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March
15, 2009 |
Rovers
0 Birmingham City 2 |
 |
Two
first half goals proved to be the undoing of Doncaster Rovers yesterday,
which saw the visitors change tactics and team formation to counteract
the Rovers threat from midfield. City's ploy of moving five men into midfield
worked in the first half, with Rovers struggling to play their usual fluid
style, and often finding it difficult to play against a team who also
adopted a physical approach - not difficult to do when their players were
also bigger than their Rovers opponents. A strong wind around the Keepmoat Stadium made it difficult for the players to judge the flight of the ball when it was in the air - and it was in the air a lot, particulalry in the first half. A high, lofted cross in from the right appeared as if it should be flying into the Birmingham fans behind the North Stand goal, but it held up in the wind to fall for big striker Cameron Jerone to head home in the 18th minute. Birmingham's second goal was down to a mistake - an underhit backpass from James Chambers left Neil Sullivan hopelessly exposed, and Bouazza rifled the ball home from a narrow angle. Rovers made a double substitution at half time, with Brian Stock and Richie Wellens replaced by James Hayter and Mark Wilson. Both were put down to injuries - Stock had required treatement five minutes before the break after being clattered to the ground in the centre circle, and subsequent rumours that he had left the ground after a half-time disagreement with Sean O'Driscoll were later dismissed when the player was spotted in the stands watching the second half! The change in personnel seemed to help Rovers and the City keeper had to be alert to deny Mark Wilson and Paul Heffernan. But scoring chances were at a premium and the points went to the away team. Perhaps what the match proved is that skill and guile may get you so far in the Championship, but the top teams also have a physical advantage. No doubt this was recognised by Sean O'Driscoll in his pre-match press conference when he indicated that he would be looking at increasing the size of the Rovers side for next season. |
March
15, 2009 |
What
the managers said |
 |
Following
yesterday's match at the Keepmoat Stadium, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll
had no complaints with the result, giving Birmingham City credit for their
victory. He said: "You have to give them credit because they've watched
us numerous times. They flooded the midfield to combat us which I suppose
is a bit of a compliment and they were successful with the tactics they
adopted. We were a bit naive in the way we tried to play against them
but they are an extremely professional side and we are learning all the
time. They deserved their win and it's frustrating for us when things
go wrong but there is no point screaming and shouting at players - we
just have to learn to improve." O'Driscoll's City counterpart, Alex McLeish, admitted that it was not pretty to watch, but it was a key component of their promotion challenge, which saw the day end with Birmingham seven points ahead of third placed Reading. McLeish commented: "We may not be the prettiest side in the world to watch but we have perseverance, resilience and a never-say-die attitude and we showed all those qualities this evening. It was important tactically that we played the way we did this evening because Doncaster are a formidable side, particularly at home with the football they play. I don't think they played all that badly and if they had got a goal it could have been backs to the wall. But we coped with them very well and we have given ourselves every chance now. We've opened up a bit of a gap and there is no reason why we can't have the belief that we can achieve what we set out to do at the start of the season." |
March
15, 2009 |
Around
the goals |
 |
There
were not too many former Rovers players that we noticed scoring goals
yesterday, and all of them came in non-league football. In the Blue Square Premier, Kevin Sandwith scored for Oxford United as they won 4-1 at home to Grays Athletic, which lifted them into 8th place, six points adrift of the play-offs. Former Rovers loan defender Simon Weaver scored again for Ilkeston Town in their key home game against Buxton in the UniBond Premier Division. His was the only goal of a hard-fought game, as he headed home on the stroke of half time to put Ilkeston third in the table, nicely positioned in the play-off places and 12 points behind leaders Eastwood Town with three games in hand. Finally, former Rover Ben Saunders scored Shepshed Dynamo's second goal in their UniBond First Division (South) victory over bottom club Brigg Town. |
March
15, 2009 |
Richards
goes at Rangers |
.jpg){kind=small} |
Former
Doncaster Rovers defender Steve Richards has resigned as manager of KoolSport
Northern Counties East League Premier Division club Hall Road Rangers
following last weekend's 5-2 home defeat against Eccleshill United. That
defeat made it seven losses in a row for Rangers, who have fallen to 16th
in the table. The club issued a statement on the following evening which said: "After a string of poor results, Steve Richards (pictured) has resigned from his post as manager of Hall Road Rangers football club with immediate effect. He felt he could take the club no further. The club wish to thank him for all the success he has brought to the club, including last season's promotion and the Wilkinson Sword Trophy, and wish him all the success for the future." Another former Rover, Jamie Barnwell (known as Jamie Barnwell Edinboro at his time at Rovers) has been appointed as caretaker manager until the end of the season. Richards played 36 games for Rovers in the 1992/93 season - Rovers were the last Football League club Steve played for, with his League career containing over 300 games. Jamie Barnwell played seven games for Rovers in their first season in the Conference before leaving to join Goole Town. He first joined Hall Road Rangers for the 2002/03 season. |
March
14, 2009 |
Rovers
v Birmingham City |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers have a number of injury concerns ahead of this afternoon's televised
home game against Birmingham City, which kicks off at 5.20pm. Definitely
missing are James O'Connor (ankle), Steve Brooker (ankle), Stuart Elliott
(knee) and Sean McDaid (knee), with Brian Stock remaining a doubt due
to an ongoing back injury. Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is not likely to
take any chances with the Rovers skipper - any doubts and he won't play. With the change in formation to compensate for Stock's absence working well on Tuesday, O'Driscoll has options to consider ahead of the match. He said: "By playing with a back three we almost dispensed with Brian's role, which I think helped everybody - particularly Mark Wilson and Martin Woods. It is something that we are thinking of doing against Birmingham if Brian is ruled out. They are another big side and if Adam Lockwood comes in it gives us more aerial strength on set-plays, and we all know how important corners, free-kicks and long throws are in this division." Stock's chances of playing are rated by O'Driscoll as being "touch and go". Defender Jos van Nieuwstadt has returned to training after recovering from a groin injury and could be included in the squad today. Birmingham also have a number of players absent due to injury, with Kevin Phillips, James McFadden and Marcus Bent definitely missing this afternoon, and reports suggest that Lee Bowyer will also not be risked this afternoon. Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has stressed that this is an important match for his City side, who have gone seven away matches without a win, which now stretches back to Boxing Day. Garry O'Connor will have to settle for a place on the bench as he continues his return from injury, and McLeish looks set to recall Keith Fahey and Scott Sinclair this afternoon. |
March
14, 2009 |
Duo
on target |
 |
Former
Rovers players Neil Roberts and Gareth Owen scored for Welsh Premier leaders
Rhyl in last night's 4-1 victory over Bangor City - a win which extends
the Lilywhites' lead to ten points, although second placed Llanelli have
two games in hand. Gareth Owen's goal came just before half time to put Rhyl 2-1 up, with Neil Roberts scoring his 18th goal of the season in the 73rd minute. |
March
14, 2009 |
Kyle
hopes for stay at Rovers |
 |
He
may be still to make a first team appearance for Doncaster Rovers, but
Kyle Letheren, on loan at the club from Barnsley, has his fingers crossed
that he may stay a little longer than his current loan deal. He said:
"I am enjoying it at Doncaster working with Neil Sullivan; I've learnt
a lot from working with Sully because he has been in the game a long time.
I'm champing at the bit for a game but, unlike the outfield positions,
there is only one keeper in a team and naturally the club are going to
keep playing Neil if he is fit because he's very experienced and playing
well. "But I am working hard because I know that I have to be ready to step in if anything happens to Neil. Although the manager doesn't normally have a keeper on the bench, I am still involved on a match day and I warm-up with Neil just in case I'm wanted." Letheren is out of contract at Barnsley at the end of the season and is uncertain whether they will offer him a new deal, but he commented: "I don't know what the future holds for me at this moment in time, but if Doncaster were interested in me I would certainly give it a lot of thought." |
March
14, 2009 |
Penney
considers playing comeback |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers manager and midfielder Dave Penney is facing such problems
at financially stricken Darlington that he is even considering a playing
comeback - seven years after he hung up his boots whilst Rovers were in
the Conference. With Darlington being in administration, Darlington currently
have a transfer embargo in place, and the loan players that the Quakers
had earlier in the season have now returned to their parent clubs as the
administrator looks to cut costs. Penney had only ten senior outfield players to select from for Tuesday's match at Gillingham, although former Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill returns today after completing a suspension. Darlington still have seven players on the injury list out of a squad of 20, with Penney intending to contact the Football League to see if any loan signings may be possible. Penney said: “I’ve spoken to the administrators about the chances of signing players that won’t cost a penny. As a manager it’s been the hardest time of my career. There’s certain things happening that you can’t do anything about. Other than get registered yourself there’s not much you can do. I came close to be honest. Martin Gray couldn’t because he retired through injury, but I did enquire to find out whether I could or not." Dave Hinchcliffe, a legal adviser to the administrators working to save Quakers, added: “The idea behind the transfer embargo for clubs in administration is that you do not increase the wages of the team which would be a ludicrous thing to do in administration. However, if someone comes along for free and says they are going to play without expenses – what would be the down side? That’s for the Football League to determine.” |
March
14, 2009 |
Four
banned from matches |
|
Four
men from Doncaster have been banned from attending any football matches
in England and Wales after being found guilty of being abusive and violent
towards train passengers during a journey back from Rovers' away match
at Carlisle last year. The four - Christopher Blakey, Mark Savory, Shaun
Tetley and Daniel Roberts have also been prohibited from travelling on
the rail network when Doncaster Rovers have an away match, and from being
in Doncaster town centre when a home match is being played. The four boarded a train after drinking and began chanting derogatory remarks. All four were charged with affray, whilst Roberts was also charged with indecent exposure. Roberts was also given an 11-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Blakey and Savory were given a nine-month sentence, also suspended for two yers. Tetley was given a three year banning order. All four will also have to carry out some community work. |
March
13, 2009 |
Shiels
in Northern Ireland squad |
 |
Rovers'
new signing, Dean Shiels, has been named in the Northern Ireland squad
for their home game against Poland and Slovenia on 28th and 31st March
respectively. Shiels has already been capped by Northern Ireland - he
was also a non-playing substitute for them just a week after completing
his transfer to Doncaster Rovers. The full Northern Ireland squad for the Poland game is: Goalkeepers: Taylor (Birmingham City), Mannus (Linfield), Tuffey (Partick Thistle) Defenders: Craigan (Motherwell), Hughes (Fulham), McAuley (Ipswich Town), McGivern (Manchester City), Baird (Fulham), Evans (Manchester United) Midfielders: McCann (Scunthorpe United), Brunt (West Brom), McGinn (Celtic), Clingan (Norwich City), Johnson (Birmingham City), McCourt (Celtic), Shiels (Doncaster Rovers) Strikers: Healy (Sunderland), Feeney (Dundee United on loan), Paterson (Burnley), Ward (Sheffield United). The squad for the Slovenia game is as above, but has the following additions: McCartney (Sunderland), Lafferty (Rangers), Davis (Rangers) |
March
13, 2009 |
Grimsby
4 Youth Team 2 |
 |
The
youth team's rearranged away game at Grimsby Town, postponed due to a
frozen pitch on the origianl date last month, saw the Rovers' youth side
go down to another defeat. They had an early setback, conceding their
first goal after just three minutes - Freeman went close to scoring his
second goal of the game just a minute later when well positioned. Rovers
were struggling to impose themselves on the game, but as the half continued,
play was dominated by the midfielders to produce an even game. However,
Grimsby scored their second goal four minutes before the break when Freeman
headed home from a corner. Rovers pulled a goal back in added on time at the end of the first half when a free kick by Clark went past everyone to sail into the Grimsby net. The second half began better for the Rovers youth side, but they suffered another setback when Fuller was put through on goal and comfortably fired his shot past the advancing Rovers custodian, Ward. Rovers continued to press forward and it paid off in the 66th minute when Moxam scored their second goal. However, the deficit was back to two goals just a minute later after Deane was first to the ball after it rebounded off the post. Doncaster Rovers: Ward, Fenney, Crook, Clark, Fisher, Hall, Stirland, Thompson, Moxam, Henderson, Conkleton Substitutes: Blake (for Thompson, 65), Towler (for Conkleton, 73), Biggs The win puts Grimsby back on top of the Youth Alliance North East Conference. Supporters may be interested to know that the Grimsby Town youth side is managed by former Rovers striker Neil Woods. |
March
13, 2009 |
Stock
has injection in bid to play |
 |
Rovers
skipper Brian Stock has had an injection in a bid to clear up the back
problem he has suffered from this season, and boss Sean O'Driscoll is
hoping that it will mean that the influential midfielder will be fit to
play in Saturday's televised home game against Birmingham City. The Rovers boss said: "The last two times he's had it it has worked so hopefully it will be the same this time. Hopefully he'll be fit for the weekend but if the jab doesn't work then he might as well go in and get it sorted once and for all." |
March
13, 2009 |
Match
officials v Birmingham |
 |
The
match officials for tomorrow's home game against Birmingham City sees
Premiership referee Peter Walton named as the referee. The full list of
officials is as follows:have been confirmed as: Referee: Mr P. Walton (Northamptonshire) Assistants: G. Turner & A Garrett Fourth official: C. Boyeson |
March
13, 2009 |
Voting
results |
 |
There
was only one player ever going to win the "Man of the Match"
for Tuesday's home game against Queens Park Rangers. From the very first
vote received, right back James Chambers was in front - his fine performance
at right back, with some stunning displays of ball control that kept Rovers
on the attack on numerous occasions persuaded the supporters that he was
worthy of their vote. There were nominations for ten players, with those receiving most votes being: 1 James Chambers (56.56%) 2 Sam Hird (15.56%) 3 Paul Heffernan (10.11%) Thank you to everyone who took part in the voting. As has been the case all season, all votes placed will be included to find the "Player of the Season". At the moment two players are well ahead of the field - can you guess who they may be? The next vote will open following Saturday evening's home game against Birmingham City. |
March
12, 2009 |
What
the managers said |
|
After criticising
his players for putting on the worst display since he arrived at the
club in Saturday's defeat at Cardiff City, unsurprisingly Sean O'Driscoll
was much more upbeat in his post-match press conference on Tuesday evening. |
March
12, 2009 |
Coppinger
- not safe until the last match |
 |
Even
though Rovers look comparatively safe in the Championship table, being
close to the play-offs than the relegation for the first time since the
early stages of the season, Rovers striker James Coppinger has confirmed
that he still expects Rovers to have to battle for survival all the way
through to the end of the season. He said: "Everybody is playing for something in this league at this stage of the season, whether it's fighting off relegation, pushing for a play-off spot or looking to secure a mid-table finish. There is nobody in this league that will come to the Keepmoat and make it easy for us and we don't expect them to. It is a fight that will go on until the last day of the season." |
March
12, 2009 |
Rovers
Belles link up with Foyle Ladies |
 |
This
week, a landmark agreement between Doncaster Rovers Belles' chairman,
Jonathan James, and his counterpart, Terry Cassidy, at Northern Ireland
club Foyle Ladies saw Foyle Ladies become the Rovers Belles' official
feeder club in the province. Under the agreement, Foyle's best players
will have the chance to play for Doncaster Rovers Belles, who play in
the top flight of Women's football in England. Foyle Ladies' under-14
team travelled over to watch the Rovers Belles in their recent League
Cup final against Arsenal, staying on to watch the Rovers first team game
against Derby County at the Keepmoat Stadium. This is anticipated to be
the first of many trips between the two clubs. On the following day, the
two clubs' under-14's played a match to cement the arrangement. Rovers Belles chairman, Jonathan James, said: "We're very pleased to establish a relationship with Foyle Ladies. Establishing a strong presence in Northern Ireland is an important part of Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC's continued growth and working with a well-organised and progressive club like Foyle Ladies is very exciting for us. I am sure this will be a mutually beneficial relationship." Foyle Ladies will be the largest women's club in Northen Ireland within the next year; they currently have 75 girls, which is projected to rise to 200 girls within the next 12 months. Foyle have 11 girls in the County set up at present, which is the equivalent of the English centre of excellences. |
March
12, 2009 |
Early
kick-off for final day of season |
 |
The
influence of Sky's deal with English football was underlined earlier this
week when it was confirmed that, after negotiations between Sky Sports
and the Football League, the kick-off of all Football League games on
the final day of the season (Sunday, 3rd May) will be 1.15pm. This means
that Rovers fans travelling down to Molineux to watch Rovers' final game
of the campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers will be in for an early
start. Whilst the Supporters Club have already announced departure times
for coaches to travel to the game, we expect they will be brought forward
to reflect the earlier kick-off time. |
March
12, 2009 |
Supporters
Club Race Night |
|
The
Supporters Club are holding a race night at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday
night (13th March), with a 7.30pm start. All are welcome - they have stressed
that you do not need to be a Supporters Club member to attend. The race
night will be held in eitehr the Rovers Bar or the Players' Lounge in
the West Stand. |
March
11, 2009 |
Rovers
2 QPR 0 |
|
Rovers
were not necessarily at their best last night, but they comfortably beat
a Queens Park Rangers side that looked as short of confidence as the statistics
of eight matches without a win would suggest. Rovers went into the lead on 23 minutes with a comical goal - defender Damion Stewart sent a looping header back to his goalkeeper without a Rovers player within ten yards of him, not noticing that his keeper had come racing out to collect the ball. The Czech goalkeeper could only watch helplessly as the ball looped high over his head and into an empty net. After that, the QPR number 3 had a nightmare first half, going fairly close to adding to the Rovers tally on two further occasions. The lead was doubled seven minutes later when he latched onto a loose ball six yards out to nod the ball home for his fourth goal in six games. The winning margin could have been larger by the half time break, but Rovers went in to half time with a deserved two goal lead. The second half saw QPR press forward more, although they rarely troubled keeper Neil Sullivan. However, Sullivan had to be alert to deny Di Carmine with a save at full stretch in the 87th minute, although striker Dexter Blackstock was guilty of blazing the ball over the bar from close range 12 minutes earlier. All in all, a satisfactory night for Rovers, who move up to the dizzy heights of 13th in the Championship table, level on points with QPR and Sheffield Wednesday - and with a game in hand on the S6 club. |
March
11, 2009 |
Player
of the Month |
 |
Rovers
striker Paul Heffernan missed out on being named as the Powerade "Player
of the Month" for February, with Swansea striker Jason Scotland beating
Paul, Dele Adebola (Bristol City) and Tamas Priskin (Watford). If Heffernan
continues his fine vein of form of late, let's hope that he is in contention
for the award in March! Scotland scored five goals in six games last month, including one in both FA Cup games against Fulham. Former Rovers keeper Andy Warrington was short-listed for the League Two monthly award, but he was denied by Charlie MacDonald of Brentford. |
March
11, 2009 |
Tickets
v Coventry |
 |
Tickets
for the away game against Coventry City on Saturday, 21st March are now
on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Rovers have received
an allocation of 1,044 tickets, which are are currently on sale to season
ticket holders and membership holders, and go on general sale on Monday,
16th March. Tickets are for allocated seating at the following prices: Adults: £25 Senior Citizens (60+), Students (with NUS card): £12.50 Under-16s: £11.50 Ambulant disabled & carer/ Wheelchair disabled & carer: £12.50 |
March
11, 2009 |
Bradley
in charge |
 |
Former
Rovers midfielder Mark Bradley, whose only appearance for Rovers came
in the very first Conference game at Dover, has been placed in temporary
charge of Scottish non-league side Linlithgow follwoing the resignation
of Brian Fairley last week. The Linlithgow side responded with a 3-0 home
win over Tayport to put them back on top of the East Superleague, giving
Bradley and Ian Gallacher, who has been appointed to assist him, a good
start. |
March
10, 2009 |
Rovers
v QPR |
 |
Rovers
will be keeping their fingers crossed that influential midfielder Brian
Stock is fit to play in this evening's home game against Queens Park Rangers.
The Rovers skipper has been troubled by a back injury for much of the
season, but lasted just half an hour of Saturday's game at Cardiff before
having to be substituted. Although Rovers will monitor the situation,
Sean O'Driscoll has said that Stock will not play unless fit - the gamble
did not work on Saturday, and the Rovers boss is unwilling to take the
same risk again today. He said: "At this minute in time, he is extremely doubtful. He was fine but he had a long coach journey and I think that was part of the problem. A game in midweek also didn't help and he's got progressively worse. Normally, he gets progressively better, so unless he wakes up tomorrow morning and he thinks he's fine - which has actually happened before - he won't make it. He's with the specialist at the minute having another look at it." It looks certain that Stock will have surgery to correct the problem - the question is when. We presume that Rovers will try and keep him playing until the end of the season, as the six-week recovery time would mean he can recover fitness during the summer break. Mark Wilson or Dean Shiels look likely candidates to deputise for Stock if necessary. Better news comes with the return to training of striker Paul Heffernan, who missed Saturday's defeat due to sickness. He appears to have recovered and is likely to reclaim his starting place this evening. James O'Connor faces a fitness test to determine whether he has recovered from an ankle injury that has sidelined him in recent games, but Stuart Elliott, who has returned to Rovers after a loan spell at Grimsby, looks likely to miss out with a knee injury that caused his substitution on Saturday. Queens Park Rangers have doubts over Lee Cook (knee) and Heidar Helguson (groin), but boss Paulo Sousa looks likely to stick with the same side that drew against Sheffield United on Saturday. |
March
10, 2009 |
Two
youngsters go on "work experience" |
|
Two
of the Rovers youth team, Robert Clark and Charles Fisher, have joined
UniBond Division One (South) club Brigg Town on "work experience". Last week, goalkeeper Jack Ward also moved to gain 'work experience', moving to Matlock Town. |
March
10, 2009 |
Youth
update |
|
Further
to our news story from Sunday regarding the Rovers youth team's home 2-1
defeat against Boston United, further details are now available. The Rovers
goal was scored by Henderson, and the full line-up was: ROVERS: Biggs, Fenney, Towler, Blake, Hall, Crook, Stirland, Thompson, Moxam, Henderson, Conkleton Substitutes: Hoyle (for Moxam, 71), Turner (for Fenney, 77), Oldham, Betts The youth team fixtures and league table are now updated and available in the "matches" section of the website. |
March
10, 2009 |
Blundell
eyes play-offs |
 |
Although
sidelined as he recovers from a knee operation, former Rovers striker
Gregg Blundell is confident that Darlington can still reach the League
Two play-offs, even though they were hit by a ten point deduction after
going into administration recently. The way that the lines of Bournemouth
and Rotherham have overcome their points deduction gives him hope that
Darlington can also overcome their setback. It will be tough though, with a number of loan players going back to their parent clubs, and boss Dave Penney having to rely on a number of youth team players for the last part of the season. However, should Darlington win their matches in hand, it is still possible that a play-off place is achievable. Blundell said: "Bournemouth are also showing a bit of a fight having looked destined for the drop, so they are a good example of what points deductions can do to boost morale in a way because it makes you stick together more for the cause I think. We are the same group of players that were looking like one of the strongest sides to go up automatically earlier in the week, so in that aspect we just have to keep working as hard as we have done all season when we get on the pitch." Gregg still hopes to be in with a chance of a return to action for "the last few games", but said: "It is frustrating not to be able to get involved with the lads, especially considering the current circumstances. We want to show that we can fight back from the points deduction and still go up this season." |
March
10, 2009 |
Voting
results |
|
It
is noticeable that after a defeat there is a totally different voting
pattern to when Rovers have won - especially so if the team did not play
particularly well. Even so, we still thank everyone who took the trouble
to place a vote. There were nine players receiving nominations - one clear
winner, and then most of the rest tightly bunched together. Those players
receiving the most votes are as follows: 1 Dean Shiels (36.84%) 2 John Spicer (15.79%) 3 Sam Hird (10.53%) 4 Richie Wellens (9.52%). The next vote will open following this evening's home game against Queens Park Rangers. |
March
9, 2009 |
Elliott
back at Rovers |
 |
Rovers
striker Stuart Elliott has returned to Doncaster Rovers after completing
two months on loan at Grimsby Town. The Northern Ireland international
scored two goals in 11 games played for the Mariners, but was substituted
on Saturday after suffering a knee injury midway through the second half
of their 5-1 victory over Lincoln City. Boss Mike Newell said on the Grimsby Town website: "I had a word with Stuart and he said he's going back to Doncaster. We've thanked him, he's done brilliant for us. He's got a great attitude, he's very professional and we've got a couple of results with him in the side. When you weigh up how many wins we have had this season, you've got to say that he's done well for us." In an interview earlier in the week, Newell had hinted that he would be keen to keep Elliott for a third month, but said: "Stuart Elliott - although he hasn't played the last couple of games - we are delighted with what he has done for us and the attitude he has shown. I know he's been frustrated at not playing but we just thought that the games had caught up with him 'leg-wise'." Fitness permitting, Elliott should be available for the Rovers' busy stint of matches coming up, with three home games in just eight days, although the best that he is likely to get is a place on the substitutes' bench. |
March
9, 2009 |
Carden
awards |
 |
Former
Rovers midfielder Paul Carden, now player/assistant manager at Cambridge
United, has been named as the Blue Square Premier "Player of the
Month" for February. Carden has played a key part in the U's rise
to the play-off positions in the Blue Square Premier table, with ex-Rover
Gary Brabin, now boss at the club, being named as "Manager of the
Month" earlier in the week for their four victories and one draw
in the month. Carden was also voted as the winner of Setanta's "Goal of the month" for his long-range striker in their home game against Oxford United back in January. |
| March
9, 2009 |
Transfer
update |
 |
Another
former Rovers player to be on the move is right back Ryan Kirby, once
described by then-Rovers boss Sammy Chung as "the next Lee Dixon".
Ryan has completed a transfer from AFC Hornchurch to Boreham Wood, who
play in the Rymans Premier Division. Since leaving Doncaster Rovers in
1996, he played for Preston North End, Crewe Alexandra, Wigan Athletic
and Northampton Town before dropping down into non-league football, where
he has played predominatly in the south-east of England for clubs such
as Stevenage Borough, Aldershot Town and Harlow Town. Ryan's "claim to fame" is that he played youth football for Brimsdown Rovers, where he played alongside a youngster called David Beckham. Now, whatever happened to him....? |
March
9, 2009 |
Match
officials v QPR |
|
The
match officials for tomorrow evening's home game against Queens Park Rangers
have been confirmed as: Referee: C.H Webster (Tyne & Wear) Assistants: R.M Clark & C.N Harwood Fourth official: R.A Salt |
March
9, 2009 |
Goals
update |
 |
Continuing
on from yesterday's review of goals scored by former Rovers players, former
loan defender David Wheater scored for Middlesbrough yesterday afternoon
in their FA Cup game against Everton. Unfortunately for David, Everton
won the match 2-1 to earn a semi-final place where they will be up against
Manchester United. In our review yesterday we mentioned that Jack Lester missed a penalty in Chesterfield's 1-1 draw at Wycombe. What we forgot to mention is that he scored the Chesterfield goal in the 31st minute. |
March
8, 2009 |
Cardiiff
City 3 Rovers 0 |
|
Cardiff
City scored three goals for the second time in a week when they convincingly
beat Doncaster Rovers at Ninian Park yesterday afternoon. Rovers suffered
a setback when top scorer Paul Heffernan was ruled out after being ill
overnight; Jason Price took his place in attack, but struggled to impose
himself against a strong Cardiff defence. Rovers went behind in the tenth
minute when Michael Chopra was given too much spact to slot his shot into
the corner of Neil Sullivan's net. The second goal came in the 29th minute
thanks to Eddie Johnson's volley - and from then on, Rovers were up against
it, with the determined home side unwilling to give them an inch. Rovers
did keep going, although Cardiff closed the game down for the last quarter
of an hour to ensure they achieved victory. On a positive side, Rovers
welcomed James Hayter back as a second half substitute, and new signing
Dean Shiels also got half an hour on the pitch. Rovers will be looking to get back on the winning track to ensure their Championship survival on Tuesday evening with the first of three successive home games in eight days, when they welcome Queen's Park Rangers to the Keepmoat Stadium. |
March
8, 2009 |
What
the managers said: |
 |
Unsurprisingly,
bearing in mind the result, the two managers had totally different comments
to make in their post-match interviews. Dave Jones, the Cardiff City manager, said: "For well over an hour we were superb and for the last 15 minutes we closed the game out and kept the clean sheet - it was a good performance all round. We started with a great tempo and Sean O'Driscoll, Doncaster's manager, will not be happy with Jay Bothroyd's goal because they backed off him from the free-kick but it was a superb finish. They are a decent side and keep the ball well and we've learned that when we're in a winning position we must shut the game out. It is not the prettiest sometimes but I'd rather not give anyone hope, we had to be professional and ruthless." "We showed two sides of our game today with some super football for an hour before changing slightly just to close the game down. We knew they were on a good run but we tinkered a little and it has worked superbly for us. It is now all about results not necessarily performances and it was a comprehensive victory for us today." Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was critical of his side, confirming that they did not deserve to take any points away from Ninian Park. He said: "That was the worst performance by the team - not just for this season but last season as well. We didn't start well and in all areas we were second best." |
March
8, 2009 |
Goals
review |
 |
We
begin a review of yesterday's action involving former Rovers players in
League Two, where Jon-Paul Pittman scored a last gasp equaliser for Wycombe
in their home game against Chesterfield. His 91st minute goal was his
third in five starts since moving from Crawley and keeps Wycombe's promotion
challenge on target, remaining in second place, four points behind leaders
Brentford and with a game in hand. For Chesterfield, former Rovers loan
striker Jack Lester missed a chance to give Chesterfield victory when
he missed a 46th minute penalty after he had been tripped to earn his
side the spot-kick. Also in League Two, ex-Rovers striker Jonathan Forte scored Notts County's second goal in their 3-2 home defeat against Shrewsbury, who finished the day just one place outside the play-ff spots. Moving up into League One, Sean Thornton scored a late winner for Leyton Orient as they came from behind to beat Brighton at Brisbane Road, with his goal coming just two minutes from time. The three points just lift Orient out of the relegation places, but keeps Albion deep in trouble four points adrift of safety. Dropping down into non-league football, in the UniBond Division One North, ex-Rovers striker Andy Hayward scored for Garforth Town in their 3-2 loss against promotion-chasing Colwyn Bay. Finally, a former Rover scoring during midweek games that we missed came on Wednesday evening, where Neil Roberts scored for Rhyl in their 2-0 win at Welshpool, which stretched Rhyl's lead at the top of the Welsh Premier League to seven points. |
March
8, 2009 |
Fairhurst
returns to Rovers |
 |
Young
Rovers striker Waide Fairhurst has returned to Doncaster Rovers after
his month on loan at Blue Square North side Solihull Moors. During that
time, Solihull had several matches postponed due to the bad weather in
early February, although Fairhurst then went on to score on two successive
occasions. Fairhurst travelled with the squad to Cardiff for yesterday's match, although he was not included in the final squad of sixteen, with on-loan goalkeeper Kyle Letheren being preferred on the bench. |
March
8, 2009 |
Youth
team 1 Boston United 2 |
|
Doncaster
Rovers' youth team went down to a 2-1 home defeat against Boston United
yesterday morning, with the match being played at the Cantley Park complex.
We have no details of the Doncaster side or goal scorer at the moment,
as the report on Boston United's website omits such details, although
Boston were keen to point out that they were missing seven first choice
players for the match! Rovers went in front in the 48th minute of the
game, but were beaten by goals from Tom Hoper (48 mins) and Alex Beck
(52 mins). |
March
7, 2009 |
Cardiff
v Rovers |
 |
It
looks as though Rovers may name an unchanged squad of sixteen for this
afternoon's away game at Cardiff City. Defender James O'Connor is out
with a continuing ankle injury, and Rovers are reproted to be awaiting
the outcome of a scan before they will know whether he will be able to
play in the upcoming home matches. Jos van Nieuwstadt will also be missing
as he continues to suffer from a groin injury, and striker Darren Byfield
is also doubtful with a groin injury that kept him out of Tuesday's away
match at Charlton. Paul Heffernan is definitely fit after picking up a
knee injury at the Valley on Tuesday, and will be hoping to keep his fine
run of form going this afternoon. Cardiff City could be without up to eight players for this afternoon, with Paul Parry, Michael Chopra, Gavin Rae, Mark Kennedy, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Jay Bothroyd, Chris Burke and Stephen McPhail all facing fitness tests before boss Dave Jones names his squad for the match. However, Peter Enkelman and Tom Heaton will certainly miss the game due to injury. |
March
7, 2009 |
Rovers
match on the radio |
 |
There
will be a full match commentary of this afternoon's away game at Cardiff
City broadcast on BBC Radio Sheffield. The commentary will be broadcast
'live' on 1035AM and also on Digital Radio. So, even if you can't be at
Ninian Park, you can follow the match and hopefully listen to Rovers pick
up another three points! |
March
7, 2009 |
Green's
season is over |
 |
Paul
Green, who left Doncaster Rovers to join Derby County, will miss the rest
of the season after picking up a foot injury in training yesterday. He
broke the his fifth metatarsal, which will take up to eight weeks to heal,
which effectively means he will not be fit to return before the end of
the campaign. Boss Nigel Clough said: "He set off sprinting and felt a little pop in his foot. He's got a crack in his metatarsal, so it'll be six to eight weeks which should pretty much rule him out for the rest of the season." Clough added: "He's distraught at the moment because he's the sort of lad that if you had games seven days a week, he'd want to play in them all." Paul has missed just five games so far this season, scoring has scored six goals. |
March
7, 2009 |
Lewis
faces fitness test |
 |
Rovers
striker Lewis Guy, currently on loan at Hartlepool United, will face a
fitness test ahead of this afternoon's home game against Peterborough
United in League One. Guy suffered a knee injury whilst winning a penalty
in 'Pools' midweek victory over Tranmere Rovers. |
| March
7, 2009 |
Transfer
update |
 |
Former
Rovers defender Jamie Price has completed a transfer from Farsley Celtic,
who play in the Blue Square North, to UniBond Premier League club Bradford
Park Avenue. Jamie has played non-league since leaving Rovers in 2005
to join Halifax Town. He joins another former Rovers player at the club
- striker Andy Campbell. |
March
6, 2009 |
Brabin
wins award |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers skipper Gary Brabin has won the Blue Square Premier "Manager
of the Month" for February after his Cambridge United side, where
he is now manager, gained 13 from a possible 15 points during the month.
That points haul, allied with the fact that Cambridge had to endure four
successive away games after having previously had a winless away run of
11 matches, gained Brabin his first managerial award of his career. We would like to congratulate Gary on his award, and whilst leaders Burton Albion may be out of reach of his side, we look forward to seeing them continue in the play-off places until the end of the season. |
March
6, 2009 |
Sean
misses out |
|
Rovers
manager Sean O'Driscoll has missed out on being named as the Coca Cola
Championship's "Manager of the Month" for February after being
included on the short-list earlier in the week. During February Rovers
won four league games and lost one. That compares well with Chris Coleman,
who won the monthly award for his Coventry City side's results which saw
them win three out of four games (they drew the other match) - but it
seems that the fact that two of those matches were against promotion chasers
Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers seems to have tipped the voting
panel in Coleman's favour. At least the supposed jinx that often aflicts the winner of the award won't be a concern for Rovers at this key part of the season! |
March
6, 2009 |
Voting
results v Charlton |
|
The
voting for the "Man of the Match" at the away game against Charlton
Athletic proved to be a close contest between Richie Wellens and James
Coppinger who, between them, gained almost 70% of all votes cast. There
were eight players who received nominations, with those receiving most
votes being: 1 James Coppinger (39.40%) 2 Richie Wellens (30.30%) 3 Brian Stock (9.09%) We would, as always, like to thank everyone who took the time to place their vote. The next poll will open following the away game at Cardiff City. |
| March
6, 2009 |
Tickets
v Cardiff |
 |
Tickets
remain on sale for tomorrow's away game at Cardiff City at the Keepmoat
Stadium ticket office - but the ticket office have advised that they will
be taken off sale at midday today. Please also note that Cardiff City
have advised that this will be an all-ticket fixture and no tickets will
be available on the day. Rovers have received an allocation of 580 seating tickets and 500 tickets for terracing. The ticket prices for tomorrow's game are as follows: Allocated seating: Adults: £24 Senior Citizens (60+), 16 years & under, Students (NUS card required): £15 Ambulant/Wheelchair disabled & carer: £18 (limited spaces available - disabled parking bays at £5 are also available, ask when buying your ticket) Terracing: Adults: £22 Senior Citizens (60+), 16 years & under, Students (NUS card required): £15 |
| March
6, 2009 |
Change
of coach times to Cardiff |
| |
The
Supporters Club have announced that the departure times of their coaches
to Cardiff have been changed after learning that coaches would not be
allowed to park in Cardiff until 1pm. Departure times will now be: Retford 8.00am, Harworth 8.05am, Bawtry & Rossington 8.15am, Hare & Tortoise 8.20am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.30am and the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 8.45am. |
| March
6, 2009 |
Cardiff
match officials |
| |
The
match officials for tomorrow's away game at Cardiff City have been announced.
They are: Referee: G K Hegley Assistant referees: A Matthews and A Rodda Fourth Official: M Philpott |
| March
6, 2009 |
FourFourTwo
voting - vote today! |
 |
You
only have until the end of this week to vote for the players that will
make FourFourTwo's prestigious Top 50 list which will be announced at
the Football League Awards at the end of March. With Rovers currently
enjoying a great run of form, The short-list of Rovers players you can
vote for are: Brian Stock, James O’Connor, Matthew Mills, Neil Sullivan,
Ritchie Wellens - but they do have the facility to vote for any player
that is not included on that short-list. You can vote via their website by clicking on the logo to the left. Who do you think should be included in the list and ultimately crowned Player of the Year for their respective league? Past winners have included Kevin Philips, Jermaine Beckford and Keith Andrews, and this is your chance to determine the winners for this year. Voting closes on Friday 6th March, and fans wishing to vote for players that they believe deserve a place in FourFourTwo’s Top 50 should visit www.fourfourtwo.com/footballleagueawards. The votes will be counted and a shortlist drawn up for an expert panel to judge. FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League players will be announced at the ceremony which will take place at the prestigious Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Sunday 29th March 2009. The March issue of FourFourTwo magazine is out now, and contains further details of how to vote, and also a list of suggested Football League players from each club to get the voting started. Fans can vote for the player they think is best in The Football League overall, or vote for their favourite player from each division. The winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place at the prestigious Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Sunday 29th March 2009. |
March
5, 2009 |
Taylor
- future away from Doncaster |
 |
Rovers
striker Gareth Taylor has admitted that he sees his future away from Doncaster
after struggling to make the first team in the last few weeks. Taylor
was allowed to go on loan to League One club Carlisle United, and was
an instant hit when he scored after just 17 minutes of his debut match
against Crewe Alexandra. Taylor has moved on an intial month's loan in a bid to get first team football. Speaking to the local press in Carlisle, Taylor said: "I see my future away from Doncaster, there's no doubt about that. The club have been good to me there and allowed me to come away to Carlisle. I made it known that I wanted to go out on loan, so far it has gone alright." |
March
5, 2009 |
Big
Leo signs for Ferriby |
 |
Former Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West has signed for UniBond Premier Division club North Ferriby United after leaving Blue Square North club Alfreton Town. The 37-year old is a seasoned and much-travelled campaigner, with his career also taking in Gillingham, Rotherham United, Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers, Lincoln City and Shrewsbury Town, with loan spells at Leyton Orient and Torquay United. After around 400 Football League games, Leo has played non-league at Tiptree United, Bishop`s Stortford, Dartford, Dagenham & Redbridge, Rushden & Diamonds, Cambridge United and Alfreton. |
March
5, 2009
|
Stats
update |
|
After
taking note of various supporters' comments of the last few days, we have
updated our 'statistics' page to show this season's results and appearances.
We have adopted the same "symbolic" approach of presenting the
data as was used in the match day programme last season, as the comments
read made it clear hat this was the most popular amongst the supporters. Further updates of the statistics will be made over the coming days and weeks after a long period without any updates. The new information can be found in the "matches" section of this website. |
March
5, 2009
|
Youth
team game rearranged |
|
Doncaster
Rovers' youth team game against Lincoln City, which was postponed due
to a waterlogged pitch on 14th February, has been rearranged. The Puma
North East Conference match will be played at Cantley Park on Tuesday,
31st March with a 2pm kick-off. |
March
5, 2009
|
Heffernan
shortlisted |
|
Rovers
striker Paul Heffernan has been nominated for the Powerade "Player
of the Month" award for February. He has been short-listed along
with Bristol City striker Dele Adebola and Tamas Priskin of Watford. Former Rovers keeper Andy Warrington has been nominated for the "Player of the Month" in League Two. |
| March
4, 2009 |
Charlton
1 Rovers 2 |
| |
On
a wet and windy evening in London, Rovers kept their amazing recent run
of form going with a hard-worked victory over a battling Charlton side.
The victory lifted Rovers up to the dizzy heights of 14th - and whilst
the holy grail of 50 points is almost attained, the fact that other clubs
at the bottom of the table have also started to pick up points may mean
that more may be needed. In fact, Rovers are now nine points ahead of
the relegation places, and also nine points behind the play-off places. Rovers made just one change to their starting line-up, with Richie Wellens returning after suspension at the expense of an unfortunate Mark Wilson, who dropped to the substitutes bench. Rovers went in front five minutes before the break when Paul Heffernan picked out James Coppinger with a back-heel; Coppinger's curled shot was out of the reach of a diving goalkeeper. Charlton drew level after Rovers played a little too deep at times in the second half. Their 73rd minute corner was only cleared as far as Nicky Bailey, whose dipping volley was out of the reach of an unsighted Neil Sullivan. The winning goal came from the penalty spot four minutes later, when Richie Wellens was brought down by Bailey; Brian Stock dispatched the penalty kick with cool aplomb. |
March
4, 2009 |
Hughes
moves down under |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers midfielder Adam Hughes has signed for Australian club
Adelaide United. He has signed a two-year contract with Adelaide, with
Reds' coach Aurelio Vidmar commenting: “He’s going to bring
a lot of aggression and commitment and a good football brain to the
team. He’ll certainly fit in on the competitive side and bring
something extra to our midfield, which is an ability to score goals.
He’s a great character and he’ll certainly be a crowd pleaser
for the fans.” Hughes said of the move: “It will be a brilliant start to come back to what has been a successful club in such a short period of the A-League. To make the final in a couple of seasons and get to the Asian Champions League Final, you know you’re coming to a quality setup. Adelaide seems to be doing well consistently and you always want to go to a club that can make finals and be there towards the end of the season.” After leaving Rovers, Hughes played in Ireland with Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United. |
March
4, 2009 |
Last
night's goals |
|
We
begin our review of goals scored last night with a Rovers connection
in League One, where Gareth Taylor scored in the 17th minute of his
first game for Carlisle United after joining on loan from Rovers the
previous day. Carlisle improved their league standing with a 2-1 victory
at Crewe. In League Two, ex-Rovers loan striker Jack Lester scored Chesterfield's second goal in their 2-1 win at Bury - they had to fight hard for the three points after playing much of the match with only ten men. Also in League Two, Jon-Paul Pittman scored his second goal for Wycombe in their 2-0 home win over Chester City.) Finally, in Scotland we notice that Colin Cramb had an eventful match in East Stirling's 2-0 defeat at Dumbarton. He was booked in the 90th minute - and also recorded as being sent off in the 90th minute! |
March
4, 2009 |
O'Driscoll
in "Manager of Month" shortlist |
|
Doncaster
Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has been nomiated for the "Manager
of the Month" award for the Championship as a result of an improved
run which saw the only league defeat during February come on the last
day of the month, when Rovers lost at Swansea. Also nominated on the
short-list are Bristol City's GAry Johnson, Watford boss Brendan Rodgers
and Coventry's Chris Coleman. The winner will be announced on Sky Sports News on Thursday lunchtime. |
| March
3, 2009 |
Charlton
v Rovers |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers travel to bottom club Charlton Athletic this evening with the aim
of putting more space between the two clubs. Should they do so, they will
be only four points short of the fabled "50 points" that should
ensure Championship survival this season. Rovers will be boosted by the return of Richie Wellens after serving a one-match suspension - but whether he will return to the starting eleven is perhaps uncertain after Mark Wilson's contribution in Friday's win over Derby County. Rovers have a slight doubt over striker Paul Heffernan, who took a knock to his knee in the game against Derby, but definitely missing out is Jos van Nieuwstadt, who missed the Derby game with a groin injury. As we will mention below, striker Steve Brooker will be missing due to an ankle injury that now appears to require surgery. Rovers will also make a late decision on whether to include defender James O'Connor, who missed last Friday's game due to an ankle injury. Charlton will welcome back striker Tresor Kandol, who missed Saturday's 1-1 draw against Swansea, and Lloyd Sam faces a late fitness test after missing training due to illness. Defender Danny Butterfield will make his Charlton debut after moving from Crystal Palace on loan on Monday - Butterfield moves in as a result of loan defender Graeme Murty having to return to his parent club, Reading, due to a calf injury. |
| March
3, 2009 |
Taylor
moves to Carlisle |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers striker Gareth Taylor has moved to Carlisle United on a month's
loan. The experienced Taylor has moved to the injury ravaged Cumbrians,
who are currently 17th in League One, in a bid to boost the physical presence
in the opposition penalty area. The move became necessary for Carlisle
after top scorer Danny Graham limped off in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bristol
Rovers. Carlisle boss Greg Abbot said: "He's the kind of player that we need to bring in because we have been getting the ball in to the box quite a lot lately, and he will bring a physical presence in to that area. He's terrific in the air and he has experience, and I'm sure that we will see him getting on the end of stuff for us. Hopefully he will come here and enjoy himself and score us a few goals. He's had games in the Championship this season and he is coming here with a real appetite to play. The important thing is that he is the type of player that we think we need, and we're looking forward to working with him." Taylor has only featured occasionally for Rovers in recent matches after featuring regularly earlier in the season. |
| March
3, 2009 |
Keeper
stays on |
| |
Young
Barnsley goalkeeper Kyle Letheren has had his month's loan at Rovers extended
for a further month. The Welsh under-21 has been at Rovers providing goalkeeping
cover for Neil Sullivan whilst Ben Smith recovers from an ankle injury. |
| March
3, 2009 |
Brooker
- needs op, so season is over |
 |
Steve
Brooker, who only joined Doncaster Rovers from Bristol City at the end
of January, will miss the rest of the season after tests revealed that
he will need an operation to resolve an ankle injury which has troubled
him for some time. Mysteriously, the extensive medical tests which were
done before he signed for the club appear not to have highlighted the
problem, but Rovers are now saying that Brooker will have the operation
"sooner, rather than later" in a bid to get the striker fully
fit for the start of next season. Boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "He's got quite an unstable ankle, which you would only find if you were actually testing for that, rather than something that you could see through normal examinations. He's picked up that and that seems to be the cause of all his problems. I think we are close to deciding that we will have that done straight away rather than leave it any longer. He's with the specialists at this moment and I think we'll make the decision to sort it out once and for all, rather than do what people have been doing over the past twelve months and patch him together until something else crops up. It all seems to be down to this unstable ankle. It's quite a routine operation but it does mean that he's out for the rest of the season and that decision will be made with the medical staff." |
| March
3, 2009 |
Voting
results |
 |
Mark
Wilson was the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" voting,
with supporters no doubt appreciating his contribution which included
a pin-point cross for Paul Heffernan to head Rovers' first goal, along
with his superb strike from 30 yards to give Rovers victory. In one of
the largest number of votes received for a match so far this season, a
total of ten players received nominations, with those receiving most votes
being: 1 Mark Wilson (53.21%) 2 Paul Heffernan (17.43%) 3 Matt Mills (5.51%) 4= Martin Woods, James Coppinger (4.58% each) Thank you to everyone who took part in the voting. The next poll will open following this evening's away game at Charlton Athletic. |
| March
3, 2009 |
Youth
team 1 Chesterfield 2 |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers' youth team went down to a 2-1 home defeat against Chesterfield
on Saturday, with Rovers going in front in the 14th minute. However, goals
from the Spireites, one in each half, meant that Rovers went down to another
defeat, meaning they are now 10th in the PUMA Youth Alliance North East
Conference, with just three victories so far this season. Unfortunately we do not have any details of the Rovers side, as the only information available is from Chesterfield's official web site. |
| March
2, 2009 |
Coaches
to Cardiff |
| |
We
gave you information regarding coaches to tomorrow's game at Charlton
Athletic in yesterday's news update - today we update you on coaches run
by the Supporters Club to Saturday's away match at Cardiff City. Coaches
will leave Retford at 7.30am, Harworth Pit Gates 7.35am, Bawtry 7.45am,
Rossington Styrrup 7.45am, Hare & Tortoise 7.50am, Doncaster Royal
Infirmary 8.00am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 8.15am. The fares are: Members £23, OAP's £21, U16's £19 Non-Members £25, OAP's £23, U16's £21 To book a place on the coach, please contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066) |
| March
2, 2009 |
Physio
bungles Brooker recovery |
| |
Former
Bristol City physio John Wiley has been accused of bungling his post-operative
treatment of Steve Brooker, a misconduct hearing held last week was told.
Brooker had a knee operation in May 2007 with the hope that he would recover
in time for pre-season training in the July, but Wiley failed to monitor
his progress and went on holiday without leaving instructions that Brooker
needed daily treatment. The player then went on holiday in June, but was
in pain, and he consulted the club's surgeon on his reurn, who found that
he still had a lack of movement in his right knee, which required a second
operation, as he was basically back to 'square one'. The surgeon only
agreed to do the operation on the condition that Wiley had nothing to
do with Brooker's post-operative recovery, the Health Professions Council
was told. Mr Wiley is attending the hearing, and denies all allegations, as well as the accusation of misconduct. The hearing continues. |
| March
2, 2009 |
Charlton
match officials |
| |
The
match officials for tomorrow's away game at Charlton Athletic have been
confirmed as: Referee: Rob Styles Assistant referees: Adam Watts & Martin Yerby Fourth official: Grant Hegley |
| February
28, 2009 |
Rovers
2 Derby 1 |
| |
Rovers
moved above Derby County in the league table yesterday evening after coming
back from a goal behind to win, thanks to second half goals from Paul
Heffernan and Mark Wilson. With the referee producing an erratic display
which saw the Rovers fans confused and angry with some of the decisions,
it proves the self-belief amongst the Rovers squad, who equalised just
six minutes after a superb free kick from Robbie Savage put Derby ahead
- and Rovers fans were uncertain as to exactly why the free kick was given. Rovers could have gone behind in the first half when a looping header by Chris Porter hit the crossbar, with Neil Sullivan beaten. But on the whole, Rovers spent more time camped in the Derby half than on the defensive, and the first half finished goalless. Derby opened the scoring five minutes after the break before Paul Heffernan equalised with a a superby guided header which evaded a diving goalkeeper by his left-hand post. Rovers took the lead in the 71st minute when a corner by Brian Stock was cleared as far as Mark Wilson, who took a swing at the ball from 30 yards out. Whilst he did not make a fully clean contact with the ball, it was still out of the reach of a diving Derby goalkeeper. Rovers still had time to have a good shout for a penalty turned down after Paul Heffernan was clearly pushed in the back in front of the South Stand, but in the end, that did not matter as Rovers comfortably held on for another three valuable points. Rovers finished the day ten points ahead of the relegation places and ten points behind the play-offs in 15th plce. Maybe now is the time to start looking upwards rather than over our shoulders? |
| March
1, 2009 |
Yesterday's
action |
 |
Our
review of ex-Rovers players scoring goals begins at Meadow Lane, where
Jonathan Forte scored twice for Notts County in their 3-1 win over Bradord
City, which sees County finish the day in 15th place, 14 points adrift
of the play-offs. Less good news came for former Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe, who was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Mustapha Carayol in Oxford United's home game against Torquay United. Oxford lost the match 2-0, with former Rovers defender Kevin Sandwith making his Oxford debut as a substitute twelve minutes from time. In the Scottish Third Division, Colin Cramb scored from the penalty spot for East Stirling in their 3-1 home win over Dumbarton. The win keeps East Stirling well placed in third place and on track for a place in the end of season play-offs. |
| March
1, 2009 |
Charlton
v Rovers |
| |
Tickets
for Tuesday's away game at Charlton Athletic will be on sale from the
Keepmoat Stadium ticket office on Monday morning, with Rovers in with
a good chance of increasing their safety margin over the relegation places
when they play the Championship's bottom club. Rovers have received an
allocation of 1,174 tickets, with the stadium's website stating they have
sold 512. Tickets are now on general sale at the following prices: Adults: £20 Senior Citizens (60+), 18-21 year olds: £10 17 years & under: £5 Ambulant disabled & carer/Wheelchair disabled & carer: £10The Supporters Club are running coaches to the game, leaving Retford at 1.30pm, Harworth Pit Gates 1.35pm, Bawtry 1.45pm, Rossington Styrrup 1.45pm, Hare & Tortoise 1.50pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 2.00pm and the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 2.15pm. Fares are: Members £20, OAP's £18, U16's £16 Non-Members £22, OAP's £20, U16's £18 To book a place, please contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066) |
| March
1, 2009 |
Atkins
has a bad week |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers player Mark Atkins has had a week in football that he
will want to forget. Atkins, now manager at UniBond Premier club Matlock
Town, saw defeat at Whitby Town in the league a fortnight ago - they then
lost on the same ground in the UniBond League Cup on the following Tuesday.
This was added to by three players asking to leave the club. What really got Atkins angry was a text from goalkeeper Andy Richmond to inform Atkins that he was leaving Matlock. Fortunately Mark was able to call upon young Doncaster Rovers youth team keeper Jack Ward on "work experience", with Atkins saying: "He's done well, none of the goals were his fault and both Jack and Doncaster have my great thanks." At least Matlock got back into the winning habit yesterday by winning 2-0 at troubled Boston United. |
| March
1, 2009 |
Danny's
waiting for new deal |
 |
Former
Rovers loan player Danny Cadamarteri is still waiting to find out whether
he will be at Huddersfield Town next season. Danny is in his final few
months of his Terriers contract and has not heard from boss Lee Clark
if he will be needed next season, although the player would love to stay. He said: "I'm not pressing to get talks going, but I'd love to stay here. I know other clubs are sniffing around me, probably because they know my contract is close to finishing." "It's something I'm not really focusing on at the moment. I am only focusing on staying in the team at the moment. If the opportunity comes to stay here, I'd like that." Cadamarteri played six times for Rovers during the 2006/07 season whilst on loan from Leicester City, scoring one goal. |