March 31, 2009

Taylor ends Carlisle loan

Doncaster Rovers striker Gareth Taylor has returned to the Keepmoat Stadium after the expiry of his one month loan at Carlisle United. During his time at Burnden Park, Taylor made five appearances and scored one goal.
Carlisle boss Greg Abbott said: "Gareth came in and helped us out just when we needed it and he has been excellent for us. He is a superb professional and we wish him well."
With Rovers having lost James Coppinger for the rest of the season owing to injury, and Jason Price moving to Millwall on loan, Taylor's return could come at a very convenient time, as he can add some valuable height to the Rovers attack.

March 31, 2009

Rankine spot on for Diamonds

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team striker Michael Rankine scored a 59th minute penalty for Rushden & Diamonds in their Blue Square Premier fixture against relegation candidates Northwich Victoria - but Diamonds still went down to a 4-2 defeat.Diamonds well beaten with 10 men. Rushden are destined for a midtable finish this season, but the win keeps Northwich's chance of avoiding the drop alive - they are 15 points away from safety with eight games to play.

March 31, 2009

Youth Team 1 York City 0

The continuing improvement in form of the Doncaster Rovers' youth side saw them register another win on Saturday as they beat York City at Cantley Park. Rovers keeper William Biggs kept Rovers in the game in the first half, pulling of some good saves against a York attack that also had a strong wind blowing in their favour. The only goal of the game came in the 58th minute, with Ashley Towler firing a great shot from the edge of the penalty area and past the goalkeeper.
Rovers: Biggs, Towler, Turner, Clark, Fisher, Jones, Thompson, Hall, Moxam, Hoyle, Grayson
Substiutes: Blake (for Hoyle, 74), Bradshaw, Adkins, Betts, Oldham

March 31, 2009

Shiels denies running red light

Doncaster Rovers striker Dean Shiels has entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of going through a red traffic light last July. The Northern Ireland striker was due to appear at the Justice of the Peace Courty in Edinburgh yesterday - he did not appear, but a letter sent by his lawyers pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial has been pencilled in for July.

March 31, 2009

Stock only player in FourFourTwo Top 50

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock is the only Doncaster Rovers player to be named in the FourFourTwo Football League Awards for this season. Stock was voted into 42nd place, although former Rovers striker Ross McCormack, who is enjoying a great first full season in the Football League, was placed 7th.
The top five come from just three clubs:
1 - Syvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves)
2 - Kevin Doyle (Reading)
3 - Michael Kightly (Wolves)
4 - Stephen Hunt (Reading)
5 - Kris Commons (Derby)

March 31, 2009

On the move

March 30, 2009

Football League Awards results

The FourFourTwo Top 50 Football League Players were announced at a ceremony at Grosvenor HOuse on Park Lane on Sunday evening. The number one spot went to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ striker, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Matty Fryatt of Leicester City was the highest ranked League 1 representative and Grant Holt of Shrewsbury Town the highest in League 2. The full list of The Top 50 Football League Players can be found either in the May issue of FourFourTwo which is on sale now, or on the FourFourTwo website www.fourfourtwo.com. The Football League Awards show will be aired on Sky Sports 1 on Tuesday 31st March at 6:30pm.
The full list of winners from The 2009 Football League Awards is as follows:
EA SPORTS Fan of the Year (in association with BBC Radio 5 Live): Warner Duff – Ipswich Town
Family Club of the Year – League 2: Shrewsbury Town (Highly Commended – Wycombe Wanderers)
Family Club of the Year – League 1: Southend United
Family Club of the Year – Championship: Wolverhampton Wanderers (Highly Commended – Norwich City)
Press Association Sport Best Matchday Programme: Burnley – ‘Claret and You’
Championship Manager Apprentice of the Year – Coca-Cola League 2: Matthew Phillips – Wycombe Wanderers
Championship Manager Apprentice of the Year – Coca-Cola League 1: Tom Aldred – Carlisle United
Championship Manager Apprentice of the Year – Coca-Cola Championship: Sean Scannell – Crystal Palace
PFA Player In The Community: Graeme Murty – Reading
Community Club of the Year – League 2 CSI SPORTS: Brentford
Community Club of the Year – League 1 CSI SPORTS: Leyton Orient (Highly Commended – Brighton and Hove Albion)
Community Club of the Year – Championship CSI Sports: Charlton Athletic
Mitre Goal of the Year (in association with Soccer AM): Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
Perform Best Fan Marketing Campaign: Preston North End – ‘Lilywhites Go Green’ (Highly Commended – Huddersfield Town – ‘The £100 Season Ticket and the Centenary’)
Sky Digital Media Best Digital Communication: Milton Keynes Dons (Highly Commended – Reading)
FourFourTwo Young Player of the Year**: Fabian Delph – Leeds United
FourFourTwo Player of the Year – Coca-Cola League 2*: Grant Holt – Shrewsbury Town
FourFourTwo Player of the Year – Coca-Cola League 1*: Matt Fryatt – Leicester City
FourFourTwo Player of the Year – Coca-Cola Championship*: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Contribution to League Football: Jimmy Hill OBE
*These awards will be presented to the highest ranked player in each division in FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players
**This award will be presented to the highest ranked young Football League player in FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players

March 30, 2009

Another youth player gains experience

Another of the Doncaster Rovers youth squad has joined a non-league club in order to gain some "work experience". Matthew Martin has joined UniBond club Matlock Town until the end of the season.

March 30, 2009

Penney refuses to talk to press

Former Doncaster Rovers boss Dave Penney refused to speak to the media after Saturday's 1-0 win at Barnet after criticising the treatment of his side. Preparation for the game, which involved a 460 mile round trip, were changed on Friday when Darlington's administrators cancelled the team's hotel booking to cut costs. This meant that the players had to endure a five hour coach journey on Saturday morning before the match.
Darlington were able to carry on until the end of the season only due to the injection of £150,000 last week by former chairman George Houghton - without that, the club faced the real prospect of not being able to continue past the weekend.
All that Penney was quoted as saying is: "The players have been treated like amateurs by the football club and I'm not prepared to speak about the game."

March 30, 2009

Blayney out at Ballymena

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney is likely to leave Northern Irish club Ballymena United after the player failed to meet a deadline set by manager Roy Walker to make a decision on whether to accept a new contract. That contract offer has now been withdrawn, meaning that the player is virtually certain to have to find a new club for next season.
Walker is planning "major surgery" ahead of next season following a disappointing season which sees the club just above the relegation places in the league table, saying: "It's not a sticking plaster that our team needs, it's major surgery that's required in every department. I think we know what we need and it's a matter of being candid enough and bold enough to do it. I will be speaking to the Board about players for next season later this week. We need to create the space to bring new players in, players of better quality. Somewhere down the line, you need to be brave and bring in players to strengthen even if you haven't let others go because surely to goodness it's telling the people already there that they don't figure."
"People have to be honourable and ask do they want to play or do they simply want to be paid? Only they can answer that. I will be very straight with the players. I will be issuing a list, at the appropriate time, that will let particular players know that we don't see them having a future here. There is a willingness within the club to strengthen the team and we will do that as best we can."

March 29, 2009

Price caps dream debut with goal

Jason Price scored a dramatic 92nd minute goal for Millwall yesterday afternoon to earn his new club three vital points in League One by scoring the only goal of their game at Crewe Alexandra. The late strike keeps the pressure on the top two in League One - Millwall are in third position, five points behind second placed Peterborough United with a game in hand.
In League Two, Jack Lester scored twice in Chesterfield's 2-1 home win over Port Vale. Chesterfield are now 9th, two points outside the play-offs with games in hand on all but one of the teams above them. Dave Penney's Darlington picked up three points to win at Barnet to lift them back up to 11th - still seven points adrift of the play-offs, but at least they seem to have started winning again after their drop in form following losing ten points as the Quakers went into administration.
One league further down, former Rover John McGrath scored a 16th minute goal from a free kick to put Blue Square Premier leaders Burton Albion 2-0 up on Grays Athletic. Albion finished by winning 4-0, meaning they are odds on for automatic promotion to the Football League - eleven points ahead of second placed Cambridge United with seven games to go.
In the UniBond Division One (South), ex-Rover Danny Hudson, now player/manager at Belper Town, scored in their 2-0 win over Goole, and Ben Saunders scored for Quorn in their 4-2 win over Carlton Town.

March 29, 2009

Dean sits out Poland game

Dean Shiels had to be content with being a non-playing subsitute for Northern Ireland's 3-2 win over Poland yesterday evening. The win takes Nigel Worthington's men a point clear at the top of Group Three of the World Cup qualifying stages after Slovenia and the Czech Republic played out a goalless draw. Northern Ireland now go on to play Slovenia on Wednesday.

March 29, 2009

LuaLua - here for next season?

In an interview in the press this week, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll hinted at the possibility that young Newcastle striker Kasenga LuaLua may be at Rovers for longer than his initial month's stay - the possibility of a longer term loan for next season sounds to not be out of the question.
O'Driscoll said: "Newcastle were quite keen to get him out to a club like ours, where they think that he can develop, so that's a feather in our cap. So, if he enjoys the experience and does well then you'd hope that you could move it forward in the forthcoming season."

March 29, 2009

Erdem makes return

After a long time not hearing anything of him, we've noticed a news snippet int the press concerning former Rovers loan defender Erdem Artun, who is now playing for Halstead Town. Erdem has been out of action for much of the season with a knee injury which required surgery and was followed by months of rehabilitation. He made a return to action by playing 45 minutes of Halstead's reserve team game against Sudbury ten days ago. However, it is unlikely that Artun will be taking part in Halstead's Ridgeons League Division One promotion push.
Boss Jody Brown said: "At this point, it’s a very early stage of his comeback. But it’s a great boost to have him back around the club. He’s desperate to be a part of it again. He’s very enthusiastic but we don’t want to set him back. He pushed himself really hard to play 45 minutes but I’m pleased he’s come through it. He had a few aches and pains but you expect that after someone has been out for so long. It will be a little while before he’ll be playing for the first team again and we will have to see how he reacts. But if we can get Erdem involved that’s great but I don’t think we’ll see him until next season now.”
Artun played twice for Doncaster Rovers - one start and one substitute appearance - during the 2002/03 season whilst on loan to deputise for the injured Simon Marples.

March 29, 2009

Rovers World bites the dust

It seems that the last edition of the Rovers magazine "Rovers World" has been printed and the next issue, which was due out on 1st April, will not now appear on the news stands. No reason has been given for the decision, although many local newspaper publisher have seen sales fall during the current recession.

March 28, 2009

Price - Rovers stay is over

It looks like Jason Price has played his last game for Doncaster Rovers, with Sean O'Driscoll confirming that the club will not be offering the player a new contract for next season. The "loan transfer deadline day" saw Price join Millwall on loan for the rest of the season, as he looks to play enough first team games to give him a chance of another club signing him up for next season.
O'Driscoll explained: "He (Price) is out of contract at the end of the season and we are not in a position to offer him a new one. We rang around clubs who had enquired about him in the past and made them aware that he could possibly be available on loan and two or three were interested. You've got to be fair to the player. Jason has been a good servant to Doncaster and he was quite keen to get some games under his belt and may be get a longer deal somewhere. He goes with our blessing and we hope he does well."

March 28, 2009

Tykes keeper on his way home

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that on-loan goalkeeper Kyle Letheren will be returning to Barnsley following the signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Woods. Letheren has been at the club providing cover for Neil Sullivan whilst Ben Smith has been out injured - but that role will now be taken on by Woods.
Letheren will return to Barnsley follwoing next weekend's game agaisnt Watford.

March 28, 2009

Jan steps up

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Jan Budtz, had to step up from his place on the substitutes' bench to play for 75 minutes of Hartlepool's game at Southend last night. Budtz, who has recently returned to Hartlepool after being on loan at Oldham Athletic, was called into action when first choice keeper Arran Lee-Barrett was shown a red card after bringing down Southend's Theo Robinson. As well as being sent off, Lee-Barrett conceded a penalty, which was duly dispatched by Lee Barnard. The ten men of Hartlepool eventually went down to a 3-2 defeat.

March 28, 2009

Joe goes to Nailers

Rovers youth team defender Joe Conkleton has joined UniBond club Belper Town on "work experience" on an open ended loan. Joe played in Belper reserves' 2-2 draw against Staveley Miners Welfare last Saturday and drew praise from boss John Boyle.
Conkleton may get his chance in the first team this afternoon, with regular left back, former Rover Mark Barnard, being carried off with a knee injury just five minutes into last weekend's match against Grantham Town. Barnard looks like being out for the rest of the season after his knee swelled up and whilst the injury has settled down, a return this season looks very unlikely.
Also at Belper Town at the moment is former Rover Danny Hudson, who is joint manager at the club.

March 27, 2009

Injury list update

It will not surprise many Rovers fans that the list of players currently having treatment by the Rovers' medical staff is fairly lengthy, with eight players currently sidelined.
At least we can start with some good news, with Lewis Guy having regained full fitness after suffering a knee injury whilst on loan with Hartlepool United.
Now for the players still injured:
Brian Stock is currently awaiting a date for his back operation which has ruled him out for the rest of the season. The surgeon has a backlog of operations to perform, but his period of recuperation is likely to be around six weeks from the date of the operation.
James Coppinger will not need an operation on his injured ankle, although he still has to see a specialist this week to get confirmation. The ankle seems to have settled down, with the player walking quite freely. Whatever the outcome, it still looks as though James will miss the rest fo the season.
Darren Byfield had a hernia operation, his second since joining Rovers, two weeks ago and is progressing on schedule. It is anticipated that he will return to training in about two weeks' time.
Stuart Elliott returned from a loan at Grimsby Town with an ankle ligament injury. This is expected to take two weeks to heal, but he may be available for the first team before the end of the season.
Young striker Tomi Ameobi has a tear in a calf muscle, but he is not expected to return to full training for another three weeks.
On the longer term injuries, Ben Smith is recovering well from his ankle operation, but will not be fit to play until next season. Steve Brooker has had his ankle operation, with the joint still in plaster. The plaster cast will be removed next week, but he still faces six weeks of recovery after that.
Sean McDaid, who has missed the entire season as he recovers from a dislocated kneecap, is progressing well and is just working on building up some muscles before returning to full training.

March 27, 2009

McCormack red card rescinded

March 27, 2009

Jamie on target

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Jamie Barnwell scored the first goal for Hall Road Rangers on Wednesday evening as they beat promotion chasing Dinnington Town 2-1, meaning that Dinnington missed the chance to go fifth in the Northern Counties East Premier League.
Hall Road went in front against the run of play in the 14th minute, and added a second five minutes before half time when Jamie Barnwell glanced home a looping cross.

March 26, 2009

Rovers sign Newcastle youngster

Doncaster Rovers have signed young Newcastle United striker Kazenga LuaLua on one month's loan. LuaLua is 18 years old and has made four substitute appearances for their first team. He is described by Newcastle as having good pace, trickery and an eye for goal - they recall that his strike at Exeter in the FA Youth Cup in December, which was followed by the obligatory back-flip somersault for the goal celebration. Let's hope that we all have the chance to see that goal celebration routine a week on Saturday!

March 26, 2009

Price off to the Lions Den

Rovers striker Jason Price has joined Millwall on loan for the rest of the season after having only limited opportunities to play in the first team with Doncaster this season. The 31-year old is likely to go straight back into the squad for Saturday's away game at Crewe Alexandra.
With Price's loan running until the end of the season, he will be available to feature in the end of season play-offs, should Millwall qualify - they are currently third in League One.
Whilst Price has had only limited opportunities with Rovers this season, he has still made 24 appearances so far, with twelve of those being as substitute.
We wish the Afro Goal Machine all the best for his time at the New Den - will we see him back at Rovers next season?

March 26, 2009

Rovers sign keeper

Doncaster Rovers have signed Gary Woods, a young goalkeeper who has impressed the Rovers coaching staff whilst being on trials at the club. Rovers signed the 18-year old following his release from Manchester United, with the teenager signing a contract which runs until the end of next season. Whilst Woods has not played for United's first team, he has played at all levels up to reserve team level, with the Red Devils' under 18s coach Paul McGuinness saying: "Gary is a strong, brave goalkeeper. He's a good shot stopper and a strong personality."

March 26, 2009

Rovers set up deadline day move

The need to strengthen the Rovers squad was underlined following recent news that James Coppinger and Brian Stock have joined the list of players attending the treatment room, with the duo set to miss the rest of the season.
Sean O'Driscoll has hinted that he is hoping to sign at least one to strengthen the squad, but is wary of success in that quest, saying: "The difficulty is trying to find someone who fits the bill at this stage of the season and who we can afford. There are one or two people who have come to the fore, but whether we can do anything I'm not sure. We've not made contact with any club but maybe we will this week. It is a big blow to us but we've got a bit of time due to the international break, not only to come to terms with it, but also try and get the best out of the players we've got and try and play them in a position where they can do really well. We've got to see if we can work something whereby we keep our organisation and discipline - which is crucial in this division - but still play the way we've played all season."
If any new signings are seen at the Keepmoat Stadium for the rest of the season, it is likely that others will be moving out.
O'Driscoll continued: "Any activity is likely to be on a one in, one out basis. We won't be bringing anybody in before freeing up some finances elsewhere. There's nothing in the pipeline yet but as always these things usually happen at the last minute. Everybody tends to panic as it edges towards the deadline and things start to move in the last hour. We cannot stretch the finances a lot - unless something comes up that is too good an opportunity to miss. Then a decision has to be made whether it makes financial sense for us to do something."
Several Premier League clubs are reported to be keen to send some of their younger players to Rovers on loan, but O'Driscoll insists no deals are imminent. He said: "Signing these kids all depends on whether you can bridge the financial gap. We have got a reputation for playing good football so I'm happy we are being considered by Premier League clubs who want their players to get first team experience. But any deal would have to be right for us."

March 26, 2009

Wellens charged in spitting row

Midfielder Richie Wellens has been charged with "improper conduct" by the FA after Swansea's Leon Britton accused him of spitting in his face during the first half of Rovers' game at the Liberty Stadium last month. Wellens has always denied the accusation, which has "little or no supporting evidence", with the event not being captured on video and not seen by the match officials, and he has until April 7th to respond to the charge.
On a happier note, it's Richie's birthday today!

March 26, 2009

Wright set to move?

Former Doncaster Rovers left back Alan Wright is one of five senior players at Cheltenham Town who may be set to leave the club later today ahead of the loan deadline. Cheltenham are hoping that the players will find other clubs, which will enable them to cut their weekly wage bill, as well as giving the club the chance to develop some of their younger players.
Cheltenham are one of a number of clubs who are reported to have financial problems, and are looking to cut their costs whereever possible.Added to their woes, they are currently bottom of League One, eleven points adrift of safety with eight games to play.

March 26, 2009

Steve's Revolution off to a winning start

Former Rovers defender Steve Nicol, now in charge at US side New England Revolution, was a happy man at the weekend after seeing his injury-hit squad get off to a winning start of the MLS 2009 season. Nicol, who left Rovers in 1999 to coach in the States, only had 17 players to select from, and had to start their season opener against San Jose Earthquakes with two "rookies". Revolution won the match 1-0, their first victory over San Jose since 2000, but Nicol was keeping his feet on the ground, saying "We're not silly enough to think that one game means the whole season. We're delighted we did well. We think we can go on to do even better. It's one game. We're not going to get carried away."
Nicol was uncertain if any injured players would return to training ahead of this week's away game against Red Bulls, but is hopeful that some will return for their first home game of the season on April 4th against FC Dallas.
Currently unavailable due to injury are: striker Taylor Twellman (neck pain), midfielder Steve Ralston (quadriceps strain), defender Gabriel Badilla (lower back sprain/Achilles' tendinitis), midfielder Mauricio Castro (hamstring strain), and goalkeeper Zack Simmons (shoulder strain).

March 26, 2009

Lester on target

March 26, 2009

Coaches to Ipswich

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Ipswich Town on Saturday, 11th April. They will leave Retford at 8.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 8.20am, Bawtry 8.30am, Rossington Styrrup 8.30am, Hare & Tortoise 8.35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.45am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 9.00am.
The fares are:
Members £18.00, OAP's £16.00, U16's £14.00
Non-Members £20.00, OAP's £18.00, U16's £16.00
To book a place on the coach, plese contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066)

March 25, 2009

Season tickets frozen

In an interview on Radio Sheffield, Rovers' Chief Executive revealed that season ticket prices for next season are to be frozen due to the recession. Rovers signed up almost 8,000 season tickets last summer following their promotion to the Championship, and the club are keen that as many of those supporters will continue to attend matches next season.
Morris said: "We understand the problems that people have got in finding the money to buy a matchday ticket, let alone a season ticket. You can watch the Rovers now for what you could at the old Belle Vue ground."
No mention was made of whether match day prices would remain pegged to the levels of this season.

March 25, 2009

Shiels in Northern Ireland squad

Rovers player Dean Shiels has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifying matches against Poland (on Saturday) and Slovenia (next Wednesday). Both matches are to be played in Belfast.
The full 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), Shiels (Doncaster Rovers).
Strikers: Healy (Sunderland), Feeney (Dundee United on loan), Little (Rangers), Ward (Sheffield United).
Added for game v Slovenia: McCartney (Sunderland), Davis (Rangers)

March 25, 2009

Transfer window closes tomorrow

Whilst the "transfer window" for permanent signings has been closed since 2nd February, clubs have been able to sign players on loan. However, the loan "window" will close at 5pm tomorrow (26th March). Outside of that window, clubs can only sign players on an emergency basis (such as if they have no goalkeeper available), but they have to gain permision from the Football League.
Players who are out of contract and do not have a club, can be signed outside of the transfer window if they are unattached free agents when the window closes.
This means if Rovers are to sign any players to cover for the absence of injured players, they have two days to do so.
The transfer window does not apply to clubs below Blue Square Premier level.

March 25, 2009

Cardiff appeal McCormack's red card

Cardiff City have lodged an appeal against the red cards given to defender Gabor Byepes and former Rovers striker Ross McCormack in their 3-0 home defeat to Sheffield United on Sunday. As we reported previously, both managers were mystified as to some of the decisions given during that match, with McCormack allegedly having elbowed Kyle Naughton in the 33rd minute to earn a red card. Should the cards be upheld, Byepes faces a one match suspension and McCormack a three match ban.
The Football Association of Wales' disciplinary committee will hold their appeal within the next few days.

March 25, 2009

Forte stays on

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Jonathan Forte has had his loan spell at Notts County extended for a third month, meaning that he will stay at Meadow Lane until 18th April. The 22 year old has scored 7 goals in 13 games for the League Two club. Forte's last goal for the Magpies was in their 3-2 defeat to Shrewsbury.

March 24, 2009

Youth team 2 Hartlepool 1

Saturday saw Doncaster Rovers' youth team register a welcome fifth victory of the season as they beat Hartlepool, with the match played at Cantley Park.
Rovers were awarded a penalty in the 21st minute, with Henderson confidently scoring from the spot to put Rovers ahead.
The equaliser for the visitors arrived in the 57th minute with a goal scored on the break; Scaife outpaced the Rovers defence to beat Rovers goalkeeper Biggs, even though the keeper managed to get his hands to the ball.
Rovers went back in front in the 62nd minute as Blake headed home a cross in by turner.
Rovers: Biggs, Towler, Turner, Clark, Fisher, Jones, Blake, Thompson, Moxam, Hoyle, Henderson
Substiutes: Grayson (for Hoyle, 69), Oldham (for Blake, 77), Radcliffe (for Jones, 79), Betts, Bradshaw
The youth team statistics in the "matches" section of this website are now fully updated.

March 24, 2009

Rovers given "Family Excellence" Award

Clubs from across all three divisions of The Football League have been awarded the ‘Football League Family Excellence Award’ for 2008/09. A total of 41 clubs have received the Award, recognising the truly outstanding experience they provide for young fans and families at their grounds.
In announcing the successful clubs, Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said: “The ‘Football League Family Excellence Award’ provides a benchmark towards which clubs can work. It also aims to encourage their efforts to attract and retain family groups as supporters.
“Increasingly, our clubs are recognising the importance of adding value to the matchday experience of fans, so that families keep returning.”
This season has seen a significant rise in the standard of family experiences being offered by clubs, with nine more clubs achieve the award than in 2007/08. A number of clubs have introduced more imaginative pricing structures to attract families and a more welcoming, family focussed stewarding team to ensure their experience is memorable.
This season has seen a growing number of family areas for away fans and well signposted family friendly areas of the ground. Also, entertainment before matches and at half time has improved vastly with many new and innovative ways to keep the younger family members happy appearing all the time.
The Award is based on an independent assessment of the family experience at all 72 League clubs, commissioned by The Football League, during the 2008/09 season using ‘mystery shopper’ families.
Not only does it recognises those clubs that are already providing an outstanding family experience, but it also aims to encourage those that have not been successful this time around. Best practice guidance, feedback and training will be available to the remaining clubs to encourage their efforts towards achieving the mark next season.
Once again, The Football League will to recognise the club delivering the very best family experience in each division through the ‘Family Club of the Year’ award at this season’s Football League Awards. The event will be held on 29th March 2009 at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane.
Clubs that have achieved the award for the 2008/09 season:

Championship	League One	League Two
Birmingham City Burnley Cardiff City Charlton Athletic Coventry City Derby County Doncaster Rovers Ipswich Town Norwich City Plymouth Argyle Preston North End Queens Park Rangers Reading Sheffield United Southampton Swansea City Watford Wolverhampton Wanderers	Cheltenham Town Colchester United Huddersfield Town Millwall Milton Keynes Dons Northampton Town Oldham Athletic Peterborough United Southend United Swindon Town Tranmere Rovers Walsall Yeovil Town	Accrington Stanley AFC Bournemouth Bury Chester City Dagenham & Redbridge Exeter City Lincoln City Morecambe Shrewsbury Town Wycombe Wanderers

March 24, 2009

Midlands clubs after Stock again?

The Clubcall website have again reported that West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing Doncaster Rovers midfielder Brian Stock this summer. Albion boss Tony Mowbray is reported to face competition from Premiership-bound Wolverhampton Wanderers, whose manager Mick McCarthy is alleged to be set to bid £1.5 million for the Rovers playmaker.
The 27-year old, who is out of action for the rest of the season as he has a back operation, is under contract at Doncaster Rovers until the summer of 2011.

March 24, 2009

Voting results

March 23, 2009

Ticket information v Ipswich Town

Doncaster Rovers have received their allocation of tickets for the away match at Ipswich Town on Saturday, 11th April. An allocation of 1,400 tickets has been received, which are on sale to season ticket holders and membership holders from this morning. Any tickets remaining unsold will go on general sale on Monday, 30th March.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Cobbold Stand Upper Tier (Allocated Seating)
Adults: £28
Senior Citizens( 60+), Young adults (16-19), Students: £19.50
Under 16s: £10
Ambulant disabled & carer, Wheelchair disabled & carer: £16.50 (tickets should be purchased direct from Ipswich Town - phone Warner Duff on 01473 400556)

March 23, 2009

McCormack off as Bluebirds crash

Former Doncaster Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack was sent off whilst playing for Cardiff City yesterday afternoon, with referee Paul Taylor handing out two red cards and five yellow cards, leaving both managers mystified as to the reason some of them were given. McCormack was dismissed for an alleged elbowing incident on Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton, leaving Cardiff boss Dave Jones to say: "The game was over when he sent off our second man but it's difficult because I'm totally confused what should be a yellow card as he was banishing them around as if it was yellow card day. Someone needs to have a look at it because it spoilt what would have been a really good contest. I'll give the referee a little bit of leeway with the penalty because he has got to make a decision but the linesman hasn't given it and Gabor got a touch but I would have been disappointed if I had not have got it.
"The second red was an absolute joke because Ross is holding his ground. There referee said he had a look at the player and smashed him with his forearm. We have watched it from every angle and that has not happened. "But I thought that the remaining nine men were magnificent as were the crowd."
Even Sheffield United's manager, Kevin Blackwell, did not know why McCormack was shown a red card. He said: "You have to accept these decisions and just get on with it but I thought both red cards looked harsh to me. When you are one on one in the box you are always likely to see a red card but McCormack was right in front of me when he was sent off and I honestly don't know why he was dismissed."
Cardiff lost the match 3-0.

March 23, 2009

McDaid to get new contract offer

Sean McDaid received the ideal boost as he continues to recover after spending the entire season on the sidelines as he recovers from a serious knee injury. After dislocating his kneecap in a "behind closed doors" match, but he then suffered an adverse reaction when making a comeback this season which necessitated further surgery. He is now back in training, but is unlikely to be considered for any first team games remaining this season.
Boss Sean O'Driscoll has confirmed that the 23-year old will be offered a new contract in the summer, when his existing deal runs out. He said to the Yorkshire Post: "Sean is a young player with potential and they are the type of player we want to keep at this club. He wants to stay here and, if that's the case, I'm sure we can sort something out.
"He has been out for quite a long time and we don't want to rush him back for the sake of it. He has shown a great deal of application in his rehab and is still one for the future."

March 23, 2009

£5 million Mills!

OK, it was in The Sun, but they carried a story on Saturday which suggests that John Ryan has told Matt Mills that he is worth £5 million!
Mills signed for Rovers last summer for £300,000, since when he has reportedly been a target for a number of clubs, including Birmingham City, who were reported to have bid up to £1.5 million in the January transfer window.
Of the situation, Mills said: “The fact is there are several players sat in squads in the Premier League who are also worth valued at £5m but not actually playing — in just so happens that I am. The price tag is ridiculously flattering but I hope it hasn’t affected me. I’m too buy playing every Tuesday and Saturday to worry about it.”
The defender added: “Sean believes in me and that makes a huge difference. It wasn’t easy at first this season, afterall five years ago Doncaster were in the Conference and it takes time to adapt to the higher levels of the game. But I’m sure we’ll stay up. We’ve improved and now our fate lies in our own hands.”

March 22, 2009

Coventry 1 Rovers 0

A poor clearance from Neil Sullivan effectively gifted Coventry what turned out to be the only goal of the game yesterday afternoon. Aron Gunnarson hit a hopeful ball into the corner of the pitch - Sullivan went to clear, but sliced his clearance straight to David Bell, whose superb 40 yard shot flew into the to right corner of Sullivan's unguarded net.
Apart from that, Rovers did fairly well, although the large number of matches in recent weeks does seem to have taken its toll on a relatively small Rovers squad. Rovers had to play the match without skipper Brian Stock due to his back injury, and James Coppinger, who was sidelined after being injured in Tuesday's match against Reading. Dean Shiels replaced Coppinger, with Mark Wilson deputising for Stock. Young Waide Fairhurst took a place on the bench for the first time, and came on to make his first team debut six minutes from the end of the game.
After going behind in the 20th minute, Rovers could have gone further behind eight minutes later when Stephen Wright's 25 yard shot crashed against the post. After that, Rovers came back into the game, and John Spicer's 34th minute shot was well blocked by Westwood.
Rovers started the second half brightly, with Heffernan and Shiels finding themselves in good positions, only to be denied by keeper Westwood, but Coventry had their own chances, the best being four minutes from time when Simpson just failed to connect with a cross.
The results see Rovers now eight points above the relegation places with teams below them having between six and eight games to play.

March 22, 2009

What the managers said

Reflecting on yesterday's match, the mistake from Neil Sullivan was obviously the topic of conversaiton - or the superb finish that gave Coventry the goal, depending on which side you were looking at it from.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "It is difficult to win in this division, especially when you concede poor goals, and that was a poor goal from our point of view. It was a great finish but a poor goal for us. Sullivan's experience speaks for itself, he's 39 years old and I'm not going to teach him to suck eggs. He's tried to clear the ball further up the pitch because of Gunnarsson's long throw but in hindsight he should probably have stuck it into row Z and defended the next attack."
"We are fine at passing the ball and maintaining possession but we need to improve on some of the other things that 90% of the teams in this division can do in their sleep."
Coventry boss Chris Coleman commented: "It was a fantastic piece of awareness from Bell and the strike was perfect. As soon as it left his foot, it was a goal. I don't think there are too many players on the pitch that could have done that. We have 50 points now and we have two games in hand on some of the teams above us. We have to keep grinding out results if we have to because it is all about how high we can finish."

March 22, 2009

Around the goals

We begin our review of former Doncaster Rovers players scoring goals yesterday at Loftus Road, where Michael McIndoe scored Bristol City's goal in their 2-1 defeat.
Dropping down into League One, Adebayo Akinfenwa fired home his tenth goal of the season in Northampton Town's 4-0 home win over Stockport County.
Finally, in the UniBond Premier Division, former Rovers youngster Rob O'Brien scored for Ossett Town, but his side still went down to a 3-1 home defeat against promotion chasing Ilkeston Town.

March 22, 2009

Season over for Stock and Coppinger

Sean O'Driscoll confirmed yesterday that Brian Stock and James Coppinger will miss the rest of the season due to injury. Coppinger was carried off in Tuesday's game against Reading - it has now been confirmed that he has a "flake fracture" as well as suffering some ligament damage. It is thought that he will not require surgery, but it will take at least six weeks for him to recover, which will rule him out of the remainder of the Championship campaign.
Brian Stock, who has been battling through the pain barrier with a persistent back injury, will now be going in to have surgery to resolve the problem. Again, a six week recovery period is anticipated - it could be a little less, giving him an outside chance of playing at Wolves, but Stock's season is realistically over.
O'Driscoll has confirmed that Rovers will be checking out the possibility of loan signings ahead of Thursday's "loan deadline", although he played down the possibility of anything happening in that time, saying "The difficulty is finding somebody that fits the bill at this late stage of the season, and whether we can afford it financially as well".
At least Rovers now have a blank weekend ahead due to international matches, which should give a number of players the chance to recover from injuries before the next match, which is at home to Watford on April 4th.

March 21, 2009

Coventry v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers will have to make a change to their side for this afternoon's away game at Coventry City after it was confirmed that James Coppinger has been ruled out of the game with an ankle injury sustained in Tuesday's game against Reading. However, Rovers welcome defender James O'Connor back into the squad after an absence due to ankle problems. New signing Dean Shiels is likely to step in for Coppinger this afternoon.
Brian Stock is again rated as doubtful with his ongoing back complaint, but unless anything unexpected happens, we expect him to take his usual place in midfield.
Apart from that, the same players are available, with Steve Brooker (ankle), Darren Byfield (hernia), Sean McDaid (knee) and Stuart Elliott (knee) still absent.
Rovers will be keen to pick up three points this afternoon to go through the 50 point mark, which should all but guarantee Championship survival.
For Coventry, centre-back James McPake will be absent due to a groin injury, and defender Daniel Fox is missing with a knee injury, whilst striker Leon McKenzie has been suffering from an Achilles tendon injury and is doubtful.

March 21, 2009

Coleman - "no disrespect to Doncaster"

Ahead of this afternoon's match between Coventry and Rovers at the Ricoh Arena, Chris Coleman scored a big own goal this week by claiming the stadium will lack atmosphere as it will be only half full. Bearing in mind that away supporters only have a small fraction of the seats in all stadia, surely if the stadium is only half full, it's because their own fans aren't turning up?
Coleman said of this afternoon's game: "This is going to be one of the most difficult for us this season. We've been used to playing against Wolves, Birmingham, Blackburn, Chelsea - packed houses and big atmospheres. Now we're going to come crashing back down to earth and that's no disrespect to Doncaster. They're a good team but we're going to be faced with a half-empty stadium. And we're going to have to overcome that."

March 21, 2009

Forest sign Turner

Nottingham Forest have signed Everton's goalkeeper Iain Turner on loan until the end of the season as a reaction to their 5-0 defeat at the hands of Barnsley last weekend. Turner, now 24, spent two months on loan at Doncaster Rovers at the end of the 2004/05 season, during which time he played eight games for Rovers. Turner has been at Everton since 2003, but has only made six first team appearances since then and has had loan deals at Chester City, Wycombe Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday since then.
Forest have the dubious disctinction of hosting Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon.
Forest boss Billy Davies said, after publicly critisising Forest keeper Paul Smith at the weekend: "It's no secret that we've been looking for a goalkeeper to provide competition. Iain Turner fits the bill perfectly. He is a keeper with good pedigree and great potential and this situation helps us and Everton."

March 21, 2009

County after Forte stay

Notts County are hoping that former Doncaster Rovers striker Jonathan Forte will have his loan extended by a further month. He was at Meadow Lane on a loan from Scunthorpe earlier this season, but was recalled over the Christmas period when Scunthorpe had a shortage of players due to injury. After failing to win a regular first team place, Forte returned to County in mid-February and, unless a new loan is agreed, he is scheduled to return to Scunthorpe after this weekend's game.
County assistant manager Dave Kevan said: "We haven't spoken to (Scunthorpe boss) Nigel (Adkins) yet, but we expect to be in touch over the weekend. Jonathan has done really well for us and we're keen to keep him for a bit longer. We'll learn what Scunthorpe's stance is over the weekend and see what we can do."

March 20, 2009

Nelly on target

Former Doncaster Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe scored one goal and made another in Oxford United's 2-1 away win at Kettering last night. In what was describe as a "fiery encounter", another former Rover, Kevin Sandwith, was sent off late in the game after receiving a second booking. Nelthorpe's goal came from a 20-yard free kick - Oxford's second goal came when Chris Wilmott headed home Nelthorpe's corner.
The result lifts Oxford up to 6th in the Blue Square Premier - just one place and three points outside the play-off places.
On Tuesday evening, ex-Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack scord a controversial injury-time goal to give Cardiff a dramatic 2-1 home win over Watford - a result that puts the Bluebirds back up to fifth. McCormack's 18th goal of the season came from the penalty spot three minutes into injury time, with the Hornets disputing the handball decision.

March 20, 2009

Tomorrow's ref

The match officials for tomorrow's away game at Coventry City have been announced as:
Referee: Mr R. Beeby (Northamptonshire)
Assistant referees: I. A Dudley & G. R Russell
Fourth official: S. Burt

March 20, 2009

Coppinger update

Despite being carried off the pitch on Tuesday evening, it seems that there is still a chance - albeit remote - that James Coppinger will play in tomorrow's away game at Coventry City. Rovers confirmed that it seems that the injury is not as serious as they first thought, although they were still awaiting the outcome of an MRI scan before they know the propsects of him playing. The injury has settled down a little, with the early diagnosis being more positive than thought earlier in the week.
The odds are still against Coppinger playing tomorrow though - as Sean O'Driscoll explained: "We haven't ruled him out but if you were a betting man, you would say that he won't be ready for Saturday. It's resolved a little bit and he's rested it for the past 24 hours or so and overnight, so we just need to make sure that, if there is anything there, we don't make it any worse by pushing him through. We will probably make our final decision on Friday."

March 20, 2009

Voting results

March 19, 2009

Lewis set for Rovers return

Rovers striker Lewis Guy will be heading back to Doncaster after this weekend as his month on loan at League One club Hartlepool United comes to an end. Guy has missed recent matches for Hartlepool due to a knee injury, which requires a scan to find out the extent of the injury. Guy was injured in a challenge in Pools' game against Tranmere at the beginning of the month.

March 19, 2009

Rotherham 1 Youth Team 3

Doncaster Rovers' youth team registered a welcome victory over Rotherham United yesterday morning - despite it being an away fixture, the match was played at the Keepmoat Stadium on the second pitch. The match was rearranged after the freezing weather conditions of last month, and it looked as though it would be bad news for the Rovers youngsters when they went behind after just 23 seconds of the game. After that setback the game settled down into a midfield battle, and the half finished 1-0 to Rotherham.
It was a different matter in the second half though, and it took just five minutes for Rovers to equalise. A free kick into the penalty area was headed home by Hall to bring the scores level. Encouraged by this, Rovers pressed forward, but it took until the 82nd minute for them to go in front, when Henderson burst into the left side of the penalty area to fire past the goalkeeper. Rovers continued to attack and scored their third goal in added time at the end of the half when Thompson's long range shot flew into the net.
Rovers: Biggs, Fenney, Towler, Clark, Fisher, Hall, Blake, Thompson, Charles, Brunt, Henderson
Substiutes: Moxam (for Charles, 52), Hoyle (for Brunt, 75), Turner, Oldham, Betts

March 19, 2009

Coaches to Ipswich

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Ipswich Town on Saturday, 11th April. They will leave Retford at 8.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 8.20am, Bawtry 8.30am, Rossington Styrrup 8.30am, Hare & Tortoise 8.35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.45am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 9.00am.
The fares will be:
Members £18.00, OAP's £16.00, U16's £14.00
Non-Members £20.00, OAP's £18.00, U16's £16.00

March 19, 2009

Tynan in print

The life of former Rovers striker Tommy Tynan has been recounted in a newly issued book of his life - "Tommy Tynan, the original football idol". Tynan played for Rovers at the end of a long football career, playing eleven games during the 1991/92 season. In a career that stretched to over 600 League games, Tommy played 168 games for Newport County over a five year period from 1978, also playing 89 times for Sheffield Wednesday and 80 for Plymouth Argyle. After finishing playing, he worked in Plymouth's commercial department, but of late has been taxi driving.
The book is available via Amazon.co.uk at £16.99 - if you fancy a long trip down to the south coast, he will be signing copies of the book at Waterstone's New George Street, Plymouth, on Saturday, March 28 between 11am and 1pm.

March 18, 2009

Rovers 0 Reading 1

Despite both Brian Stock and Richie Wellens reported to have fitness problems, both turned out for Rovers last night for the visit of Reading, whose manager Steve Coppell became the 17th manager in League history to take charge of a side for the 1000th time. In fact, the only change to the starting eleven Rovers made was with Adam Lockwood taking the place of Sam Hird, who took a place on the substitutes' bench. Jos van Nieuwstadt was named as a substitute instead of Jason Price.
Much of the game was instantly forgettable, especially in the first half when scoring chances were few and far between. Paul Heffernan was denied in the 15th minute when John Spicer's low cross in from the right was blocked.
In the second half, Reading had some good spells of pressure and showed why they are highly fancied as promotion candidates, despite their recent dip in form. Whilst Brian Stock was denied with a left-footed shot 20 minutes from the end, the match looked like it would fizzle out into a goalless draw, but in the 82nd minute, a gap appeared in the Rovers defence which Chris Armstrong took full advantage of before supplying a low cross for Kitson to drive a curling shot into the top right hand corner from 15 yards out.
The most concerning event of the second half occurred in the 61st minute when James Coppinger was caught by Kitson in the centre circle, leaving the Rovers player writhing in agony on the ground. Despite the challenge, Kitson got away without even being booked - and Coppinger left the field on a stretcher, to be replaced by new signing Dean Shiels. Shiels looked lively in the remaining half an hour, suggesting that he will be a very useful addition to the Rovers squad.
After that, whilst Rovers tried to get back into the game, Reading comfortably thwarted any attempts thrown at them to take the three points.

March 18, 2009

What the managers said

Sean O'Driscoll looked back on last night's narrow defeat by saying: "We've been beaten by the odd goal by a lot of teams in this division and come off really disappointed, not with the way we've played, but with quality of the teams that have beaten us. But that's not the case this time, I thought Reading were excellent. Our performance was good, we defended really well as a team and were brave on the ball. Credit to Reading, I think they're the best side we've played by a million miles. They've got everything, pace, power and a bit of guile that you need and they impressed our boys."
Steve Coppell, manager of Reading, said "It was about the result today but I felt our performance was very professional and I would have been pleased had we come away with a nil-nil because of that, so to get the win was doubly pleasing. We were solid at the back and looked threatening going forward without really having that outstanding clear-cut chance but it always looked likely to come. To be fair to Doncaster, in the second half they had a couple of good opportunities and made it challenging for us, but it was still all about the quality finish from Dave Kitson."

March 18, 2009

Coppinger injury concern

It will take a couple of days before Rovers will be able to determine the seriousness of James Coppinger's injury after the player was carried off the pitch on a stretcher last night following a late challenge from Reading striker Dave Kitson. Coppinger left the ground on crutches last night, and the physio will assess the injury today.
Sean O'Driscoll explained: "He's on crutches at the minute and has taken a nasty bang to his Achilles. He just felt something go over in his ankle when he went over, but we will have to wait and see. These things usually take 24-48 hours to resolve and you then get a better picture, so we'll have to wait and see - but the prognosis is not looking too good."

March 18, 2009

Masters football

Doncaster Rovers will be represented by a team in the Sky Masters Cup this summer, with the Yorkshire heats being held at the Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield, on Saturday, 18th July. The Yorkshire event will also feature Leeds United, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Hull and Barnsley.
For more details, see www.mastersfootball.com/masterscup2009eventschedule.htm
The doors open at 6.30pm and the event stats at 8pm. Tickets are £15 for adults and £10 for concessions.

March 17, 2009

Rovers v Reading

Sean O'Driscoll looks like having to make a decision over whether to include midfielders Brian Stock and Richie Wellens in the squad for this evening's home game against Reading. Both were substituted at half time of Saturday's home defeat against Birmingham and are uncertain to play tonight.
The Rovers boss explained: "Brian had problems with his back and Richie picked up a bit of a groin injury. We've got some big games coming up, and we were 2-0 down, so we decided against risking them in the second half."
O'Driscoll seems to have decided that Brian Stock will play through the pain barrier until Rovers' Championship safety has been assured, with the player then likely to be sent in for an operation on his troublesome back injury.
Apart from Stock and Wellens, there are no new injury concerns ahead of this evening's game. James O'Connor is still sidelined with an ankle injury, with Steve Brooker and Sean McDaid continuing to be absent as they recover from ankle and knee injuries respectively.
Reading welcome back Jimmy Kebe, who has recovered from a knee injury, but Ivan Ingimarsson is out for the rest of the season due to a knee problem, and skipper Graeme Murty is out with a calf injury.an O'Driscoll told BBC Radio Sheffield:
Reading are also likely to include striker Dave Kitson, who has returned to the club on loan from Stoke City for the rest of the season after enduring a miserable season at the Britannia Stadium.

March 17, 2009

1000-up for Coppell

Reading manager Steve Coppell will celebrate his 1000th match as manager this evening when his side face Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium. The former Manchester United midfielder took his first steps into management at Crystal Palace in August 1984, and has gone on to manage at Manchester City, Brentford, Brighton and Reading. Coppell has been boss at Reading since October 2003, since when they have played 271 games - winning 122, losing 85 and drawing 64.
Whilst we welcome Steve and his Reading side to the Keepmoat Stadium, we hope that he will not add to those 122 wins this evening!
Coppell is glad that six of Reading's nine matches are away from home. Whilst refusing to admit it, the fact that they have taken only one point out of six this week at home is preying on his mind, with a bare, muddy pitch shared with the London Irish rugby team a factor. He said: "It's the same for both sides, but when you play on the pitch eery two weeks, you're aware of its bobbliness. I watched a couple of videos of us playing earlier in the season and we pinged the ball because there was like a hover-cushion on the surface but now it bobbles, so it's slow getting there and when it gets there, you've got to control it. If you're turning up and playing on it once every six months, you cope with it.
If Reading have problem playing on pitches like theirs, Rovers should have no problems this evening....!

March 17, 2009

Budtz back to Pools

After becoming manager at Oldham Athletic for a second time, one of the first actions of Joe Royle was to send Middlesbrough defender Seb Hines and Hartlepool's former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Jan Budtz back to their parent clubs. However, with Mark Crossley still injured and Greg Fleming not fully fit, Royle is looking for another goalkeeper, and has his eyes on taking Ipswich Town's Shane Supple until the end of the season.
The move means that Budtz goes back to Hartlepool United after making three appearances for Oldham.

March 17, 2009

Miils still on McLeish's wanted list

An article in the Birmingham Post this week suggests that Rovers defender Matthew Mills is still on Alex McLeish's "wanted list", despite Birmingham City having bids for the player rejected during the January transfer window.
Ahead of Saturday's game at the Keepmoat Stadium, McLeish said: “If I could tell you the list of centre-halves I have knocked back, it would probably frighten you, but I want to try to bring the right players to the club which is why I don’t want to commit the club to three or four years [contracts] on people who ultimately aren’t going to be right. Mills is a young player who I feel can get even better. I hope he has an off-day Saturday but he has certainly impressed us this season. I have watched him a number of times. But the whole Doncaster team have impressed us.

March 17, 2009

Coaches to Coventry

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Coventry City on Saturday (21st March). They will leave Retford at 10.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 10.20am, Bawtry 10.30am, Rossington Styrrup 10.30am, Hare & Tortoise 10.35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 10.45am and the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 11am.
The fare for members will be £12 for adults, £11 for OAPs and £10 for under-16s.
The fare for non-members will be £2 more for each category.
To book a place on the coach, please contact Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066).

March 17, 2009

Woods wins the voting

March 16, 2009

Sheridan out at Oldham

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder John Sheridan has left Oldham Athletic after the club decided to dispense with his services after almost three years in charge at Boundary Park. A very short club statement confirmed Sheridan's departure, although assistant manager (and ex-Rovers striker) Tommy Wright, along with reserve team coach Lee Duxbury, will remain at the club.
The final straw obviously came after the Latics' 6-2 defeat against MK Dons on Saturday, which ended a testing week which saw a number of news stories concerning alleged incidents following a team night out at the Belle Vue greyhound track. The club announced that one player had been fined two weeks' wages further to the incident, with two others warned about their future conduct. Newspapers also claimed Sheridan was involved in the incident, though he said the reports were exaggerated.
However, chairman Simon Corney dismissed suggestions that the incident at the greyhound stadium was connected with Sheridan's departure.
Corney said: "The timing is unfortunate because people will draw conclusions but they are wrong in this instance. If I am honest, one or two players have let him down recently and they need to look at themselves because to a degree they have cost the manager his job."
Oldham moved quickly to fill the managerial vacancy, appointing Joe Royle until the end of the season. Royle was previously manager at Oldham for twelve years between 1982 and 1994.

March 16, 2009

Match officials v Reading

The match officials for tomorrow evening's home game against Reading have been confirmed as:
Referee: P. Taylor
Assistants: K.W Haycock & G. Hilton
Fourth official N.A. Hair

March 16, 2009

McCormack on target

Former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack was back on target for Cardiff City in yesterday's Championship match at Bristol City. McCormack scored an 88th minute equaliser to earn the Bluebirds a point, which puts Cardiff up into the play-off positions in 6th place, ahead of Preston North End on goal difference. The strike was his 15th goal of the season.

March 16, 2009

Rovers Belles keep on winning

Doncaster Rovers Belles kept their recent good run of form going yesterday afternoon when they won 2-1 at Blackburn Rovers, with Naomi Chadwich and Vicky Exley scoring the goals for Doncaster. The Belles had to come from behind to take the three points which keeps the Rovers Belles in fourth place, two points ahead of fifth placed Watford, as well as having three games in hand. A top four finishing position looks assured now, although the top three seem to be out of reach.

March 16, 2009

So, Karren - who's boss at Rovers?

Ahead of Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers, Birmingham City's Chief Executive, Karren Brady, previewed the match in her newspaper column. In the article, Brady praised Rovers for "The quality of their football under Dave Penney".
Now, who's going to tell her that Dave Penney's at Darlington after leaving Rovers in August 2006?
It's nice to see that City's Chief Executive is keeping really up to date with the news!