May 31, 2009

Rovers youngsters sign up

Doncaster Rovers have announced that they have signed up eight youngsters who have just completed their first year with the youth team for a second year. The eight, who have now signed their first professional contracts with Rovers, now join up with the remaining second year players, and will form the squad for the Rovers' youth team to play in the Football Youth Alliance next season. The eight players who have been signed up are Bradley Grayson, Jordan Bradshaw, Robert Oldham, Stephen Hoyle, Andrew Turner, Joseph Betts, Nicholas Adkins and Aaron Jones.
They will join the rest of the youth squad for pre-season training at the end of June before leaving for Gothenburg, Sweden, where Rovers will take part in the Gothia Cup, which will see over 1,500 teams from more than sixty countries taking part.

May 31, 2009

Ryan takes legal advice over voting defeat

Rovers chairman John Ryan is to take legal advice after suspecting that his raval, Barry Taylor, contravened FA rules over the voting for a place on the FA council. Ryan was edged out narrowly 9-8, but feels that the methods used by Taylor render the contest invalid. The incident, reported in the Sunday Mirror today, suggests that if the FA fail to look into his claims, Ryan will take legal advice as to whether to take the matter further.
Ryan said: "I believe what Taylor (right) did, sending out a photocopied ballot paper along with leaflets promoting his own campaign, made it appear to clubs that he was the FA's preferred choice. In my view it wasn't a fair election and the vote should be taken again, especially as it was so close. I believe that Mr Taylor (below) has behaved improperly and action should also be taken against him. I have made a complaint to the FA and I fully expect them to act on this matter. But I am also taking legal advice."
The incident could be embarrassing for the FA's chairman, Lord Triesman, who has pledged to bring greater transparency to the running of the FA after taking up his post last year.
Taylor denies the claims, saying: "I didn't do what's been claimed. It's utter nonsense. A complaint was made to the FA when the initial nominations were sent out so I was expecting another complaint when the vote went my way. The only thing I sent out was e-mails to all clubs asking them to vote for me."
Ryan is being advised by Graham Bean, the former FA compliance officer who now uses his expertise in football law to represent players and clubs on disciplinary issues. Bean said: "This isn't a case of John Ryan being a bad loser. It's about the FA showing that they aren't just paying lip service to being transparent by arranging the vote to be taken again."

May 31, 2009

Lee set to join up with former boss

Former Doncaster Rovers skipper Graeme Lee may be about to join up with ex-Rovers boss Dave Penney at Oldham Athletic, who is looking around for an experienced centre half after releasing Latics captain Sean Gregan at the end of the season. Lee has been encouraged to leave Bradford City by Stuart McCall, who is keen to offload the top four wage earners at the club after having his playing budget substantially cut for next season.
Penney's interest in Lee, reported in Bradford's Telegraph & Argus newspaper this week, comes just a few days after it was revealed by former Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill that, before signing for Notts County, Penney had talked to him about the prospect of Ravenhill moving to Boundary Park.

May 31, 2009

Player of the season

As in past seasons, all the votes cast for the "Man of the Match" for every single first team match of the last season are counted towards the "Player of the Season". We have now counted up all the votes and will reveal the results over the next few days. To build up the suspense (?), we begin with the twelve players who each amassed under 1% of the total votes cast during the season. There were 31 players named in the first team squad for 2008/09 - five of those - Sean McDaid, Ben Smith, Tomi Ameobi, Gordon Greer and Craig Nelthorpe - did not trouble the scorers due to a lack of first team action. We then have Waide Fairhurst (0.20%), Kasenga Lua Lua (0.51%), Shelton Martis (0.71%), Steve Brooker (0.75%), Adam Lockwood (0.75%), Darren Byfield (0.83%) and Gareth Roberts (0.91%).
We aim to count down to the "Player of the Season" by next weekend. The contest for top spot is the closest we have known since setting up the voting for the 2002/03 season.
Last season's top player was voted to be Paul Green, ahead of Richie Wellens. with the previous season's winner being James Coppinger. Who will win this season? You'll have to wait and see!

May 28, 2009

Be on TV

May 26, 2009

Pitch renovations affect pre-season plans

A thorough renovation of the pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium means that Rovers will have to rely on away pre-season games as they build up to the 2009/10 Championship season. The only home pre-season game confirmed at the moment will take place on 1st August as Mickey Walker's testimonial match.
Boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "We can't have it both ways. We can't play games in pre-season and then moan about the state of the pitch. The biggest problem is the standard of care – and I am not having a go at anybody. The groundsmen have an awful job if they (Stadium Management Committee] hire the pitch out for this and that. If you are going to do that, you've got to try and maintain it a bit better. You've got to do the refurbishment when it is time. As long as they do that it should be OK, but everyone has to compromise. We've decided that we can't have a nice pitch if we play a load of pre-season games."
Due to expense limitations, O'Driscoll has hinted that he may rely on playing a number of Under-21 teams from Premiership clubs as training games, rather than the public matches which require the hiring of stadium and stewards. He said: "It is a little bit different but we are having to look at these sort of things. We'll probably put together our pre-season programme within the next week or so."
The work will start following Friday's game between Scotland Under 19's and their Bosnian counterparts. Admission is free for the game if anyone is interested.

May 26, 2009

Beardsley joins Stevenage

Three days ago we reported that former Rovers striker Chris Beardsley had left Kettering and now we hear he's signed for Stevenage. He joins former Rovers centre half Mark Albrighton at the club where Dino Maamria is first team coach.

May 25, 2009

One year on

May 25, 2009

Lua Lua move in doubt

Following Newcastle United's relegation to the Championship yesterday y it now looks doubtful whether Kazenga Lua Lua will return to the Keepmoat.Sean O'Driscoll was keen to take the young midfielder on a seasons long loan next season, but with the two teams now in the same division it is now doubtful that the move will take place.

May 25, 2009

Chris leaves Poppies

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Chris Beardsley has been released by Blue Square Premier club Kettering Town after an 18-month stay at the club. He joined the club in January 2008 as the club were mounting a promotion challenge in the Blue Square North, making an immediate impact at the club, but spent a couple of months on loan at Kidderminster during this season.
The 25-year old made four league appearances for Rovers during the 2004/05 season before moving on to Kidderminster, Mansfield, Rushden & Diamonds, York City and Kettering Town.

May 24, 2009

Rovers win three awards

May 24, 2009

McGrath agrees new contract with Brewers

Newly promoted Burton Albion have agreed full-time contracts with seven of their players after the new management team of Paul Peschisolido and assistant Gary Rowett met the squad last week. Among the seven agreeing new terms was former Rovers midfielder John McGrath, who played a key part in Albion's promotion this season. McGrath joined Burton from Tamworth in May 2007; he also played for Shrewsbury Town and Kidderminster Harriers after leaving Rovers in January 2005.

May 24, 2009

Ricky excited by Notts challenge

Grimsby's new signing, former Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill, has spoken of his optimism for the season ahead with new club Notts County after leaving cash-strapped Darlington last week. He spent two and a half seasons with the Quakers and is looking forward to meeting his new team mates. He said: "I can't wait to get my Notts County career underway. I'm delighted to be here and I'm pleased everything is sorted. I know that Notts struggled last season, but the manager has told me how determined people are to make this club a force again and I want to be a part of that."

May 18, 2009

Price in talks with Millwall - but misses final

Ex-Rovers striker Jason Price has entered into talks with Millwall about continuing his future at the New Den and expects to have a new deal in place before the squad leave for their summer break next week. Of course, some of the detail is dependent on the outcome of Sunday's play-off final against Scunthorpe United, but Price is hopeful extending his stay in London after his loan from Rover expires next week. Price, who misses Sunday's Wembley showpiece due to a hamstring injury, said: "I haven't got a club for next year. Millwall have had a chat with me and they have put something on the table, but I will have to wait and see how things go. I have had a good chat with Kenny, I'm sure we'll talk again after Sunday and see how things lie. He has told me that he understands that I am an older pro - and that he will give me the time off to be with the family when I need it."
"A couple of other clubs are interested and I will have a sit down and a chat with my family, to see where next season will take me."

May 23, 2009

Ticket office opening hours for Bank Holiday week

The ticket office at the Keepmoat Stadium will be opening for longer than usual hours next week, which is the last week to buy season tickets before Rovers put the prices up. From 1st June, all seats previously reserved for season ticket holders will become available for general sale.
Opening hours for next week are:
Monday, 25th May - 9am to 6pm
Tuesday, 26th May - 9am to 6pm
Wednesday, 27th May - 9am to 6pm (tickets for England v Bosnia U19s ONLY from 6pm to 7pm)
Thursday, 28th May - 9am to 6pm
Friday, 29th May - 9am to 6pm
Saturday, 30th May - 9am to 2pm
Sunday, 31st May - Closed.
For more information, please ring the ticket office on 01302 762576 or visit their website www.keepmoatstadium.com.

May 23, 2009

O'Kelly backs Taylor to go into coaching

Rovers assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has predicted that Gareth Taylor will have a future in coaching. The much-travelled striker was released by Rovers this summer, but O'Kelly reckons that his next move may well be as a player/coach.
He said: "Gareth could have a future in coaching; he's a wonderful professional. He's a leader and he brings people along with him. He's not one of those bullies and who bawls and shouts at people. He did little bits of coaching when he was here and he was a massive influence."

May 23, 2009

Warren released

Altrincham have released former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Warren Peyton, along with two other players, as their manager, Graham Heathcote, looks towards revamping his squad for next season. Peyton has made 152 Blue Square Premier appearances for the club, but as is the case with many other clubs, the wages budget has been reduced at Altrincham for next season, meaning that some players have to go.
Boss Graham Heathcote said: 'It has been a very difficult week, because I have had to make some hard decisions and tell these lads they are not being kept on. In an ideal world, I would keep last season's squad intact and add a few new faces, but reality dictates that we can't do that. The budget has been reduced slightly, so it was a case of sticking with what we'd got, and risking going stale by Christmas, or making some room to freshen things up. It had to be the latter, and those three lads have been given news they did not deserve. They can all count themselves extremely unlucky, because their attitude has been exemplary throughout their time here. They have never missed training and always given 100 per cent, and whoever takes them on is going to be getting quality players, in terms of dedication, determination and a desire to give their all, every time they pull on a shirt'.

May 23, 2009

Cash for O'Driscoll if stars leave

John Ryan has said that he will do his best to make cash available to Sean O'Driscoll to strengthen the playing squad should Rovers sell any of their star players this summer. With Brian Stock, Matt Mills and Richie Wellens reported to be attracting interest from Premiership clubs, it may be surprising if Rovers do not lose at least one of them, even though Ryan has previously stated that no Rovers players are for sale.
Ryan said: "I'm not saying that we wouldn't sell any player if the price was right and manager Sean O'Driscoll said that he could get an adequate replacement within the money available. Any transfer fee we receive for any of our players would go back into the club; how we would spend it would be for us to decide. But we'd certainly do our best for Sean, that's for sure."

May 22, 2009

Wheater in demand

David Wheater, who played for Doncaster Rovers whilst on loan from Middlesbrough during the 2005/06 season, is the object of transfer speculation, which looks likely to intensify should Middlesbrough fail to avoid relegation in the final weekend of Premiership fixtures. Aston Villa and Birmingham City are reported to be interested in the player - although Birmingham look as though they accept the anticipated transfer fee of around £9 million would be out of their reach.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish said: "He's someone we've watched over the last five weeks just in case they say, "Do you want a bargain?". But we think they'll be looking for £8m-£9m, and it would be difficult for us to pay that.'

May 22, 2009

Weaver named as Town boss

Former Doncaster Rovers loan defender Simon Weaver has been named as the new manager at Harrogate Town, where he succeeds Neil Aspin, who left to take charge at FC Halifax Town earlier in the summer break. The appointment marks Weaver's first move into football management, but Town chairman Bill Fotherby is sure that Weaver will succeed in his new role.
He said: "Simon's enthusiasm and fresh ideas were music to my ears. We are entering a new era at Harrogate Town, and what better start could we have than a young energetic man who is also setting out on a new era in his life. Simon is taking on a big job at Harrogate Town, but he will be up to the task. He will put his own style and stamp on the job, and he will take us up to the Conference Premier."
Weaver is just 31 years old, and finished last season as a player with Ilkeston Town, where he played a key part in their promotion in the UniBond League at the end of the last season. He began his career at Sheffield Wednesday and after playing twice for Rovers on loan, he moved into non-league football, playing for Ilkeston and Nuneaton before returning to the Football League with Lincoln City, and a subsequent loan at Macclesfield Town.
A season at Scarborough followed and, after financial problems caused Boro's demise, he moved to Tamworth and then Boston United. After failing to agree a new contract at Boston, Weaver moved to Kings Lynn, followed by a brief stay at Redditch, after which he made a successful return to Ilkeston Town.

May 22, 2009

Rovers hope to match last season's season ticket sales

Doncaster Rovers are keeping their fingers crossed that they will have as many season ticket holders as last season by the time the new season kicks off in August. Rovers achieved their best-ever season tickets figure last summer on the back of the prospect of Championship football, when just short of 8,000 tickets were sold.
However, this summer it looks a much stiffer challenge, especially with the continuing declining economic climate meaning that many are having to make tough choices of whether to renew their ticket.
With just over a week to go before most season ticket prices rise by around 10%, Rovers are understood to have sold just over 3,000 season tickets. Season ticket holders for last season have their seats reserved until the end of the month; from 1st June, all seats will be on general sale.
Rovers chairman John Ryan said: "It would be nice if we could manage to achieve what we did last season. I think that the club deserve that level of support in view of the performances that the team put in. There will be some big teams coming down from the Premiership this season, including possibly Newcastle United, and it promises to be a very exciting league."

May 22, 2009

Brabin keen to continue at Cambridge

Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin has said that he is keen to continue on his efforts of guiding Cambridge United to promotion from the Blue Square Premier after news emerged yesterday that he had missed out on the managerial vacancy at Blackpool, when Ian Holloway was confirmed as their new boss.
Former Rovers midfielder Brabin, whose Cambridge side missed out on promotion via the play-offs on Sunday, went to talk to Blackpool on Tuesday after the United board agreed to an approach by the Championship club.
However, as Brabin said: "I don't think anyone can blame me for speaking to a club that are close to my heart and in the Championship, but you can't buy happiness and as long as we continue to share the same ambitions then I'm happy here."
" It's a club that's close to my heart, a Championship club and was a fantastic opportunity. I was far from making any sort of decision, I went with an open mind and wanted to hear what they had to say."
"If I'm honest I wasn't really focused on anything but our defeat and I couldn't wait to get back here and get on with the job," he said.

May 22, 2009

Lee looks for new club

Following on from Bradford City's desire to release their top wage earners from the club as they battle to balance their finances, former Rovers defender Graeme Lee is seeking a new club - but he will be happy to stay at Valley Parade should any move not materialise. Lee, along with Chris Brandon, Paul McLaren and Michael Boudling, are reported to take up a substantial part of the Bantams' wages budget, which has been cut by 40% for next season.
Boss Stuart McCall said: "The boys know their deals will take up the majority of next year's budget if they are still here. It's not their fault, it's just a fact with the budget being what it is. Those four lads have every right to come back next season, but if they are here, we're going to have to really get kids in, but from our point of view, it's in the club's best interests for me to build a young squad for next season and for them to move on."
Lee commented: "I'm starting to speak to people at the moment and letting them know that I'm available. If something happens then great, but as long as I am enjoying my football and playing regularly I will be happy, no matter which club I am playing for. There are a couple of clubs which are sniffing around so I will speak to them. Hopefully we can get something sorted because at the moment I'm a bit in limbo. I am still contracted for another year, so if nothing happens in terms of a move that is right for me, then I will gladly stay and try and help this club achieve its goals next season."

May 21, 2009

Tickets on sale for Wolves game

Tickets for the only home pre-season game of the summer, which will be Mickey Walker's testimonial against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 1st August, have gone on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium. At the moment, tickets will only be sold for the East and West stands, although if demand dictates, other areas may be opened in due course. Wolves supporters will be housed in the North Stand - they can buy tickets direct from the Keepmoat Stadium on 01302 762576.
Tickets will cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

May 21, 2009

Ryan dismisses talk of Stock to Wolves

Rovers chairman John Ryan has dismissed newspaper reports suggesting that skipper Brian Stock is the target of Premiership newboys Wolverhampton Wanderers, saying: "We have a very friendly relationship with Wolves. If they were interested in Brian Stock they'd ring us up."
Wolves had been reported as willing to pay £2 million for the Rovers midfielder, who joined the club from Preston North End in 2006.

May 21, 2009

Sean keeps O's waiting

Ex-Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton is keeping Leyton Orient waiting over whether he will accept a new contract with the club. Thornton, along with striker Scott McGleish, are reported to be still considering whether to sign new deals with the League One club. Thornton has been with the O's since joining them from Rovers in July 2007.

May 21, 2009

Collin offered contract with Cumbrians

Former Rovers goalkeeper Adam Collin has been offered a two year contract at League One club Carlisle United after impressing sufficiently whilst training with the club two days a week during the past season. Collin has been playing for Workington Reds for the last five seasons, earning much praise for his performance throughout that time. In the pre-season for the 2007/08 season, he went on trials to Hereford United, but the Bulls did not follow up their interest, which led to Carlisle inviting him along to their training sessions.
Collin spent the last two months of the 2003/04 season on loan at Rovers from parent club Newcastle United as cover for Andy Warrington, but he did not make any first team appearances during that time.

May 21, 2009

Black Cats after McCormack

Sunderland are reported to be set to make a £10 million bid for Cardiff City's Roger Johnson and top scorer Ross McCormack this summer - but only if Ricky Sbragia remains as manager at the Stadium of Light for next season. Sbragia is set to meet with chairman Niall Quinn once the season has finished - and whether Sunderland retain their Premiership status is likely to be highly influential on whether he stays on as boss. The Sunderland boss is keen to change the club's transfer policy to signing young players with potential, rather than Roy Keane's preference to sign established players.
Should the joint bid go ahead, defender Johnson looks to be valued at around £4 million, and ex-Rovers loan striker McCormack at £6 million.

May 20, 2009

Now Forest enter the chase for Mills!

The Daily Mail have reported this morning that Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies "has made a £1.5 million bid" for Rovers defender Matthew Mills as he looks to rebuild a Forest side that only narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship this season.
Forest's interest comes after reported enquiries from Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, although Rovers chairman John Ryan has previously denied that any club has made a bid for the player who was signed from Manchester City only twelve months ago.

May 20, 2009

Magpies sign Ravenhill

Former Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill has agreed to move to League Two club Notts County after all of Darlington's players were made available on free transfers last week. Ravenhill has agreed a two year deal and will sign once his departure from the Quakers has been finalised.
County boss Ian McParland said of Ravenhill's signing: "To attract someone of Ricky's calibre to Meadow Lane is a good sign of what we want to bring in. He is a genuine midfielder and the type we were missing last season. He is full of energy, likes to get his foot in and he can play the game."

May 20, 2009

Nelly signs for Minstermen

Ex-Rovers left-winger Craig Nelthorpe has signed for Blue Square Premier club York City as the Minstermen look to rebuild their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Nelthorpe was released by Oxford United this summer at the end of a short-term contract, and had been mentioned as a potential target for Mansfield Town.
Only yesterday morning, Mansfield boss David Holdsworth said they would not be signing Nelthorpe owing to the player's wage demands, saying: "I like Craig as a player and he expressed an interest in joining us. I had a chat with him, but we have to be realistic in what we can offer players.

May 20, 2009

Bournemouth deny link with Afro Goal Machine

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has distanced the club from speculation that former Rovers striker Jason Price is set to join. The rumours seem to have risen after Price was seen shopping in Bournemouth, but Howe said: “Jason Price would be out of our league, financially. As much as I think he’s a very good player, his wages would be far too high for us. Given our financial situation, we have got to be very careful who we bring in, if anybody. We currently have 20 players either under contract or awaiting decisions on new contracts and will only be permitted to carry a 20-man squad until the embargo is lifted.”

May 20, 2009

Sunderland target McCormack

Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia has targeted the Cardiff pair of Ross McCormack and Roger Johnson for summer moves to the Stadium of Light - but the move may only happen if Sbragia keeps his job this summer. It now seems likely that Sunderland will survive in the Premiership after picking up a point yesterday against Bolton Wanderers, but his future is far from certain, although his chances of survival should improve if Sunderland survive the drop. Former Middlesbrough boss Steve McLaren has been mentioned in the north-east as a successor, should Sbragia leave.
Reports in the Welsh and Sunderland press suggest that Cardiff could be offered £10 million for the pair of players, who have been watched closely by Sunderland scouts for the last few weeks. Johnson is rated at £4 million, with McCormack's value spiraling to around £6 million after signing for the Bluebirds from Motherwell for £120,000 just twelve months ago.
McCormack, who finished as Cardiff's top scorer with 23 goals, is Sunderland's priority target, but has recently said that he is settled in the Cardiff area and is not looking to switch clubs this summer.

May 19, 2009

Brum in £8 million joint bid?

The Daily Mirror has reported that Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish is set to start his summer spending spree by launching a swoop for Rovers duo Brian Stock and Matt Mills. McLeish is reported to have a £20 million shopping budget, with around £8 million being Doncaster bound, should the reports prove to be true. McLeish is reported to have kept an eye on the pair in the second half of the season and looks set to make a return bid for Mills some time in the coming weeks. Brian Stock is currently recovering from a back injury which dogged him for much of last season, but is expected to be fully fit when Rovers return for pre-season training in around a month's time.

May 19, 2009

Blackpool make approach for Brabin

Championship club Blackpool have been given permission to talk to Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin, with the approach being made just 24 hours after Cambridge failed to win promotion to the Football League in their play-off final against Torquay United on Sunday. Blackpool's caretaker manager Tony Parkes was confirmed as having left the club on Monday morning after discussions with chairman Karl Oyston over finances, with Bury's Alan Knill, Andy Ritchie and Ian Holloway also being linked to the job.
Cambridge chairman George Rolls confirmed that the club have given Brabin permission to talk to a Football League club, saying: "We've had an approach from a club much higher than us. I felt it was right to give him permission to speak to them. "Hopefully Gary will show some loyalty to us. We gave him a job when he'd only been in football for five or six games. We gave him a huge budget last year, more money than Jimmy Quinn the year before. I just hope he stays around and tries to build again for next year."
However, Rolls warned that if Brabin stays, money will be in shorter supply than it was this season. He continued: "We've got to run the club as a business and become solvent, we can't have people putting their hands in their pockets every five minutes to bail us out. We've got to act as a business and act sensibly. There will be cuts, but we can still push for the play-offs again."

May 19, 2009

Owen's awards cap a great season

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Gareth Owen, now player/coach with newly crowned Welsh Premier champions Rhyl, has capped off a great season for the club by winning the Principality Welsh Premier League Player of the Season. The award is voted for by all of the Welsh Premier clubs, and Owen won by receiving votes from eight of the 18 clubs in the division.
Rhyl coach Allan Bickerstaff persuaded Owen to move to Rhyl from Airbus UK in July 2008, and the move has proved to be inspirational, with Owen being the vital play maker as the Lilywhites surged their way to the title. Bickerstaff said: “He’s been phenomenal for me this season and deserves every award he gets.”
Coming second in the Player of the Season voting was Rhyl team mate and another former Rover, Neil Roberts, who scored 20 goals in his first season in the Welsh Premier League.
In addition to the Player of the Season win, Owen has also been named as the winner of the Daily Post Phil Stanley Memorial Trophy.
Add to that the news that four players from Rhyl - Gareth Owen, Neil Roberts, Craig Jones and club skipper George Horan - have been named in the Welsh Premier "Team of the Year", and you can see it's been a great season for Rhyl!

May 19, 2009

Rigoglioso set to leave Rovers

Ex-Rover Adriano Rigoglioso looks as though his days at Forest Green Rovers are over, as the club look to rely on younger players next season as part of their attempt to cut the wages bill.
Forest Green have offered new contracts to just six of last season's squad, and all are aged 22 or under. Boss Jim Harvey is hoping that there will be enough money in his budget to keep several other current players, but the more experienced ones, including Rigoglioso, look certain to leave the New Lawn this summer.

May 19, 2009

Joyce critical of Western League

Former Rovers midfielder Sean Joyce, who has been manger at Western League club Bideford Town for the last decade, has criticised the overall standard of football in the Western League. Despite losing eleven games this season, until the last couple of weeks of the season, Joyce's team were still in with a chance of finishing as runners-up in the table - as it is, they finished sixth, seven points adrift of second place.
Joyce said: "To lose 11 games and still be second in the league just shows how bad the standard of the league is — and that's my own team as well. You look back over the last 10 years in the Western League and if you'd lost 11 games you'd be in the middle of the table and looking down below, not above. And it's not just the Western League. It's the same up in Truro's league and Tiverton's league (the Southern League).
Joyce, a former professional with Doncaster Rovers and Torquay, believes the attitude of modern players has contributed to a fall in standards.
"Kids come through now and they don't have to work hard at it, they just go out and play," he added. "I've spoken to Martyn Rogers at Tiverton and a lot of the managers in the Western League and they all say the same thing. The desire and the hunger to be a professional and to be a better player is not there. They are more interested in putting gel in their hair than winning a tackle."

May 18, 2009

Brabin gracious in defeat at Gulls win promotion

Gary Brabin, manager at Cambridge United, praised his players despite them going down to a 2-0 defeat in their Blue Square Premier play-off final against Torquay United at Wembley yesterday. Cambridge dominated long spells of the game, but went behind to a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area by Chris Hargreaves. Brabin's dream of taking Cambridge to promotion were dealt a blow when Phil Bolland was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 70th minute - and five minutes later, Torquay scored their second goal.
Speaking after the game ex-Rover Brabin said: "I'm delighted with the lads, what they've given all season. We took automatic promotion to the last game. We've come to Wembley today and I thought we were the better side. We could have easily won the game. I still felt with 10 men we played some good football but it just wasn't to be our day. The lads have given me everything since day one. We've got some good young players and there's a lot to build on."

May 18, 2009

Williams gains new contract

Doncaster Rovers Belles midfielder Rachel Williams is one of 17 players to have received central contracts by the Football Association. The FA have made the move to award the central deals in a bid to boost the national team's chances of success at major tournaments, with each player given a salary of £16,000. Williams is the only player awarded a central contract who is yet to make her England debut, and is currently a plasterer by trade. On hearing the news, she said: "This is brilliant for me. When I finish work at the moment I'm knackered and that affects my training. Now I'll be fresher and hopefully I can push on to break into the England squad for the Euro finals."
Also awarded a central contract is former Rovers Belles player Jody Handley, who now plays for Everton.
The full list of players given contracts by the FA are: Rachel Brown (Everton), Siobhan Chamberlain (Chelsea), Carly Telford (Leeds Carnegie), Casey Stoney (Chelsea), Faye White (Arsenal), Rachel Unitt (Everton), Stephanie Houghton (Leeds Carnegie), Emily Westwood (Everton), Katie Chapman (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Everton), Laura Bassett (Arsenal), Rachel Williams (Doncaster Rovers Belles), Rachel Yankey (Arsenal), Sue Smith (Leeds Carnegie), Jody Handley (Everton), Lindsay Johnson (Everton), Corrine Yorston (Bristol Academy).

May 18, 2009

Ryan expects new bid for Mills

Rovers chairman John Ryan is expecting Birmingham City to make another approach for central defender Matthew Mills, despite previously being put off by the high valuation placed on the player by Rovers. The 22 year old was the subject of a £1.5 million bid by Birmingham in January, and whilst Rovers have quoted a transfer fee of £5 million, City are expected to come back in with an increased bid.
Ryan said: "I wouldn't be surprised if Birmingham came back in for Mills, but at this stage we've not heard anything. But it is early days and I don't think that anything much will happen until after the play-offs are over and players have been on holiday. There will be a lot of speculation in the media but a lot of it will just be that."

May 18, 2009

Weaver hopes for new deal

Ex-Rovers defender Simon Weaver is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be given a new contract at Ilkeston Town following their promotion to the Blue Square North. Weaver was a hugely influential captain at the club this season and scored the all-important goal in the play-off final last week.
He said: "To get promotion is absolutely wonderful and I am hoping we can sit down and get something sorted out. I would love to stay and play in the Conference North, that's where I want to be. There's a good set-up here and the lads are a good management team. In all areas, the club is in the position to push forward and you could not ask for any more."

May 18, 2009

Cobblers extend Bayo's stay

Northampton Town are to activate a clause in Adebayo Akinfenwa's contract with them which will keep him at Sixfields for next season, despite the club suffering relegation to League Two this season. Northampton have released four players and offered new deals to another four.
Boss Stuart Gray said: "We are sorry to see some excellent servants of the club depart, but the bottom line is we have not been good enough this season and we need to change things around and freshen things up. We need to create room in the squad to bring new faces in. I am looking to put together a squad that is good enough to win promotion back to League One at the first attempt, and while we know that will not be easy it is within our capabilities. We have a good nucleus of players already under contract for next season and the aim over the summer will be to add to that and to build a squad capable of taking us straight back up."
Akinfenwa missed much of the season due to injury, but returned to take part in the last few matches.

May 17, 2009

Brabin looks forward to Wembley

Former Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin takes his Cambridge United side to Wembley this afternoon as they bid to end four years in the Blue Square Premier by winning promotion back into the Football League. Torquay United stand in Brabin's way, but the former Rover is confident that Cambridge will make it, thanks to having the experience of playing in the final last season.
As he said: "We’ve only got four or five players in the squad who played at Wembley last year, so we haven’t got that many, but they’ll be better for the experience and those that haven’t will be wanting to do themselves proud."
"There’s a great team spirit and work ethic and we’re confident if we conduct ourselves like that, we’ll win it. The big thing for me more than anything is the club realises it should be playing in the Football League and that’s what we’re focused on – it’s not just about going to Wembley and getting to the play-offs. If we win the game, we’ll be back where we belong in the Football League and competing at that level. You want to be playing at the highest level, and with the fanbase here and the history of the club it should be playing a lot higher than what it is."
Brabin will not reveal his team line-up until shortly before the kick-off, but it looks likely to be similar to the side that beat Stevenage 3-0 in the play-off semi-final second leg. That means that former Rovers midfielder Paul Carden, who is Brabin's assistant manager, will take up his place in midfield this afternoon.
The play-off final kicks off at 4pm.

May 17, 2009

Lua Lua - Rovers loan was good for me

Newcastle United striker Kazenga Lua Lua has told the Shields Gazette that he thinks his loan spell at Doncaster Rovers was very beneficial for him.
He said: "I really enjoyed it and it was very good experience for me. It was my first spell on loan anywhere, and the manager Sean O'Driscoll was very nice to me. I played in the reserves for so long, I wanted to play men's football. I played four games down there, and the Championship level is a good one. It's been good coming back, I was on the bench against Middlesbrough and that was a great feeling."
Current Newcastle boss Alan Shearer has also been able to see that Lua Lua has benefited from the loan experience, saying: “That’s what he needed. Kazenga needed to go out and play games. Probably next season some of the other youngsters need to do that as well. Kazenga will come back a better player for the experience. But he’s done well when he’s been with the first team. He’s been training with us, and he’s looked like a good player, he’s been decent.”

May 17, 2009

Wade set for Legends match

The much-travelled former Rovers striker Wade Falana will be taking part in a "Legends" match this afternoon when Harlow Town Legends face Tottenham Hotspur Legends, with the match beginning at Harlow Town's ground at 2pm.
The Spurs Legends side have been re-formed recently and have agreed to play all for their home games at Harlow's Barrows Farm ground. Whilst most fans will not have heard of any of the Harlow "legends", the Spurs side includes a few that you may have heard of, including Ossie Ardiles,, Ralph Coates, ex-Rovers keeper Perry Suckling, Steve Sedgley and Micky Hazard.
Falana played four games for Rovers during the 1992/93 season before going on to play most of the rest of his footballing career at non-league level with south-east based clubs.

May 17, 2009

Summer soccer from Rovers in the Community

Rovers in the Community are teaming up with the Rovers' Centre of Excellence to launch a coaching programme each Wednesday between 17th June and 15th July for children between the ages of 9 and 14.. The sessions will run between 4.15pm and 5.30pm and will cost £2 per session. They are described as "drop-in sessions", meaning that no advance booking is required; they are available at the Keepmoat Stadium's all-weather pitches. Children attending will need to wear shin pads and have either trainers or moulded football boots.
For more details parents please contact Richard Bailey on 01302 764663 or by email on richard.bailey@doncasterroversfc.co.uk.

May 17, 2009

Hird pleased with season

Rovers defender Sam Hird has every right to be pleased with the way that this season has gone, progressing from being a squad player to a regular member of the first team.
Last season saw him go out on loan to Grimsby Town - the experience did him a great deal of good, as he returned to Rovers to put in some great performances in the closing games of the 2007/08 season.
This season has seen him established as a first team regular alongside Matt Mills in central defence. Mills commented: "It has gone really well. I have had a few ups and downs like anybody else, but I'd like to think that I've played well in the majority of games and given a good account of myself. But you can't afford to rest on your laurels because there is always competition for places. There are a lot of good players at the club – particularly in defence."

May 16, 2009

Ex-Rovers penalty successes as the Iron reach final

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Jonathan Forte was one of Scunthorpe United's successful penalty takers as their League One play-off semi-final against MK Dons ended in a goalless stalemate last night. With the first leg ending 1-1 at Glanford Park, the game went into extra time and then penalties - all penalty kicks were successful until the 14th, which saw former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo missing his attempt, meaning that Scunthorpe won 7-6. Forte took the fifth kick - with another former Rover, Andy Crosby, having previously been successful with his spot kick.
Scunthorpe now meet Millwall in the League One play-off final at Wembley next weekend, with the winners taking up a place in the Championship next term.

May 16, 2009

Rovers face Armthorpe

In addition to the pre-season games already announced against Barrow (18th July), Rotherham United (25th July) and Wolves (1st August), Doncaster Rovers yesterday confirmed that they will begin their pre-season campaign on Wednesday, 8th July when they travel to the Welfare Ground to face Armthorpe Welfare, who play in the Northern Counties East Premier Division. The match will begin at 7pm.
Rovers have announced that ticket prices and availability will be announced in the near future.

May 16, 2009

Ryan - Wellens bid unexpected

Rovers chairman John Ryan has said that Rovers have rejected Leicester City's enquiry for midfielder Richie Wellens, and has apparently told them that it will take at least £1.5 million to tempt Rovers to part with the player.
Along with interest in Matt Mills, Ryan seems to be expecting that Rovers will receive a further bid for Wellens, with the Rovers chairman saying: "Who knows? It is early days. All we are saying is that their initial approach has been rebuffed. Richie is a player we don't want to lose - we don't want to lose any of our players. But I'm not saying that we wouldn't sell any player if the price was right and manager Sean O'Driscoll said that he could get an adequate replacement within the money available. At least they are all under contract and we are not going to lose them without a fee like we did Paul Green 12 months ago."
Ryan predicted that any further enquiries for players would not progress for a while. "I don't think that anything much will happen until after the play-offs are over and players have been on holiday. There will be a lot of speculation in the media but a lot of it will just be that."

May 16, 2009

Schofield agrees new contract

Former Doncaster Rovers captain John Schofield has agreed a two year contract as assistant manager at Cheltenham Town. Schofield joined Cheltenham in March on an expenses-only basis to assist boss Martin Allen, but the arrangement seems to have succeeded, with Schofield speaking highly of the Robins.
He said: "It's a pleasure to come into work every day, it's a great environment. That's all set by the manager and I love his ideas and forward thinking and that was a big draw."
He added: "I was certainly one of those people that had a perception of the manager which was way off the mark. Once you've worked with him, fantastic to work with and very knowledgeable. My job through the week is to implement his game plan and his strategies."