September 30, 2008
Rovers v Sheffield United
Doncaster Rovers have no new injury concerns ahead of this evening's home game against Sheffield United, although they continue to have to monitor the fitness of midfielder Brian Stock, who has been troubled with an ongoing back injury for much of the season. Sean O'Driscoll may tinker with his starting line-up as Rovers strive to end a sequence of four successive defeats, which has left them hovering just above the relegation places. Matt Mills appears to have overcome the calf injury that made him doubtful ahead of Saturday's game, and will continue in the Rovers back four this evening. The only absentees through injury are Gordon Greer (hip) and Sean McDaid (knee). Gareth Taylor has resumed light training, but will not feature tonight.
Sheffield United's hopes of signing Barnsley midfielder Brian Howard were dealt a blow when the Tykes rejected the offer made to him, which would have seen Howard moving on loan ahead of a full transfer in January. The amount offered, and the lack of a sell-on clause, are understood to be the stumbling blocks.
Teenage defender Kyle Naughton looks likely to keep his place after an impressive debut on Saturday against Watford. Defender Sun Jihai is suspended, and Matthew Spring (ankle) is injured. New loan signing Nathan Dyer is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench again, alongside Doncaster-born Darius Henderson, who returned to the squad on Saturday after a knee injury. Wingers Keith Gillespie and David Cotterill were both left out of the squad on Saturday, with boss Kevin Blackwell not confirming whether they may be recalled tonight.
September 30, 2008
O'Driscoll - everyone gets a chance
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has said that everyone in the Rovers squad will get the chance to prove themselves, but he has not ruled out the possibility of new faces in the Rovers squad, especially to address the goal drought, which has seen Rovers labelled as the Championship's lowest scoring club, with only four goals in eight games.
He said: "There are certain things that we need to get back to, things that we know we do well. After the international break, we will reflect on the first 10 games and what we need to do to improve."
"Everyone has to be given a chance – but if it is the right thing to do, we have a duty to do it. We all want to be successful and survive in the Championship and the players understand that. But no striker is beating the door down to come here who we think is better than we have already got."
September 30, 2008
Rovers release keeper
Doncaster Rovers have released trialist goalkeeper Jamie Waite, who has been training at the club with the hope of earning a permanent contract. The 22-year old, a Thai international, was released by Bradford City and joined Rovers on 2nd September. He is hoping to revive his career after ten months out to successfully fight cancer of the lymph gland. He has been training with Neil Sullivan and Ben Smith, along with goalkeeping coach Lee Butler, after being recommended to the club by former goalkeeping coach Barry Richardson.
September 30, 2008
McSporran moves on
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Jermaine McSporran has signed for FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division club Kidlington. He made a handful of appearances for the club in the 2006/07 season and will go straight into the Kidlington squad for this weekend's game against Fairford Town.
McSporran left Rovers after a long absence due to a bad knee injury, but was the scorer of one of Rovers' best goals in the last ten years, a stunning strike seconds after half time against Ipswich Town in the Carling Cup.
September 30, 2008
Voting results
Eight players were nominated for the "Man of the Match" in Saturday's home game against Southampton, with four of those players only being separated by small margins. Those receiving the most votes are:
1 Darren Byfield (23.57%)
2 Brian Stock (21.57%)
3 Jason Price (19.61%)
4 Sam Hird (17.64%)
Thanks as always to everyone who took the trouble to place votes. The next poll will open following this evening's home game against Sheffield United.
September 29, 2008
Goals check
Our look at former Doncaster Rovers players scoring goals this weekend begins in the Championship, where Ross McCormack continued his good start at Cardiff City by scoring in the 86th minute, although the Bluebirds went down to a 2-1 home defeat against Birmingham City.
In League One, Adebayo Akinfenwa scored twice as Northampton Town twice came from behind to grab a 2-2 draw against Brighton. His first goal, a shot from 12 yards, came in the 77th minute. The second came in the sixth minute of added time, when Bayo headed home from a corner to earn the Cobblers a point.
In the Blue Square Premier League, Jon-Paul Pittman scored the only goal of the game for Crawley Town as they won 1-0 at home against Kettering Town - a win that sees Crawley three points clear at the top of the table.
Travelling north into Scotland, defender Phil McGuire scored Inverness Caledonian Thistle's first goal in their 3-1 win in the Clydesdale Bank Premer League, which lifts Inverness into fourth place in the table.
In the Scottish Third Division, in the bottom of the table clash, Colin Cramb scored East Stirling's first goal from the penalty spot, with his side going on to a convincing 5-2 victory over Elgin City. The win lifts East Stirling off the bottom of the table, with Elgin now the lowest placed club.
Back in England, it was FA Cup day yesterday, with the Second Qualifying Round being played. Ex-Rover Leo Fortune West scored Alfreton's first goal as they won 2-1 at Shepshed Dynamo.
Finally over the border in Wales, former Rovers striker Neil Roberts had a day he will want to forget, with Rhyl being held to a goalless draw to lose their place at the top of the table. Added to that, Roberts was shown a red card in the second half.
September 29, 2008
Ryan - Our luck will turn
Speaking before Saturday's game, Rovers chairman John Ryan said that he remains confident that the club will survive in the Championship. He said: "I am more than confident that the squad that we have is capable of competing at this level. I think that we are the best footballing side in the league. Obviously I'm very disappointed that we've lost the last three games, but given a modicum of luck we could be in the top six now. The quality of our play certainly deserves another six or seven points."
"I said to Sean (O'Driscoll) that we really need at least a win and a draw from our next two home games and the best way to achieve that would be to beat Southampton on Saturday and draw against Sheffield United on Tuesday. We then go to Barnsley, where we have done well over recent years, on Saturday week, where again we'd be looking to win."
September 29, 2008
Tickets still available
Tickets are still available for tomorrow evening's home game against Sheffield United. Reports suggest that Sheffield United have sold out their allocation, and over 10,000 have been sold to Rovers fans, meaning that around 2,000 remain availble for sale. It is recommended that anyone still wanting to obtain a ticket do so before the evening of the match to avoid the queues at the ticket office. You can buy your ticket by phoning 01302 762576 or online at www.keepmoatstadium.co.uk
September 27, 2008
Rovers 0 Southampton 2
A fourth successive defeat puts Rovers hovering just above the relegation places, with visitors Southamtpon going above Rovers with a comfortable 2-0 victory. It could have been worse for Rovers, with Neil Sullivan saving a second penalty awarded to the Saints in the second half. The first half finished level, with neither team managing to impose themselves on the game, with neither goalkeeper put under much pressure. Southampton went in front early in the second half, wikth Mills putting the ball into his own net when attempting to clear the ball - the vistiors then added a second from the penalty spot eight minutes later, with Surman sending Sullivan the wrong way.
September 27, 2008
Rovers v Southampton
Southampton visit the Keepmoat Stadium with both sides keen to get back on a winning track, with Rovers having lost their last three games and Southampton not having won in the last five matches - with the Saints no doubt still smarting from their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Rotherham United on Tuesday.
Doncaster Rovers have injury concerns over two players, Matt Mills and Brian Stock. Mills was substituted last weekend and although he has recovered from that injury, he has picked up a slight calf strain. However, Mills trained on Thursday, and Rovers are waiting to see if he suffered any reaction before deciding whether to include him in the squad today. Brian Stock has an ongoing back problem which has meant that he has missed training on a number of weeks this season. Rovers are hoping that he remains fit until the next international break, when they will have time to address the problem.
Rovers will definitely be without Sean McDaid and Gareth Taylor, who are both injured.
Southamtpon will be without skipper Michael Svensson and midfielder Simon Gillett for today's game, along with long term absentees Lee Holmes, Wayne Thomas and Jason Euell. Morgan Schneiderlin is rated as doubtful for the game.
They look likely to inlcude striker Stern John, who scored their consolation goal against Rotherham this week. Goalkeeper Lee Holmes will return in goal after being rested on Tuesday, and Oliver Lancashire is available after completing a three match ban.
Southampton signed Jordan Robertson on a three month loan from Sheffield United on Friday, and he is expected to go into their squad for today's match.
September 27, 2008
Kinnear gets Newcastle job
Former Doncaster Rovers manager Joe Kinnear has been named as manager of troubled Premiership outfit Newcastle United until the end of October. Kinnear, perhaps best known for his time at Wimbledon and Luton Town, has been appointed until the club changes hands, with owner Mike Ashley having put the club up for sale. Kinnear said: "I am very excited by this challenge. I am aware that the new owners have Kevin Keegan and possibly Alan Shearer parked around the corner. I understand investors are about to buy the club, (current owner) Mike Ashley told me openly. I will be here for six to eight games."
Kinnear was brought into Doncaster Rovers in 1989 following the sacking of Dave Mackay, but managed to win just one game in his 13 in charge before making way for the returning Billy Bremner.
September 27, 2008
Supporters Club shop opens today
The Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club have announced that their shop at the Keepmoat Stadium will be opening for this afternoon's game. As with the shop at Belle Vue, programmes from all home and away games this season, along with a huge number from past seasons, will be on sale. Supporters will also be able to join the Supporters Club, which will entitle them to discounted rates on Supporters Club coaches to away games.
The Supporters Club can be found near the Community changing rooms in the north-west corner of the stadium.
September 26, 2008
Ameobi goes out on loan
Doncaster Rovers striker Tomi Ameobi has gone to Grimsby Town on a month's loan and is set to make his debut for the Mariners tomorrow against Barnet in League Two.
Ameobi has failed to force his way into the first team squad so far this season, although he impressed during trials at Rovers during the summer. Rovers will be hoping that the experience of playing at Grimsby will be beneficial for the young striker, with Sam Hird taking the same route last season and returning to hold down a regular first team place towards the end of the season.
September 26, 2008
Wheater wins award
Former Doncaster Rovers loan defender David Wheater has scooped a double honour, winning the 2008 North-East Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association and the Young Player of the Year. Wheater, who broke into Middlesbrough's first team at the start of last season after returning from a successful loan period at Darlington, has progressed onto the fringes of the England squad since.
September 26, 2008
Thornton set for longer stay
It looks likely that former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton will extend his stay at Shrewsbury Town, with his initial month nearing completion. Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling has said that Thornton does not feature in his plans for the short term, and feels that the player's future lies away from Brisbane Road.
Ling said of the situation: "So far Shrewsbury haven't been in touch, but if they want him to remain with them I would be more than happy. If I'm honest I feel his future is away from the club, but I would never say that Sean wont play for me again because you don't know what is going to happen in football."
September 26, 2008
Important inforomation for season ticket holders
We would like to remind all supporters that hold season ticket holders will need to produce their season ticket book to gain admittance to all future home league games. The vast majority of season ticket holders already do this, but Doncaster Rovers have now decided to enforce the "terms and conditions" printed on each season ticket application form that the whole book is presented at the turnstile for each match.
September 26, 2008
Green praised by Jewell
Ex-Rovers midfielder Paul Green has been praised by Derby County manager Paul Jewell for the form he has shown since the move from Rovers in the summer. So far, Green has impressed, playing in every single minute of every match so far this season.
Jewell said: "I think Greenie has settled in really quickly and I am really pleased with him. Greenie loves being at Derby County and I think the fans see that he always gives his best and that's all a manager and supporters can ask of any player. Players like him are low maintenance players. They are lads who just get on with their job and are delighted to be here. They always train properly."
September 24, 2008
Rovers 3 Chesterfield 0
Doncaster Rovers played the latest of a series of "behind closed doors" friendly fixtures against Chesterfield, with Rovers winning the match 3-0. No further details are currently available.
September 24, 2008
Coaches for Reading game
The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Reading on 21st October, which will depart from Retford at 1.15pm, Harworth 1.20pm, Bawtry & Rossington 1.30pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 1.45pm and the Keepmoat Stadium at 2pm.
The fare for members are £20 for adults, £18 for OAPs and £16 for juniors. The fare for non-members is usually £2 more for each category.
To book a place, please contact : Len South on 01302 817347, Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 (Mobile 077404 53066)
September 24, 2008
Leeds match
Former Rovers defender Nick Fenton was one of three Rotherham players to score goals last night as they defeated Championship club Southampton at the Don Valley Stadium 3-1 in the Carling Cup.
Southampton, of course, face another long trek up to South Yorkshire on Saturday, when they visit the Keepmoat Stadium!
September 24, 2008
Reading ticket info
An allocation of 1,540 tickets have been received by the Keepmoat Stadium for the away game at Reading. They will go on sale to season ticket holders from Monday, 29th September at one ticket per book. From 6th October, Members will also be able to purchase tickets, with any remaining unsold going on general sale from Monday, 13th October.
Prices fo tickets are:
Adults £23
Senior Citizens (65+) & 17-21 years: £17
16s & under: £12
Wheelchair disabled and ambulant disabled will pay the relevant price, but a carer will be admitted free (limited spaces available)
Any disabled supporters requiring parking at the stadium should telephone Reading on 0118 968 1211 or emailing them at customerservice@readingfc.co.uk
As with other away games this season, anyone buying a concessionary ticket of any category is recommended to take evidence of eligibility with them as Reading staff could challenge anyone who is considered not to be a genuine concession.
Ticket will be available on the day of the game at a supplement of £4 per ticket.
September 24, 2008
McCammon loses appeal
Gillingham have lost their appeal against Mark McCammon's sending off on Saturday in their game against Aldershot, which the Gills lost 2-1. Mark was sent off for violent conduct - allegedly raising an elbow in an aerial challenge with the Aldershot goalkeeper - early in the game. As a result of losing the appeal, he will miss three games, league games against Port Vale and Exeter City, and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Colchester United.
September 23, 2008
Man of the match
The influential Richie Wellens came in as the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" of the away game at Bristol City on Saturday, winning over a third of the votes cast. Darren Byfield, making his first start in Rovers colours, came home in second place. There were nine players receiving nominations, with the players receiving most votes being:
1 Richie Wellens (34.62%)
2 Darren Byfield (19.23%)
3 Brian Stock (15.38%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open following Saturday's home game against Southampton.
September 23, 2008
Rankine praises Rovers
Former Rovers player Mark Rankine has said in an interview with the Doncaster Free Press that the team should have enough talent to enable their survival this season. Speaking before Saturday's game against Bristol Rovers, Mark said: "Sean O'Driscoll has got them passing the ball like they did in League One and they've carried that into the Championship. He won't change that because of a couple of indifferent results."
" To be successful in the Championship you need quality strikers because generally the highest scorers win the leagu and you need goals not just from the centre forwards - but from throughout the team. I think there won't be a better passing side in the league - Rovers can pass everyone off the park, but in this league you need a little bit extra. I think Doncaster have enough firepower - they were all right last year - and if you give them opportunities they will take them. But time will tell and if they can keep plugging away and creating chances then the players are good enough to score."
" A lot of their players - Gareth Taylor, Darren Byfield and Paul Heffernan - have scored goals throughout their career and I think it's just a matter of time before it clicks for them."
September 23, 2008
Rovers sign up another physio
Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that they have added another physio to their staff, with Oly Freeman joining John Dickens and Craig Schofield. The appointment is his first job since leaving Keele University.
September 23, 2008
Barnsley tickets
Tickets for the away game at Barnsley on 4th October remain on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office, and are now on sale to season ticket holders, membership holders and Away Rover members. Any tickets remaining unsold will go on general sale next Monday (29th September).
Ticket prices are: Adults £20, Senior Citizens & Under 18s £12, Under 11s £6 (must be bought with an adult/senior ticket), wheelchair disabled/carer £20
The U11 concession is not avaialble on the day of the game.
September 22, 2008
Wignall walks out
Jack Wignall, the son of former Rovers player and manager Steve, has walked out on Needham Market following their recent humiliating 5-0 defeat by Lowestoft Town.
Needham Market manager, Danny Laws, said: "There were always going to be repercussions after such a terrible performance. Jack leaving the club is one of those, although it was by no means his fault – it was the worst team performance I have seen as Needham manager."
Meanwhile, former Rovers midfielder Kevin Horlock has recovered from a foot injury and has played the last couple of games for the club. He scored a goal direct from a free kick 20 yards from goal on Saturday as Needham Market registered a 3-0 win, which lifts them up into 5th place in the Ridgeons Eastern Counties Premier Division, six points behind leaders Lowestoft with a game in hand.
September 22, 2008
Matt's injury worry
Rovers' record signing Matthew Mills was substituted in the second half of Saturday's defeat against Bristol City after picking up a thigh injury early in the game. It seems that Mills picked up the injury in the second minute of the game, but soldiered on until the 54th minute before being substituted by club captain Adam Lockwood. With no midweek game this week, Rovers are hoping that there is sufficient time for Mills to have treatment to enable him to be fit to face Southampton on Saturday.
September 22, 2008
Harry's out on loan again
Defender Harry Worley, who was on loan from Chelsea at Doncaster Rovers for two months at the end of the 2006/07 season, has been on the move again. After moving to Leicester City on a full transfer in the summer of this year, Worley has failed to appear for their first team and has now moved to League Two club Luton Town on loan.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson said: "He wants to be playing first-team football and I can understand his frustrations. I'd rather see him go out on loan and gain some valuable experience rather than playing in the reserves here."
September 22, 2008
Heffernan - we need a bit of luck
Rovers striker Paul Heffernan is confident that the side's fortunes in front of goal will improve in the coming weeks. Rovers are averaging less than a goal a game this season, and have not scored in four out of Rovers opening eight games.
Heffernan, who has been limited to a place on the substitutes bench so far this season, said: "We are creating a lot of chances. All we need is a bit of luck, which we definitely haven't had in the last couple of games, for some of the chances to start going in. When that happens we'll be all right."
September 22, 2008
No "Park and Ride" on Saturday
Please note that the "Park and Ride" service from the racecourse to the Keepmoat Stadium will not be operating on Saturday for the Southampton match. The decision has been made due to the "Donny Show" taking place at the weekend at the racecourse, and the car park that would have normally been available for the "Park and Ride" service is now required for the show at the racecourse.
September 20, 2008
Bristol City 4 Rovers 1

After the first half finished goalless, Rovers conceded four goals in the second half, with former Rovers winger Michael McIndoe scoring twice - the first from the penalty spot after Neil Sullivan bringing down Mayanard as he burst into the Rovers area. Fortunately, the referee only booked the Rovers keeper - but the afternoon still went from bad to worse as a further three goals in 17 minutes put paid to Rovers' hopes of getting any points. A consolation goal from Richie Wellens, scored when Rovers were three goals down, was insufficient to threaten a dominant Bristol side, who always managed to block any Rovers attempts at getting to within shooting distance.
September 21, 2008
Goals time
As Rovers fans will be well aware, Michael McIndoe scored twice yesterday for Bristol City. Other former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday include Ross McCormack, who scored for Cardiff City from the penalty spot in their 1-1 draw at Derby.
Dropping down into non-league territory, Warren Peyton scored the only goal of the game as Altrincham beat Lewes 1-0 in the Blue Square Premier.
In the UniBond Premier Division, Scott Maxfield scored for Buxton in their 4-2 defeat at North Ferriby United.
Finally in our review of yesterday's action, we note that Mark McCammon was sent off for violent conduct yesterday in the 13th minute of Gillingham's match against Aldershot. Reports of the game suggest that the decision was somewhat harsh.
There are a couple of former Rovers players scoring goals last weekend that we'd like to mention - one match wonder Mark Bradley was on target for Linlithgow in their Super League clash against Bo'ness.
In the East Midlands Counties League, ex-Rovers striker Robert Gill, back from playing football in New Zealand, scored one of Gedling Town's six goals as they thrashed Barrow Town 6-0 - at Barrow!
September 21, 2008
Muirhead signs on
Blue Square North club Alfreton Town have given former Rovers midfielder Ben Muirhead a one year contract after he has impressed in performances so far this season. The winger joined on a non-contract basis after being released by Rochdale in the summer and has produced a number of "man of the match" performances since.
Muirhead, who played for Rovers whilst on loan from Manchester United, has also played for Bradford City on loan.
September 21, 2008
Ryan slams FA decision
Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan has been quoted in the press as being disgusted about the FA decision to overrule the red card shown to Chelsea defender John Terry during their game against Manchester City last weekend. The red card, shown by well respected referee Mark Halsey, was given for violent conduct - a decision that few at the match disagreed with.
Ryan said of the decision to rescind the red card: "Mark Halsey is a first-class referee whose decisions should be backed by the FA. Instead they capitulate at the first sign of flak. It's in danger of becoming a thug's charter if you can get away with doing what Terry did."
"You suspect that Alex Ferguson was right when he said it wouldn't have happened if the club in question had been Manchester United. Not everybody in the game thinks the FA were right to reverse the decision, far from it. I've spoken to plenty of people who thought that Mark Halsey made the right call. Other referees will feel undermined by this. Halsey deserved to get the full support of the FA. I'm not sure how this reflects on their new regime of respect."
"'John Terry's action was certainly not that of an England skipper. Billy Wright would have lost the captaincy for good if he had done something like that. It's sets a terrible example to youngsters. I've told the FA but I don't expect to hear back."
September 20, 2008
Bristol City v Rovers
Rovers travel down to Bristol City this weekend hoping to end their run of two successive defeats, but will be forced to make at least one change following Gareth Taylor's hamstring injury sustained in the closing minutes of Tuesday's home game against Charlton Athletic. Jason Price or Darren Byfield looks set to replace Taylor, with both now fully fit after missing the early part of the season due to injury. Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer continue their absences as they recover from injury.
Rovers will face winger Michael McIndoe for the first time since he left Belle Vue back in July 2006, and whilst he has spoken warmly of his time at the club during interviews this week, the Rovers defence will have to keep a close eye on him.
Bristol City will give a late fitness test to goalkeeper Adriano Basso, who limped off with a calf injury in their match against Birmingham City. Lee Trundle may earn a recall to the starting eleven after scoring in midweek, and Marvin Elliott is nearing full fitness and may be included in the squad today.
September 20, 2008
Today's match officials
The match officials for this afternoon's game at Ashton Gate will be:
Referee: J. Singh
Assistant Referees: J. Farries & L. Swabey
Fourth Official: R. Martin
September 20, 2008
O'Driscoll - we have to be better
Although generally happy with the level of performances so far this season, boss Sean O'Driscoll has identified that his side need to improve if they are to succeed this season.
The side have played well and enjoyed good periods of possession, but have only scored three goals so far this season - the lowest total in the Championship. Having said that, Rovers have conceded just five goals in the opening six matches.
Tuesday's game against Charlton Athletic saw Rovers fail to score for the second game, as well as falling to their second successive defeat.
O'Driscoll commented: "If we had scored first then we would have won the (Charlton) game. Performance-wise we dominated almost from start to finish. But credit to Charlton - we put them under a lot of pressure. But they weren't fazed because they are used to it and didn't panic. We have to be a little bit better, but I think in the last two games that we have been excellent."
September 20, 2008
Taylor out injured
Striker Gareth Taylor looks like he will be missing for around three weeks after pulling his hamstring during Tuesday's game against Charlton Athletic. The striker has started every game so far this season, but will miss his first game this afternoon.
Taylor said: "I just felt something go in the back of my leg as I tried to get away from the right-back. The physio thinks it's a hamstring and I'll be out for a few weeks. It's a bit of a kick in the teeth, but we have lads who can step in and have plenty of bodies. Hopefully we can go on and bounce back from this."
September 20, 2008
Rovers deny approach for O'Kelly
Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has denied that the club have been approached by Grimsby Town to speak to assistant manager Richard O'Kelly about the managerial vacancy at Blundell Park. The 51-year old has been linked with the vacancy following Alan Buckley's departure. O'Kelly was well thought of when at Grimsby as a player, with his success as O'Driscoll's assistant also being recognised.
However, O'Driscoll claims that he has not heard from the Mariners, saying: "I've not had an approach. Whatever happens is Richard's decision. He's old enough to make his own decisions, but he knows how much I value him here."
September 20, 2008
Rovers help Belles with benefit match
As part of the effort to raise enough money to keep the Doncaster Rovers Belles in business following their recent financial crisis, news has emerged that the current Rovers squad will face a "Legends" side in a "Festival of Football" at the Keepmoat Stadium on October 12th - the afternoon that the Belles face Birmingham City at home.
Belles chairman, Jonathan James, said: "We're absolutely thrilled at the prospect and urge Rovers fans to come and see a great game and help us raise vital funds for our future survival at the same time."
The Legends side will be managed by Rovers hero Ian Snodin, with players mentioned to play including Francis Tierney, Dave Morley, Tim Ryan, Paul Barnes, Leo Fortune-West, Simon Marples, Neil Roberts, John McGrath and Jason Blunt. More names are set to be announced in the next few weeks.
Rovers, keen to take part in the fund raising initiative, have a blank weekend due to international fixtures. Sean O'Driscoll said: "We just want to help the Belles. As a club Rovers have seen lean times and we recognise we are in a position to help with this fundraiser. We have an international break that weekend so we've decided to play this one off game - with all the proceeds going to the Belles."
Details of tickets for the match have just been announced and are £5 for adults, with under-16s £2. Tickets are available on the Supporters Club coaches to this afternoon's match, from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office and from Doncaster College.
September 19, 2008
Rovers 0 Charlton 1
Midfielder Brian Stock has emerged as the clear winner of Tuesday evening's home game against Charlton Athletic, with almost half of all votes cast going in his favour. A total of ten players received nominations this time around, with the top three being:
1 Brian Stock (43.10%)
2 James O'Connor (17.24%)
3 Richie Wellens (13.79%)
Thanks go to everyone who took the trouble to vote. The next poll will open following tomorrow's away game at Bristol City.
We would like to apologise for not updating the site since Tuesday, but we will be resuming a full service with effect from Saturday morning, when the Bristol City match will be previewed.
September 16, 2008
Rovers v Charlton
Doncaster Rovers have no new injury concerns ahead of this evening's home game against Charlton Athltic, so we expect a virtually unchanged side to start the game. Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer will still be absent as they continue to recover from knee and hip injuries respectively, and Jason Price and Darren Byfield may well have to settle for a place on the bench again.
Charlton look as though they will be without Chinese midfield player Zheng Zhi with a foot injury, but Svetoslav Todorov has recovered from a hamstring problem. Linvoy Primus, on loan from Portsmouth, may be on the bench despite suffering from a groin injury recently.
Also missing will be Therry Racon (metatarsal), Izale McLeod (knee) and Harry Arter (achilles).
Due to unforseen circumstances we will not be able to update this site after this evening's match. We therefore provide a link to the "Man of the Match" voting page, which includes the whole squad. Please note that all votes for anyone that did not play will be discounted, as will all votes placed before 10pm. We apologise for this and hope that you place your votes as usual. The voting has now closed, and the result will be announced at approx. 7.30pm on Friday.
September 16, 2008
Voting results
The result of the "Man of the Match" voting for the away game at Birmingham City on Saturday saw ten players nominated. Midfielder Brian Stock was the clear leader, with three players sharing the bulk of the votes cast, which are as follows:
1 Brian Stock (34.78%)
2 Richie Wellens (23.91%)
3 James Coppinger (17.39%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the poll. The next vote will open (as detailed above) following this evening's home game against Charlton Athletic.
September 16, 2008
Hawkins to Germany
Former Rovers defender Colin Hawkins, now at Brighton & Hove Albion, is flying out to Germany to see a specialist about a groin injury. Whilst Hawkins has not had to miss any games so far, he is keen to get the problem resolved.
He said: "To be honest it has actually settled down a bit in the last week since I booked the operation. But I'll go over and have a chat. She is a top specialist and maybe I'll be able to come back and be available for next Saturday. That's what I would hope to happen. If not, the reason I'm going there is because she will have me back in a week. Normally it could be six weeks so it's great that club are sending me over."
September 16, 2008
O'Driscoll praises players
Sean O'Driscoll praised his players for the way that they played on Saturday, despite slipping to defeat against Birmingham City, who had to play over half of the game with ten men after Mehdi Nafti was sent off after just 24 minutes.
He told the Sheffield Star: "The onus was on us to break them down. I can't fault the efforts of the players. We didn't lump it. We moved the ball and created chances and we had one or two penalty shouts that we'll have to look at again on the DVD. There is no point in screaming and shouting about it. You have to get on with the game and the lads did that. We didn't get frustrated. We tried to move the ball and tried to be creative on our set-plays and on another day we could have won. I said that in this division that we'd concentrate on performances and I thought our performance was excellent."