August 15, 2008
Boss praises Heffernan
Sean O'Driscoll has praised the attitute of striker Paul Heffernan, who is set to make his first league appearance of the season tomorrow against Cardiff City, after missing last Saturdays' season opener due to suspension. Heffernan also missed the key games against Southend United and Leeds United after being sent off in the play-off first leg, but O'Driscoll is happy with the striker's response, saying: "Paul deserves credit for his attitude and work-rate. A moment of frustration, rather than madness, cost him appearances in a couple of big games, but he has always trained well and never lets his head go down."
August 15, 2008
Injury update
Striker Jason Price is hoping to be included in the squad for tomorrow's home game against Cardiff City after missing out last week with an ankle injury. Price as given a cortisone injection to help resolve the problem, and he returned to full training today. Physio John Dickens said: "If he comes through okay Thursday and Friday, and Sean (O'Driscoll) things that he is fit enough, he could come into contention. He has worked hard in training and his fitness isn't bad."
Darren Byfield is set to return to training in a week's time following a hernia operation a fortnight ago. Dickens said: "He is doing some running and doing some ball work. He hadn't done much pre-season work before he joined us and he only managed one session before being injured. We are doing some fitness work with him but it depends what he looks like when he starts training. But I would probably need a week or two before he is firing on all cylinders.
Gordon Greer has started light training following a recent hip injury, but it is likely to be late September before he is likely to be fit enough for first team duty, following a long period of absence.
Sean McDaid is awaiting the results of a scan before he knows whether he can continue his return. Dickens explained: "Sean has had a bit of a reaction and he has got some swelling on his knee since we stepped his training up. So we have scaled back his training and we took him for a scan today and we are waiting for the specialist's report."
August 15, 2008
Barker set for Millers return?
Former Rovers loan striker Richie Barker may be about to return to Rotherham United, according to a report in the Yorkshire Post. Owner Tony Stewart has said that he will make funds available to bring the striker back to the club. Barker is currently at Hartlepool, but was only a substitute for their first game of the season last weekend. It is thought that the Millers will have to pay around £50,000 for the player.
However, Rotherham boss Mark Robins refused to confirm any interest, saying: "I want to strengthen and we need greater competition for places. We are actively pursuing things but I would never do my business in public and until we are given permission to speak to the player, it is disrespectful to talk about my targets."
August 15, 2008
Vikings Supporters Co-operative
The Viking Supporters Co-operative are holding their Annual General Meeting in the Lakeside Bar at the Keepmoat Stadium tomorrow morning at 11am. The meeting is open to all, although you are encouraged to join the Co-operative, who are sponsoring a number of players this season. They are keen to increase the membership following the Rovers' promotion, with the membership fees helping the VSC to help out the club owners financially, with John Ryan appreciating the financial support given over the last few yars, which has seen the VSC donate over £100,000 to Rvoers coffers.
John Ryan will be attending the meeting, and it is hoped that Sean O'Driscoll and Richard O'Kelly will also be in attendance.
It's only £15 to buy one share and join the Vikings, (though you can buy more shares if you wish...) plus a yearly subscription of £10 per year. It's not a lot to ask to demonstrate your support of Doncaster Rovers FC.
A fans' forum will take place after the formal business part of the meeting, at which all supporters will have the opportunity to ask questions to the Rovers management.
August 13, 2008
Notts County 1 Rovers 0
Rovers bowed out of this season's Carling Cup at the first round stage, going down to a goal in the first minute of the second half of extra time - Myles Weston, having come off the bench in 67 minutes, breaking into the Rovers penalty area to drill a powerful low shot past keeper Neil Sullivan, who had no hope of keeping the ball out of the net.
Rovers had the better of the earlier stages of the match, but County came into it more in the second half, but neither side managed to score - both keepers had powerful shots to save. Kevin Pilkington had to be alert to save a Mark Wilson shot in the early minutes, and ten minutes before half time, Neil Sullivan had to pull off an even better save to deny a Neil MacKenzie free kick from just outside the area, which was bound for the top corner of the net. Gareth Roberts also rattled the County crossbar with a powerfully struck free kick in the first half.
As expected, Rovers made a number of changes to the side that won on Saturday, but the players that came in for their first match of the season failed to make the most of their opportunity.
August 13, 2008
Goals time
With a full Blue Square fixture list last night, there wree three former Rovers players finding their way onto the score sheet.
Firstly, in the Blue Square Premier Division, Jon-Paul Pittman scored Crawley's first goal in the 41st minute as they won 3-0 at newly promoted Lewes.
Andy Campbell scored twice for Farsley Celtic as they won 4-1 at home to Fleetwood Town in the Blue Square North, and Leo Fortune-West struck twice in two minutes for Alfreton Town to earn his side a 2-2 draw at Solihull Moors.
August 13, 2008
Youth team defeated
Doncaster Rovers' youth team went down to a 5-2 home defeat against Lincolnshire side CGB Humbertherm in the latest of their pre-season matches on Monday evening. The Rovers goals were scored by Henderson and Bibby.
The youth team begin their league fixtures list on Saturday, with a home game against Mansfield Town at Cantley Park (kick-off 11am).
August 13, 2008
Coaches to QPR
The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, 23rd August. They will leave Retford at 8.45am, Harworth 8.50am, Bawtry/Rossington 9am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 9.15am and the Keepmoat Stadium (Car Park 1) at 9.30am. If you would like to book a place on the coach, please phone Paul Mayfield on 077404 53066 or Len South on 01302 817347.
August 13, 2008
Boss praises Sam
Boss Sean O'Driscoll has praised defender Sam Hird for his performance on Saturday at Derby.
He said: "Sam has been a revelation. He got his chance last season in some very important games and he seems to get better and better. He looks calm and collected and he reads things well and he knows how to defend. If he has six inches taller then probably the big clubs would be looking at him."
August 13, 2008
Sean's party days are over
At the ripe old age of 25, former Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton looks set to retire from the party scene as he concentrates on getting his football career back on track.
The former Sunderland player had a mixed season at Leyton Orient last term, with the campaign interrupted by injuries, but he is fully focused on making more of an impact this time around.
He said: "The season was a bit up and down because it had started really well, but then I got a stupid red card followed by a hamstring injury. I’d never had a problem with it before but it really did hit the season, because I was a bit in and out after that. But I’ve worked on my own before we came back for pre-season because as you get older you do need to look after yourself a lot more."
"Obviously some of the younger lads can get away with things a bit more after the season has finished, but the older you get you really have to watch your weight. I’m not saying I’m that old, but we’ve got a lot of young lads at the club this season. As you get older you do mature as a person and as a player and having had a couple of months off I just want to get settled back in and into my football again."
"“I’ve just moved into a new place and my family are down with me now, so I am happy and to be honest I just like keeping myself to myself these days and being a family man. I don’t want to sound too old, but that is what I enjoy doing now rather than going out socialising and that can only help me focus on my football.”
August 12, 2008
Man of the Match
The first "Man of the Match" voting of the season saw Matt Mills emerge as the clear winner for his performance in Saturday's game at Derby County. Matt collected over a third of the votes cast, coming well ahead of the field. There were a total of eleven players given nominations, with those receiving the most votes being:
1 Matt Mills (37.378%)
2 Sam Hird (13.34%)
3 Lewis Guy (12.22%)
4= Richie Wellens, Brian Stock (11.1% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part in the vote - the highest number of votes we have ever received on the opening day of the season! The next poll will open after this evening's away game at Notts County.
August 12, 2008
Cut-price tickets tonight
This evening's game at Notts County sees the League Two side cutting prices for all supporters. Admission prices will be £10 for adults and £5 for all concessions. Whilst tickets can be bought in advance, you will be able to pay at the turnstiles. Rovers fans have been allocated all of the Jimmy Sirrel Stand, which runs along the full length of the pitch.
August 12, 2008
Team news
Sean O'Driscoll appears to have no new injury worries ahead of this evening's Carling Cup game at Notts County, although Jason Price (foot), Gordon Greer (hip), Darren Byfield (hernia) and Sean McDaid (knee) remain unavailable as they continue to recover from injury. Rovers may well give Paul Heffernan his first game of the season - he missed out on Saturday as he was suspended after being sent off in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Southend United.
Notts County manager Ian McParland will select from an unchanged squad for tonight's game, wtih Gavin Strachan (hamstring), Russell Hoult (leg) and Stephen Hunt (groin) the only absentees.
August 12, 2008
Mark returns to Nailers
Former Rovers defender Mark Barnard has returned to UniBond Division One (South) club Belper Town after impressing in a pre-season match against Matlock Town on SAturday. Barnard began his career with Rotherham United, moving on to Darlington in 1995 to become a first team regular. He then joined Doncaster Rovers (in 1999) before moves to Worksop Town, Tamworth, Belper Town, Harrogate Town, Stalybridge Celtic and finally Alfreton Town for last season.
Belper will be hoping that Mark's stay will be longer than his last time at the club - that lasted just one match!
August 12, 2008
Mills named in "Team of the Week"
Rovers defender Matt Mills was named in the "Team of the Week" for the Championship for his performance in Saturday's opening day win at Derby County. With the supporters naming Matt as the "Man of the Match" for the game, ahead of fellow defender Sam Hird, the duo played a large part in snuffing out the attacking potency of Derby strikers Nathan Ellington and Rob Hulse.
August 11, 2008
Rovers - "result of the weekend"
Recognition of Rovers' achievement at the weekend in defeating Derby County was given on the BBC site this morning, who reported that the result eclipsed other games in the Championship, with the comments:
"But for me the result of the weekend in the Championship belongs to Doncaster, who won 1-0 at Derby County. It might seem a slightly obvious choice but I think generous plaudits should go to Sean O'Driscoll and his newly promoted team. O'Driscoll is a softly-spoken and unassuming manager, the complete antithesis of those who engage in verbal spats and unsavoury touchline posturing. You almost have to strain to hear what he is saying. Clearly, he is more than happy to let his team do the talking out on the pitch."
" Donny play attractive football that is pleasing on the eye and by all accounts they remained true to their principles at Pride Park. Rovers went to a side who played Premier League football last season, held their nerve in front of 33,000 fans and achieved a result that should answer any questions they may have had about their ability to perform at this level. Not that I expect Rams boss Paul Jewell will see it that way. When his team were relegated months before the last campaign ended he promised that they would bounce straight back. Now he must deliver."
August 11, 2008
Buses to Notts County
The Supporters Club are running coaches to tomorrow evening's Carling Cup away game at Notts County, leaving Retford at 4.45pm, Harworth 4.50pm, Rossington 5pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 5.15pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 5.30pm. If you would like to book a place, please ring Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (0796 1727769 or 01427 880154).
August 11, 2008
Ben to Shepshed

Former Rovers striker Ben Saunders has been transferred from UniBond First Division South club Hucknall Town to divisional rivals Shepshed Dynamo. Saunders has already been on target for his new club, scoring in the pre-season game against Rainworth Miners Welfare.
August 11, 2008
Illegal approach for Gilbert
Sheffield Wednesday have made an official complaint to the Football League regarding an illegal approach from Plymouth Argyle for defender Peter Gilbert, who played a month on loan at Rovers a couple of seasons ago. The left back received the official approach in the week leading up to the new season, with boss Brian Laws saying: "Whilst I knew about this and was very disappointed to hear about it I was not going to allow anything to detract from our preparations for the start of the new Championship season. Thankfully this has not detracted from our build-up to the new season but we will deal with the matters accordingly." Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock, who was previously boss at Hillsborough, is understood to have spoken directly to the player without going through the proper channels.
August 11, 2008
Sam signs for the Bulls
Former Rovers loan defender Sam Oji has signed for Hereford United following a successful trial spell during the pre-season period. Oji was released by Leyton Orient at the end of last season, although Hereford have not confirmed how long his contract at Edgar Street is for. His former clubs also include Birmingham City and Bristol Rovers.
August 9, 2008
Derby 0 Rovers 1
Doncaster Rovers defeated Derby County in their first visit to Pride Park this afternoon, thanks to a second half goal by Lewis Guy. In fact, Rovers could have gone ahead in the first couple of minutes when they appeared to have a good shout for a penalty turned down when Guy was bundled down in the penalty area. The match may have been far from a classic, but it was memorable for the 3,000 Rovers fans that made the trip down the M1 - Rovers' first match in the Championship ended in victory, and that was all that mattered. Rovers had to endure six minutes of added time at the end of the second half, but successfully held on to pick up their first three points of the season. No doubt they will meet better teams over the next nine months, and maybe met Derby, who gave seven players their debuts today, at the right time of the season before the Derby team had time to gel, but it keeps the confidence sky high ahead of next week's home game against Cardiff City.
August 10, 2008
Goals review
Our review of goals scored by former Rovers players begins on the opening day of the new season at Sixfields, where Adebayo Akinfenwa not only was fit enough to start Northampton's game against Cheltenham, but also scored twice, both from the penalty spot.
Also on target was JJ Melligan, who opened the scoring for Leyton Orient as they defeated Hereford United 2-1.
In League Two, the evergreen Jack Lester scored twice as Chesterfield won 3-1 at Barnet.
Looking a little further down the league pyramid to the Blue Square North, Simon Weaver scored for Kings Lynn in the 26th minute of their game at Burscough by firing the ball home from just a yard out following a corner. The match ended 1-1.
In the Northern Counties East Premier Division, Jamie Barnwell scored for Hall Road Rangers, but they still lost at home 3-1 to newly relegated Bridlington Town.
Finally, with the UniBond leagues and the Welsh Premier League not starting their fixtures until next week, a pre-season game saw Rhyl thrash Bradford Park Avenue 4-0 yesterday, with ex-Rovers midfielder Gareth Owen scoring one of the goals.
August 10, 2008
Sean not getting carried away
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is refusing to get carried away after picking up a superb three points at Derby County yesterday afternoon.
He said: "I would call it a good start after 10 games, not after 90 minutes. It was a good performance, which is what we wanted to do. We got our noses in front and we defended manfully at times and I was pleased with the attitude and the way they handled the occasion. I just hope we have got another 45 of those to come. "
"We had some good possession, which isn't easy to get in this division, but when we did get it I thought we were a threat. And when we didn't have possession I thought we defended sensibly. There are any number of games in the Championship that can go either way and I am sure we will play better than that this season and lose. It will be a test when we come up against teams who are more physical than Derby and when we have to keep good possession. At time we didn't do that. I think our goalkeeper must have cleared the ball about 40 times, which just gives the opposition the ball back more times than not. But the players are up for the challenge because they all think they are Championship players."
August 10, 2008
Jewell's agony goes on
Derby boss Paul Jewell is keen for his side to register their first win of the season following yesterday's home defeat to Doncaster Rovers - last term was such a nightmare that he is yet to register his first win at the club - and he's been there since January!
He said: “Last season will continue to loom large over us until we win a game. People won’t forget it until that happens. I am aware that we need to gel pretty quickly. There are games, a lot of games, that we can win this season. Not like last season when the feeling was we were going to be beaten."
“We just need one and I think we will go on a decent run but talking about it and doing it are two different things. You could sense the nervousness around the stadium in the fans and the players looked edgy. I understand there is going to be a reaction but we won’t panic because I know we will get better.”
It looks very likely that Derby will name a full-strength side for Tuesday's Carling Cup game against Lincoln City in a bid to get their first win on the board.
"We should have done better with the chances we missed but this was never going to be an easy game. People looked at it and thought Doncaster Rovers have come up from the division below but they were always a threat and passed the ball really well. We should be doing better, of course we should be, but we will get better. It's one game we have had. We've got 45 left."
August 10, 2008
Penney rejects Ben
Dave Penney has decided against signing former Rovers loan midfielder Ben Muirhead, who played the final game of his trial period for Darlington in the heavy midweek defeat against Middlesbrough.
However, Muirhead has quickly moved on, and has signed for UniBond side Alfreton Town.
He was released by Rochdale at the end of last season.
August 9, 2008
Derby v Rovers
Doncaster Rovers will play their first match in the second tier of English football this afternoon when they face Derby County at Pride Park. The first match at Championship level has been keenly anticipated by Rovers fans since their memorable victory in the League One play-off final against Leeds United at the end of May. It will be interesting to see how well Rovers adapt to their new surroundings - after all, last season, the promoted clubs had varied success, with Scunthorpe being relegated at the first time of asking, whereas Bristol City almost won promotion, just missing out at the play-off stage after looking like good candidates for automatic promotion two thirds of the way through the season.
Rovers have made a number of signings during the summer, but we expect that the starting eleven will have a largely familiar look from last season. The defence should only have a maximum of one change, with Neil Sullivan, James O'Connor, Gareth Roberts and Matt Mills all remaining from last season. The only doubt seems to concern new skipper Adam Lockwood, who will face a late fitness test ahead of the match. If he does not feature, we expect new signing Jos van Nieuwstadt to make his Rovers debut.
In midfield, we expect John Spicer to make his debut, replacing Paul Green, who left to join today's opponents Derby during the summer. He should line up alongside Brian Stock, Richie Wellens and James Coppinger in the middle of the park.
Up front, we know that Paul Heffernan will miss out (suspended), as will new signing Darren Byfield, who is recovering from a groin operation. Gareth Taylor and James Hayter may well start the match today, although Jason Price may feature if he is declared fit after missing the final pre-season match last weekend.
However, with Sean O'Driscoll typically giving no clues at all as to what his side will be, it will ony be shortly before the kick-off that the preferred side for the season is known.
Derby County boss Paul Jewell has brought in eleven players following the Rams' relegation from the Premiership last season, with Rovers' former midfielder Paul Green one of their squad likely to make their club debuts this afternoon.
With a new strikeforce of Rob Hulse, who cost Derby £1.5 million this week, alongside Nathan Ellington, who joined on loan from Watford, the Rovers defence will have to be on top of their game to restrict the scoring chances this afternoon.
Derby will be missing the injured Lewis Price, Lewin Nyatanga and Giles Barnes through injury, and Ruben Zadkovich and Benny Feilhaber, who are on international duty at the Olympic Games.
This afternoon's referee is C Webster, with the assistants being J Cox and M Dexter.
The "Man of the match" voting will return this evening - visit this site from approximately 6pm to place your vote!
August 9, 2008
Stock receives international call-up
On the eve of the new football season, Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has been named in the Welsh squad which will play against Georgia at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea, on Wednesday, 20th August. This is the third time that Stock has been named in the Wales squad, although he is yet to be named in the starting line-up.
August 9, 2008
Fanzine sellers wanted
Volunteers are wanted to help sell the latest edition of the Popular STAND fanzine, which will go on sale next Saturday (16th August) at the Cardiff City game. The fanzine will be on sale between around 1.15pm and 2.45pm (or earlier, if they sell out). If anyone is available, please email nbatchelor@sky.com.
August 9, 2008
Fenton signs for Millers
Ex-Rovers defender Nick Fenton has signed for Rotherham United on a free transfer from Grimsby Town. The 28-year old has agreed a two year contract and will go straight into the Millers' squad for this afternoon's League Two game against Lincoln City - their first ever game at the Don Valley Stadium after being forced to quit Millmoor during the summer. The Preston-born central defender has also played for Manchester City, Notts County and Bournemouth.
August 9, 2008
Horlock turns back on Bury
Bury Town manager Richard Wilkins was left stunned late on Wednesday after hearing that former Rovers and Northern Ireland international midfielder Kevin Horlock had turned his back on the club to sign for Ridgeons Premier League club Needham Market. Horlock had been playing for Bury Town on a trial basis for a number of pre-season matches after Kings Lynn had decided against signing him, but had apparently shown no indication that he would not continue playing for Bury.
Needham Market have confirmed that Horlock has also been appointed as assistant manager, and will make his Needham debut this afternoon at home to Haverhill Rovers. Horlock's contract at the club is described in local press as "lucrative".
Also joining Needham Mraket this summer is Jack Wignall, the son of former Rovers manager Steve.
August 9, 2008
Old boys' new season preview
Former Rovers striker Colin Cramb will miss this afternoon's match for East Stirlingshire against Albion rovers after being sent off in the dying moments of last week's defeat against Berwick Rangers for a second bookable offence.
Also missing out on action this afternoon is Forest Green Rovers' Adriano Rigoglioso, who is still recovering from an operation, but is said to be making good progress.
More likely to make it into the starting line-up is ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, who successfully came through a behind closed doors friendly during the week to prove his fitness ahead of Northampton Town's match today against Cheltenham Town. Akinfenwa has been working hard to recover his fitness during the summer after an operation to remove some screws which strengthened his leg whilst recovering from a broken leg.
Despite not having taken part in any of Darlington's pre-season matches, former Rover Gregg Blundell looks likely to be included in Dave Penney's side. With Tommy Wright finally moving to Aberdeen, Penney is rather short of strikers, so is likely to rely on the experience of Blundell alongside Adam Proudlock today.
August 7, 2008
Notts County ticket info
Tickets for the away Carling Cup tie at Notts County are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Rovers have received 1,000 adult tickets and 500 concessionary tickets, which are now on general sale - adult tickets are £10, and concessions £5.
Any wheelchair disabled supporters wanting a ticket should contact Notts County direct on 01159 529000.
The mtach is on Tuesday, 12th August with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Tickets for the away game at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, 23rd August have not yet been received by the ticket office.
August 7, 2008
Season opener set for sell-out
Saturday's game at Derby County is set to be a sell-out, with a gate of over 30,000 guaranteed, according to Derby's Chief Executive, Tom Glick. Derby have sold at least 28,000 tickets, and with Rovers' full allocation of 3,074 already sold out, Derby could be set for a stadium record attendance for the opening day of the season, beating the 33,016 which say them beat Reading 3-0 in 2002.
Many Rovers fans will be anticipating seeing Paul Green in Derby colours for the first time since his transfer in the summer, but one player they are unlikely to see for the Rams is midfielder Robbie Savage, who has been linked with a return to Leicester City. Leicester owner Milan Mandaric said: "His name was mentioned but we have got to look at the make up of the team. We have got to look at the togetherness we have and look at: Do we really need this sort of player like Robbie at this time?"
Savage has been left out of the squad for the last three friendlies and was told by manager Paul Jewell to knuckle down if he wants to earn a place in the team.
August 7, 2008
Lee named as City's captain
Former Rovers skipper Graeme Lee was yesterday named as the new captain of Bradford City, succeeding the role of the newly retired David Wetherall. Lee told the Bradford City website: "It's a real honour for me to be named captain at such a club like this. You look round at the good players in the squad and I do feel privileged."Every single one of the players and staff at the club wants promotion.
“I’ve come here to help do that and if I can lift something at the end of the season, it would be absolutely brilliant."
Boss Stuart McCall said of his new captain: "He has got leadership qualities, no doubt about that. Maybe he’s not over-vocal but he is a good pro and very good at what he does."
August 7, 2008
VSC's AGM coming up
We would like to remind all Rovers fans that the Annual General Meeting of the Viking Supporters' Co-operative will be held in the Lakeside Bar at the Keepmoat Stadium at 11am on Saturday, 16th August - the morning of the Cardiff City game. Everyone will be welcome, not just VSC members, but all fans are encouraged to join - with funds raised by the VSC being used to raise cash for the Rovers.
Any existing members are reminded that your annual subscription of £10 is now due. A standing order mandate can be completed via their website at www.vikingsc.co.uk - an application to join is also available.
At the meeting on 16th August will be Rovers chairman John Ryan, with boss Sean O'Driscoll and assistant Richard O'Kelly also attending if time permits ahead of the match.
August 7, 2008
Away travel info
The North Branch of the Supporters Club are running a coach to the QPR game on Saturday, 23rd August. It will depart from Moorends Hotel at 8am, The Range, York Road 8.30am, Sun Inn 8.35am, Don Valley 8.40am, Woodlands 8.45am, Carcroft (Stick & Tape) 8.50am and Skellow Grange 8.55am. The fare is £20 for members and £23 for non-members - anyone wishing to book a place should Karen on 0754 4043925 or Jim on 07821 952229.
August 6, 2008
Frickley 4 Rovers XI 0
A young Doncaster Rovers side were comfortably beaten in last night's game at Frickley Athletic. Rovers fielded what was essentially a youth team, and went behind in the 13th minute to a goal by former Rover Robert Pell, with two more goals being scored by the 20th minute. The final goal of the game came two minutes from time.
August 6, 2008
Nelson to Norwich
Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Stuart Nelson has signed for Norwich City on a free transfer from Leyton Orient. The 26-year old was released by Leyton Orient by mutual consent due to "relocation issues" after just twelve months at Brisbane Road. He has been at Carrow Road on trials for the last couple of weeks and played in their pre-season games against Gorleston, Ahlafors, Dereham and King's Lynn.
Nelson, who has signed a one year contract, appears to be set to play as back-up keeper to Scottish international David Marshall.
August 6, 2008
Penney checks on Ben
Ex-Rovers midfielder Ben Muirhead is currently on trial at Darlington after being released "by mutual consent" from Rochdale. Muirhead played in Darlington's 1-0 home defeat by St Mirren at the weekend. Penney said: “He’s had his contract paid up at Rochdale and I’ve known Ben since his days at Man United and I had him at loan at Doncaster. He’s an option. He’s a wideman and we’ve only got a couple so this is an ideal time to have a look and he’ll probably play for us again on Tuesday. We’d like another winger if we can get one so we’ll have to see how Ben does and see what we’ve got left in the budget.”
Muirhead only played for the final 17 minutes as Penney fielded a strong side that could start the season at home to Exeter City on Saturday.
Rochdale boss Keith Hill commented: "He (Ben) has never achieved his potential here, or at any of the clubs he has been at. We thought we could help him realise that potential, but he was found wanting last season and again in pre-season this summer. It's a shame because when he signed here it could have been the pivotal moment in his career. As it is, Ben failed us and we failed Ben."
August 6, 2008
Richard agrees new deal
Richard Offiong, the former Rovers striker, has agreed a new contract at Hamilton Academicals after playing a large part in their title success of last season, when he scored 21 goals. Offiong had another twelve months to run on his current deal, but the New Douglas Park side moved to sign him up for a further year.
Hamitlon boss Billy Reid said: " Richard has got all the ingredients to be a top striker. He can be as good as he wants to be. Richard is about to sign a new deal and I'm delighted. He has another year left and I'm confident he is happy at the club."
August 5, 2008
Rovers sign Chambers
Doncaster Rovers have signed Leicester City defender James Chambers on a three year contract for an undisclosed fee. Chambers was in the crowd for Friday night's game against Bolton Wanderers, and had talks with Sean O'Driscoll earlier that day. Formerly at West Bromwich Albion, Watford and Cardiff City, Chambers admitted that the chance of working with Richard O'Kelly was one of the reasons why he decided to switch to Rovers.
He said: "I saw a few games last season and I've heard a few things about how well Doncaster played last year from a few people, especially in terms of how they play football. I'm glad to be a part of it. It was an easy decision to make and being an ex-player of Richard O'Kelly, who had me in the youth team at West Brom, it was even easier."
Chambers is seen as providing the type of versatility that was provided by the now departed Paul Green.
August 5, 2008
Frickley v Rovers
A Doncaster Rovers XI travel to Frickley Athletic this evening, although we expect that the bulk of the Rovers side will comprise youth team players - in past seasons, first team players do not tend to play pre-season games in the week immediately before the first match of the season.
The match kicks off at 7.45pm, with admission being £5 for adults and £2 for concessions. Frickley have confirmed that the bar will be open at least an hour before kick-off, and a programme will be issued for the match.
August 5, 2008
Dao deal off
It looks as though any prospect of Rovers signing defender Issoumaila Dao, who played in some of the pre-season games this summer, have disappeared with Sean O'Driscoll confirming on Radio Sheffield last nigth that it is unlikely that the player would be granted a work permit to allow him to play in this country. With restrictions for players applying for work permits, Dao's chances appear slim as he has not made a senior appearance during the last twelve months. He is a Ivory coast national, although was signed to French club Toulouse for last season.
August 5, 2008
Keogh unlikely
It appears likely that Rovers will not be following up their interest in Bristol City defender Richard Keogh, following their signing of Jos van Nieuwstadt and Matt Mills in the last week. Keogh's chances are slim, as Bristol City would be entitled to ask for a fee for the player under the "Bosman" ruling, as he is under 24 years old.
August 5, 2008
Rovers on the radio
Radio Sheffield are due to feature Doncaster Rovers at 7pm this evening in a "Rovers 'til I die" special, which will celebrate promotion and looking forward to this season. BBC Radio Sheffield broadcast on 104.1FM. Taking part in the programme will be Dave Penney, Mickey Walker, chairman John Ryan, many supporters and Francis Tierney, who scored the fabled promotion goal at the Britannia Stadium to see Rovers return to the Football League.
Click on the logo to the left for further details.
August 4, 2008
Nelly plays at Mansfield
Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe turned out for Mansfield Town on Saturday as a trialist, with the Stags reported to be considering taking him on loan this season. Nelthorpe's inclusion didn't do Mansfield much good though - they lost 3-0 at Boston United, who included former Rovers youth team defender Liam Green in their side.
August 4, 2008
Sean hopes Chambers will sign this week
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll hopes that Leicester City defender James Chambers will sign for Doncaster Rovers early this week. The 27-year old has had talks with Rovers and was in the crowd to watch Friday's game against Bolton Wanderers.
O'Driscoll commented: "James has travelled up to chat. He can play in that sort of utility role that Paul Green gave us. He can play anywhere along the back four, has had lots of Championship experience, so we are having a talk with him and seeing where that leads. He's with Leicester City at the moment and Leicester have given us permission to speak to him and that is what we are doing. He won't be spending a few days with us, he's a proven Championship player and if we can move it anyway forward over the weekend, then we will. If not, then we will make a quick decision over James."
August 4, 2008
Penney - Ravenhill set for big season
Former Rovers boss Dave Penney has predicted big things ahead for ex-Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill. Penney has noticed a change in Ravenhill's approach since coming back to training this summer, saying: "The play-off defeat last season hurt him really badly. He has grown up, matured and come back this season with renewed determination and drive. He's been with me here and at Doncaster for six or seven years, and he now has the aura of a senior professional and is not a kid any more. If we are going to use the system I prefer of two central midfielders, they have to have the energy and desire to work really hard, and Ricky and Jason Kennedy have that."
August 4, 2008
Goals review
The Scottish football season kicked off on Saturday, and a former Rovers player was in the news, although not for the right reasons. Ex-Rovers striker Colin Cramb was sent off in the dying moments of the game whilst playing his debut match for East Stirling, handling the ball for a second bookable offence.
Back into England, the pre-season matches draw to a close, with David Wheater scoring one of Middlesbrough's three goals as they came back from two goals behind against Hibernian, thanks to a number of inspired substitutions in the last half hour of the game. Jon-Paul Pittman scored Crawley Town's second goal as they beat Stamford AFC 4-1, with Pittman making his first appearance of the summer after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Jonathan Forte scored for Scunthorpe as they cruised to a 4-0 win against Grimsby Town in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup final.
Finally, Kevin Horlock played another match on trial for Bury Town on Saturday, setting up their winning goal by taking the all-important free kick.
August 2, 2008
Rovers 0 Bolton 5
Rovers were up against what is likely to be close to Bolton's first choice eleven for the start of last night's match, whilst fielding different line-ups in each half of the game, as Sean O'Driscoll continues to work out which combination of players will work best for the opening game of the season. As such, there was no real indication as to who will be named on the team sheet next Saturday, although O'Driscoll did confirm that he learned a lot about which combination of players worked, and which didn't.
Bolton blew Rovers away in the first half, going in at the break 4-0 up, with Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens commenting: "It was difficult coming on when we were 4-0 down because we were never going to win the game. But I thought that we stuck at it and played quite well. We created a couple of chances and restricted them to just one more goal.
"You have to take your hat off to Bolton in the first half. They were solid at the back, showed good movement in midfield and their finishing was clinical. We were well beaten tonight but it won't have an adverse affect on the team's morale in our Championship opener at Derby on Saturday. We know that we are going to have to raise our game in the Championship, but at least we won't be playing sides as good as Bolton."
Rovers: Neil Sullivan, James O'Connor, Sam Hird, Matt Mills, Gareth Roberts, John Spicer, Mark Wilson, Martin Woods, Stuart Elliott, Paul Heffernan, Gareth Taylor
Substitutes: Richard Keogh (for O'Connor, 46), Dao Issoumaila (for Matt Mills, 46), Tomi Ameobi (for Spicer, 46), James Coppinger (for Wilson, 46), Richie Wellens (for Woods, 46), Brian Stock (for Stuart Elliott, 46), James Hayter (for Heffernan, 46), Lewis Guy (for Taylor, 46), Andrew Boyce (for Roberts, 70), Craig Nelthorpe (for Hird, 77), Waide Fairhurst
Booked: Issoumaila
August 2, 2008
Rovers 0 Bolton 5
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll confirmed after last night's match that Leicester City's James Chambers was the utility player that has been spoken about in recent days. The 27-year old can play both right and left back, as well as in midfield. He is thought to be keen to stay in the Championship and looking to move on after the Foxes' relegation to League One. Chambers was rumoured to be interesting Rovers during his stay at Watford.
August 2, 2008
Tickets for Derby sold out!
The Keepmoat Stadium ticket office confirmed today that the Rovers allocation of 3,074 tickets for the opening match of the season have been completely sold out. With Derby previously stating that no more tickets would be made available, there is no point in any supporters going down to the stadium in the hope of picking any tickets up.
The match at Pride Park marks Rovers' first game back in the second tier of English football for fifty years.
August 2, 2008
Derby coach travel info

There are still places on the Supporters Club coaches for next Saturday's away game at Derby County. The departure times are as follows: Retford - 11.15am, Harworth -11.20am, Bawtry/Rossington - 11.30am, Hare & Tortoise - 11.35am, Infirmary - 11.45am, Keepmoat Stadium (Car Park a) - 12.00noon
The fare is £10 for acults, £9 for OAPs, £8 for under-16's. Please phone Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (077404 53066) to book a place on the coach.
August 2, 2008
O'Driscoll to decide on duo
Sean O'Driscoll was due to make a decision on trialist defenders Issoumaila Dao and Richard Keogh after last night's match against Bolton Wanderers. Ivorian former Toulouse player Dao and Bristol City's Irishman Keogh have both featured in pre-season for the club.
O'Driscoll told BBC Radio Sheffield: "Both boys have done well. Richard can play in various positions and Dao is an international that catches the eye."
August 1, 2008
Rovers v Bolton
Doncaster Rovers play their final pre-season game of the summer this evening when they welcome Bolton Wanderers to the Keepmoat Stadium. The match should see the first involvement of new signing Matt Mills, as well as the first chance to see Jos van Nieuwstadt since his signing was confirmed earlier this week.
Rovers will be again likely to use their full squad, although Darren Byfield will not appear, as he has been reported to have had a hernia operation that will keep him out of action for four weeks.
Bolton are set to bring a strong first team squad to this evening's game, following their friendly at Tranmere being postponed at the last minute after Prenton Park was left under six inches of water following an afternoon deluge on the day of the match.
August 1, 2008
O'Connor signs new contract
Rovers defender James O'Connor has signed a two year extension to his contract at the Keepmoat Stadium, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2011. The right back produced a number of excellent displays last season, and looks likely to be a key member of Rovers' first season in the Championship.
August 1, 2008
Coppinger extends Rovers stay
James Coppinger became the second Rovers player to sign an extension to his contract at the club yesterday, following on from the news that James O'Connor had agreed a new deal at the club. Coppinger's new deal will also see him contracted to the club until 2011.
August 1, 2008
Pell on target
Former Rovers utility player Robert Pell opened the scoring for Frickley Athletic on Saturday afternoon, but a disjointed performance by Athletic saw them held to a 1-1 draw by Selby Town at Westfield Lane.
August 1, 2008
Leo helps sink Town
Former Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West scored one of Alfreton Town's six goals as they crushed the newly formed FC Halifax Town 6-1 during the week. Halifax took an early lead, but it was all downhill after that, with Fortune-West's equaliser setting his side on the way to victory. The Alfreton Town side also included former Rovers defender Simon Marples in their starting line-up.