January 15, 2009
Nelly joins Oxford

Doncaster Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe has signed for Blue Square Premier club Oxford United on a contract that runs until the end of the season. News came out of Rovers on Tuesday evening that Rovers had cancelled the contract of the former youth team player so that he could find a new club. Nelthorpe was due to make his Oxford United debut last night in a friendly against Didcot and will be hoping for his first team debut on Saturday in their Blue Square Premier home fixture against Altrincham.
Nelthorpe joins former Rovers assistant manager Mickey Lewis at Oxford.
Of the move to Oxford, Nelthorpe said to BBC Radio Oxford: "I haven't really been given a chance at Doncaster. Hopefully if I do well in training here I'll be given a chance to play. I worked with him (Oxford boss Chris Wilder) at Halifax and really enjoyed it so I am looking forward to it here."
January 15, 2009
Boyce released
Young Rovers defender Andrew Boyce has had his contract at the club terminated "by mutual consent", on the same day that the same fate was given to Craig Nelthorpe.
Boyce has spent most of this season on loan at Worksop Town after being given his first professional contract in the summer after impressing in the youth team. The contracts of both players were due to expire in the summer - this news means they can now search for new clubs.
Supporters expect that more players may leave the club this month as Rovers look to bring some new faces into the club as they battle to escape relegation from the Championship.
January 15, 2009
Villa fixture update
The fourth round FA Cup tie against Aston Villa will be played on Saturday, 24th January - always presuming that Rovers will win their third round replay at the Keepmoat Stadium next Tuesday evening. It had been expected that the game would be scheduled for either the Friday or Sunday due to horse racing in Doncaster on the Saturday, but Rovers have agreed a Saturday date with all necessary parties. The third round tie against Cheltenham is set for next Tuesday, 20th January, with normal match admission charges applying, as minimum prices are set by the FA unless both clubs agree - the minumum for the third round onwards is £15 for adults.
January 15, 2009
Bristol date confirmed
The home game against Bristol City, which was postponed on Saturday due to a frozen pitch, has been rearranged for Tuesday, 17th February, with a 7.45pm kick-off. Tickets purchased for the original fixture will still be valid for the new date - with tickets still on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Office.
January 15, 2009
Palace trial for Donny youngster
Former Doncaster Rovers youth team defender Paul Robson has been invited for a trial at Crystal Palace after playing in the United States recently. Robson, who hails from Hull, previously played for Charlton Athletic and Doncaster Rovers before moving to American side Long Island Rough Riders, and then to his current club, Crystal Palace Baltimore for the 2008 season, for who he played 22 games last season.
January 14, 2009
Cheltenham 0 Rovers 0
Rovers fought out a goalless draw against League One Cheltenham last night and whilst chances were at a premium, both sides had opportunities to win the tie. Paul Heffernan came closest to breaking the deadlock, with his 65th minute shot from the edge of the penalty area hitting the inside of the post, running across the face of the goal before being cleared off the line. Keeper Neil Sullivan had to be called into action with a couple of superb saves to earn Rovers the replay.
Overall, Rovers had the majority of the play, but struggled to cut through the Cheltenham defence in the final third of the pitch, with the Robins' battling spirit earning a replay - with manager Martin Allen insisting that his side were denied a last minute penalty - saying: "A Doncaster player handled in the goalmouth. It was blatant — but the little clubs rarely get the breaks."
January 14, 2009
Replay next Tuesday
The FA Cup Third Round replay against Cheltenham Town has been scheduled for next Tuesday, 20th January, with a 7.45pm kick-off. Normal match admission prices will apply, meaning they will be as follows:
  Category A Category B Category C
Adults £23 £20 £15
Seniors/Students/Disabled £17 £14 £8
Juniors (12-16) £17 £13 £8
Under 11's £10 £5 £5
Students in full time education without a valid NUS card are required to bring proof of age, in addition to a confirmation note from relevant school, in order to purchase concession tickets for Doncaster Rovers fixtures.
All members of the "Cup Direct" scheme will have their tickets allocated automatically and all season ticket holders will have their seats reserved until 1pm on Saturday, 17th January.
Tickets will go on sale as follows:
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - 14/15/16 January - Season ticket olders & members
Saturday - 17 January - Season ticket holders & general sale
Monday & Tuesday - 19/20 January - General sale
Rovers request that everyone buying a ticket for the Cheltenham game should keep their ticket stub, presumably for preferential ticket allocation for the Aston Villa match should Rovers beat Cheltenham.
The Keepmoat Stadium ticket office telephone number is 01302 762576.
As there is a race meeting on Saturday, 24th January at Doncaster Racecourse, should Rovers win, the Aston Villa fixture cannot be played on that day, giving Friday, 23rd January or Sunday, 25th January as the likely alternatives. With the Rovers replay taking place on the previous Tuesday, the Friday evening looks very unlikely as tickets cannot be sold until Wednesday morning, so we guess a Sunday afternoon match would be very likely.
January 14, 2009
JJ scores against the Blades
Former Rovers midfielder JJ Melligan appeared to be instrumental in a likely cup upset last night when he scored from the penalty spot for Leyton Orient in their FA Cup game against Sheffield United in the 38th minute. Unfortunatley it all went wrong for the O's in the second half, with Sheffield United scoring four times inside 20 minutes to book a place in the fourth round.
January 14, 2009
Belles in shock defeat
Doncaster Rovers Belles' hopes of finishing in the top three of the Women's Premier League were dealt a blow on Sunday afternoon when they went down to a 3-2 home defeat against relegation threatened Liverpool at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Liverpool went in front after just 90 seconds, but Doncaster hit back with two goals, by Suzanne Davies and Chelsea Weston, to have a 2-1 half time lead. However, two second half goals consigned the Rovers Belles to a defeat that keeps them in fourth place in the league table, eight points behind third placed Chelsea, and having played a game more.
January 13, 2009
Cheltenham v Rovers
The delayed FA Cup Third Round tie against Cheltenham Town is set to become Whaddon Road's first match of 2009 after freezing conditions have meant that two of Cheltenham's home games have been called off. Rising temperatures mean that there is no risk of frost for this evening's game.
With the Bristol City and Cheltenham Town matches postponed, it has given some Rovers players the opportunity to regain full fitness, meaning that they should be at full strength for the match, with the winners drawn at home to Premiership club Aston Villa in the next round.
Jason Price and Gordon Greer have returned to training after injuries, with Richie Wellens and Gareth Roberts being able to recover from a virus that swept through the Rovers squad. Paul Heffernan would have been doubtful with the virus had the Bristol game gone ahead, but he has resumed training and will be in tonight's squad. The only injury absences are Sean McDaid and James Hayter, who are both still recovering from knee injuries.
Cheltenham Town will be without loan signings Chris Westwood and Lewis Montrose, whose parent clubs have refused permission for them to be cup-tied. They will also be without Ashley Westwood, who is suspended, Josh Low, who is cup-tied, with Drissa Diallo and Damian Spencer both injured.
January 13, 2009
Snodin in the running
Former Rovers midfielder Glynn Snodin is in the running for a vacant coaching job at Leeds United following the change of personnel following Simon Grayson's arrival as manager. Leeds had approached former Wrexham and Hull boss Brian Little, who turned down the opportunity due to the amount of travelling which would have been involved.
Snodin, also a former Leeds player, is reported to now be favourite for the position. Grayson has said that he has agreed a deal "in principle" with a coach currently on gardening leave from a Premiership club - and Snodin is currently in that position, having left his job as coach at cash-strapped West Ham United following the departure of Alan Curbishley as manager.
January 13, 2009
Southampton coach details
The Supporters Club coaches to the away game at Southampton will leave Retford at 7.30am, Harworth Pit Gates 7.35am, Bawtry 7.45am, Rossington Styrrup 7.45am, Hare & Tortoise 7.50am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.00am and the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 3 at 8.15am.
The fares will be:
Members £25.00, OAP's £23.00, U16's £21.00
Non-Members £27.00, OAP's £25.00, U16's £23.00
Contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066) to book a place.
January 12, 2009
Birmingham after Mills?
Yesterday, the local press in Birmingham carried a story that suggests that Rovers' central defender Matthew Mills is a target of Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish. The highly rated defender has attracted McLeish's attention after being in fine form this season, who is keen to further strengthen his back line this month as City continue their push for promotion to the Premiership.
Mills only signed on a full transfer during the summer after spending most of last season on loan from Manchester City, and has become an important part of the Rovers defence.
McLeish is also reported to be checking on West Ham centre half Calum Davenport, so maybe his interest in Mills will not be pursued.
January 12, 2009
Cheltenham info
The Supporters Club are still advertising that places on coaches to tomorrow's game at Cheltenham are available. Coaches will leave Retford at 2.15pm, Harworth Pit Gates 2.20pm, Bawtry 2.30pm, Rossington Styrrup 2.30pm, Hare & Tortoise 2.35pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 2.45pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 3.00pm.
Fares are:
Members £16.00, OAP's £14.00, U16's £12.00
Non-Members £18.00, OAP's £16.00, U16's £14.00
To book a place, contact: Len South on 01302 817347 or Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 or 077404 53066.
The Keepmoat Stadium website states that tickets for the game can now only be bought on the day at Cheltenham Town at the following prices:
Adults - £20.00
Senior Citizens, Students in full time education, Wheelchair disabled & carer - £14.00
Juniors - aged 16 & under - £7.00
January 12, 2009
Byfield returns
Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that striker Darren Byfield has returned to the club after the expiry of his loan at Oldham Athletic. Byfield initially went to Boundary Park in November, with his loan being extended for a further month in mid-December.
Last week, Oldham signed veteran Hull City striker Dean Windass on loan for the rest of the season, thus meaning that Byfield could return to Rovers to fight for his first team place.
Byfield played eight times for the Latics, scoring once, against Crewe Alexandra, on Boxing Day.
January 12, 2009
Refunds for postponed Bristol game
Any supporters who wish to have a refund for tickets bought for Saturday's postponed home game against Bristol City can now do so at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Please remember to bring your ticket with you, and if you made payment by a card, also bring that card with you to enable the refund to be made.
Anyone who ordered tickets by post or via their web site should return the ticket along with an accompanying request for a refund, to the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office, who will contact you to complete the refund.
The rearranged date for the fixture is due to be announced later today.
January 11, 2009
Schofield steps up
Former Rovers skipper John Schofield has been made caretaker manager at Walsall after Jimmy Mullen was sacked yesterday. Walsall's form in League One has slumped, with just four victories in their last 16 games, leaving the club in mid-table. Mullen was promoted to the manager's job in April 2008 after joining the club as assistant to Richard Money in September 2007.
Schofield's mangerial career at Lincoln lasted from 2006 to 2007 after a successful period as youth and reserve team coach.
January 11, 2009
Cheltenham game should be on
Tuesday evening's rearranged FA Cup tie at Cheltenham Town should go ahead after temperatures rose last night. Groundsman Terry Roberts is confident that the match will be played, making it their first home game since 28th December, with their last three matches being postponed due to frozen pitches.
With £75,000 at stake tomorrow, in addition to the prospect of a home game against Aston Villa, the club can ill afford for a further postponement.
Roberts said: "If the forecast is right it should be warming up, so I don't anticipate any problems for Tuesday's match. I will be leaving the covers on the top end of the pitch (in front of the Carlsberg Stand), where the sun is blocked out, to stop the frost getting in any deeper."
Of course, after Friday's unwise "definitely on" statement by Rovers, we may suggest that you check before travelling!
January 11, 2009
Goals review
With the fixture list at all levels apart from the Premiership decimated by the freezing conditions, maybe it isn't surprising that we couldn't find many former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday. In fact the only instance we could trace was in the 93rd minute of Northampton Town's home game against Huddersfield, with Adebayo Akinfenwa continuing his comeback after injury with an equalier in the 1-1 draw.
January 11, 2009
Youth team match off
The youth team's away match against Grimsby Town which was scheduled for yesterday morning was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Grimsby.
January 11, 2009
Belles match on!
This afternoon's Doncaster Rovers Belles match against Liverpool looks certain to go ahead after an overnight thaw sees temperatures well above zero in the Doncaster area. The match, to be played on the athletics pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium, kicks off at 2pm, and could see Rovers Belles maintain their fourth place in the Women's Premier League table.
Assistant manger Paul Green said: "We beat them quite comfortably at their place earlier in the season, but since then they have improved, as their results have shown, and they beat Nottingham Forest last weekend. The game has been brought forward from later in the season which suits us because we want to get last Sunday's Women's FA Cup defeat against Millwall out of our system. It was our first home defeat since September and we will be looking to start another long unbeaten run. If we win it will cement fourth place in the table and give us a bit of a cushion on the teams below us with games in hand. But the girls know that we need to start better than we did against Millwall. We didn't turn up in the first 20 minutes."
January 10, 2009
Match off
This afternoon's home game against Bristol City has been postponed due to a frozen pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium. Whilst the pitch was covered, the pitch still froze as temperatures dropped to -7C, which is much lower than the -3C/-4C which the covering provides protection for.
January 10, 2009
Rovers v Bristol City
Doncaster Rovers are likely to name an unchanged side for this afternoon's game against promotion chasing Bristol City, despite a bug sweeping through the Rovers squad this week. Matt Mills has recovered from illness which would have kept him out of last Saturday's game at Cheltenham if it had been played, but Sean O'Driscoll will make a late check on Richie Wellens and Gareth Roberts.
Jason Price and Gordon Greer have both resumed traning following injuries, but they are unlikely to feature this afternoon.
Definitely mising will be Sean McDaid and James Hayter, who are both recovering from knee injuries.
Bristol City welcome back top scorer Nicky Maynard after he missed last weekend's FA Cup game against Portsmouth owing to a calf strain. Maynard is likely to team up with loan signing Stern John. Also likely to return is former Rovers winger Michael McIndoe after recovering from injury, with Brian Wilson and Jamie McAllister also hoping for a recall after their return to full fitness.
However, City have doubts over winger Ivan Sproule and defender Jamie McCombe, who picked up knocks against Portsmouth, with both unlikely to be passed fit to play today.
Both sides are missing one member of their squad after loan moves went through late this week. Rovers will be missing Stuart Elliott, who joined Grismby on a month's loan on Thursday, and City will be missing Lee Trundle, who joined Leeds on loan yesterday.
January 10, 2009
No pitch inspection planned
Rovers have stated that they are not planning to have a pitch inspection this morning after the pitch was in perfect condition yesterday. The frost protection covers were put down yesterday afternoon which protect the pitch down to -4C, so this afternoon's match should go ahead as planned, despite the Doncaster area experiencing a heavy frost overnight.
January 10, 2009
Belles crash out of cup
They may have reached the final of the Women's League Cup, but the Doncaster Rovers Belles' hopes of glory in the Women's FA Cup were dashed after they suffered a shock first round exit at the hands of Southern Division side Millwall Lionesses.
Boss John Buckley was highly critical of the performance of his side in the 1-0 defeat, saying: "Being knocked out of the cup has left me massively disappointed. For the first half hour we looked as if I had grabbed eleven girls off the street just before the kick off. We defended like strangers and we were shocking beyond belief, but we peppered their goal in the second half and we couldn't have done any more after creating lots of chances. Having said that, maybe we didn't deserve anything after the way we started."
The Rovers Belles are at home to relegation threatened Liverpool tomorrow afternoon - the match kicks off at 2pm.
January 9, 2009
Play on the pitch
The Keepmoat Stadium are giving all supporters the chance to play on the main pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium during May 2009, ahead of some pitch improvement work being undertaken during the summer. The games will be played between 11th and 24th May and will be subject to availability. Full details are available on the Keepmoat Stadium website - click the logo to the left to access their site - but highlights of the experience are:
* use of the dressing room used by the victorious League 1 Play-Off winer's team;
* the opportunity to run down the players tunnel to the sound of 'Match of the Day' theme tune or music of your choice - bring along your company mascots;
* seeing your name up in lights on the impressive Stadium scoreboard;
* access to the exclusive hospitality of the Players Lounge, where your partners can cheer you on from the comfort of the Directors' seated area;
* post-match celebrations and a Championship buffer in the Players Lounge;
* a team photograph with the Wembley Play-Off Final winners trophy;
* a memento of the day for every player;
* an opportunity for you and your guests to experience 'behind the scenes' with a Stadium tour.
If anyone is interested, you should phone 01302 762560 or email commercial@keepmoatstadium.com
January 9, 2009
Tris signs for United
Former Rovers striker Tristram Whitman has signed for UniBond club FC United of Manchester on loan from Eastwood Town and he goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's away match at struggling Boston United. United's boss Karl Marginson said: “We are glad to have Tristram on board, especially with the busy run of games heading our way. It is great to have his experience in the squad, especially his experience within this league and I hope he enjoys his time with us.”
January 9, 2009
Sheffield United ticket info
Tickets have been received for the away game at Sheffield United on 27th January. Rovers have received an allocation of 2,994 tickets which are currently on sale to season ticket holders and will go on sale to membership holders on Monday, 12th January. Any tickets remaining unsold will go on general sale on Monday, 19th January. Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults £25
Senior Citizens (60+), full time students, U16s, Ambulant/wheelchair disabled & carer - £15
January 9, 2009
Fan of the Year
The Football League has launched a nationwide search to find the ‘EA SPORTS Fan of the Year’ run in conjunction with BBC Radio Five Live, with the winner to be honoured at a spectacular gala dinner at the Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Sunday 29th March 2009.
The Football League Awards are held in conjunction with FourFourTwo magazine and supporters are now being asked to put forward fellow fans for consideration for this award by submitting nominations via www.footballleagueawards.com.
Anybody who knows a fan who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and shown extraordinary dedication to their club is encouraged to put their nomination forward, along with the reason why they feel their nominee should win this prestigious award. Voting closes on Wednesday 14th January 2009.
The fourth annual Football League Awards event will recognise footballing excellence both on the field and behind the scenes - with clubs and players awarded alongside the fans. There will be 20 categories in total, including a range of football awards and industry specific honours.
The nominations for the Football League Fan of The Year Award will be judged by an expert panel, including representatives from The Football League, EA SPORTS and FourFourTwo.
The full list of Football League Award categories are as follows:
FourFourTwo Young Player of the Year
FourFourTwo Player of the Year* - Coca-Cola League 2
FourFourTwo Player of the Year* - Coca-Cola League 1
FourFourTwo Player of the Year* - Coca-Cola Championship
*These awards will be presented to the highest ranked player in each division in FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players
EA SPORTS Football League Fan of the Year
Family Club of the Year (Divisional)
Championship Manager Young Apprentice of the Year (Divisional)
Perform Best Fan Marketing Campaign
Sky Media Best Digital Communication
Best Matchday Programme
Community Club of the Year (Divisional)
PFA Player in the Community
Mitre Goal of the Year
Contribution to League Football
January 8, 2009
Elliott moves to Grimsby
Rovers midfielder Stuart Elliott has joined Grimsby Town on a one month loan with a view to the move becoming permanent. The move was announced on Radio Sheffield and on Grimsby Town's site, which reports that Stuart will go straight into the Mariners' squad which will face Morecambe on Saturday.
Elliott moved to Rovers on loan last season before the move became a full transfer in the summer. Fitness problems meant that he did not feature last season, and he has been limited to ten appearances so far this term, all apart from three coming from the substitutes' bench.
His move marks the possible exodus of players from Rovers as Sean O'Driscoll strives to cut the wage bill, thus enabling him to bring in fresh faces to boost the club's battle away from the relegation places.
January 8, 2009
Rovers Belles - League Cup final details
The FA have confirmed that Doncaster Rovers Belles' FA Tesco Women's Premier League Cup final against Arsenal will be played at Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park stadium on Thursday, 26th February, with a 7pm kick-off. Rovers Belles are making their first appearance in the final since 1996, whilst Arsenal are appearing in their fifth consecutive final. Glanford Park also hosted last season's final, which saw the Gunners win 1-0 against Leeds United.
Doncaster Rovers Belles have enjoyed an upturn in fortune since their financial problems of earlier in the season that took the club to the brink of closure. They are now lying fourth in the Women's Premier League.
January 8, 2009
Rovers illness concern
Rovers are hoping that both Lewis Guy and James Chambers will overcome illness in time to take their place in the Rovers squad against Bristol City on Saturday. Both missed training earlier in the week, but Richard O'Kelly confirmed to the Doncaster Star that both have now recovered sufficiently to return to training. The recent cold weather limited Rovers' training sessions earlier in the week, but the thaw of the last couple of days should mean that they were able to resume outside work.
January 7, 2009
Brooker - move back on?
The local press in Bristol have reported that Steve Brooker's loan to Doncaster Rovers is "back on". Despite his initial month loan expiring last week, they also report that Brooker is continuing his recovery in Yorkshire and, if he can prove his fitness before the January transfer window closes, a permanent move to Rovers is "a distinct possibility",
City manager Gary Johnson said: "Steve Brooker is our player again, but he has gone back to Doncaster to train and recover from his injury. He should be fit in about 14 days and, providing nothing else goes wrong, he should be able to play some games before the end of January. If he can do that and prove his fitness, there is every chance he will stay on with Doncaster, providing they still want him. Brooks wants the move and they have the option of taking him on loan and signing him permanently."
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll, who has previously said that he is looking to bolster his strikeforce, said of the situation: "Steve is keen to do something, Bristol City are keen to do something and we are in the market for a striker. He is out of contract at the end of the season and City are keen to do something during the window. I think all parties could come to the table and compromise. The complication with Steve, for us and for Bristol City, is that he is injured. But he's back here now and I think that was always going to be the case. We can monitor his situation fitness-wise and then make a decision later this month."
Bristol City have also scotched rumours that former Rovers winger Michael McIndoe is set to leave the club, along with striker Lee Trundle.
January 7, 2009
Beardsley returns to Kettering
Ex-Rovers striker Chris Beardsley has been recalled from his loan at Kidderminster Harriers after Harriers boss Mark Yates has previously been reported as being undecided as to whether to extend Beardsley's stay at the club due to financial considerations. Kettering made the recall ahead of last weekend's FA Cup matches.
January 7, 2009
Boyce stays at Tigers

Young Rovers centre back Andrew Boyce has extended his loan at Worksop Town and will remain with the UniBond Premier League club for the rest of the season, where he can gain first team match experience. Boyce was given his first professional contract with Rovers in the summer after graduating from the youth team.
January 7, 2009
Forte headed for Meadow Lane?
Former Rovers striker Jonathan Forte may be on his way back to Notts County, if Ian McParland's programme notes are anything to go by. He made it clear that signing a striker is his top priority in the transfer window, and he previously had stated that he hopes to bring Forte back to the club after a successful month loan earlier in the campaign, which included a hat-trick on his debut for the club. Forte has struggled to hold down a regular first team place at Scunthorpe since he arrived at the club 18 months ago.
January 6, 2009
Cheltenham ticket info
Tickets already issued for last Saturday's FA Cup tie at Cheltenham Town will be valid for the rearranged date, which has now been confirmed by the FA for Tuesday, 13th January, with a 7.45pm kick-off. All supporters should therefore keep their tickets to gain entry. However, since some people may not be able to attend on the revised date, refunds are now being given from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. For those gaining a refund in person, the ticket will need to be returned, and if a card was used in payment, that should also be presented to enable the refund to be made.
For those applying for refunds by post, the ticket must be posted back to the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office with a covering note requesting the refund. The ticket office will then contact you to process the refund. The ticket office number is 01302 762576.
January 6, 2009
Cheltenham coach info
The Supporters Club will be running coaches to the rearranged away FA Cup game, scheduled to be played a week today. Coaches will leave Retford at 2.15pm, Harworth Pit Gates 2.20pm, Bawtry 2.30pm, Rossington Styrrup 2.30pm, Hare & Tortoise 2.35pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 2.45pm and the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 3.00pm.
The fares will be:
Members £16, OAPs £14, U16s £12
Non-members £18, OAPs £16, U16s £14.
To book a place, please contact Len Soutn on 01302 817347 or Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 or 077404 53066.
January 6, 2009
Officials for Bristol clash
The match officials for Saturday's home game against Bristol City have been confirmed as:
Referee: C W Oliver
Assistant referees: W Porter & B Roberts
Fourth official: G Beswick
January 6, 2009
Foster denies move rumours
Former Rovers captain Steve Foster has confirmed that there is no truth in rumours that he is about to leave promotion chasing Darlington to sign for Huddersfield Town. The experienced defender has another 18 months on his Quakers contract, and he is seen as a vital member of Dave Penney's side. Foster, who moved to Darlington from Scunthorpe in the summer of 2007, said: "The gaffer has just told me there's a rumour going around, but obviously there's nothing in it. My mam rang me the other day and told me there's also rumour that I'm going to Mansfield. There's always rumours knocking about but there's definitely nothing happening. I've got another 18 months to go on my deal here, I'm captain and I enjoy that position. I came here to try and get the club into the next division and that's still the intention."
January 5, 2009
FA Cup draw - winners home to Villa
Doncaster Rovers will face Premiership club Aston Villa - if they can beat Cheltenham Town in their third round FA Cup tie a week tomorrow. Saturday's tie at Whaddon Road was called off due to a frozen pitch, meaning that both clubs went into the draw for the next round. The referee made an 8.30am pitch inspection at which time the pitch, which was only partially covered, was deemed unplayable. A second inspection was made at 11.25am at which stage the game was called off.
The delayed playing of the match means that Villa boss Martin O'Neill has a chance to check out both sides. O'Neill said of the draw: "I'd like to have been at home. But I will now get a great opportunity to watch Cheltenham and Doncaster play after their tie was postponed. It'll be another difficult afternoon for us but if you'd said to me beforehand that we'd be in the hat for the next round, I'd have been delighted to have taken it."
January 5, 2009
Rovers in pole position
Doncaster Rovers have a better chance of winning a game against Aston Villa than most other clubs - according to past form between the two sides. Remarkably, out of ten matches between the two clubs, Rovers have won four, five have been drawn, and Villa have won just one - on 5th September 1970 in the Third Division, when they won 3-2 at Villa Park. Whilst Rovers' famous victory at Belle Vue in 2005 in the Carling Cup is the one that most will remember, a marathon FA Cup tie in 1955 is one that cannot be equalled this year - no matter how close the match could be. The original tie at Belle Vue ended 0-0 - and it went to four replays, with Rovers winning the final match 3-1.
A full house is in store for Villa's first match at the Keepmoat Stadium, so let's hope that Rovers don't trip up in their third round match against Cheltenham!
January 5, 2009
Offiong - hero and villain
Former Rovers striker Richard Offiong was both hero and villain in Hamilton's home game against Aberdeen on Saturday. He scored a late second goal to give the bottom club a great 2-0 win, which lifted them up two places in their fight against relegation from the Scottish Premier League. However, he blotted his copybook with a moment of lunacy by needlessly kicking the ball away to earn a second yellow card
January 4, 2009
Cup match rearranged
Yesterday's FA Cup tie at Cheltenham Town has been rearranged for Tuesday, 13th January - the date originally arranged for any potential replay. The match at Whaddon Road was postponed just before midday yesterday when it was clear that the pitch would be unplayable following temperatures in the Cheltenham area falling to -6C overnight. The rearranged match will kick-off at 7.45pm.
All tickets for the original date will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.
January 4, 2009
FA Cup draw
The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup will be made on ITV this afternoon after the televised match between Gillingham and Aston Villa. With yesterday's match for Rovers being postponed, it will mean that the fourth round opponents for Rovers or Cheltenham will be known ahead of the match on 13th January - whether that will be a blessing or a curse for either team will be interesting to see!
Rovers/Cheltenham will be ball number 24 in this afternoon's draw.
January 4, 2009
Goals check
With the cold weather meaning that many matches were called off yesterday, our goals review of former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday is fairly short.
In the FA Cup, Ross McCormack scored Cardiff City's first goal in their 2-0 home win over Reading. Paul Green scored Derby County's third goal in their dramatic 4-3 win at Forest Green. Derby had to come from two goals behind, with their winning goal coming from the penalty spot just three minutes from time.
Finally, in the UniBond Division One (South), ex-Rover Ben Saunders scored twice for Shepshed Dynamo in their 4-3 defeat at promotion chasing Retford United.
January 4, 2009
Barker completes move
Former Rovers loan striker Richie Barker has completed a full transfer from Hartlepool United to League Two club Rotherham United. Barker has been at the Millers on a three month loan since October, and whilst he has scored just one goal in 14 appearances, he has impresed enough to be given an 18 month contract at the club. The move means that Barker begins his second spell at Rotherham - he left Millmoor in 2004 after a three year stay at the club.
January 3, 2009
Cheltenham v Rovers
Doncaster Rovers may make changes to the side for this afternoon's away FA Cup tie at Cheltenham Town. Matt Mills has missed training this week due to a virus, and Rovers will make a late decision on whetehr he plays or not. Rovers also have James Chambers and Martin Woods on four bookings and may elect to rest one or both of those to ensure that they are available for league action next week.
Cheltenham Town will give a fitness test to skipper John Finnigan, who is struggling with a leg injury, whilst Drissa Diallo, David Bird and Damian Spencer are all missing due to knee injuries. Shane Duff is not match fit after a long absence with an Achilles tendon injury. Midfielder Josh Law will also be missing as he is cup-tied, having played for Peterborough United in a previous round.
If needed, the replay will be on Tuesday, 13th January, kick-off 7.45pm.
January 3, 2009
Vandals hit training ground
Vandals in a stolen Ford Ka have caused havoc at Doncaster Rovers' training ground at Cantley Park. After trying to ram the car through the locked entrance gates, they then succeeded in forcing it through a gap in the fence before driving on to the training pitches, wehre they drove around, cutting up the pitch surfaces with the tyres.
A council compound in the park has also been broken into twice in recent weeks - as well as incidents of local youths driving their cars across local authority pitches.
There is a barrier at the entrance to the park which appears not to be locked overnight. A council spokesman said: "We are aware of a recent incident of vandalism at Cantley Park concerning Doncaster Rovers Football Club's training ground. We are in communication with officials at the football club in order to ensure the barriers to the park will be closed and locked overnight."
January 3, 2009
Latics confirm Hughes approach
Oldham Athletic have confirmed that Doncaster Rovers have made enquiries about their top goal scorer, Lee Hughes. Chief Executive Alan Hardy said: "Sean (O'Driscoll - Doncaster's manager) rang me out of courtesy to inform me he had spoken to our manager and that Doncaster are considering making an offer in January."
Hughes' contract at Oldham runs out in the summer, but has been offered a two year extension by the Latics which would make him the club's highest wage earner.
A number of other Championship clubs are thought to be monitoring the situation, but only Rovers have made their interest known.
January 3, 2009
Lewer stays until end of season
Former Rovers assistant manager Alan Lewer has agreed to continue as manager at Blue Square Premier club Weymouth until the end of the season. He was offered the job after being in caretaker charge since John Hollins was sacked during December. Lewer said: "The club and fans need a bit of stability at this time."
January 1, 2009
Lewer offered Weymouth job
Former Rovers asssitant manager Alan Lewer has been offered the manager's job at Blue Square Premier club Weymouth on a permanent basis after being in the role as a caretaker manager since mid-November. Lewer arrived at the club from Cambridge United during the summer and replaced John Hollins at Weymouth after the former Chelsea midfielder was sacked after being suspended for approaching another club about their managerial vacancy.
Lewer's last time as a manager was at Forest Green Rovers. His comment on being offered the Weymouth job was: “An offer has been made and I will spend the next two days thinking it over. The budget has been cut to a level that the consortium feels is affordable in the present climate and I will be sitting down for a chat with them on Friday.”
January 1, 2009
Cheltenham match officials
The match officials for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Cheltenham Town have been announced. They will be as follows:
Referee: N.D. Swarbrick
Assistant referees: M.C. Dexter & M.J. Foley
Fourth official: S.J. Rushton
January 1, 2009
Sheridan - no bids for Hughes
Oldham boss John Sheridan has dismissed any imminent move for striker Lee Hughes, saying that the Latics have offered the former West Brom hit-man a lucrative two year contract to stay at Boundary Park.
Sheridan said: "No club has come in for any of our players. He's very happy at the club. I think we're trying to sort out a new contract out for him. I just want him to carry on and concentrate on what he's doing."
"If he can carry on scoring goals I'm sure it'll put him even more in the spotlight," he continued.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll confirmed his interest in Hughes in Sunday's post-match press conference, but Rovers are understood to be unwilling to play the £400,000 transfer fee which would trigger a release clause in Hughes' contract at Oldham.
January 1, 2009
O'Kelly looks forward to FA Cup clash
Doncaster Rovers have the opportunity for revenge on the pitch at Cheltenham Town on Saturday to pay them back for the last match of the season defeat at the end of the 2007/08 season which consigned Rovers to gain promotion through the play-offs.
With Rovers having new found confidence after two successive Championship victories, they will be looking to make it three in a row by progressing through to the fourth round on Saturday, where they have the prospect of being drawn against one of the "big guns".
As Richard O'Kelly said: "The FA Cup is always an important cup because of its standing in the game. From our point of view the Cheltenham game is a bit more important because we want to carry on our winning streak. The fact the game is in the FA Cup makes no difference - it's just an opportunity to carry on doing the good things we have been doing."
O'Kelly has good memories of Cheltenham, continuing: "Cheltenham has been a happy hunting ground for us in the past because it was where Sean and I enjoyed our first victory after coming to Doncaster and it is thanks to Cheltenham beating us last year that we ended up winning up at Wembley. There are two ways of looking at what happened in that game and no-one would have swapped Wembley for the world. Our players won't be fired up by last season's result - it is another game on Saturday."