Previous News

June 30, 2009	Armthorpe ticket info
	Tickets for the pre-season game against Armthorpe Welfare are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Tickets for adults will cost £8, whilst concessionary tickets are £3 (which includes senior citizens, under-16s and disabled supporters) The match will be played on 8th July with a 7pm kick-off. According to the KMS website, they have sold 248 tickets for this fixture.

June 30, 2009	Scunny change kick-off time for Rovers clash
	Scunthorpe United have announced that the kick-off time for their home game against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, 26th September has been moved forward to noon at the request of the police. This is not the first time that this has happened - the last time the two clubs played at Glanford Park, the match also began at midday.

June 30, 2009

Peyton moves to Celtic

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Warren Peyton has signed for Blue Square North club Stalybridge Celtic after being released by Altrincham for cost-cutting reasons at the end of last season. Peyton becomes boss Steve Burr's third signing of the season. His former clubs include Rochdale, Bury, Nuneaton Borough and Leigh RMI.
Peyton played six times for Rovers - two of those from the subsitutes' bench - after joining shortly before Christmas 2002, making his debut for the club in the 3-3 draw away at Dagenham & Redbridge on 14th December 2002.

June 29, 2009

Supporters Club coaches

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the pre-season games at Barrow (18th July)and Grimsby (28th July). They are also planning on arranging a coach to the Yorkshire Masters tournament which is being played at the Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield on Saturday, 18th July.
Exact details are not yet available, but the Barrow coach is likey to set off from Doncaster at around 8am for the match which kicks off at 1pm, with the fare being approximately £14.
The coach to Grimsby will leave Doncaster at around 5.15pm for the match which kicks off at 7pm - the fare is likely to be around £9.
If anyone is interested in booking a place for any of the above games, please contact Paul Mayfield on 0796 172 7769.

June 29, 2009

Rovers squad fully fit

Richard O'Kelly has confirmed that the Rovers management expect to have a fully fit squad when they report back for pre-season training in a week's time. O'Kelly told the Doncaster Star: "We hopeful that we should have everyone fit and available. That includes the lads who had operations over the summer. The medical team have already had a look at them and, so far at least, they are pleased with what they've seen."
The squad are booked in for an "outwards bound" camp in the Lake District prior to the game at Barrow, and are still hoping to arrange some private games against Premiership teams, although the Premiership clubs report back a week later than the Football League, so timing could well be a problem.
O'Kelly commented: "Going there isn't so much about team bonding - because the boys have already got a good spirit - it's more about making sure their fitness levels are where we want them to be."

June 28, 2009

Moncur new chief at Grays

Former Rovers loan player John Moncur has been apointed as the new chairman at Blue Square Premier club Grays Athletic, as part of a restructuring of the board, which also sees former Spurs boss Peter Shreeves named as the new Director of Football.
Moncur played most of his footballing career at West Ham United, but played for Rovers on a month's loan during the 1986/87 season, during which time he played four times for Rovers. He impressed during his time at Belle Vue, but before Rovers could extend his stay at the club, he broke his leg.
Grays finished 19th in the Blue Square Premier last season.

June 28, 2009

Wheater recovery on schedule

Former Rovers loan player David Wheater is hoping to be fit for the opening game of the new season after he got the go-ahead to step up his training as he recovers from knee surgery. The 22-year old was struggling with a knee injury in the last few matches of the season which has just ended, and had a cartilage operation shortly after the end of last season. Middlesbrough expect him to be fit to play in their opening game of the season against Sheffield United, although constant transfer speculation surrounding the England Under-21 defender makes it uncertain whether he will still be at the club by then. Aston Villa are the latest club to be reported to be keen on gaining his signature in a £7 million move.
However, as Gareth Southgate, the 'Boro boss, said: "I'm delighted that he has publicly re-affirmed his commitment to stay with the club and play a big part in our promotion bid this season. He won't be able to train with the team initially, but we hope to have him back playing before too long so that he can be ready to play Sheffield United on the season's opening day."

June 28, 2009

David back for pre-season game

Despite only having just returned from New Zealand's unsuccessful Confederations Cup campaign in South Africa, ex-Rovers defender David Mulligan is included in the squad for Wellington Phoenix in their first pre-season match against Melbourne Victory this afternoon. Three other All-Whites internationals are also included in the Phoenix side.
Mulligan joined Wellington Phoenix in July 2008 after being released by Port Vale at the end of the 2007/08 season. He played 88 games for Doncaster Rovers between February 2004 and June 2006.

June 27, 2009

Carling Cup prices confirmed

Notts County have confirmed the ticket prices for their Carling Cup match against Doncaster Rovers which is to be played at Meadow Lane on Tuesday, 11th August. Admission prices will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Tickets will be able to be bought in advance, but you will also be able to play at the turnstiles on the night.
Ticket prices have been reduced in the hope that County will attract a good crowd to the match, with a travelling support of over 1,000 expected.

June 27, 2009

Youth team back

The youth team have reported back for pre-season training, earlier than usual as they have entered the Gothia Cup in Sweden, which takes place on 10th July. The second year scholars have been joined by a number of new recruits
Paul Wilson, the youth team manager, said: "We've got a few weeks back in training before we go to Sweden on 10th July to play in the Gothia Cup, a tournament over there, so by the time we go over there, we will have the lads built up to a decent fitness level that is acceptable to play football. The Gothia Cup being played in July has brought us in a little earlier than normal, but it gives us something to focus on. We have our first game on the 8th July before we go off to Sweden to play in the tournament. When we get back from Gothenburg, we have fixtures taking us up to 15th August for when our season starts."
Wilson has lined up several pre-season games already, which are as follows:
7th July - Ollerton U18 (away) 6.45pm
10th July to 19th July - Gothia Cup, Gothenburg, Sweden
28th July - Boroughbridge (away) 6.30pm
30th July - Sheffield Wednesday (TBA)
4th August - Brigg Town (away) 7pm
8th August - Goole Town (away) 2pm

June 27, 2009

Barnsley deny McIndoe approach

Barnsley manager Simon Davey has denied that he is making plans to sign Bristol City's former Rovers winger Michael McIndoe, who made 18 appearances for the Tykes in a short stay in the 2007/08 season.
Davey said: "I've not spoken to him (Michael), he's not a player on our radar. He left the club the day I was appointed caretaker manager. He's a good player, so I'm not saying he wouldn't interest me, but he's not a player I've inquired about."
McIndoe is highly tipped to be set to leave Bristol City, with Sheffield United considered his most likely destination.

June 26, 2009

Ryan dismisses transfer rumours

Rovers chairman John Ryan has dismissed the transfer rumours surrounding Rovers players including Brian Stock, Richie Wellens and Matt Mills, with numerous bids allegedly being made for the trio. However, Ryan said the reports were "pure speculation", adding "The one about Matt Mills is complete nonsense because there has been no contact at all with Nottingham Forest. If a bid had been made for any of our players I would expect to be informed. But the manager knows nothing about it and neither do I. Besides, if any of our players were to leave, I would expect them to go to Premier League clubs - and not teams in the same division."
He confirmed that whilst there had been some interest expressed by other clubs at the end of last season, no enquiries for players had been received in recent weeks.
He continued: "Despite what you may have read or heard elsewhere that's the truth of the matter. It's the football silly season at this time of year and hardly a week goes by without players being linked to other clubs without any evidence to back it up. It's also true to say that we have made no inquiries ourselves about trying to sign anybody apart from Neil Kilkenny at Leeds."
Ryan hinted that it is quite possible that Rovers will aim at signing one or two Premier League players on long-term loan, but it is possible that, unless any established players leave, no further signings will be made.

June 26, 2009	Belles sign four more
	Doncaster Rovers Belles have signed four more players, meaning that they have now signed 11 in the last ten days. Joining the Rovers Belles are Paige Eli, Victoria Brook, Lydia Sutcliffe and Charlotte Bennett, all of who are making the move from the West Yorkshire Centre of Excellence.

June 26, 2009

O'Kelly - plans already made

Richard O'Kelly, the Rovers assistant manager, has said that the club management have plans in hand should any of their players move to another club during the summer. He stressed that the club do not want their players to leave, but admits that Rovers' success last term has drawn the attention of several clubs to their players, claiming the attention is a "backhanded compliment".
O'Kelly said to the Doncaster Star: "It's not a problem, it's something that happens in football all the time. The trick is to try to stay ahead of the game and be prepared for every eventuality. We're always monitoring different situations and it's inevitable that people will be doing the same with us. That's why it doesn't bother us - we know it is inevitable."
"We have a list of people we're interested in. We have a list of options we can turn to if one of our lads goes."
Most speculation has surrounded defender Matt Mills, with Nottingham Forest supposed to be making a "final offer" of over £2 million - but Rovers have claimed that no contact has been made by the former Premiership club.

June 25, 2009

Brabin gets badge

Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin, the former Rovers midfielder, has completed his UEFA "A" licence coaching badge course in Wales this week. He guided Cambridge to second place in the Blue Square Premier last season - his first season at the club, and is targeting a return to the Football League this coming season. However, his aim is not being helped by a cut in the playing budget, and he cannot bring in any new faces until some players leave the club.

June 25, 2009

Foster stays at Quakers

New Darlington boss Colin Todd has announced that he has persuaded former Rovers skipper Steve Foster to remain at Darlington for the coming season. The club are still in administration, although this may change later this week when the administrators hold a meeting with the creditors. Todd has also persuaded Hull striker Dean Windass to join the club as player/coach, but other potential recruits cannot sign until the club is out of adminstration.
Todd said: “I’ve had to cut the cloth accordingly but the skipper, Foster, is on board now. He had a year to run on his contract anyway but there was a little bit of work to do with him.”

June 25, 2009

Mayor after talks on stadium

The Doncaster Star carried a report yesterdy which suggested that the new mayor, Peter Davies, is wanting to hold talks with John Ryan over the future of the Keepmoat Stadium. The mayor said: "I don't want to express a firm opinion, but my general view is that the council should not be running entertainment venues of any sort. We need to look at the viability of the stadium, but I would not like to lay down a policy yet, as I don't believe in making policy on the hoof. I'm hoping to meet John Ryan to discuss the future of the football club at some time. I'm not a football fan but I favour a successful football club in Doncaster. I understand the Keepmoat Stadium has not made a great profit since it opened, and selling it is not ruled out."

June 23, 2009

McIndoe to Blades?

Former Rovers left winger Michael McIndoe, now with Bristol City, is a target for South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United, according to reports in the national press over the weekend. The Blades are said to be considering a £750,000 bid for the player, as they seek to mount another promotion challenge this seson. United manager Kevin Blackwell is looking to tie up a deal soon and is confident of landing the winger, who has been in impressive form at Ashton Gate.

June 23, 2009

No move for Lee

Bradford City boss Stuart McCall has confirmed that the club have not recived any offers for the club's high earners, which include former Rovers skipper Graeme Lee. McCall has had his playing budget reduced by around 40% for the coming season, and is hoping that Graeme Lee, Michael Boulding and Paul McClaren will leave to free up enough to make new signings. He said: "There are a lot of players out there in the market these days and everyone knows that, apart from a few clubs, finances are cut. Whether anyone can match their wages, and whether the lads want to go to these clubs, we'll have to wait and see. At the moment I expect to see the lads back for pre-season and we'll take it from there. It's a difficult position."

June 23, 2009

Wellens - no bids received

Rovers' Director of Football, Mickey Walker, has revealed that the club have not received any offers for midfielder Richie Wellens, but Rovers are making contingency plans just in case that were to happen. They have checked out a number of replacements, with Leeds United's Neil Kilkenny a likely target. However, Walker stressed that Rovers are hoping that no bids will come in for their leading players as they look to build on last season's return to the second tier of English football.
Walker said: "This is a 'just-in-case' scenario because if Richie Wellens goes we need to bring someone in of that ilk or better and if we bring that boy in or somebody like that it will enhance the team. There's a lot of paper-talk, but there's nothing concrete there, nothing in writing. I'd like to think it might not be done because we'd like to keep the team. Seeing what Sean (O'Driscoll) has done in two years, they have knitted well together and it would be a travesty if we have to break that up."

June 22, 2009

Maloney training at Rovers

Former Doncaster Rovers player Jonathan Maloney has been invited back to the club for pre-season training after returning from a successful four years in the United States, where he enjoyed a record-breaking time in American College football, where he became the Gulf South Conference's all-time top goal scorer by scoring his 70th goal two games before the end of last season. He also captained the team to the last four of the National Colleges Championship in his third yer, made the All-American Colleges select team and was nominated for the Major League Soccer draft, only to miss out because of a limit on overseas players.
Whilst Maloney has returned to train with Rovers, he is keen on a return to York City, the last English club he played for before leaving for the USA to study Sports Science .
He told the York Press: "I really enjoyed my time at York four years ago and feel I had a really good relationship with the fans and players. I still believe I have a lot to prove in England and I would love to do that with York. The club would be my first choice without a doubt.”

June 22, 2009	Ben signs for Gingerbreads
	Former Doncaster Rovers striker Ben Saunders hs signed for Grantham Town as part of a number of new players announced by the club on Tuesday. Also signing for the club on the same day is Ben's twin brother, Sam, who plays in midfield. As well as Rovers, Ben has also played for Bury, Worksop Town and Hucknall Town. He scored 19 goals in 46 games for Shepshed Dynamo last season.

June 21, 2009

Ravenhill looks forward to Donny clash

New Notts County midfielder Ricky Ravenhill is looking forward with eager anticipation to County's Carling Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers in August. Ravenhill made over a hundred appearances for Rovers between 2002 and 2006 and still lives in the Doncaster area, despite a three year spell at Darlington after leaving Rovers.
He told Notts County's official site: "From a personal point of view it is a very nice tie and one I'm really looking forward to, but from Notts County's point of view it is great to be at home against a Championship side. It will be the first time I've played against Doncaster since I left them, and given I still live there it will be a strange experience but obviously one to look forward to. I have quite a few good mates there - Brian Stock and James Coppinger - so it should be an interesting night! Before that though we have a tough pre-season schedule to get through and I'm looking forward to coming in and meeting my new team-mates on 1 July."

June 21, 2009

Buckley to Villa

Former Rovers winger John Buckley has agreed to become first team coach at Koolsport Northern Counties East League club Askern Villa. Buckley will continue to be manager of the Doncaster Rovers Belles and will initially take on the coaching role at Askern on a part-time basis.
He was forced to retire from playing due to injury and quickly gained his coaching badges - he how holds a UEFA "A" licence and has previously worked at Leeds United and Hull City's academies.
Villa's first-team manager Brian Johnston said: "John is a fantastic acquisition and I, John Little and the players are looking forward to working with him. John's experience is second to none and is known as one of the best coaches in the district, which will no doubt assist in our progression through the leagues."

June 21, 2009	Lester signs new deal with Spireites
	Chesterfield have agreed a new contract with last season's top scorer Jack Lester, which will keep him at the club until 2011. The former Doncaster Rovers striker was Chesterfield's top scorer last term, scoring 23 goals and has scored 50 goals for the club since joining them two summers ago. Lester played 11 games for Rovers in the 1996/97 season whilst on loan from Grimsby Town.

June 20, 2009

Cup date agreed

Doncaster Rovers and Notts County have confirmed that their first round Carling Cup tie at Meadow Lane will be played on Tuesday, 11th August, with the match having a 7.45pm kick-off. Whilst that was the expected date, with Nottingham Forest also being drawn at home in the same competition, the two Nottingham clubs had to ensure they played on different days. Forest will now host Bradford City on the Wednesday evening.
Ticket prices for the match have yet to be announced by Notts County.

June 20, 2009

Gregg set for Blues return

Two clubs are reported to be interested in signing former Rovers striker Gregg Blundell, who is now without a club following the expiry of his contract at Darlington. Leading the chase appears to be his former club Chester City, who came out of administration last week. With their transfer embargo now lifted, boss Mark Wright will be able to form his squad for the forthcoming season when he returns from holiday next week.
Blundell has confirmed that he has spoken to Chester boss Mark Wright and is hoping to have further talks next week. Gregg said: "I have spoken to Mark Wright and I'm hoping to have another chat with him next week. I'm keen to get back to the North West and start playing again, and it's probably a case of better the devil you know. I've got absolutely no problem about playing for Chester again because I enjoyed playing there last time and I know all about the way Mark Wright likes his teams to play. I know all about the club's expectations in terms of dropping out of the league and bouncing back as quickly as they can. Mark Wright has already told me about his plans for Chester and where he wanted to club to be."
Also interested in the 33-year old striker are League Two club Accrington Stanley, who announced a takeover of the club this week.

June 20, 2009

McCormack eyes Premiership

Despite insisting that he is happy at Cardiff City, former Rovers striker Ross McCormack has admitted that he would be interested in moving to a Premiership club - but is still hopeful that he can achieve this with the Bluebirds. His admission means that a number of top flight clubs will continue to monitor his situation, with the possibility that Cardiff may cash in on their prize assets as they readjust to having missed out on promotion this summer.
McCormack scored 23 goals to become Cardiff's top scorer last season, during which time he also established himself in the Scotland side.
Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale admitted that every player has their price, with the player commenting: "I am happy to stay at Cardiff, but the chairman has said everyone had a price and if someone is willing to pay the money he thinks I am worth, then that is up to the chairman. Everyone wants to play in the Premiership and I am no different."
However, should a move to the Premiership not materialise, there is another club that would tempt the Scot - to childhood heroes Celtic. McCormack commented: "I've got a soft spot for Celtic. I supported them as a kid. Right now, I'm happy where I am at Cardiff and I'm enjoying my football."

June 19, 2009

Swailes on the move

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Chris Swailes has signed for his hometown club, Gateshead, after being released by Scottish Premier League club Hamilton Academicals at the end of last season. Swailes has signed a one year deal with the Blue Square Premier club, which he anticipates may be the last of his playing career, which has stretched back for 20 years. He began his career with Ipswich Town as a trainee, joining Peterborough in a £10,000 move in 1991, although he did not make a first team appearance for them. Moves then followed to Boston United, Birmingham City and Guisborough Town before he joined Doncaster Rovers on a free transfer in October 1993. He then played 54 first team games for Rovers before leaving to return to Ipswich Town in March 1995. He then moved to Bury, Rotherham United and Oldham Athletic before joining Hamilton in March 2007.

June 19, 2009

Foster joins Badgers

Eastwood Town, who have just won promotion to the Blue Square North, have signed former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Martin Foster on a one year contract. Foster, now aged 31, joins after an 18-month stay at Blue Square North champions Tamworth, where he was the club captain. His former clubs include Rushden & Diamonds, Oxford United, Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United.
Eastwood are delighted at signing Foster, with their assistant manager, John Ramshaw, commenting: “This is major signing for us, we have been speaking to the player for some time and remained patient throughout the process. Tamworth offered him a new deal and there was interest from a number of other Conference clubs, but I think a combination of getting closer to home and a bit of gentle persuasion from a couple of our players, Mark Hume and Marc Smith, probably tipped the balance in our favour!”

June 19, 2009

Rovers Belles sign seven!

Whilst Rovers fans may be having to wait for news of new signings this summer, Rovers Belles boss John Buckley has been busy this summer - and this week he has announced the signing of no less than seven new players for the 2009/10 season. Joining the Rovers Belles are Kasia Lipka, Paige Unwin, Millie Bright, Paulette Spencer, Drew Phillips, Emma Greenwood and Lucy Turner, with all but goalkeeper Paulette Spencer joining from Sheffield United's School of Excellence. Spencer has joined the club from the Derbyshire School of Excellence.
Buckley has also revealed that Sammy Newton has been appointed as the new 'A' team manager, with Gemma McCool her assistant. Both are former players at the club.

June 19, 2009

Pitch has final phase of treatment

The renovation of the pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium has had further work on it over the weekend. A few days ago, we reported that organic debris from the pitch had been removed - since then, 80 tons of fine sand has been spread over the surface, with 400kg of grass seed then being sown over the entire area. The seed will germinate over the next ten days or so, and has six weeks to grow sufficiently before Rovers play their only home pre-season game on 1st August.

June 18, 2009

Kiwis crash out after two defeats

New Zealand, with former Rover David Mulligan in their ranks, crashed out of the Confederations Cup in South Africa yesterday when they went down to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against the home nation. The second straight defeat means they cannot now qualify for the second stage of the tournament, with South Africa and Iraq now competing to join group leaders Spain in the semi-finals. The All-Whites were not expected to reach the final stage - but they must have hoped to do better than they have so far, with Mulligan left exposed on numerous occasions down the right side of New Zealand's defence yesterday. Defeat against Spain, ranked number 1 in the world, may be one thing, but they must have hoped for better against the South Africans who, at 72nd, are ranked only ten places above New Zealand.
All-Whites: Glen Moss, David Mulligan, Andy Boyens, Ivan Vicelich, Tony Lochhead, Simon Elliott, Tim Brown (Duncan Oughton 55), Jeremy Christie, Leo Bertos (Chris James 66), Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen (Chris Wood 75)
South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Steven Pienaar, MacBeth Sibaya, Teko Modise, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Matthew Booth, Bernard Parker, Thembinkosi Fanteni (Katlego Mashego 62).

June 18, 2009

Thornton signs new contract

Leyton Orient's former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton has finally signed a new one year contract (with the option of a further year) at the League One club after taking his time to consider the offer made to him. His decision means that all of the O's players offered new contracts have now signed to stay at the club. Orient boss Geraint Williams said: "We're delighted that Sean has signed his new contract. The fact that everyone offered a new deal has signed shows they believe in the ambition we have for the club."
Thornton's days at Brisbane Road looked to be numbered last season when he was loaned out to Shrewsbury Town when Martin Ling was manager, but he forced his way back into the side after Williams arrived as boss.

June 18, 2009

Sullivan in top fifty

Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan has finished in the top 50 in the Actim Opta Index for last season, finishing in 41st place with 480 points. This makes Sullivan the only Rovers player to be ranked in the top 100 - James Coppinger and Brian Stock had featured earlier in the season, but missed out as they were absent from the last few matches of the season.
Points in this index are awarded for various factors, including how many points are won by the team when he appeared, points taken away for cautions and shots off target, minutes on the pitch, goals scored, assists and clean sheets.
Sullivan ended up in keeping 17 clean sheets during the season and was present in every single league game, although he was substituted in the 90th minute of the final home game, against Crystal Palace, to allow young Gary Woods to get his Rovers debut.

June 18, 2009

Kazenga warns Newcastle about Championship

Kazenga LuaLua, who spent a month on loan at Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season, has warned his Newcastle United team mates to expect a tough time in the Championship this season. The young striker, who Rovers had hoped to have back on a long-term loan this season, will stay at Newcastle this season, as he is likely to have a chance of featuring in their first team squad.
LuaLua told the Newcastle Chronicle: “It’s a very competitive division and the standard is really good. I had a great time at Doncaster. I wanted to play men’s football and not in the reserves. You want to test yourself against experienced defenders, and that’s why it was a good experience. In the Championship you don’t get much time on the ball. If you try anything stupid, you can get caught out.”
“We never thought we would see Newcastle in the Championship But my dream is still to play for Newcastle United as a first-team player."

June 17, 2009

New fixtures out now!

The fixture list for the new season is now out, and Doncaster Rovers will have an opening day trip to Watford, with the first home game being the following weekend, August 16th, against Preston North End. The greatly anticipated home game against Newcastle United will be on Tuesday, 23rd March, with Rovers travelling to St James' Park on 24th October.
The last home game of the season will be the local derby against Scunthorpe United on 24th April, but the final game of the season will again be away - a tough encounter at Swansea City.
The full fixtures are now available by clicking on the logo to the left.

June 17, 2009

Next season's fixtures

The fixtures for the 2009/10 season will be released by the Football League this morning at 10am, giving all fans the first real opportunity to look forward to the season ahead. The first matches in the Championship will take place on Saturday, 8th August - Rovers already know that they will travel to Notts County for a second successive season in the following midweek in the first round of the Carling Cup, with that draw taking place yesterday.
We will bring news of the fixtures later this morning - who will we get for the opening game of the season? There's not long to wait now!

June 17, 2009

League launch enquiry into FA Council vote

John Ryan seems to have got his wish following news yesterday that the Football Association is to hold an enquiry into alleged voting irregularities in last months Yorkshire and Derbyshire regional election for a seat on the FA Council.
In that vote, Barnsley director Barry Taylor beat John Ryan 9-8 to keep his seat on the council, but Ryan is alleging that Taylor used tactics that broke FA rules when sending out literature to promote his own campaign along with photocopies of the official ballot paper.
Taylor denies breaking FA rules, but a national newspaper claims to have seen proof that Taylor did send out the literature along with a copy of the ballot paper - and that is against regulations.
Ryan has previously demanded that the vote be held again, but that will now depend on the outcome of the FA's investigation.

June 17, 2009

O'Driscoll continues player search

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is continuing his search for new players for his squad ahead of next season, but does not expect any news until the end of the month. His assistant, Richard O'Kelly, explained that as players are contracted until the end of June, there is little point in Rovers adding to their wage bill in the short term, and they will wait until contracts expire before signing anyone.
They have, however, continued to search for potential signings and will hope to be quick off the mark once July arrives. O'Driscoll is reported to have travelled far and wide in his search - chairman John Ryan commented: "Manager Sean O'Driscoll is looking all the time and has been to places like Poland during the close season looking at players but there is nothing concrete at the moment."

June 17, 2009

O'Kelly on pre-season plans

Rovers assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has said that Rovers' plans to play some behind closed door friendly fixtures against some Premier League clubs' under-21 sides are not being helped by the fact that Premier League clubs do not report back until a week later than Rovers. He is, however, hopeful that a couple of such matches can be arranged, as they will be hugely beneficial for the squad ahead of their second season in the Championship.~
O'Kelly said: "There could be a problem fitting them into our schedule do the fact that Premier League clubs don't report back until a week later than we do - but that would be a nice balance for us. You have more flexibility - especially in the early part of pre-season - playing behind closed doors because you can train before or after the game so you can have a couple of sessions in the same day. You can also work on team shape, balance and organisation and responsibility and how the team adapts to different system - all against good quality opposition. When you play any game in public people always look at the result, whereas if you are playing behind closed doors the result doesn't matter."
O'Kelly confirmed that Rovers would again be spending time in a training camp during their pre-season campaign. He said: "We will be spending four days away prior to playing at Barrow on July 18th. It's good to get away from the training ground - though we really like it here - because it is a different environment and you are doing different activities and it is good for team bonding."

June 17, 2009

League confirm a bigger subs bench next season

Clubs will be able to name seven substitutes for each league match next season. The decision was made when clubs approved the proposal put forward by Derby County - although the number of substitutes which may be used in each match will remain at three. The move should give all managers the opportunity to fully cover all positions on the bench - although we wonder whether the move may cause problems amongst lower league clubs, where squad sizes will be severely stretched. At least it may mean that some managers will name a goalkeeper amongst the substitutes next season!

June 16, 2009	Rovers away at Notts County
	Doncaster Rovers have been drawn away at Notts County in the first round of the Carling Cup. The match will be played in the week commencing Monday, 10th August. The full draw can be seen on the Football League web site - please click on the logo to the left for full details.

June 16, 2009

Taylor moves to Wrexham

Gareth Taylor, who left Doncaster Rovers at the end of his contract at the end of last season, has agreed to join Blue Square Premier club Wrexham on a one-year contract. The 36-year old has been holding talks with Wrexham boss Dean Saunders over the last few weeks and agreed to join them yesterday, although the deal is subject to him passing a medical examination.
Saunders said of his new signing: "I'm delighted that we have been able to get Gareth. He's just the type of experienced player I have been looking for, to play next to the likes of Marc Williams and Obi Anoruo. I think it's vital for our younger strikers to have someone like Gareth on the field with them, as he will only help make them better players. He is player I have known as a team mate at Sheffield United, so I know his strengths and he's still fit as a fiddle. At 6'2" his height makes him a good target man and he thinks about what he's doing. At the moment he's away on holiday, but once he returns he'll have a medical and then we'll get the paperwork all signed off."
We wish Gareth all the best for his future career at Wrexham, and look forward to regularly including him in our goals review each week, once the season starts!

June 16, 2009

Carling Cup draw this morning

The draw for the first round of the Carling Cup will be made at 9.30am this morning. There will be 70 clubs in the first round, which will comprise all the Football League clubs apart from Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, who have byes through to the second round.
Doncaster Rovers have been named as one of the 'seeded' clubs for the first round, which has also been divided into north and south sections. This means that Rovers will be drawn against one of the non-seeded clubs from the northern section of the draw, which comprises: Accrington Stanley, Bradford City, Bury, Carlisle United, Chesterfield, Crewe Alexandra, Darlington, Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United, Lincoln City, Macclesfield Town, Morecambe, Notts County, Port Vale, Rochdale, Rotherham United, Stockport County.
The seeded sides in the northern section are: Barnsley, Blackpool, Coventry City, Derby County, Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Leeds United, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Oldham Athletic, Preston North End, Scunthorpe United, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Tranmere Rovers, Walsall, West Bromwich Albion.
The fixtures for the 2009/10 season will be released at 10am tomorrow morning.

June 16, 2009

Rovers hope for tickets surge

Doncaster Rovers are hoping that the release of the fixtures for the forthcoming season will spark off renewed interest in buying season tickets as expectation builds ahead of the new campaign.
Season tickets have slowed down greatly after the discounted period finished at the end of May, with around 6,400 now having been sold. Rovers chairman John Ryan is still hoping that the club will equal the 8,000 season tickets sold last season. However, with the current downturn in the economic climate, we suspect there will be a fall this year as fans struggle to make ends meet, with others having to save through the rest of the summer, although it may have the effect that more will pay on a match by match basis.

June 16, 2009

Jones finally returns to Wigan

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Graeme Jones has finally made the move back to Wigan as part of Roberto Martinez's back-room team. Martinez had been named as Wigan's new manager last week, but the announcement was delayed due to negotiations between Swansea and Wigan over the movement of Graeme Jones and chief scout Kevin Reeves. However, a compensation figure for the pair has now been agreed, although not the £500,000 figure the Swans were hoping for.
As Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said: "I don't think either club are totally happy with the final compensation figure agreed for the backroom staff. But I think both clubs realise that this matter now needs to be concluded so that we can all move on and prepare for the new season."