade)
All matches begin at 7pm.

April 21, 2009

Mills - Birmingham to increase bid?

In the first of what may be many more rumours surrounding Rovers defender Matthew Mills, the Daily Mirror have reported that Birmingham City are set to make a £2.5 million bid for the Rovers centre-back during the summer. Rovers have already turned down offers reported to be up to £1.5 million for the player, who has been a key player in the Rovers' battle to surivive in the Championship.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion were also been reported to have been interested in the player during the January transfer window.

April 21, 2009

Voting results

Perhaps what was evident from the voting for the "Man of the Match" for Saturday's match at Plymouth Argyle was that the supporters recognised a great team performance by the Doncaster Rovers players. That was reflected with ten of the players taking part receiving nominations for the accolade. As it was striker Paul Heffernan was the clear winner of the poll, with supporters recognising his contribution by setting up John Spicer's goal and scoring the Rovers' third goal.
The players receiving the most votes were:
1 Paul Heffernan (42.86%)
2 John Spicer (14.29%)
3 Matthew Mills (10.71%)
Thank you to the many supporters who took the time to place their vote. The next poll will open following Saturday's home game against Crystal Palace.

April 20, 2009

Rovers Belles win Cup

Doncaster Rovers Belles won the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup yesterday afternoon when they beat Sheffield Wednesday by a convincing 5-0 scoreline. The Doncaster goals were scored by Rachel Williams (2), Vicky Exley, Emma Johnson and Amy Vaughan, which enabled them to retain the trophy.
The game was played at the ground of Sheffield Park Steels FC.
Doncaster Rovers Belles: Nicola Hobbs, Chelsea Weston, Amy Turner, Natasha Hughes, Claire Utley, Presh Hamilton, Vicky Exley, Rachel Williams, Emily Heckler, Emma Johnson, Suzanne Davies.
Substitutes: Vikki Stevens (for Johnson, 55), Vanessa Leat (for Heckler, 60), Amy Vaughan (for Weston, 65).

April 20, 2009

Notts impressed with Forte

Notts County boss Ian McParland is understood to be keen to keep former Rovers striker Jonathan Forte at the club next season after two successful loan spells at the club this season. Forte has struggled to hold down a regular first team place at Scunthorpe United and moved to County on loan in November, going on to score a hat-trick on his debut against Barnet to become only the fourth Notts player to perform that feat - one of those four is former Rovers hot-shot Tom Keetley.
The problem with turning the loan move into a permanent one is likely to be down to the fact that Forte still has another year to go on his contract at Scunthorpe, meaning that they may well have to pay a transfer fee.
Boss McParland said: "You cannot complain about his goals tally, he's shown he is capable of scoring goals. He has got a few rough edges but sometimes you look at him and wonder why he isn't in the Scunthorpe team or playing at a higher level. He's a nice lad too and he has enjoyed it here. He made a sudden impact when he came to the club. He went away and then came back and did okay again and then had a few games that weren't so good but that happens, then he came back with another goal against Rotherham. He's a confidence player. I would like to think he could get 20 league goals over a season but you never know. He has got the ability to do it."
Of a prospective full transfer during the summer, he went on to say: "I have not decided anything yet. He's a Scunthorpe player and I don't know if they want to keep him or let him go, but he has got another year on his contract there."

April 20, 2009

Burley - McCormack must stay at Cardiff

Scotland manager has said that Ross McCormack must stay at Cardiff City to further his international football career after a spectacular first season in the Football League following a move from Motherwell last summer. McCormack is currently the Championship's second-top goal scorer this season, having netted on 21 occasions so far, although he spurned a chance to add to that tally when he missed a penalty on Saturday.
Burley has said that McCormack will get better with age, and predicts that he could go on to have a great international career.
Burley said: “I’ve seen a change in Ross and its for the better. The first thing I noticed in his training is that he’s matured a lot. That’s why I put him in the team against Holland for our friendly the other week. He’s still learning the game at Cardiff City and he can be with no better manager then Dave Jones. He has brought the best out of Ross and with him hitting such great form there will the obvious rumours that Premiership clubs are interested, but my advice to Ross is do it with Cardiff. I’ve been to Cardiff two or three times this season and there is a nice feel about the place. Couple that with going into a new stadium across the road and Ross does not need to go anywhere else.”
However, it sounds as though McCormack has no thoughts of leaving in any case.
“While on international duty all managers find time to talk to their players and see how they are doing at club level,” added Burley.
“And Ross can’t say enough about the club and the actual place, Cardiff. He’s loving every moment of it there.”

April 19, 2009

Plymouth 0 Rovers 3

Doncaster Rovers took a huge step towards confirming their Championship status for next season with a convincing win against a Plymouth Argyle side that are were also battling against relegation. Argyle went into the game on the back of a three match unbeaten run, and Rovers having lost six out of the last eight games, but from that point of view, Rovers well and truly upset the form book by taking complete control of a game which saw Neil Sullivan without much to do for long stretches of the game.
Rovers went in front in the 15th minute when Heffernan cut the ball back to an incoming John Spicer, who rifled the ball into the net from 15 yards. The second goal came in the 33rd minute when an accurate left-wing cross by Gareth Roberts was headed home by James Hayter, who had come on as a 21st minute substitute for Mark Wilson. Plymouth's misery was completed in the 70th minute as a finish from close range wrapped up the points for Rovers.
Interestingly, Rovers are still nine points ahead of the top relegation spot, with Norwich and Barnsley having three games left to play. The odds on all of the clubs below Rovers overtaking them are now minute, with a number of those clubs having to play each other - for example, Forest play two teams (Blackpool and Southampton) below Rovers, Barnsley face promoted Wolves, Derby face Watford and Charlton.

April 19, 2009

What the managers said

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll trotted out the same type of comment after yesterday's match against Plymouth as he used following the Preston home defeat, alleging that "We have not looked at the league table all season; we have concentrated on performances so I don't think we are going to change now."
"In this division you need to be organised, just passing the ball does not get you what you want to get, so we learnt from the Preston game. We have done that all season. Every game - won, drawn or lost - we think we can do this better or that better. I thought we were excellent today."
Plymouth's manager, Paul Sturrock, was understandabley frustrated by the performance of his players in the game, which sees Argyle four points above the drop zone with two games to go.
He said: "We've done nothing different to any other week, training just the same. But we weren't out there and had one of our poorest games of the season. It just beggars belief, and that's now a mental approach the players are going to feel. There's no excuses today, it was one of the biggest games of the season and they came out with this was a lacklustre performance."

April 19, 2009

Around the goals

For a change, Cardiff's former Rovers striker Ross McCormack is not a player that we feature on our "Around the goals" feature this week. There's a good reason for that - Cardiff were on the receiving end of a 6-0 scoreline - remarkable when you think of their recent form. Scoring one of Preston's six goals, which keeps alive their play-off homes (North End are now just a point adrift having won the last two games) was former Rovers loan striker Chris Brown, who also scored against Rovers last weekend.
Down one division in League One, ex-Rover Adebayo Akinfenwa scored Northampton's first goal in the 71st minute on their way to a 3-1 away win at Leyton Orient. The win keeps the Cobblers in the bottom four, but with four games to go, and up to two games in hand on their relegation rivals, they should pick up enough points to avoid the drop.
Also on target yesterday was former Rovers striker Mark McCammon, who scored the only goal of the game as Gillingham won at Chesterfield, which should ensure a play-off place for the Gills.
In the Blue Square Premier, ex-Rover Adriano Rigoglioso scored Forest Green's second goal in their 4-0 home win over Rushden & Diamonds.

April 19, 2009

Roberts goal wins title for Rhyl

Former Rovers striker Neil Roberts scored one of Rhyl's goals as they won a key game in the Welsh Premier League against The New Saints this weekend. The 2-1 win against the third placed club meant that Rhyl now are out of reach of second placed Llanelli - ten points ahead with Llanelli only having three games to play.
The win ensures the title for Rhyl, meaning that Roberts and former Rovers midfielder Gareth Owen now face the enticing prospect of playing European football next season!

April 19, 2009

Danny set for Scottish move?

Danny Cadamarteri, who spent a month on loan at Doncaster Rovers towards the end of the 2006/07 season, may be set to move to Scottish club Dundee United in the summer after United manager Craig Levein confirmed that he has been watching the former Everton, Leeds and Leicester striker. Cadamarteri is out of contract at the end of the season and is uncertain as to whether he will get a new deal with current club Huddersfield Town, for whom he has scored just two goals in 33 games this season.

April 18, 2009

Rovers after new shirt sponsor

It has been announced that Doncaster Rovers have employed a marketing company, Getmemedia.com to secure a new club sponsor for the 2009/10 season. This presumably means that Wright Investments' sponsorship is coming to an end this summer. Getmemedia.com have been signed up to secure shirt, stadium and hospitality branding rights for next season.

April 18, 2009

Plymouth v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers travel to Plymouth Argyle today hoping to have their Championship future confirmed by picking up three points, meaning that, at worst, they will be six points ahead of third-bottom with two games to play. There are three teams six points behind, so if Rovers pick up a point and Nottingham Forest, Norwich City and Barnsley all lose, Rovers are safe. Of course, there are numerous permutations at this stage of the season!
Rovers continue to have injury problems ahead of the match with a lengthy injury list not helped by news that Matt Mills has been suffering from a virus during the week, although he is expected to have sufficiently recovered to play the game.
Sean O'Driscoll will also check on Jos van Nieuwstadt, who has been suffering with a tight calf during the week.
Plymouth will be missing Craig Cathcart with a knee injury, and are likely to switch left back Chris Barker to play in central defence. They are also to give late fitness tests on two unnamed players, and whilst Belgin striker Emile Mpenza has resumed training this week, he is not expected to start the game.

April 18, 2009

Match officials v Plymouth

The match officials for this afternoon's away game at Plymouth have been confirmed as:
Referee: P T Crossley
Assistant Referees: J L Cox & K Johnson
Fourth Official: A A Laver

April 18, 2009

Rhyl nearing on Championship

Welsh Premier League club Rhyl are one step away from being confirmed as being Champions after winning both of their matches over the Easter weekend, meaning that victory against The New Saints this afternoon will give them an eight point lead with just two games to go. Should that happen, Rhyl will win the title for the first time since 2003/04.
Rhyl beat second placed Llanelli last weekend, followed by a 4-1 away win at Prestatyn Town, with one of their goals being scored by ex-Rovers midfielder Gareth Owen, with his 39th minute corner evading the reach of goalkeeper Jonathan Hill-Dunt to end up in the net.

April 17, 2009

Belles take points off Gunners

Doncaster Rovers Belles became the first team to take a point off runaway leaders Arsenal this week when the two sides battled out a goalless draw at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Even so, with the chances created, Rovers Belles boss John Buckley felt that his side could have won the game. He said: "It was a tremendous performance by the girls, who were really up for the game after losing to Arsenal in the Premier League Cup final at Glanford Park in January. Although I would have settled for a draw before the game, I felt that it was a game that we could have won because I felt that we created the best chances. I was critical of Rachael Williams against Chelsea last week, but she was outstanding in a slightly different role. Chelsey Weston also played well at the back on her return from suspension and Claire Uttley took no prisoners."

April 17, 2009

Lockwood's injury confirmed

The results of a scan done on Adam Lockwood's ankle confirmed that the central defender will miss the rest of the season. The scan revealed that Lockwood has ruptured two ligaments in his ankle, and Rovers will now consider whether surgery will be required to resolve the problem.
Lockwood left Portman Road on crutches last Saturday after being carried off the pitch in the dying minutes of the game against Ipswich Town.
Sean O'Driscoll said: "He's got a couple of ruptured ligaments. I think he will be seeing someone else to see how stable the ankle is once it settles down and then we will see whether he needs an operation or not."
"The specialist gave his view, it has been scanned and that is what it's said. We'll have to wait now for a little bit. If we can get away without operating, we will - but if there are two ligaments gone, that makes the ankle unstable."

April 17, 2009

O'Kelly confident on ending run

Rovers assistant manager Richard O'Kelly is confident that Doncaster Rovers will ensure their Championship safety at Plymouth Argyle tomorrow, despite going into the game with only one win in the last seven games.
He said: "I think we still need a point but better still would be to go to Plymouth and win the game and remove all doubts. We've seen what the players can do this season and we can probably count the occasions we've underperformed on one hand. All we want now is a reaction (to the poor run) - and it doesn't matter how far we have to travel to achieve it."

April 16, 2009

Rovers to wear green kit for Palace game

The Doncaster Free Press have announced that Doncaster Rovers will wear a green kit for the home game against Crystal Palace as a one-off to help raise money for the NSPCC. The kit will be green and white hoops (a la Yeovil/Celtic) and will be auctioned off after the game to raise more money for the charity. Also, as a one-off, the club shirt sponsors, Wright Investments, will have their logo replaced by the NSPCC logo.
Various other events, including face painters, speed shooting and coaching sessions, are also planned for the day - the coaching sessions will take place between 11.30am and 1.30pm on the Astroturf pitches at the Keepmoat Stadium.

April 16, 2009

Hynes on target

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Peter Hynes, now playing for Irish club Shelbourne, scored two of their goals in the 3-0 home win over Premier Division Dundalk in their League Cup clash last weekend. The win sets up a clash with Bohemians in the next round.
Meanwhile, we notice in English non-league football that former Rovers defender Simon Marples missed a second half penalty for Alfreton against King's Lynn. Thankfully, the miss was not too costly as they ran out as comfortable winners by a 4-0 margin. The victory made it eight wins in a row in the Blue Square North, which sees Alfreton now one win away from being statistically sure of qualifying for the play-offs.

April 16, 2009

Rovers a role model for Hatters

Perhaps it was inevitable given the massive 30 points deducted by the Football League due to past financial irregularities, but Luton Town were relegated from the Football League after an 89 year stay on Saturday. Luton could only draw on Saturday, but with Grimsby Town picking up a rare win, the Hatters were too far adrift of third-bottom to have any further hope.
Luton boss Mick Harford said: "I said to the players it's 100% not their fault. The past incumbents of this club are to blame. The penalty points were a massive burden we could not overcome."
Harford continued to say: "I looked at the clock in the dressing room and said to the players 'remember this time. Five to five on 13th April. This is the rebirth of Luton Town Football Club'. "We will go forward, we will kick-on. There are lots of people worse off than Luton Town Football Club. The benchmark is Doncaster Rovers. They went down a few years ago, came back up, got a new stadium and now they're flying high in the Championship. And that's how we've got to respond."
We wish Luton all the best for next season - it's not too long since Rovers fans went through the same experience. They may not find an instant return possible, as many other former League clubs now in the Blue Square Premier have found - much will depend on whether they can keep the majority of their squad together.
If Luton had not had the 30 point deduction, they would be sitting comfortably in 15th place in League Two. It remains a battle between Bournemouth, Grimsby Town and Chester City for the other relegation place.

April 16, 2009

Voting results

Eight players received nominations for the "Man of the Match" for Monday's home match against Preston North End, with those receiving most votes being:
1 Dean Shiels (41.03%)
2 James Hayter (20.51%)
3 Richie Wellens (15.38%)
4 Jos van Nieuwstadt (10.26%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next poll will open following Saturday's away game at Plymouth Argyle.

April 16, 2009

O'Driscoll blasts performance

Whilst Rovers may well be in a relatively strong position to survive any prospect of relegation, a poor display in Monday's home game against Preston saw Sean O'Driscoll very frustrated after Rovers went down to a fourth successive home defeat.
After the win at Ipswich, O'Driscoll refused to get carried away by the "We are staying up" chants of the supporters, but conceded that such thoughts may well have crossed the players' minds.
Of that, he said: "You ask them. I'm sure every one of them would turn round and say 'no'. We've not focused on targets all season; we've always talked about performances. If the players have switched off then it is outside influences which have affected them. But the performance wasn't good enough for me and I would have said that had we won the game with a last-minute penalty."
"I thought that the first 20 minutes were really tight; Preston are a decent Championship side. They got the first goal and what you want is a positive reaction, but I thought that we gave up for the rest of the first half. There isn't a player in my team, or who I have ever coached or managed, good enough to give up in this division and that's regardless of the result. For me, it was as disappointing as we've been all season."
As a parting comment of the performance, the Rovers boss said: "They looked like they were on their holidays."