October 15, 2008

Wheater gets England call-up

David Wheater, who played on loan for Doncaster Rovers for two months during the 2005/06 season, has been called up for the England team to play in the World Cup qualifying match against Belarus after impressing in the Under-21 games against Wales. He played in last night's Under-21 game at Villa Park, and flew to Minsk straight after the game to join up with the senior squad. England coach Fabio Capello decided to call up reinforcements to his squad due to injuries to John Terry and Ashley Cole, who have back and hamstring injuries respectively. Along with Wheater, goalkeeper Joe Hart and Gabriel Agbonlahor were also called up, although Agbonlahor has been forced to pull out after picking up an injury in last night's game.

October 15, 2008

Hillsborough tickets on sale

Tickets for the South Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday, 8th November are now on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office to season ticket holders, who are limited to one ticket per season ticket book. Those in the Rovers membership scheme can buy tickets with effect from next Monday, with any remaining tickets going on general sale on Monday, 27th October.
Rovers have an allocation of 2,698 tickets for the fixture.
Adult tickets cost £23, with tickets for those aged 60+ and 16 & under being £13.
Wheelchair disabled supporters who require tickets and/or disabled parking spaces should contact Sheffield Wednesday direct by calling Liz Higginbottom on 0871 9951867 (Option 0) after 1pm on weekdays - and not less than 24 hours before match day.

October 15, 2008

Ryan - confident of not going down

Rovers chairman John Ryan is still confident that his side will not be in the relegation battle this season, despite their recent poor form which has seen the pundits tip Rovers for the drop.
Ryan told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "We're determined to put it right. It's taken us 10 long and hard years to get into the Championship and we are not going to throw it away just like that. I'm still very confident that we won't go down. The way we play football, we are a strange team and we can beat anyone in this league. There's still tremendous optimism. To be honest, as long as we don't go down this season, as far as I'm concerned it will be a great success. We were never going to be near the top of the league this year after three promotions in the last five years. It gets tougher every time and I think the vast majority of our fans understand that."

October 15, 2008

Pacey moves again

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team defender Rob Pacey has signed for Matlock Town and was due to make his debut for the Gladiators in last night's home game against North Ferriby United. Primarily a centre half, Pacey has played for AFC Telford and Alfreton Town after leaving Rovers, before moving to Ossett Town during the summer.

October 14, 2008

Thornton returns

Former Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton has returned to Leyton Orient at the end of his month on loan at Shrewsbury Town. Orient manager Martin Ling had previously said that he was happy for the Irishman to stay at Shrewsbury, but the League Two club would have to contribute more to Thornton's wages if he was to stay.
Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson said of the situation: "At this moment in time it looks like Sean Thornton has played his last game of the season for us. He's had a good month for us and I've been pleased with his contribution to the side but unfortunately we are in a situation where we can't afford to take him any longer. I'm going to continue to speak with Orient to see whether we can do something but it looks to me that it is finished. Marc Pugh has come back to us so that is another body that is back in the squad. We will look to see how it is over the week as to whether Sean comes back, whether we look to bring someone else in or whether we go with what we've got."

October 14, 2008

Youth team 1 Mansfield 4

Doncaster Rovers' youth side went out of the Youth League Cup at the first round stage on Saturday as they lost 4-1 in the game played at Cantley Park. The match started brightly and with much promise, with Rovers going 1-0 up through Joe Conkleton in the 17th minute, a lead that remained intact until the half time break, although it took a penalty save by Ward in the Rovers goal to keep Rovers ahead.
However, Mansfield went on to score four times in the last half an hour of the game to finish as comfortable winners.
Rovers: Ward, Fenney, Conkleton, Fisher, S Hall, Nodder, Clark, R Hall, Moore, Moxam, Stirland
Substitutes: Stoddart (for S Hall, 35), Bibby (for Moxam, 78), Blake, Shepherd, Biggs

October 14, 2008

John on the mark

Ex-Rovers midfielder John McGrath scored the only goal of the game last night as he scored for Burton Albion in their home win over neighbours Mansfield Town in the Blue Square Premier, which moved Nigel Clough's men up to third in the table. McGrath's goal, scored just before half time, was a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area.

October 14, 2008

Supporters Club meeting

The AGM of the Retford Branch of the Supporters Club is being held this Thursday - 16th October - in the Retford United Social Club, with the meeting beginning at 7.30pm. All suppporters - members and non-members - are welcome, and a free buffet is being arranged. It is hoped that some mangement and staff from Doncaster Rovers will be in attendance at the meeting.
They are also arranging a "Night at the Dogs" at Stainforth on Friday, 14th November. It will cost £15, which will include a free bus, which will run from Retford, Harworth, Rossington, Armthorpe and the Wheatley Hotel. Alternatively, it costs £12 if you make your own way there. The cost will include a free bet, free drink, a bar meal and a disco after the racing.
If you are interested, please phone 07961 727769 to book.

October 13, 2008

Wheater on target for England

Former Doncaster Rovers loan defender David Wheater scored for England's under-21 side on Friday evening, as they beat Wales 3-2 at Ninian Park, Cardiff. Wheater's goal, a header from a corner, was headed home to equalise the scores at 2-2.

October 13, 2008

Injury update

Doncaster Rovers are hoping that the two week break for international football will give skipper Brian Stock the chance to overcome his ongoing back problem. On a number of occasions this season, Stock has been needing a pre-match injection to play in matches, and has only been training occasionally.
Physio John Dickens said: "Brian had a deep anti-inflamatory injection in his back yesterday to see if we can settle it down. It will take about a week for it to work and for us to know if it has been successful or not. Hopefully it will make Brian's problem better; whether it will get rid of it completely is a different thing. We are hoping that after giving Brian a couple of weeks to settle down he'll be able to train as well as play."
Midfielder Richie Wellens has had an inflamed groin problem recently, and he went in for a scan last week to see what the problem is.
Striker Gareth Taylor is also having treatment on a hamstring injury picked up in the Barnsley game, but it is apparently not the same injury that kept him out of recent matches.
Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer have returned to light training recently, but will need to play in some practice matches before they can be considered for inclusion in the first team.

October 13, 2008

Norwich ticket info

Tickets for the away game at Norwich City on 25th October go on general sale today after a period of being on sale to season ticket holders and those enrolled in the membership scheme. Rovers have received an allocation of 1,340 tickets.
Prcies are as follows:
Adults £22, Senior Citizens (60+) £15, 16 & under £14, Under 12s £10.
Wheelchair and ambulant disabled wil pay the relevant prices, but their carer will be admitted free of charge.
Any unsold tickets will be on sale at Carrow Road on the day of the game.

October 13, 2008

Belles reach quarter finals

Doncaster Rovers have progressed through to the quarter finals of the FA Women's Premier League Cup after beating Nottingham Forest 4-0 yesterday morning, with the game being played at Carlton Town FC's ground. Vicky Exley scored two of the goals, with Rachel Williams and Liz Hansen also on the score sheet. The Rovers Belles will be at home to Watford in the next round.
Doncaster Rovers Belles: Nicky Hobbs, Chelsea Weston, Vanessa Leat, Rachel Williams, Claire Utley, Amy Turner, Emily Heckler, Vicky Exley, Liz Hansen, Natasha Hughes, Presh Hamilton.
Substitutes: Naomi Chadwick (for Heckler, 32), Suzanne Davies (for Hughes, 60), Jayne Eadie (for Leat, 78), Tanya Rich

October 13, 2008

Rovers 7 Legends 0

Doncaster Rovers enjoyed a feast of goals in yesterday's fund raising event at the Keepmoat Stadium, which saw around 2,000 people watching the "Legends" match.
The Rovers goals were scored by Waide Fairhurst, Paul Heffernan, Darren Byfield, James Chambers, Lewis Guy, Ben Smith (from a penalty! and Stuart Elliott. The second half also saw assistant manager Richard O'Kelly turn out for the Rovers side.
Doncaster Rovers (first half): Neil Sullivan; Sam Hird, Adam Lockwood, Gordon Greer, Gareth Roberts; Waide Fairhurst, John Spicer, Mark Wilson, Martin Woods; Darren Byfield, Paul Heffernan.
Doncaster Rovers (second half): Ben Smith; James O'Connor, Matt Mills, Jos Van Nieuwstadt, Craig Nelthorpe; Waide Fairhurst, James Chambers, Richard O'Kelly, Stuart Elliott; James Hayter, Lewis Guy.
Legends: Lee Butler; Jason Blunt, Dean Walling, Leo Fortune-West, Tim Ryan; Fran Tierney, Neil Roberts, John Doolan, Tris Whitman; Robert Gill, Paul Barnes
Substitutes: Jim Dobbin (for Doolan, 40), Mark Atkins (for Fortune-West, 40), Mark Penney (for Walling, 40), Ian Snodin (for Blunt, 54)

October 12, 2008

Belles fundraising day

A fund-raising event at the Keepmoat Stadium today is being held as sports fans in Doncaster club together to raise money for the cash-strapped Doncaster Rovers Belles.
The future of the oldest team still playing in the top division of women's football was in doubt after the Belles struggled to find a main shirt sponsor, but since news of their plight emerged, a number of appeals have kept the club going.
The Belles' first team is in action at Nottingham Forest in a cup match this morning, but will be returning to Doncaster to take part in the fundraising event this afternoon.
The highlight of the afternoon is set to be a match between the Doncaster Rovers first team and a "Doncaster Rovers Legends" side, with the match kicking off at 2.30pm. Rovers have pledged to send the full first team squad to the match, with assistant manager Richard O'Kelly saying: "Everybody will be there. We feel the Belles are an important part of our history and we're proud to support them."
A number of ex-Rovers players from the last few years are due to appear at the match, although a number of them will not be able to play, including Andy Warrington, Tim Ryan, Steve Foster and Gregg Blundell, who were all in action for their respective teams yesterday. Simon Marples was down to play, but has missed the last few matches for Alfreton Town due to injury.
Those pencilled in to appear for the Legends side include: Brian Deane, John Doolan, Paul Barnes, Francis Tierney, Tris Whitman, Robert Gill, Mark Atkins, Jimmy Kelly, Dean Walling, Gareth Owen, Jason Blunt, Leo Fortune-West and Neil Roberts.
Belles boss John Buckley is grateful for the help. He said: "A lot of people have been generous in the past, although due to the credit crunch, no companies can afford to sponsor teams like ours. We are a prime example of how a club is suffering from the fall of its sponsor.
"Even now, 90 per cent of clubs struggle financially due to crowds not being as good as that of the men's game. But with no income from sponsors it makes it near impossible to survive. With a £2,000 expense bill with every away match this is only a short-term solution to a long-term problem, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible, for the future of not only Doncaster Belles, but for women's football."

October 12, 2008

Goals review

Ex-Rovers striker Mark McCammon made a successful return to action yesterday, with his 80th minute goal being the icing on the cake in their 5-0 home win over Morecambe. McCammon has missed the last three matches owing to suspension, but Gillingham's victory yesterday lifted them up to 8th place in the League Two table. Also on target in League Two yesterday was Gregg Blundell, whose last minute goal at Luton proved to be the winner. Those three points lift DAve Penney's men up into 9th place, just two points out of the play-off places.
In the Blue Square Premier, Jon-Paul Pittman scored Crawley Town's fourth goal in their 4-0 home win over Barrow, with boss Steve Evans claiming they could have scored fifteen goals! Crawley remain top of the table, a point ahead of Kettering Town.
It was the third qualifying round of the FA Cup yesterday - Mark Hume scored for Eastwood Town in their 2-2 home draw against Harrogate Town, with Eastwood having to come from two goals down to earn a replay.
Finally, ex-Rovers defender Phil McGuire faces a suspension after being sent off for Inverness Caledonian Thistle's reserve game at Hearts this week - he was dismissed in the closing minutes of the game for dissent.

October 12, 2008

Ricky's recovery stuns Penney

The speedy recovery of ex-Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill has stunned Darlington boss Dave Penney. Ravenhill was carried off on a stretcher in their midweek game against Huddersfield Town, but has made a remarkable recovery after receiving treatment from the physio all week - and he played the entire match yesterday as Darlington won at Luton Town.
Penney commented: "He hasn’t trained properly, but he’s been with the physio and has been running and kicking a ball."
" The ball was there to be won but I don’t think Ricky made a full-blooded challenge, because he’d just been booked and didn’t want to risk a red, but the Huddersfield player went in hard thinking that Ricky would too. I don’t know how he can go from being stretchered off in one game to playing in another but he’s a tough lad and I think he was a bit lucky not to suffer a serious injury so he will travel with us.”
Penney has also been lifted by the return to fitness of former Rovers defender Tim Ryan, who was not offered a new contract at the Quakers this summer due to concerns over his fitness. The 33-year old has worked hard to regain full fitness after a troublesome achilles tendon injury, and has played in their last two league games.
Boss Dave Penney said: "He came back and missed two or three weeks of pre-season and had a limp, but he has worked his socks off and knuckled down. He’s slowly getting back to the Tim Ryan of old, so I’m delighted for him. I know what he’s all about in terms of character and commitment as well as what he offers as a player.”

October 12, 2008

FA consider Kinnear disrepute charge

The FA are considering charging Newcastle's interim boss Joe Kinnear with bringing the game into disrepute following his first press conference after taking charge of the Tyneside club. Kinnear launched into a foul-mouthed tirade which was directed at certain journalists, with a total of 52 swear words being packed into the opening five minutes of his press conference.
An FA spokesman said "a possible charge is something we're looking at". Fortunately for the former Rovers boss, the FA will not be charged with breaching his touchline ban, which was carried over from a ban whilst at Nottingham Forest four years ago. Kinnear was attempting to get a message through to the Newcastle bench during their 2-2 draw against Everton, and went into the tunnel before being turned back by the fourth official. Apparently Kinnear had tried to get a mobile phone message through to the bench, but the phone cut out.
Kinnear has been signed by Newcastle to be manager until the club is sold by the controversial Mike Ashley.

October 11, 2008

Award-winning Rovers

Doncaster Rovers were awarded the "Professional Sporting Achiever Award" at The Star and St John Sports Awards ceremony on Thursday evening. The award was given in recognition of Rovers' promotion to the Championship, and was handed over to chairman John Ryan by Editor Alan Powell and Sheffield Newspapers Managing Directors Mark Rodgers.

October 11, 2008

O'Driscoll safe as Ryan target survival

Sean O'Driscoll has been told that his job is not under threat, following a meeting with John Ryan, when they reviewed the opening part of the season. Although Ryan is disappointed at recent results, which has seen Rovers lose six league games in a row for the first time since 1998, Ryan's target is merely for Rovers to survive in the Championship this season.
Ryan and O'Driscoll took advantage of the blank weekend to reflect on the season so far, and to plan ahead for the next batch of matches.
Ryan said: "No-one is putting their heads in the sand – we are second bottom of the Championship table and we want to improve that situation – but both Sean and I agree that our performances have warranted better results. I was bitterly disappointed after the Barnsley game and I did think that maybe I should quit... but this club needs stability, that is the main reason why we have had so much success over these last five or six years."
"There will be no changing of the manager either," he stressed. "In fact, I see Sean O'Driscoll in this job for many more years to come."
"It was never going to be easy for us because you can't expect to keep going up without things getting tougher – but I am confident that we will stay up and, as long as we do, that will feel just as good as any promotion."

October 11, 2008

Davey offers Moore his support

Barnsley boss Simon Davey has given former Rovers defender Darren Moore after he was sent off last Saturday. Moore was given a straight red card during last week's match for a professional foul on Lewis Guy, who would have been through one-on-one against the Barnsley keeper.
Davey, who then saw his team overcome being a man down to win the match 4-1, said: "Let's just say that he took the better of the two options. Darren showed a bit of nous. Less experienced defenders would not have done what he did and let the player go."

October 10, 2008

Boss meets Ryan

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was due to meet chairman John Ryan yesterday to discuss the Rovers' start to the season, with the possibility of one or more players arriving on loan to boost Rovers' form. However, O'Driscoll says that the players are good enough - but they need to perform better and cut out the mistakes.
He said: "Silly errors and a failure to score goals have let us down. I don't think it's a lack of ability and, judged on performances alone, we should have a dozen more points which would put us fourth in the table. But we are judged by results and, on that criteria, we have not done well enough and we need to improve."
"It doesn't matter how much possession we have had in games, or how many shots and crosses and corners we have produced - the simple fact is we haven't got enough points."
O'Driscoll recognised that things had to improve after Saturday's defeat at Barnsley. ""Sometimes you have a bad day at the office and you put your hand up and admit it. But this was something more than that and we let ourselves down. It's how we react now that's important and the fortnight's break is a good time to reflect."

October 10, 2008

Thornton keen on Shrews switch

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton is keen on extending his stay at Shrewsbury Town - but money may yet scupper the move. Thornton has settled into the club well since arriving on loan, but Shrewsbury will have to cover all of his wages if his stay at the club is to continue.
Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling said: “I'm still waiting to thrash things out with Paul Simpson, because for the first month they didn't cover Sean's full money. So if they do want to take him again they will have to cover all of his wages now and it will be up to them the length of time they want to keep him. I would be more than happy if they want to take him for the full 93-day period, because it would allow me to use his money in other areas.”
Ling said that he would welcome Thornton returning to Brisbane Road, continuing by saying: “If Sean plays to his full potential there is no doubting that he has some real ability there, but the trouble was that he wasn't doing that day in day out on the training pitch and in games while he was with us.
Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson said: "I've been really pleased with Sean. I'm still continuing to talk with Orient and with Martin Ling to see if we can do something more. I'd like him to stay and Sean would like to stay but at the end of the day it may come down to finances and if we can't afford him then so be it. It's not a complaint from me as we have really pushed the boat out this year with the extra signings that we've made to the squad. If we have to pay more for Sean Thornton than we can afford then we'll have to thank him for what he's done, shake his hand and wish him all the best and he moves on and we will have to look elsewhere."
Thornton's first month on loan at Shrewsbury ends in a week's time.

October 10, 2008

Retford branch AGM

The AGM of the Retford Branch of the Supporters Club is due to be held at the Retford United Social Club, Leverton Road on Tuesday, 16th October, beginning at 7.30pm. All supporters are welcome.
They will also be organising an evening at Stainforth Greyhound Stadium on Friday, 14th November, which will cost approx £15 (including coach, basket meal and disco).
Please phone Paul Mayfield on 07961 727769 for more details.

October 9, 2008

Don't panic!

Assistant manager Richard O'Kelly tried to calm fears of a panic at Rovers which followed Saturday's disappointing defeat against Barnsley. With other reports that Rovers were set to enter the loan market in a bid to get back into winning ways, O'Kelly was keen to point out that it was more a case of working out how to fix the problems, rather than changing the personnel.
O'Kelly told the Doncaster Star: "Nobody plans to lose six games on the trot, but these things happen in life and you've just got to deal with them. We are in a situation where either we can bury out heads in the sand or face up to the problem of poor results and try to do something positive. That is what we are trying to do. We haven't discussed the possibility of trying to bring people in on loan; we've worked on what we did on Saturday at Barnsley. We've tried to resolve what went wrong so that it doesn't happen again."
"I think that we are quite a resilient side - we've come back and won many games - and we usually cope with adversity quite well."

October 9, 2008

Buses to Reading

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Reading for the game on 21st October. They will leave Retford at 1.30pm, Harworth Pit Gates 1.35pm, Bawtry 1.45pm, Rossington Styrrup 1.45pm, Hare & Tortoise 1.50pm, Infirmary 2.00pm and the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 2 at 2.15pm.
Fares will be: Members: Adults £20, OAPs £18, U16s £16
Non-Members: Adults £22, OAPs £20, U16s £18
To book a place on the coach, please phone Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154 or 077404 53066)

October 9, 2008

Fenton helps Millers to victory

Former Rovers defender Nick Fenton scored Rotherham United's final goal in their 4-2 home win over Leeds United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The victory puts the Millers into the regional quarter finals, with the draw due to be made on Sky Sports on Saturday morning.

October 9, 2008

Rankine goes to Bournemouth

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team striker Michael Rankine, nephew of former Rovers favourite Mark, has signed for Bournemouth on a one month loan from Blue Square Premier club Rushden & Diamonds. The 23-year old scored 14 times for the Diamonds last season, but has only started once for them so far this season. Bournemouth made the move for Rankine following injuries to Jeff Goulding and Allan Connell.

October 8, 2008

Reading tickets

Tickets for the away game at Reading are currently on sale to season ticket holders and members, at the rate of one per season ticket. Rovers have received an allocation of 1,540, with any tickets remaining unsold going on general sale next Monday, 13th October.
Prices of tickets will be as follows:
Adults £23, Senior Citizens (65+) and 17-21 years £17, 16's and under £12.
Tickets can also be bought on the day of the match, however, match day prices will rise by £4 for every category.
Wheelchair and ambulant disabled pay the relevant price, but their carer can be admitted free of charge.
Anyone requiring disabled parking should contact Reading FC direct on 0118 968 1211 or by emailing customerservice@readingfc.co.uk.
As with many matches this season, it is possible that Reading FC staff on match day could challenge anyone with a concessionary ticket who they suspect is not genuine, so please remember to take evidence of eligibility with you.

October 8, 2008

Goals review

October 8, 2008

Belles fund raising match update

The Doncaster Rovers Belles' league match against Birmingham City has been postponed, as the Rovers Belles have to play a cup game against Nottingham Forest having to be played on the same day. The Belles game will kick off in Nottingham at 10.30am, meaning that the Belles players should be back in Doncaster for the fundraising event, although the only Belles players in action will be their third string, who have a match on the 'second pitch' in the athletics stadium, which will kick off at 1.15pm.
The Rovers' "Legends" game will go on as planned, with that match kicking off in the Keepmoat Stadium at 2.30pm. Tickets for that match are now on sale at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.
"Legends" due to take part in the match include: Simon Marples, Tim Ryan, Dave Morley, John Doolan, Dean Walling, Francis Tierney, Paul Barnes,Brian Deane, Jimmy Kelly, Dean Atkins, Leo Fortune-West, Gareth Owen, Robert Gill, Tris Whitman, Jason Blunt, Neil Roberts
Other players attending, but not playing in the match, include Andy Warrington, Dave Penney, Ricky Ravenhill, Paul Green, Steve Foster and Gregg Blundell.

October 7, 2008

Oakwell vote result

With a perhaps expected lower than usual number of votes being received for the "Man of the Match" at Oakwell on Saturday, with eight players receiving nominations, the contest was effectively between three, with the result ending up as:
1 Martin Woods (36.67%)
2 Brian Stock (24.22%)
3 Lewis Guy (19.35%)
Thank you to everyone who took part in the vote - the next vote will be for the home game against Blackpool in two Saturdays time.

October 7, 2008

Rovers boss - Rovers let themselves down

Sean O'Driscoll confirmed that there were harsh words spoken in the dressing room following Saturday's defeat at Barnsley. The Rovers boss kept the players locked in the dressing room after the game, with even chairman John Ryan prevented from entering. O'Driscoll confirmed that the sending off was the pivotal event of the game, saying: "Once Darren was sent off - all the good things we did before, we failed to do afterwards. I have no problem with the players' ability or that attitude, but it is between the ears where we are letting ourselves down."
"We then conceded a goal from a set play, which has been our Achilles heel so far this season. Then we lost our organisation, which we know that if you do in this division, anybody can beat you."
"We've had a long chat after the game and we know that things like that can't happen."

October 7, 2008

Rovers set to get loan players in

Doncaster Rovers look set to bring some loan players into the squad as a worrying dip in form puts the club into the relegation battle, with six consecutive defeats leaving only Nottingham Forest below them in the table.
Rovers have given the players that gained promotion the chance to prove themselves at Championship level, but with just five goals scored in the opening ten games, Rovers are now bottom goal scorers in the Championship, and have a goal different of -12.
However, the Rovers chief continues to back his current squad, commenting: "I've got no problem with the players' ability and their attitude and their will to do well in this division."
The Rovers boss describes the break for international fixtures as a "time for reflection", although he has hopes that the run of bad luck will end soon.
"Things go against you and you get in a cycle, I suppose," O'Driscoll continued. "We don't look like a team lacking in confidence. We caused them (Barnsley) problems and we started the second half as well as we've done this season . But the result will show a difference aspect of the game."

October 7, 2008

Newell given Grimsby job

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Mike Newell has been appointed as manager of League Two club Grimsby Town, taking over from caretaker manager Stuart Watkiss. The job is Newell's first since exposing corruption in the game, with his comment to BBC Radio Humberside being: "I didn't have a fear. Short-term it didn't do me any favours but I always thought long-term I would get back into the game. I thought there would be plenty of football clubs and plenty of football people who would like me to work for them. I watched them on Saturday at Rotherham and for a team in the position they're in I was pleasantly surprised."
Grimsby are fourth from the bottom of League Two, with only three points to date - his first match in charge comes this evening with the home Johnstone's Paint Trophy game against local rivals Scunthorpe United.

October 5, 2008

Barnsley 4 Rovers 1

Rovers capitulated against ten men of Barnsley in the second half of yesterday's match after going in at the break 1-0 up and looking sufficiently in control to pick up three points. However, the sending off of former Rovers favourite Darren Moore for hauling back Lewis Guy when he was the 'last man' turned the game - and not in the way that anyone in Oakwell anticipated. Barnsley made light of their one man short by imposing themselves on the game, and you could see the confidence of the Rovers players drain out of them. Jamal Campbell Ryce's goal, which put Barnsley 2-1 in front, was superb - a nightmare from a Rovers point of view - and was one that you wouldn't see from Rovers. He took the ball from the half way line, went past various Rovers defenders with ease before finishing off with a clinical finish past Sullivan. If it had been Rovers in that situation, they would have passed the ball within ten yards of Campbell-Ryce having received the ball!
Yet the match started so promisingly, with Rovers going in front from the penalty spot after ten minutes as Guy was pushed when competing for a Woods cross in from the left. Stock's penalty was just out of the reach of the diving keeper, and all the decisions seemed to be going against the home team. Sullivan then had to pull off a couple of decent saves at full stretch to keep Rovers in front, but Rovers deservedly went in at half time in front, with the Barnsley manager reportedly 45 minutes from being sacked after their poor start to the season.
The second half then proved how a key decision can turn a game. With a man advantage from the 49th minute, Rovers never seriously troubled Muller in the Barnsley goal. Often with plenty of build-up play that failed to penetrate the Barnsley defensive wall, that possession was not translated into either shots or goals. As with last week's matches, Rovers look like they need to find a "Plan B" if they are to survive this season - if not, it's going to be a long, hard winter. As it is, Rovers are now next to bottom of the Championship table, with only Nottingham Forest, who have made a surprisingly poor start to the season, below them.
With the fortnight's break due to international matches ahead, let us hope that the Rovers management and board use the time they have wisely.

October 5, 2008

Richie's Millers return

Former Rovers loan striker Richie Barker returned to Rotherham United on Friday, four years after leaving the then debt-ridden club to reduce the wage bill. Barker returned after a short stay at Hartlepool United, where he had been used mainly from the bench this season. His return coincides with a dramatic resurgence of the Millers, who yesterday picked up another three points, which put them on a positive number of points after being deducted 17 points in the summer for financial reasons.
Barker said of his Rotherham return: "It has been well documented that the club has had its troubles in recent years, but the gaffer has told me about the new chairman's plans for the club and I am really looking forward to getting started again. It is often said that you should never go back, but I am going to give it a real go. I want to be more successful this time around from both a personal and a team perspective and I think that is a realistic possibility."
The move, by necessity, is initially on loan, but the deal will become a full transfer in January.

October 5, 2008

Goals review

Our review of Rovers players scoring goals yesterday is a little shorter than of recent weeks. We begin in League One, where an Adebayo Akinfenwa penalty in the second half put Northampton Town back in front as they went on to a 3-1 win at Crewe Alexandra.
Down one level in League Two, a superb 30 yard strike from Sean Thornton denied Dave Penney's Darlington all three points, and probably did Thornton no harm at all in landing an extension to his loan period at Shrewsbury Town. The match ended 1-1.
Richie Barker scored a goal in his 'debut' for Rotherham United after signing from Hartlepool on Friday - his side beat Grimsby Town 4-1 at the Don Valley Stadium to become the first League Two club to completely wipe out their points deduction from the summer.
In the Blue Square Premier, Chris Beardsley scored Kettering Town's first goal in their 2-1 home win over bottom club Northwich Victoria.
Finally, in the UniBond Premier Division, Rod Thornley scored a 90th minute goal for Witton Albion - but Albion still went down 5-3 to the hands of FC United of Manchester. Interestingly, that game attracted 2,201 spectators - with Boston United's game against Bradford Park Avenue in the same division also attracting 1,162.

October 4, 2008

Barnsley v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers travel to Barnsley for this afternoon's game in the hope of ending their losing sequence, which has seen the club drop into the bottom three for the first time this season.
Rovers will welcome James Coppinger back into the squad after missing Tuesday's game against Sheffield United due to illness. Brian Stock will again have a fitness test on his ongoing back problem, but is expected to play. Richie Wellens has had a groin problem for the last couple of weeks, but is expected to play this afternoon.
Gareth Taylor has resumed training and may earn a recall to the squad after overcoming a hamstring injury, but Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer continue to be missing, although both have stepped up their training in the last week.
Barnsley will be hoping that there is not a backlash of anger from the fans following Brian Howard's move to Sheffield United yesterday. The move is on loan with a view to a full transfer in the January transfer window.
The home team's manager, Simon Davey, has publicly stated that goalkeeper Heinz Muller will keep his place in the side for today's game, despite a double blunder at Ipswich on Tuesday night. Davey explained: "It's one of them, he's never made a mistake before for me and then he made two that have probably cost us the game. He's mentally very strong and I'm sure that he'll bounce back. I'd be a fool to drop him after that. Even in that game he made two or three great saves."
Fifteen-year old striker Reuben Noble-Lazarus may also keep his place in the squad today after making the headlines on Tuesday, becoming the youngest player to appear in a Football League match.
Barnsley have a doubt over midfielder Hugo Colace, who has picked up an ankle injury which kept him out of Barnsley's match on Tuesday.

October 4, 2008

O'Driscoll praises Rovers fans

Sean O'Driscoll has praised the Rovers fans through their recent poor run of results. In an interview with the Doncaster Free Press, he said: "The supporters have been understanding and sensible as well - and that is a huge help to us. I know they will be out in force again to back us on Saturday and we will be doing our best to give them something to cheer."
Looking back to the last few matches, he continued: "The most frustrating thing about the run we've had is that we are not getting played off the park. In fact we've been the better side in a lot of the games and Tuesday night was another match we should have won."

October 4, 2008

Stock pulls out of Wales game

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has withdrawn from the Wales squad for the World Cup qualifying matches against Liechtenstein and Germany. Stock has a back problem which requires treatment, with Rovers hoping that the fortnight's break will give his injury chance to recover after being given intensive treatment.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "We have spoken to the Welsh medical staff and they understand the situation. It makes sense from their point of view because he would only be half-fit. Hopefully, the intensive treatment over the next two weeks will get him back to full fitness. If he wants to play for his country, he needs to be able to maintain his club form."
"It did him no favours going to Russia last month. He didn't play and he was stood around a lot and then had a long journey back. Although he's got a bad back, lack of movement gives him a problem. Once we get him warmed up we have to keep him warm at half-time. If he sits down he stiffens up and he has a problem. The international break gives us the opportunity to give him some treatment which hopefully will get his back right for the next time he is called up."

October 4, 2008

Man of the Match

It turned into a closely run contest between two midfielders for the winner of the "Man of the Match" for Tuesday's game against Sheffield United. Martin Woods and Brian Stock were neck and neck from the first vote to the last, with the Rovers skipper coming out narrowly ahead by the time the voting closed. A total of eight players were nominated, with the top three being:
1 Brian Stock (37.14%)
2 Martin Woods (35.71%)
3 Richie Wellens (8.57%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next poll will open following this afternoon's away game at Barnsley.

October 2, 2008

Ryan to make video nasty

Rovers chairman John Ryan has said that he is compiling instances of mistakes made by referees which go against Doncaster Rovers, as his frustration over not getting the "rub of the green" mounts.
He has accused referees of "taking delight" in awarding penalties against Rovers, and he said: "I am becoming increasingly frustrated as the chairman of a small club in the Championship that is certainly not enjoying the rub of the green on major decisions. The referees appear to delight in awarding penalties against us - three in the last two games - and yet we have had six stonewall penalties this season so far and not one awarded."
"I am making a DVD of the cock-ups and other major errors which commenced at Derby in the first game of the season when Lewis Guy was brought down by Alan Stubbs in the box after only eight minutes, and when Rob Hulse clearly handled the ball against the post. I am so perturbed by it all that I would on completion then send it off to refereeing chiefs Keith Hackett and David Allinson who I have been in contact with already about my concerns. All I am asking for is fair play, something we are not getting at the moment."

October 2, 2008

Goals review

In a brief midweek round-up of former Rovers players scoring goals in the last few days, we start in the Northern Counties East League, where ex-Rovers striker Jamie Barnwell scored one of Hall Road Rangers' two goals on Saturday, although his club went down 4-2 at home against Selby Town . Robins ace Gorman leading from the front
Moving forward to Tuesday evening's fixtures, Ross McCormack scored again in Cardiff's 2-1 home win over Coventry City in the Championship - a win that takes the Bluebirds up to seventh place in the table.

October 2, 2008

Stock doubtful again

Following Tuesday evening's game against Sheffield United, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll confirmed that skipper Brian Stock's back injury continues to be a cause for concern.
In an interview with Radio Sheffield, he said: "The injury restricts what he can and can't do, but he'll still be magnificent. We need to try and get him through one more game and get him to the international break. Then we can really sort him out. He's in bits after the games, because adrenaline gets him through the matches and then it hits him afterwards. He is our only injury concern ahead of the weekend."
Whether Stock will get recovery time during the "international break" is doubtful though - as we reported yesterday, he has been called up by Wales for two matches during that time.

October 1, 2008

Rovers 0 Sheffield United 2

Doncaster Rovers went down to their second 2-0 home defeat in four days when they lost to Sheffield United last night. Rovers had a great first half, with the vast majority of the possession, and had five good chances to score, with a Brian Stock shot crashing off the crossbar, along with some hesitant or wayward shooting accounting for the rest. Sheffield United went in front in the 14th minute when Gareth Roberts diverted a cross from the right side of the Rovers defence into his own net as he tried to cut out the dangerous low ball. After that it was all Rovers, but they failed to capitalise on this dominance by converting their chances.
Rovers struggled to dominate in the second half, although they weathered the first five minutes after the break, which seems to have become the time when they concede. However, they went further behind in the 60th minute when Quinn ran straight down the centre to fire a shot past Sullivan. Whilst Rovers never gave up, there were only occasional shots which troubled Kenny in the United goal, with a Byfield shot from close range in the dying minutes of the game being typical of the bad luck currently with Rovers. It seemed somewhat surprising to most in the stadium that it took until the 80th minute for Sean O'Driscoll to make his first substitution, which gave too little time for Heffernan, Hayter and Guy to have any chance of influencing the game greatly.
The "Man of the Match" voting is now open. If you would like to take part, please click on the logo to the left.

October 1, 2008

Maamria suspended

Former Rovers striker Dino Maamria, currently manager at Northwich Victoria, has been sent home on "gardening leave" pending the results of internal matters at the club. Maamria found himself in hot water last week when he was charged with the use of "abusive and/or insulting words" which were reportedly directed at a match official during the Vic's 2-1 defeat against Torquay United.
Club owner Jim Rushe said: "Dino is on gardening leave at the moment. He will be pending the resolution of internal matters within the club. I will be making no further comment, nor will the club be issuing a statement, in the meantime."
Northwich also refused to comment on whether it was likely that Maamria would be returning to the club in due course.

October 1, 2008

Stock called up again

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has been called up to the Wales squad for the matches against Liechtenstein and Germany in early October. Stock will be hoping that he makes it onto the pitch for these matches - he has been selected on three occasions since the summer, but has failed to get past the substitutes bench.
The full 26-man squad for the two games is: Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Boaz Myhill (Hull City), Lewis Price (Derby County), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Gunter (Tottenham Hotspur), James Collins (West Ham), Craig Morgan (Peterborough United), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County), Sam Ricketts (Hull City), Ashley Williams (Swansea City), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham), Simon Davies (Fulham), David Edwards (Wolves), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Owain Tudur Jones (Swansea City), Jason Koumas (Wigan Athletic), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City), Carl Robinson (Toronto FC), Brian Stock (Doncaster Rovers), David Vaughan (Blackpool), Craig Bellamy (West Ham United), David Cotterill (Sheffield United), Robert Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), Freddy Eastwood (Coventry City), Ched Evans (Manchester City), Sam Vokes (Wolves).

October 1, 2008

Wright injury blow

Ex-Rovers winger Jermaine Wright has been dealt a blow when he was told that he will have to miss the next three months due to an Achilles injury picked up whilst playing for new club Blackpool in their 3-1 home defeat against Sheffield United. The injury necessitated an operation, with a minimum three months anticipated for a return to full fitness.
Boss Simon Grayson said: "It's a major blow for us because Jermaine had started the season very well and was one of the key performers in the first two league matches of the season against Bristol City and Norwich. He will be out for at least three or four months and it's not good news either for the club or for the player himself. We're very disappointed but it's just one of those things and pure bad luck."