July 31, 2009

Talks start with three trialists

It looks as though Sean O'Driscoll is hoping to sign three players in the next few days - Jason Walker, Quinton Fortune and John Oster, who all have been on trials at Rovers for the last couple of weeks.
A significant sign as to progress on talks with the players' agents may well be seen tomorrow, and whether they are included in the squad for the game against Wolves.
As O'Driscoll explained: "Quinton and John will only play if there is a possibility that we could take them on board. No disrespect to them, but tomorrow's game is the last game before we start our league campaign so we'd like all the contracted players that have got a chance at Watford, to be involved. At this moment we are just chatting to them and their representatives. They have both done well, but other clubs are interested and now we have to sit down and talk to them and their representatives."
Walker is in a similar position - as he is signed to Barrow, he is only allowed to play twice on trials for Rovers. That means that Rovers will have to sign him if he is to play for the club in further matches. However, the situation is far from clear. O'Driscoll said: "He's come in and done really well; he's got better and better as he's got used to the things we do. We've spoken to Barrow and kept them informed of the situation and they have told us the sort of financial deal that they would be looking at. It is difficult to look at the bigger picture because what I don't want to do is to end up doing one thing and then not being able to do one or two others. I think that there are other areas of the team which take priority over bringing in Jason. That's not to say that we won't try to do it."
Trialists Mustapha Dumbaya and Byron Webster are likely to have a second chance to impress the Rovers management tomorrow after doing well in the match at Grimsby. The Rovers boss commented: "Mustapha Dumbaya and Byron Webster came out of the blue and did extremely well despite having been thrown in at the deep end.

July 31, 2009

Defenders set to return tomorrow

Defenders Matt Mills, James Chambers and James O'Connor are likely to return to the side for the final pre-season game against Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow afternoon after missing recent games. Mills has been suffering from flu-like symptoms, with Chambers missing due to an ankle injury and O'Connor a stomach injury. Young striker Waide Fairhurst is also likely to be included after also having flu-symptoms.
Rovers may also include another trialist tomorrow as a result of Richard O'Kelly's recent trip to Slovenia. O'Kelly spotted the unnamed striker and if arrangements can be made in time, he may get a run-out tomorrow.

July 31, 2009

Smith scores winner for Rovers

Goalkeeper Ben Smith scored the winner for Doncaster Rovers last Sunday, when he hit the winning run against a Doncaster Town Cricket Club XI. Smith hit 40 runs for Rovers, although a rather dubious no-ball decision in the last over gave Rovers a free-hit which enabled them to reach the 143 target.
Rovers were captained by Director of Football Mickey Walker, with Gareth Roberts, Sam Hird and Lee Butler also taking part.
The victory means that Rovers have won the annual clash for the last two years.

July 31, 2009

Gilbert not for O's

It seems that former Rovers loan left back Peter Gilbert will not be joining Leyton Orient, despite the O's being short of experienced defenders just over a week away from the start of the new season. The former Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday defender played against Bishops Stortford and Newcastle United recently, but has now left the club and was not involved in Orient's friendly against Hayes & Yeading on Tuesday.

July 31, 2009

Green signs for Ilkeston

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team defender Liam Green has signed for Ilkeston Town. Green left Rovers in May 2007 to study at Loughborough University before taking up non-league football, joining Burton Albion and then Boston United.

July 31, 2009

O'Kelly in Mills pledge

Assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has said that it will take an "unbelievable offer" to make Doncaster Rovers listed to enquiries for star defender Matthew Mills, who has been constantly linked with transfer speculation during the summer. However, Mills is still at the club, although he did not take part in the last couple of pre-season games against Grimsby and Rotherham as he has been suffering from flu-like symptoms.
O'Kelly commented: "Matt's been in training with us and has shown a great attitude towards our preparations for the new season and has been working extremely hard. Whatever happens away from the training ground is out of our hands really. If someone comes in with an unbelievable offer then you have to listen. But at this moment in time Matt's here working hard to be in contention for a place in Doncaster Rovers' starting line-up."

July 30, 2009

Goals roundup

Former Rovers defender Gordon Greer scored his first goal for new club Swindon Town as they defeated Premiership club West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday evening at the County Ground. Named as captain for the forthcomign campaign, Greer headed home for Swindon in the 33rd minute from a corner. Also playing for Swindon in the game was former Rovers loan midfielder Michael Timlin, who joined Swindon, initially on loan in March 2008.
Also on target on Tuesday was ex-Rover Jason Price, who bagged two goals, one in each half, as Millwall comfortably defeated Dartford 4-1.
Finally, Gareth Taylor scored twice, both headers as Wrexham defeated Blue Square North side Vauxhall Motors 5-3.

July 30, 2009

Byfield trial at Oldham

Darren Byfield, who was released by Doncaster Rovers in the summer, is at Legue One club Oldham Athletic on a trial as he bids to find a new club for the 2009/20 season. Byfield put in an "energetic performance" in Oldham's pre-season game against Middlesbrough last night, but there is no word from the club as to whether his performance will be enough to persuade ex-Rovers boss Dave Penney to sign him.

July 30, 2009

Now Portsmouth enter race for McCormack

In a long-running transfer saga that threatens to make the Matt Mills rumours look rather brief, it now transpires that former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack may get his wish for Premiership football by moving away from Cardiff City - but with Portsmouth, rather than previous favourites Hull City.
McCormack incurred the wrath of Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale after he said he wanted to have the right to talk to clubs, should a Premiership club make enquiries.
Hull City boss Phil Brown has previously been keen on giving McCormack his chance on the top flight, but now Portsmouth, bolstered by the cash received from the sale of Peter Crouch earlier in the week, have made an enquiry for the young Scot. A figure of around £5 million has been mentioned, which would be a great increase from the £130,000 Cardiff paid to Motherwell just over twelve months ago.
It seems that McCormack has fears about being a first choice striker at Cardiff, with Michael Chopra, Jay Bothroyd and Paul Parry his rivals for a place up front - but his versatility has also seen him play wide on the right side in pre-season games.
McCormack is unhappy that his desire to move has been made public, and said: "Someone's released it. Only a few people knew about it and it's disappointing because the fans have been behind me all along all last season and the start of the season. It's turned a few of them against me which is annoying. It's not what I wanted. It's every boy's dream to play in the Premier League, but right now the focus is on me. I want to be playing and if I'm not playing at Cardiff then obviously I'm going to have to look to address that. I want to stay in the Scotland team. I'm 22-years-old and I don't want to be sitting on benches. The thing is if I go to the Premier League I could sit on the bench as well so I don't know what's going to happen. Any Premier League side would interest anyone, but at this moment in time I'm a Cardiff City player and want to give my all to the club."

July 30, 2009

Mills impasse - will Davies look elsewhere?

Still the rumours surrounding the future of Rovers defender Matt Mills continue - although it now seems that Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies may be persuaded to look elsewhere as Rovers continue to insist that they are not looking to release the player. The local press in Nottingham suggest that a £2.5 million offer from the former European champions is on the table - but that valuation comes in far lower than the valuation placed on Mills by Rovers.
Davies commented: "We have approached Doncaster and have tried to do something. At the moment there is a gulf there between their valuation and our offer. Unless that gulf closes very quickly, then I would say it does not look likely. We have made a very, very good offer and feel the valuation for the player in the current financial situation is a first-class offer. I am not sure what will happen, that is the short answer. But I would say that, unless the gulf in valuations closes, it is highly unlikely."
"We can't play a waiting game. We are actively looking at other potential targets in that position, as well as one or two others. We have to close the door (on deals) very quickly, because it is not long before that first big match will be upon us. We want to try to get this squad together as quickly as possible."
Whilst rumours of a press conference to be held this morning to announce Mills' arrival were circulating, those stories were dashed when the announcements were of additions to the Forest backroom staff, with Chris Fairclough named as assistant first team coach and Darren Robinson the club's new performance coach.

July 30, 2009

Offiong will not be joining U's

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Richard Offiong will not be joining Colchester United after failing to turn up for a medical examination along with his former Hamilton teammate Joel Thomas, who joined the U's last week.
U's boss Paul Lambert said: "Richard Offiong will not be coming. His agent has spiked that one, telling him not to come. "I don't know what happened with Richard, our bid for him was accepted, and I was told that he was in the vicinity, but two minutes later and he had turned back! We were waiting for the medical and he just didn't arrive."
Offiong has since appeared for Hamilton in their pre-season campaign and looks like starting the season off in Scotland.

July 29, 2009

Grimsby 0 Rovers 2

The unbeated pre-season campaign continued last night as Rovers scored two late goals to defeat Grimsby Town, wiht the Rovers goals coming from Paul Heffernan (73) and trialist Jason Walker (80). Walker can certainly have done his chances of landing a contract at Rovers no harm by scoring two goals in two games, and Sean O'Driscoll will now have to make the decision on whether to sign him or let him return to Barrow.
Rovers included two more trialists in the game - no first names have been issued, but the surnames are Mustafa and B Webster. Also included were John Oster and Quinton Fortune, who have impressed the Rovers management during their time at the club. As is often the case in pre-season games, Sean O'Driscoll made eight substitutions at half time, with the two new trialists and Gareth Roberts continuing after the break, although all three came off during the second half.
The final pre-season game of the summer for the first team comes on Saturday, when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit the Keepmoat Stadium.
Rovers (first half): Neill Sullivan, Mustafa,Adam Lockwood, B Webster, Gareth Roberts, James Coppinger, John Spicer, Brian Stock, Quinton Fortune; Lewis Guy, James Hayter
Rovers (second half): Ben Smith, Mustafa (Robbie Clark 81mins), Sam Hird, B Webster (Jack Nodder 81mins), Gareth Roberts (Charles Fisher 69mins) John Oster, Mark Wilson, Dean Shiels, Martin Woods, Paul Heffernan, Jason Walker.
Attendance: 1,886 (207 away)

July 29, 2009

Rovers search far and wide

Doncaster Rovers are searching far and wide for new players, with Richard O'Kelly missing Saturday's game at Rotherham United as he was in Slovenia to check up on a centre half. Rovers have already had a number of injuries to players this summer and, with six having left during the summer and no-one having joined yet, the squad is looking rather small to withstand a rigorous Championship campaign.
The much-reported interest in Sheffield United's Billy Sharp seems to have come to nothing so far, although Rovers have admitted to making an enquiry for the player. Apart from that, the most chance of new talent seems to be from the trialist players who have featured so far in friendly matches.

July 29, 2009

O'Driscoll laments difficulty in signing players

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has admitted that he is finding it hard to attract players to the club, with the club still struggling to compete in financial terms with other clubs in the Championship. Despite finishing in 14th place last term, O'Driscoll knows that he needs to bolster his squad, but transfer fees and large wage demands are causing problems. He said: "As I've said before, this division is a massive financial hurdle for us. Our biggest problem is that at times we can agree the transfer fees, but we can't to the wage or vice-versa. To get both options is proving quite difficult."
He tiold the Free Press: "There's a lot going on behind the scenes, but not much we can report I'm afraid. We're checking what we can and cannot afford and juggling a few balls in the air. Ideally it would be nice to bring in three or four players, but that doesn't seem likely at present. We're in competition for players with clubs who are more established at this level and have bigger names, and bigger fanbases. There are players we would like to sign and, hopefully, we are making progress, but I don't want to alert others to our targets. Most clubs have financial constraints and we are no different. Ultimately it depends on what cash we have available as to whether the players we bring in will cost money or be loan signings."

July 29, 2009

Watford ticket info

Tickets for the opening game of the season, against Watford on Saturday, 8th August, are selling well, with 833 of the initial allocation of 1,059 already sold. Tickets are currently on sale to season ticket holdrs and membership holders, with remaining tickets going on general sale next Monday (3rd August).
Ticket prices are £10 for adults and concessions, with under-16s being just £1.
Wheelchair and ambulant disabled supporters will pay the appropriate price, with their carer being admitted free of charge.
Please note that whilst tickets will be on sale at Vicarage Road on the match day, prices will rise to £15 for adults and concessions, and £10 for under-16s. Again, disabled supporters will pay the appropriate admission price, with their carer being let in free of charge.

July 28, 2009

O'Driscoll to check out trialists again

Sean O'Driscoll will take a full squad to Grimsby Town this evening for the next pre-season game, and will also include the three trialists who featured in Saturday's victory against Rotherham United.
Barrow striker Jason Walker impressed on Saturday, scoring one of Rovers' four goals, but O'Driscoll realises that he has to make a decision soon on whether to keep him or allow him to return to Barrow.
He said: "We'll try and keep Jason for another week, if Barrow let us, and then he'll play some part in the Grimsby game. Then, I think to be fair to everybody, we need to make a decision and decide what we are going to do."
Of John Oster and Quinton Fortune, the Rovers boss commented: "Both boys obviously want to sort themselves out with clubs. That was the first competitive game that John has played in three months and Quinton played for an hour as well as a behind-closed-doors game against Chesterfield. I thought Quinton and Brian Stock complimented each other and John fitted into some of the passing and movement that we were trying to do. We'd like to keep them for another week and include them against Grimsby."

July 28, 2009

Sullivan back

Goalkeeper Neil Sullivan will be included in the squad for this evening's game at Grimsby Town after returning to full training on Monday. Sullivan had missed training after picking up a throat infection, and he remained away from the training ground to prevent any infection spreading to the rest of the squad.
His return means that Rovers have three keepers - Sullivan, Ben Smith and Gary Woods - to select from this evening.

July 28, 2009

Nelson moves north

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Stuart Nelson has signed for Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen as boss Mark McGhee looked for goalkeeping backup for the updoming Europa League match against Sigma Olomouc. Reserve keeper Bertrand Bossu is out injured, and McGhee was unwilling to go into such a match without goalkeeping cover on the bench.
McGhee commented: "It was difficult to find anyone good enough, so this is a goalkeeper who can give competition to Jamie Langfield and Bert and, if he is asked to, can do the job."
Understandably, Nelson is excited about the challenge of European football after being at Norwich City last season. He said: "It is a massive club in Scotland. Everybody talks about Celtic and Rangers, but even south of the border everybody knows about Aberdeen and that was a massive pull for me coming here. I have always played. Last year was the first where I was back-up and that was to David Marshall and everybody up here knows what a good goalkeeper he is. It's going to be a challenge, but I am up for that challenge."

July 28, 2009

Maloney signs for Harrogate

Former Doncaster Rovers utility player Jonathan Maloney has signed for Blue Square North club Harrogate Town after impressing in their pre-season matches. Maloney had been training with Rovers this summer after returning from a four year spell playing college football in the United States, but has been looking to re-start his football career in England.
Maloney began his career with Rovers as a defender, but just before he left, converted successfully to be a striker - his spell in America saw him break a number of scoring records as his goal-scoring prowess continued.

July 27, 2009

Grimsby ticket info

Doncaster Rovers continue their pre-season campaign tomorrow evening when they make the short trip to Blundell Park to play Grimsby Town.
As a thank-you to the above expected number of season tickets sold, Grimsby Town have reduced the admission prices for tomorrow's game, meaning that adults get in for £10 and concessions cost £5. In addition, two children can get in free for each adult ticket bought. Please note, however, that to take advantage of the free children's tickets, you must buy tickets from the Grimsby Town ticket office - the offer is NOT available at the turnstiles.

July 27, 2009

Carden stays at U's

Former Rovers midfielder Paul Carden has decided to stay at Cambridge United as player/assistant manager. The midfielder was offered the option following the departure of Gary Brabin as boss earlier this month - then revealed that he had spoken to Brabin to ask his advice as to what decision to make.
Brabin encouraged him to re-sign, and Carden's new contract was signed late last week.
Carden said: "I spoke to Gary and he said it was a brilliant opportunity that I should grab with both hands. He said I should keep playing like I did last season and learning more about the other side of it, which I intend to do. I spoke to my wife and she's happy in the area with our little boy, so I'm just looking forward to being settled and having the security of being able to focus fully on my job."
Cambridge are still considering their options over the managerial vacancy, with a number of candidates being interviewed last week, but former Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling is understood to be the favourite.

July 27, 2009

Wolves tickets sell slowly

Tickets for Saturday's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers - Rovers' only home game of the pre-season campaign - are selling slowly, with the Keepmoat Stadium deciding that, due to poor sales, only the East Stand will be open for Rovers fans. Wolves supporters will be housed in the North Stand. The match is a testimonial match for Rovers' Director of Football, Mickey Walker, who has completed ten years service with the club.
Tickets for the game cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Please note that tickets must be bought for this match - there will be NO cash turnstiles in operation, so if you do not buy a ticket in advance, you must buy one at the ticket office on Saturday, so please ensure that you leave sufficient time.

July 26, 2009

Rotherham 0 Rovers 4

As expected, Doncaster Rovers included three trialists - John Oster, Quinton Fortune and Jason Walker in their squad for Saturday's game against Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium. However, a number of players were missing due to injury and illness, forcing a number of changes, which saw midfielder Mark Wilson making an appearance at right back due to the absence of regulars James O'Connor and James Chambers.
Rotherham had the upper hand in possession in the early stages of the game, but a speculative high shot in from Gareth Roberts from 25 yards in the 15th minute saw Millers keener Jamie Annerson forced into a last ditch tip over the bar to deny Rovers.
Rovers went ahead in the 27th minute following a free kick on the right which found Sam Hird, who fired the ball into the net, which proved to be the only goal of the first half.
The second goal arrived in the 52nd minute when a chipped corner kick found James Hayter, who headed the ball into the net. The third arrived shortly afterwards when Hayter's header crashed against the crossbar and trialist Jason Walker was on hand to nod in the rebound. Walker repaid the favour ten minutes from the end when he backheeled the ball into the path of Hayter, who had the simple task of sidefooting the ball home.
The score means that Rovers are still undefeated in their pre-season campaign - and the Millers have lost their three games.
Rovers (first half): Ben Smith, Mark Wilson, Sam Hird, Adam Lockwood, Gareth Roberts, John Oster, Quinton Fortune, Brian Stock, Martin Woods, Dean Shiels, Paul Heffernan
Rovers (second half): Gary Woods, Mark Wilson, Sam Hird, Adam Lockwood, Gareth Roberts, John Oster (Robbie Clark 65mins), John Spicer, Quinton Fortune (Charles Fisher 75mins), Lewis Guy, James Hayter, Jason Walker

July 26, 2009

Gilbert at O's on trial as Toon crash

Former Rovers loan left back Peter Gilbert made an appearance for Leyton Orient on Saturday as he seeks a new club for the new season following his release by Sheffield Wedensday at the end of last season. He put in a solid performance when on the pitch in what proved to be a remarkable match which saw the League One side thrash Championshp newboys Newcastle United 6-1, with the Tynesiders still in disarray just two weeks ahead of the new season, the club up for sale and still with no manager appointed.
Gilbert has also been on trial at League One club Huddersfield Town.

July 26, 2009

Goals check

Former Rovers midfielder Paul Green was the star of the show as he scored twice for Derby County in their 3-1 win over Exeter City on Saturday. Green had missed their previous game as a precaution after picking up an ankle injury a week earlier, but was clearly back to full fitness as he put in a man of the match display at Exeter.
Jon-Paul Pittman scored Wycombe Wanderers' goal in their rather embarassing 2-1 defeat by Blue Square South club Dover Athletic. Although disappointed to have lost, it was a good week's work for the former Rovers striker, who netted twice for Wycombe just four days earlier.
Finally, ex-Rovers striker Jonathan Forte scored his fifth goal of Scunthorpe's pre-season campaign when he bagged one of the Iron's five goals on Thursday evening against Jersey. Scunthorpe have been based in Jersey on a week-long training camp, with boss Nigel Adkins pleased with how his side are shaping up ahead of the new season.

July 26, 2009

Offiong move off?

It looks as though ex-Rovers striker Richard Offiong's proposed move to Colchester United has fallen through after the player is reported to have failed to agree on personal terms with Colchester. Offiong was expected to be part of a double transfer from Hamilton to the U's, but his teammate Joel Thomas was confirmed as having joined for £125,000 earlier in the week. It now looks as though Richard will start the new season in Scotland with SPL side Hamilton Academical.

July 25, 2009

Tickets v Rotherham

Whilst Rotherham United have been selling tickets for today's match against Doncaster Rovers in advance, they have confirmed that supporters will also be able to pay on the day.
Admission prices are £10 for adults and £5 for all concessions. Rotherham are hoping that a large number of fans from Doncaster will make the short trip to the Don Valley Stadium for the game, which will see former Rovers players Andy Warrington and Nick Fenton line up against their former team for the first time.

July 25, 2009

Rotherham v Rovers

Injury-hit Doncaster Rovers will be missing a number of first team regulars for this afternoon's pre-season game against Rotherham United. Missing the game will be Steve Brooker (achilles), James Chambers (ankle), Sean McDaid (knee), James O'Connor (stomach) and Jos van Nieuwstadt (groin). A report in the Doncaster Star also suggests that Matt Mills will not play today, although no reason is given for his absence.
Rovers are likely to include three trialists against Rotherham. Barrow striker Jason Walker, who missed out on a game for Rovers when the behind-closed-doors match against Hull was cancelled, is likely to feature, as are former Manchester United winger Quinton Fortune and ex-Crystal Palace midfieler John Oster.
Assistant boss Richard O'Kelly would not be drawn this week on whether Rovers were likely to take on any of the trial players, although they have all impressed so far. He predicted that Rotherham, the first full-time outfit Rovers have faced this summer, will give the players a good test. He said: "As a player I never enjoyed playing on a pitch inside an athletics track because with the crowd being so far away it was always very difficult to generate any atmosphere, but the playing surface is good and Rotherham seem to have adapted to it really well."
"They did fantastic last season with everything that they had to deal with such as starting the season with points deducted (after going into administration the previous season). "I went to watch them a few times last season and all credit to manager Mark Robins and his staff and the players for dealing with what was thrown at them and coming out with a positive at the end."
Whilst the black kit is the away kit for this season, Rovers have stated that they will be playing in the withdrawn blue and white hooped shirts, blue shorts and socks for this afternoon's match.

July 25, 2009

Jos needs operation

Rovers defender Jos van Nieuwstadt will have an operation this morning to resolve the groin problem he has been suffering from since the Barrow game. The central defender visited a specialist on Thursday, where surgery was recommended.
Rovers physio John Dickens said: "Jos damaged his stomach during the match against Barrow the other day. He will now have to go in and undergo a repair. He is basically going to be having a hernia repair on Saturday morning and he won't be back in training for a couple of weeks."

July 25, 2009

Physio cleared over Brooker treatment

Former Bristol City physio John Wiley has been cleared over an accusation that the "botched" the rehabilitation of Steve Brooker following an operation on a troublesome knee injury in May 2007. The Healt Professions Council cleared Wiley of misconduct due to a lack of evidence.
Dr Alexander Yule, chairman of the hearing, said: 'The panel conducted a meticulous examination of both the oral and written evidence in relation to each and every particular. In no instances was there any or any sufficient evidence to allow the case to proceed further. Having carried out this exercise with great care and caution the panel is satisfied that there is no real prospect of the HPC discharging the burden of proof required. Accordingly, the panel accedes to the application of no case to answer and it stops the case at this stage."
Brooker had the initial operation in May 2007 in the hope he would be fit for pre-season training in July, but had to have a second operation in June - but the surgeon only agreed to do that operation on the condition that Wiley had nothing to do with his post-operation recovery.
It was alleged Wiley failed to see him often enough, did not understand his condition and failed to communicate with other staff at the club.
Wiley, of Brislington, had denied all the allegations, as well as misconduct.

July 25, 2009

Rovers play cricket

Members of the Doncaster Rovers squad will take part in the annual cricket match against Doncaster Town Cricket Club on Sunday. The match will take place at the Cricket Club's ground on Bennetthorpe and will start at 2pm. Admission prices will be £2, or £5 with car parking. The match will be in the Twenty20 format. All are welcome to attend, with Rovers auctioning off the players' cricket shirts after the game.

July 24, 2009

Rovers bid for Sharp

Doncaster Rovers have made a bid for Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp, although the club are not willing to make an official comment at the moment in fear of other clubs being alerted to the situation. However, since it appears that the information has been leaked somewhere along the line, John Ryan is now in touch with Sheffield United in an effort to complete the transfer as soon as possible. Whilst a figure of around £1 million has been mentioned by some supporters, the amount of the Rovers bid is unconfirmed, and so such figures is pure speculation. For obvious reasons, the club are not willing to divulge such information, especially as it will alert other clubs as to the price the Blades are willing to take for Sharp, and also it may have knock-on effects to other transfers that Rovers may be looking to make this summer.

July 24, 2009

Rovers take two on trial

Rovers assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has confirmed that former Premiership players Quinton Fortune and John Oster have joined the club on trials this week.
South African-born Fortune, 32, spent seven years at Manchester United before leaving in 2006 to join Bolton Wanderers - since then he has been playing for Belgian side Tubize, but was released by them at the end of last season.
Oster, a Welsh international, was released by Crystal Palace in May and has formerly played for Everton and Reading.
O'Kelly told the BBC: "Fortune has been there, seen it, and done it. He's come in, he's training with us and he's had an impact."
Rovers have been offered a number of players for loan by Premiership clubs, with O'Kelly explaining: "We've had a couple of Premiership clubs who've been in touch saying we're the sort of club that they'd like their boys to come to. It is a credit to the manager and the group of players we've got here that people can come into the environment and in a short space of time be made to feel at home and actually develop their careers."

July 24, 2009

O'Driscoll denies Parry bid

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has denied reports suggesting that Rovers are set to make a £500,000 bid for Cardiff's former Welsh international Paul Parry. Rovers were reported to be interested in the player to replace Richie Wellens, and whilst Cardiff have said that they have received an approach from an unnamed Championship club, O'Driscoll has moved to distance Rovers from being that club.

July 24, 2009

McCormack hands in transfer request

Cardiff City have confirmed that striker Ross McCormack has handed in a transfer request, just three weeks after signing a new four year contract at the club.
Chairman Peter Ridsdale said that Cardiff would be looking for a satisfactory valuation for the former Rovers loan striker. He said: "Ross has indicated that were another club to come in for his services, he would like to leave Cardiff City. I'm surprised particularly because it was only three weeks ago Ross signed a new lucrative four-year contract. But let me make it absolutely clear so that it's unequivocal that Ross McCormack is contracted to Cardiff City for four years. He would command a fee in our view that clearly is a high fee if he were to leave. That fee will not be reduced because of the events that Ross has suggested he may want to go."
Premiership club Hull City have been linked with signing McCormack in recent weeks, with Tigers boss Phil Brown being in the crowd for their game on Wednesday, although the valuation of the player by Hull falls a long way short of Cardiff's asking price.

July 24, 2009

Goals round-up

Former Rovers striker Jon-Paul Pittman scored twice as Wycombe Wanderers beat Windsor and Eton 4-0 on Wednesday evening. Ex-Rover Tomi Ameobi, who played for Gateshead against Sunderland on Saturday, was back on trial at Hereford United this week and played in their match at Kidderminster Harriers, scoring the Bulls' second goal in their 3-2 defeat.
League new-boys Burton Albion romped to an 8-0 win over non-league Rocester on Tuesday night, with former Rovers midfielder John McGrath scoring one of the goals.

July 24, 2009

Rigoglioso goes to Colwyn Bay

Adriano Rigoglioso turned out to make his Colwyn Bay debut on Saturday when they faced Altrincham, playing the first half of the game when Bay held their own comfortably against a strong Altrincham side. However, once the more experienced players, including Rigoglioso, were replaced at half time, Bay crumbled to a 5-1 defeat, causing their boss, Neil Young, to describe their performance a s"worse than Sunday league standard".
On the mark for Altrincham were ex-Rovers players Ben Muirhead and Jimmy Kelly, who wore the captain's armband for the day.
It is unclear from Colwyn Bay's official site whether Rigoglioso is at the club on trials, or has signed for the club.

July 23, 2009

Injury update

Far from the virtually injury-free squad indication that was given to supporters upon the squad's return to training earlier this month, it now seems that there are a number of players who will be struggling to be fit for the opening game of the season.
Steve Brooker's recovery from ankle surgery has gone well, but he has now got an Achilles tendon problem, which is limiting his recovery schedule. This type of problem is common for players who have been out injured for a prolonged period of time, and does not appear to be unduly concerning the Rovers physio team.
Also likely to be missing the first match of the new season is defender James Chambers, who has a cut on his ankle which is currently being treated. It could be two or three weeks before he will be able to resume a full training schedule.
Sean McDaid appeared to be making a good recovery from his knee surgery, but his absence from pre-season games was puzzling a number of supporters. It now turns out that he has had a minor cartilage operation, which means that it will be around a month before he is back in full training.
Jos van Nieustadt has a groin injury and is going to see a specialist today to determine the exact nature of the problem. It will take the outcome of that examination before Rovers will know how long Jos may be missing for.
Finally, James O'Connor is suffering from abdominal tendonitis, but the club are not that concerned about this and he should be back in full training in around a week.

July 23, 2009

O'Kelly - unbelievable offer needed to part with Mills

Doncaster Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has said that it would take an "unbelievable offer" to persuade Rovers to part with star defender Matthew Mills. The defender has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, most notably Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City, but neither club has offered anything near the Rovers valuation of Mills.
O'Kelly said that Mills was impressing during pre-season training, saying: "Matt's been in training with us and has shown a great attitude towards our preparations for the new season and has been working extremely hard. Whatever happens away from the training ground is out of our hands really. If someone comes in with an unbelievable offer then you have to listen. But at this moment in time Matt's here working hard to be in contention for a place in Doncaster Rovers' starting line-up."

July 23, 2009

O'Driscoll - transfer plans "hush-hush"

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has confirmed that there are a number potential transfer targets for the club, although there are now only two weeks to go until the start of the new season. O'Driscoll said: "There is a lot going on behind the scenes but not much we can report I'm afraid. Ideally we would like to bring three or four players in. There are players that we would like to sign and hopefully we are making progress but I don't want to alert other clubs to our targets. Ultimately it depends on what cash we have available as to whether the players we bring in will cost money or be loan signings."
This suggests that the long-tipped option of one or two long-term loan signigns is still a likelihood, although we understand that the club are working on one or two major signings, but are understandably unwilling to give further details in the fear of alterting other clubs.

July 23, 2009

Parry tipped for Rovers move

Cardiff City's long-serving midfielder Paul Parry is being tipped to be joining Doncaster Rovers, according to a number of newspapers. Parry came under some fire from Cardiff supporters at the end of last season after the Bluebirds failed to qualify for a promotion play-off place, and struggled to hold down a regular first team place in Dave Jones' midfield.
Cardiff are understood to be looking to offload the midfieler to give Jones some flexibility on the wages budget, and the Daily Mirror, amongst others, are reporting that Rovers are talking to 28-year old Parry with a view to a £500,000 transfer to Rovers.
Bearing in mind the previous hints coming out of the club, we very much doubt that Rovers will entertain such a large transfer fee, especially since his wage demands are likely to be a problem within the Rovers salary structure.

July 22, 2009

Hull match cancelled

The 'behind closed doors' friendly match against Hull City, which was due to take place yesterday afternoon, was cancelled, although no reason has been given for the cancellation. Hull were also due to play at Carlisle United yesterday evening, so boss Phil Brown took the opportunity to take a larger than intended squad to take part in that match.
Rovers were hoping to include trialist striker Jason Walker in their side after he impressed whilst playing for Barrow last Saturday, but it looks as though his first opportunity to play a match will come on Saturday when Rovers travel to play Rotherham United.

July 22, 2009

Andy joins King's Lynn

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team defender Andy Boyce has signed for UniBond Premier League club King's Lynn after impressing boss Carl Heggs in a trial match last Saturday against a Leicester City XI. Boyce played the whole 90 minutes of the game and looks like being a key part of the Linnets' side this season.
Heggs said of his new signing: “Andy is someone we want to take. He's 19 years old, 6ft 5in and you've seen him. He is a beast of a boy. The two centre halves showed everything you'll need in the Unibond because we're not playing the likes of Leicester every week.
Boyce played much of last season on loan at Worksop Town and recently had a short trial at Blue Square Premier club Mansfield Town.

July 22, 2009

Carden reviews his future

Ex-Rovers midfielder Paul Carden is reviewing his options following the departure of boss Gary Brabin from Cambridge United. U's chairmn George Rolls has stated that Carden will be asked for his decision before Cambridge offer any candidates the manager's job.
Carden said: "To suddenly go back to a sole playing role would be quite hard. Certainly at this club it would be hard to stay on in a playing capacity."
He continued: "I feel I'm too young to apply for the manager's job. I had a good season in terms of management combined with the playing last season. I couldn't take my eye off one job to do another and that's what that entails. In two or three years' time it might have been different."
The former Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling appears to be a strong candidate for the post after impressing Rolls in an interview earlier in the week.

July 22, 2009

Futcher signs extension

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Ben Futcher has signed an extension to his contract at Bury. He joined the club in June 2007 from Peterborough and has gone on to start 73 League games for the Shakers. Since leaving Rovers in May 2002, Futcher has played for Lincoln City, Boston United and Grimsby Town before joining Peterborough in August 2006.
He played just two league game for Rovers in the 2001/02 season.

July 21, 2009

Rovers give Walker a trial

Doncaster Rovers have given Barrow striker Jason Walker a trial in a game due to be played this evening, according to Barrow's official website. Walker, who has just signed a two year contract at Holker Street, impressed Sean O'Driscoll during Saturday's match against Rovers and will be hoping to land a move to the Keepmoat Stadium, which will see him move three rungs up the league pyramid.
Barrow's joint maanger Dave Bayliss said: "We obviously would not want to stand in Jason's way if he wants to move to such an excellent club."
Sky Sports report that the 25-year old will spend the rest of the week training with Rovers. Bayliss continued: "It's good news for Jason, and for us too, but there's mixed feelings because we don't want to lose him. He's going to have a game on Tuesday and train with them for the rest of the week, then we'll see at the end of that. If he does go, there'll definitely be a fee involved as he's our player for the next two years. I think he can definitely hold his own in the Championship; he's quick, powerful, has a good touch and scores goals - he's the complete striker."

July 21, 2009

Rovers Belles sign two more

Doncaster Rovers Belles boss John Buckley continued this summer's signing spree by signing two more players yesterday. Joining the Rovers Belles are Emily Simpkins (from Nottingham Forest) and Carla Ward (from OOH Lincoln).
Buckley said of the signings: "We tried to bring Emily in to the club last summer so we are pleased that she has decided to come this time around. She has good quality on the ball, is athletic, can play in a number of positions and has a fantastic attitude and desire to be successful in the game."

July 21, 2009

Ben on trial at Altrincham

Former Rovers player Ben Muirhead lined up for Altrincham last Saturday as a trialist in their game against Colwyn Bay as he hopes to find a new club for the forthcoming season. Rather puzzlingly, he was released by Alfreton at the end of last season as he "requires an operation which will unfortunately keep him out of football for the next eight months." Either he has not yet had that operation, or he has made an amazingly quick recovery, as that statement was made only two months ago!
Altrincham fielded only five regulars from last season in the game against the Welsh club, but still managed to win 5-1.

July 21, 2009

Hughes considers his options

There are conflicting stories around concerning supposed Rovers target Stephen Hughes, who is a free agent after declining a new contract from Motherwell. Rovers looked to be set to lose out on the midfielder with Hearts reported to be the front runners, but they are now reported to be considering other options before making a decision. League One club Norwich City are the only club to have made Hughes a definite offer, but it is understood that he has rejected that offer in the hope of a Championship club making a move for him.
Aberdeen were also said to be interested in Hughes, but his wage demands are believed to have scuppered an prospective deal.
A number of reports have suggested that Sean O'Driscoll is interested in signing Hughes as a replacement for Richie Wellens, but if wage demands were too much for SPL club Aberdeen, will they also be beyond the wage structure at Rovers?

July 21, 2009

Brabin return ruled out

Cambridge United chairman George Rolls has poured cold water on reports that Gary Brabin has been offered his job back at the club, barely a week after being sacked over a disagreement over budget cuts.
A report on the BBC says that talks had taken place between the club and Brabin, but those chances have now disappeared.
U's press officer Will Jones said: "The possibility was explored of Gary maybe coming back. That's a non-starter due to the problems over Gary's departure."
Rolls was unavailable for comment as he wasy busy conducting interviews for the managerial vacancy, with Cambridge anticipating that it will be another week before they can name their new team boss.

July 21, 2009

Now Hull target McCormack

Despite signing a new four year contract at Cardiff City only a couple of weeks ago, transfer talk still surrounds former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack. Ambitious Hull City are targeting Cardiff duo Joe Ledley and Ross McCormack, but the two clubs are apparently some distance apart in their valuation of the players. Hull boss Phil Brown commented: "Where Ross McCormack and Joe Ledley are concerned, you're looking at players who have done very, very well at Cardiff in the Championship. Yes, they would interest us, but not at the prices that are being quoted. Until those prices are brought down, if there is such a price, we're not interested. It is difficult when players want to move from a selling club and agents think they can progress them quickly."
However, Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale has denied that Hull have made a £10 million offer for the pair, saying “No contact has been made, so I can’t comment on this issue.”

July 20, 2009

Tomi scores against Sunderland

Former Rovers striker Tomi Ameobi scored one of Gateshead's four goals as the non-league side bet a youthful Sunderland side on Saturday, coming on as a second half substiute. Ameobi has been on trials at League Two club Hereford, scoring twice in their 8-0 win against Wellington last Thursday, but was included in Gateshead's side at the weekend as he seeks a new club for next season. There is no word on the Hereford United official site as to whether they have ended their interest in Ameobi.

July 20, 2009

Rovers at the Masters

A Doncaster Rovers side took part in the Yorkshire heat of the Masters tournament at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday, but were unsuccessful in reaching the final of the heat. The six clubs taking part were split into two groups, with the winners of each group meeting in the final. Rovers were placed in a group also containing Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, with the other group comprising Leeds United, Barnsley and Hull City.
Rovers went down in their first game 5-2 to Sheffield Wednesday, with two goals from Leo Fortune-West. Their second group game was more successful, with a last gasp goal by Richard O'Kelly, the oldest player taking part in the tournament, giving Rovers a 3-2 victory. The other two goals came from Gary Brabin and Russ Wilcox.
However, Sheffield Wednesday reached the heat final by winning both of their group matches. In the final, they met Barnsley, and after a 2-2 draw, it went down to a penalty shoot-out, which Barnsley won.
Rovers squad: Lee Butler, Russ Wilcox, Sean Parrish, Leo Fortune-West, Gary Brabin, Steve Gaughan, John Doolan, Mark Sale, Richard O`Kelly

July 20, 2009

Johnson - prove you deserve a deal

Former Rovers striker Simon Johnson has been challenged to prove he deserves a contract at League Two club Bury by their boss, Alan Knill. The 26 year old has impressed in Bury's opening two pre-season games, but he has to keep showing that form if he is to stay at the club.
Knill said: "Simon has got unbelievable ability, enough to play at a higher level than League Two. For one reason or another he has been let go by Hereford and, at 26-years-old, he has to decide sooner or later what direction his career is going to take. It is difficult for trialists because they feel they have to impress quickly, but I have given a few of them a bit longer to show what they have got."

July 20, 2009

Youth team back home after Gothia Cup trip

Doncaster Rovers' youth squad have returned home to Doncaster after playing six matches in six days in the Gothia Cup, which was held in Sweden.
As we reported last week, Rovers came second in their group matches to progress through to the a-playoffs. In that match, they lost 2-0 at the hands of IFK Norrköping. They then faced Mjallby AIF, who also lost their play-off match, where Rovers were on the receiving end of a 5-1 scoreline, even though they were unfortunate not to be 2-0 up early on in the game.
Their final game of the summer saw Rovers face Czech side Hradec Kralove on Saturday, which Rovers won 2-0, meaning that they finished 15th in the tournament out of 24 teams taking part.
Youth boss Paul Wilson commented: "It's been an excellent trip. Their attitude, both on and off the pitch, has been first class and, with six games in six days, it has been difficult for all sixteen players."
"We have all learned a great deal from an excellent tournament. The standard of football here was very high. To finish 15th out of 24 is perhaps a little disappointing, however we were by far the youngest and smallest team in the competition."

July 19, 2009

Barrow 0 Rovers 2

Doncaster Rovers registered their second win in two pre-season games yesterday afternoon when they comfortably beat Blue Square Premeir club Barrow by a 2-0 scoreline. The Rovers goals were scored by Lewis Guy (31 mins) and former youth team striker Robbie Clark (46 mins).
Rovers dominated the early part of the game and were unfortunate not to go in front when Dean Shiels hit the crossbar, with another shot being cleared off the line. Barrow then missed the target when Walker was well placed, and Rovers then went in front just after the half-hour mark when Paul Heffernan put Lewis Guy through to score from 14 yards out.
Rovers doubled their lead a minute after half time when a cracking 18 yard shot by Robbie Clark flew into the net off the underside of the crossbar. Rovers hit the woodwork again in the second half, but the match finished 2-0 to Rovers.
Barrow: Tim Deasy (Neil Postlethwaite 77), Simon Spender (Mike Pearson 77), Sean Newton, Paul Jones (Phil Bolland 57), Adam Dugdale (Martin Grundy 77), Paul Rutherford (Paul Dixon 72), Robin Hulbert, Mark Boyd (Andy Bond 57), John Murphy (Jack Brierley 72), Jason Walker, Carlos Logan (Phil Morris 57).
Doncaster (first half): Neil Sullivan; James Chambers, Matt Mills, Jos Van Nieuwstadt, Gareth Roberts; Dean Shiels, Brian Stock, Martin Woods, Waide Fairhurst; Paul Heffernan, Lewis Guy
Doncaster (second half): Ben Smith; Jos Van Nieuwstadt (Richard O'Kelly, 79), Sam Hird, Adam Lockwood, Gareth Roberts; Charles Fisher, Robbie Clark, Mark Wilson, Martin Woods (Lee Butler, 84), James Hayter, John Spicer.
Attendance: 452.

July 19, 2009

Green scores

It was a day of mixed fortunes for former Rovers midfielder Paul Green. He scored a goal for Derby County in the 17th minute of their Derbyshire FA Centenary Cup match against Chesterfield yesterday afternoon as the Rams dominated the first half, but Chesterfield hit back with two second half goals to win the game.
Green failed to finish the match, however, when he was substituted after receiving a knock on the ankle. Fears of a reoccurrence of his metatarsal injury of last season were quickly dismissed by Derby officials.

July 19, 2009

Ryan scores 25!

Former Rovers defender Tim Ryan was in fine form during the week when he scored 25 - but he was playing cricket for Hatfield Nomads, not football for his new club, Chester City!
Ryan was top scorer for their match against Moorland Open in the Supplementary Cup of the Doncaster & District Infirmary Evening League, but Hatfield, who were forced to put out a depleted side, lost the match by seven wickets.
Back in league action, the Nomads beat Brodsworth Main by six wickets; this time Ryan's contribution was 16 runs.

July 19, 2009

Middlesbrough tickets

Tickets for the away match at Middlesbrough on 22ndAugust will go on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium's ticket office tomorrow morning. Rovers have received an initial allocation of 2,078 tickets for the match, which will go on sale to season ticket holders from Monday, 20th July. They will also be available to members from Monday, 3rd August, with any remaining tickets going on general sale from Monday, 10th August.
Admission prices are:
Adults £26, Senior Citizens (over 65) £16, Under 18s £13, Ambulant Disabled & carer £26, Ambulant disabled (no carer) £13, Wheelchair disabled & carer £26

July 18, 2009

Barrow v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers travel to Barrow this afternoon for their second game of their preparations for the new Championship season. The squad have been at the Outward Bounds centre at nearby Eskdale and have confirmed that the whole squad will be travelling to the game, which kicks off at 1pm.
Barrow have just completed a 'transfer coup' by signing Phil Bolland from Cambridge United, and hope to confirm two more signings ahead of this afternoon's game.
Rovers are due to play in black shorts, with red shorts and socks.

July 18, 2009

Chesterfield turn down Lester bid

Chesterfield have turned down a £50,000 bid from Notts County to sign former Rovers striker Jack Lester, insisting that the player is not for sale. Lester has hit the headlines after scoring 50 goals for Chesterfield over the last two seasons, and with County recently being sold to Munto Finance, they have plenty of funds left to fund their ambitions for the coming season.
Chesterfield boss John Sheridan said: "Jack is a big part of our plans. He's just signed a new contract and he is settled here."
County boss Ian McParland said: "He has been a prolific goalscorer over the years and by making a bid for him I think that shows we're ambitious. I've worked Jack in the past and I know him inside-out, so I just hope we can get him because he would fit the bill perfectly for us."

July 18, 2009

Wolves ticket update

The Keepmoat Stadium ticket office has amended the ticket information for Mickey Walker's testimonial against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 1st August. Presumably due to low ticket sales, with the sales figure crawling up to 331 according to their website, only the East Stand will be open for Rovers supporters. We understand that anyone having bought a ticket in the West Stand will be contacted to arrange for a transfer to the East Stand. Other areas of the ground will be opened if there is sufficient demand.
The North Stand will be open for Wolves supporters.
Ticket prices are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.
The match is the only home pre-season game of the summer due to the Keepmoat Stadium pitch being renovated.

July 18, 2009

Ryan - we couldn't match Foxes offer

Rovers chairman John Ryan has confessed that the club cannot compete when other clubs come in with big money offers for players. Leicester showed their intent when they signed Richie Wellens last week - and whilst Rovers will do their best to persuade players to stay, it is not surprising that players are tempted by larger wage packets available elsewhere.
Ryan told the Free Press: "We did not want Richie to go. I would have preferred to have kept last season's squad intact and maybe added a couple of players, but when clubs come along and offer far more money than we can afford, the plain fact is we are out of the game. Richie was happy here, but he was made an offer he couldn't refuse and you can't really blame him for cashing in on what could be his last big pay day."
"We have to face facts because we are a small fish in this league, simply because most of the other teams have around double our average gates."

July 18, 2009

Gilbert seeks Terriers move

Peter Gilbert, who played for Rovers on loan from Sheffield Wednesday for a month in the 2006/07 season, is hoping to sign for Huddersfield Town following his release from Hillsborough this summer.
Gilbert was one of four trialists who played in Huddersfield's pre-season game at Gateshead as he hopes to impress sufficiently to win a contract at the club. Gilbert played two reserve team games for Hudderfield at the end of last season. Town boss Lee Clark said: “It was hard to gain a true reflection of his ability, because they were end-of-season affairs in which a lot of the players involved were youngsters. We wanted to get him in again and have a closer look, and that will continue over the next few weeks. Peter has a good pedigree and plenty of experience.”

July 17, 2009

Goals review

Mark McCammon continued his goal-scoring form last night when scoring twice for Gillingham as they comfortably beat Faversham 5-0. McCammon came on at half time, with the Gills putting out a different side in each half - and as on Saturday, it took just two minutes for him to score his first goal of the evening. His second came late on in the game.
Ex-Rovers striker Chris Beardsley came on as a 64th minute substitute and scored for Stevenage Borough as they comfortably beat Chelmsford City 2-1, with his goal coming in the 83rd minute.
Finally, Tomi Ameobi, who is at Hereford United in trials, scored twice last night in the HFA Senior Floodlit Cup Final at Wellington as the Bulls comfortably defeated Wellington 8-0. Ameobi was released by Rovers in the summer after only appearing once, as a substitute, last season.

July 17, 2009

Gothia Cup update

Doncaster Rovers played their quarter-final match in the Gothia Cup against IFK Norrköping and went down to a 2-0 defeat. As the competition is now in a knockout phase, Norrköping go through to the semi-finals, but Rovers play at 1pm this afternoon against another team to lose their quarter-final game, Mjällby AIF.
Mjällby lost 4-2 to Cruz Azul yesterday afternoon.

July 17, 2009

Watford tickets on sale Monday

Tickets for the opening game of the 2009/10 season against Watford will go on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office on Monday morning. Rovers have received an initial allocation of 589 tickets from Watford, and they will go on sale to season ticket holders from Monday, 20th July. Any remaining tickets will them go on sale to "members" the following Monday, with general sale beginning on Monday, 3rd August.
Ticket prices for advance sales are: Adults& Concessions £10, U16s £1 (15 yrs & under)
Match day ticket prices increase to £15 for adults and all concessions, with Under-16's being £10.
Evidence of status for concessionary tickets may be required at the ground.
Wheelchair and ambulant disabled supporters will pay the appropriate price, with their carer being admitted free of charge.

July 17, 2009

Mills back in action

Rovers defender Matt Mills played his first match of the summer on Tuesday when Rovers played Chesterfield in a behind closed doors friendly. Mills had some minor surgery after the end of last season and was not risked in last week's game against Armthorpe Welfare.
The whole squad took part in the Chesterfield game, but James Coppinger and Brian Stock did not take part in the game as a precaution after picking up minor knocks in the Armthorpe game and Stuart Elliott is still recovering from an ankle injury.
Richard O'Kelly said of the Chesterfield game: "Neither injury is serious; we just decided against risking them. Matt came through without any problems and, like the rest of the lads, played 45 minutes.It was a good workout and I think that everyone got something from the game both in terms of fitness and tactical awareness."
The Rovers squad are currently on a three day visit to Eskdale's Outward Bound centre before playing against Barrow on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 1pm).
All the squad, including Steve Brooker, have travelled to Cumbria this week.

July 16, 2009

Youth team win final group match

A 3-1 victory over Örgryte by the Doncaster Rovers youth team was sufficient to finish in second place in the group stages of the Gothia Cup, which is being held in Sweden. Rovers finished with a win, a draw and one defeat from their three matches - and in finishing second, they go into the "a-play-off" along with Helsingborgs, with the bottom two clubs - InterClubes and Örgryte - qualifying for the "b-play-off".
The full set of results from Rovers' group - Group 1 - are:
Helsingborgs 3 Örgryte 0
Doncaster Rovers 1 InterClubes 1
Örgryte 1 InterClubes 1
Helsingborgs 1 Doncaster Rovers 0
Doncaster Rovers 3 Örgryte 1
InterClubes 1 Helsingborgs 1

July 16, 2009

Carden's future uncertain

The future of former Rovers midfielder Paul Carden at Cambridge United is uncertain following the sacking of another ex-Rover, Gary Brabin, as manager on Monday. Carden was acting as player/assistant manager until Brabin's departure, but has been asked to look after the first team until the board make a decision on a new boss.
Carden arrived at Cambridge as a player in late 2007 and was key in persuading Brabin to join the club last summer. Chairman George Rolls has stated that he is keen for Carden to remain at the club - he can remain as assistant manager or apply for the mangerial vacancy, for which Cambridge say they have received around 80 applications. However, Rolls accepts that Carden may not want to stay at the club after Brabin's departure. Rolls said: "We've got respect that his best mate has left the football club and he needs time to think things over. If Paul wants to stay as assistant manager for example, we would make it clear to the new manager that Paul is part of the package. Equally if Paul wants to be considered for the management position we may go down the route of looking for an experienced coach to help him."
The club are holding a board meeting tomorrow, when they hope to be able have a decision from their assistant manager.
Carden said of the situation: "I'm contracted to Cambridge United as player-assistant manager and I've be asked to take charge of the team and I will do that until I'm told otherwise. I haven't been offered anything as such, I still have a job here, so the board don't need to rush into anything and neither do I."

July 16, 2009

Forte grabs another two

Ex-Rovers striker Jonathan Forte is starting off the pre-season games in fine form, scoring another brace in Scunthorpe's 5-0 victory over Winterton Rangers on Tuesday night. Forte performed a similar feat at the weekend against Bottesford Town and will be hoping that this early good form will be sufficient to persuade United's boss Nigel Adkins to include him in the first eleven for their first match back in the Championship.

July 16, 2009

Bulls check out Ameobi

Tomi Ameobi, who was released by Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season, played in Hereford United's friendly fixture at home to Bristol City on Saturday as he hopes to find a new club in time for the new season. Ameobi was brought on as a 58th minute substitute in the game, which ended in a 2-1 win for the Championship side. Ameobi could have scored twice in the time he was on the pitch - firstly his first time shot was saved by substitute keepe Dean Gerken, and with three minutes to go, a shot from 22 yards was saved by the legs of the City keeper.

July 16, 2009

Rovers make Masters Football debut

Doncaster Rovers will be represented in the Yorkshire heat of the Masters Cup for the first time this year, which takes place at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield on Saturday, 18th July.
The Yorkshire Masters Football Tournament is part of a national competition for ex-professional footballers aged 35 or over.
Representing Rovers will be Lee Butler, Russ Wilcox, Chris Swailes, Gary Brabin, Steve Gaughan, John Doolan, Mark Rankine, Leo Fortune-West, Sean Parrish and Richard O'Kelly.
Jim Dobbin is listed in the Barnsley squad, with ex-Rovers Duane Darby and Lee Warren representing Hull City.
Doors open for the event at 6.30pm, with matches starting at 8pm - the evening is scheduled to finish at 11pm.
Tickets can be bought on-line from www.mastersfootball.com or through the ticket hotline on 0114 256 56 56 at the following prices:
Premium seats £20, Adult regular £15, Concessions (U16s/Over 65s) £10.