December 15, 2009

Woods out for a month

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Martin Woods will miss the important Christmas and New Year matches after it was confirmed that he will be out for between four and six weeks owing to his groin injury.
Boss Sean O'Driscoll revealed the gloomy news yesterday, saying: "Martin has had a scan and he's picked up a slight tear, so the usual prognosis is four to six weeks and it's unfortunate."
However, the earlier than anticipated return of skipper Brian Stock will help lift the spirits. Whilst not quite ready for a first team return, Stock is back in full training a full month ahead of his predicted schedule and could be back in contention for a game within the next two or three weeks.

December 15, 2009

Shackell named in "Team of the Week"

As well as being named our "Man of the Match" for his performance in Saturday's win over Bristol City, Jason Shackell has had his contribution recognised by the Press Association, who named him in their "Team of the Week" for the weekend's Championship matches.
The full team named was: David Marshall (Cardiff City), Michael Morrison (Leicester City), Gareth McAuley (Ipswich Town), Jason Shackell (Doncaster Rovers), Callum Davidson (Preston North End), Chris Burke (Cardiff City), Andy King (Leicester City), Jack Colback (Ipswich Town), Stephen Quinn (Sheffield United), Freddy Eastwood (Coventry City), Craig Mackail-Smith (Peterborough United)

December 15, 2009

Billy - the complete player

Billy Sharp was praised by assistant manager Richard O'Kelly for his contribution to Rovers' victory on Saturday, which marked the fifth game in a row that the on-loan striker has scored.
O'Kelly said: "Billy's anticipation of a defensive mistake was first class, but it didn't come as a surprise because he does that all the time in training. Many is the time that he has broken away and scored a tremendous goal like that. He played as a lone striker and I thought that he gave the complete performance. He scored the winning goal, and his hold-up play was really good, as was his awareness and decision-making."
However, Richard was keen to point out that it was a superb team performance that gained the points. He continued: "I thought all our forward-going players did well against a side who were always going to press in midfield whenever we tried to pass the ball. They showed a lot of intelligence by getting at people. I thought that it was James Coppinger's most effective game for some time with some of the things he did."
"The whole back-four did well. The two full-backs were up against two very dangerous wingers and both did excellently. Jimmy O'Connor is a good defender. He reads the game well and he has a bit of pace about him. He and fellow centre-back Jason Shackell were very commanding against Nicky Maynard, a striker who I rate very highly."

December 15, 2009

Jason's the man!

Rovers defender Jason Shackell was named as your "Man of the Match" for his performance in the 1-0 home win over Bristol City, which marked another clean sheet for the Rovers defence. Whilst nine players received nominations, the vast majority of the votes were distributed amongst just three players, who were:
1 Jason Shackell (28.79%)
2 Billy Sharp (27/27%)
3 James O'Connor (19.70%)
May we thank everyone who took the time to place a vote. The next poll will open following Saturday's away game at Derby County.

December 15, 2009

Coaches to Derby

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Derby County.
They will leave Retford at 11.15am, Bawtry 11.30am, Harworth Pit Gates 11.20am, Rossington Styrrup 11.30am, Hare & Tortoise 11.35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 11.45am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 12 noon.
Fares are as follows:
Members £11.00 - OAP's £10.00 - U16's £9.00
Non-Members £13.00 - OAP's £12.00 - U16's £11.00
To book, please phone Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154).

December 14, 2009

Russ out as Laws sacked by Owls

Former Rovers skipper Russ Wilcox has left Sheffield Wednesday following the departure of boss Brian Laws from Hillsborough on Sunday. All of Laws' management team left the club, with chairman Lee Strafford saying "We believe a change at this time can deliver fresh energy and direction".
Wilcox moved to Wednesday with Laws in November 2006 - the pair had previously worked together at Scunthorpe United.
Wilcox played 81 league games for Doncaster Rovers between 1993 and 1995 before leaving for Preston North End in a £60,000 move before ending his playing career at Scunthorpe in 2003 after moving to Glanford Park six years earlier.

December 14, 2009

Foster on bench - but no closer to deal

Ex-Rovers skipper Steve Foster may have made a surprise appearance on Darlington's substitute bench at the weekend, but that does not signify that the contract problem between him and club have been resolved.
Foster was left out of the side when it was confirmed that he would receive a contract extension if he starts two more matches for Darlington. With the club's Football League future in doubt, the Quakers are unwilling to commit to any new contracts, and asked Foster to remove that clause from his contract, which he has so far refused to do. Foster has missed the last two matches, but was included as substitute when injuries to other defenders at the club limited boss Steve Staunton's options.
Explaining the situation, Staunton said: “Fozzie is available for selection on the bench. In his contract it only refers to games that he starts. The ball is firmly in Fozzie’s court, he knows where we stand and we know where he stands as well and unfortunately that’s the way it is.”
Stressing that he would prefer that the situation was agreed amicably, Staunton continued: "It is not a case of us falling out, but a matter of putting plans in place for the future, and making the right decision to take the club forward.”

December 14, 2009

Griffiths has scan after KO

Former Rovers midfielder Anthony Griffiths has been allowed home after having a brain scan on Saturday evening. Griffiths was knocked unconscious just two minutes into Port Vale's away game at Northampton Town. He played on until being substituted in the 24th minute, going to hospital for a CT scan as a precaution, but was discharged later in the afternoon.

December 14, 2009

Belles hit five to go third

Doncaster Rovers Belles collected their fourth win in a row on Sunday as they beat bottom club Blackburn Rovers 5-1 to move into third place, just a point behind second-placed Arsenal. Sunderland lead the way eight points ahead of John Buckley's team, although they have played two games more. The Doncaster goals were scored by Vicky Exley (2), Liz Hanson (2) and Precious Hamilton.

December 12, 2009

Rovers 1 Bristol City 0

Doncaster Rovers are now just five tantalising points away from the play-offs, believe it or not! A third successive win for Rovers over a Bristol City side that had boosted their confidence by beating Leicester City on Tuesday, put three more points between Rovers and third-bottom Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon, despite Rovers never hitting top form. At least it was a better match than the one on Tuesday, although Bristol were rather disappointing. Billy Sharp scored again - the fifth successive game that he's scored - in the 12th minute after some slack passing along the City back-line presented Sharp with the ball on the edge of the penalty area. Billy took the ball a few paces before smashing the ball from 18 yards past a diving keeper into the top left corner of the net. After that, scoring chances were at a premium, although after the interval, the visitors pressed forwards in search of an equaliser - but the Rovers defence rarely gave them even a half-chance. The question at the end of the match to ask was, not whether Rovers can afford to sign Billy Sharp, but can Rovers afford NOT to buy him? After all, his goals look like being the difference between a relegation battle and midtable safety!

December 13, 2009

Around the goals

We begin today's review of goals scored by players with a Rovers connection in League One, where Paul Heffernan scored Oldham Athletic's second goal in their 2-0 home win over Exeter City, which puts four points between Oldham and the relegation places.
In League Two, former Rovers' loan striker Jack Lester scored again for Chesterfield in their 1-0 home win over Cheltenham Town, which keeps the Spireites nicely positioned in the play-off places. Lower down in the division, Adebayo Akinfenwa scored from the penalty spot as Northampton Town drew 1-1 at home to Port Vale.
In the Welsh Premier League, ex-Rovers midfielder Gareth Owen scored Rhyl's fourth goal in their 4-1 home win over Welshpool Town, which maintains their third place, two points behind Llanelli, and a further point behind leaders The New Saints.
The prolific Andy Campbell just can't stop scoring since moving to Whitby Town on loan from Bradford Park Avenue. He scored again yesterday in their 3-1 win at Ossett Town in the UniBond Premier League - the third weekend in a row that he's scored!

December 13, 2009

What the managers said

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll praised striker Billy Sharp following yesterday's opportunistic strike which bagged the three points for Rovers.
He said: ‘We have a striker in form. The crowd like him and the players appreciate him as well. If he gets chances, he takes them.’
Meanwhile City's assistant manager, Keith Millen, bemoaned the disallowed goal in the second half that denied his side a point. He said: "Someone has told me that when the ball was hooked back in he was onside. If that's true then it's frustrating, but if you take that away we still haven't worked their keeper enough."
"In the first half we matched up against them (Rovers). We made one mistake and Billy Sharp has punished us. We penned them in for long periods in the second half but never really had the quality of balls forward or creativity to make chances. That said, I would say we deserved something. A draw would have been a fair result but you have to give Donny credit. For us, we need to create easier chances. We are making it too hard for ourselves."

December 13, 2009

O'Driscoll - £2 million for Sharp?

December 13, 2009

Ex-Rover takes helm at Rangers

Ex-Rover Steve Gallen has been placed in joint temporary charge of Queens Park Rangers following the suspension of boss Jim Magilton whilst the club investigate allegations surrounding a clash with midfielder Akos Buszaky following last Monday's defeat at Watford.
Magilton has strenuously denied any wrong-doing, and his assistant John Gorman and reserve coach Keith Ryan have refused to return to work until Magilton is reinstated. That has left you team coaches Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham in charge of the side until the situation is resolved.
Gallen captained QPR's youth team, but was released after a series of injuries and joined Doncaster Rovers before moving to the Far East and then went into non-league football. After completing his coaching badges, he joined QPR to coach their under-10s side and has since coached at every level to under-16.

December 12, 2009

Rovers v Bristol City

Doncaster Rovers go into this afternoon's home game against Bristol City hoping to make it three wins in a row, following victories over Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday, with a win possibly lifting Rovers into the top half of the table for the first time since the opening days of the season.
However, they will probably have to go into the match without midfielder Martin Woods, who has struggled with a groin injury in recent weeks. Simon Gillett is likely to replace Woods if the Rovers skipper is not passed fit. Defenders James Chambers (back) and James O'Connor have been suffering from knocks, but are expected to be available in what is, Woods apart, likely to be an unchanged team.
Longer term injury victims Steve Brooker, Brian Stock and Sean McDaid will again be absent, although there is a real possibility that they will all be challenging for a place in the next few weeks.
Bristol City are expected to welcome back captain Bradley Orr, who has missed the last two matches with a groin injury. Orr is likely to displace Liam Fontaine in the side. Evander Sno is serving a one match suspension after being booked in City's match against Leicester City on Tuesday evening, and defender Louis Carey is doubtful with a knee injury. However, Jamie McAllister is likely to play, despite limping off with a gashed shin in Tuesday's match.
Interestingly, of Bristol City's 25 Championship goals this season, 19 of them have come in the second half.

December 12, 2009

Today's ref

The match officials for this afternoon's home game against Bristol City have been confirmed as:
Referee: J. Singh
Assistant referees: B. Khatib & P. Davidson

December 12, 2009

Boss praises Sharp

Boss Sean O'Driscoll has praised the contribution of on-loan striker Billy Sharp as "fantastic" after going on a superb goal-scoring run that has seen him score in the last four games. O'Driscoll said: "Billy's been fantastic for us, he's been enthusiastic and he's a good bloke to have in the dressing room. When we talked to people when we were trying to get him on loan, everybody just said `look, he wants to play football' and he shows that in everything he does. We take him to a school for a squad visit and he's the life and soul of the party. He comes into training with a smile on his face, even when he misses his chances."
"He gets hammered in training in a sense, physically. Somebody will go through the back of him but he doesn't moan. He gets on with it and he had a training session on Wednesday when he was unplayable. He's been good for us and hopefully we've been good for him."

December 12, 2009

Shackell eyes loan extension

Defender Jason Shackell is hoping that Doncaster Rovers will be able to successfully extend his loan at the club past its current January expiry.
Shackell told the Doncaster Star: "I've been happy here and I get on with the lads and it has been good playing under the gaffer. If something can be sorted out with Wolves then I'm happy to extend my loan spell. I don't know what is actually happening at this moment in time. The gaffer said that he was going to speak to Wolves and then let me know what happened. As a player you want to play first-team football and at the moment I am doing it here. I think that I've played well while I have been here but I don't think that would improve my prospects of first-team football if I went back to Wolves. I think the Wolves' manager has made it fairly clear that I don't feature in his plans."

December 12, 2009

Schofield future uncertain

Former Rovers skipper John Schofield, who has been acting as caretaker manager at Cheltenham Town since Martin Allen was suspended over seven weeks ago, is still unclear as to whether he will continue to lead the side following confirmation yesterday that Allen had left the club "by mutual consent".
Schofield, who will lead the side into this afternoon's game against Chesterfield, has made four loan signings since taking the helm, but is hoping to have his future confirmed before the New Year so that he can enter the transfer market when the window opens.
He said: "If I am still here in January, we have to tweak the squad and we have got to keep moving things around and bring better players in. I am trying to look forward and progress the football club, but I am not being presumptuous. At the minute I am running the club and I have to have long term plan. Ideally I'd like to bring players in for 18 months and put a base down for what's going to happen so I will start speaking to players who are out of contract. But it's going to be a long process because you cannot just wave a magic wand and transition periods take time."

December 11, 2009

Ryan - we can reach play-offs

Despite spending the first half of the season on the lower half of the Championship league table, Rovers chairman John Ryan believes that Rovers could still reach the play-offs this season. After this week's set of midweek games, Rovers are now just seven points adrift of the play-off spots, with every chance of making up more ground in the next few games.
Ryan told the Doncaster Free Press: "Of course we can finish up there. Anything is possible in football. We've not got the points we've deserved all season, but all in all I'm very pleased. We should have eight or nine more points, which would have put us right at the top of the table. If we finish in the top half of the Championship that will be a great achievement."

December 11, 2009

Billy wants to stay!

On loan striker Billy Sharp has told the Doncaster Star that he is happy at Doncaster Rovers and wants to stay at the club until the end of the season. Sharp has been in superb form since joining Rovers in a bid to kick-start his career after being consigned to the reserves at Bramall Lane, with six goals in the last six games for Rovers.
He said: "I'm not sure what the situation is regarding the possibility of Sheffield United recalling me next month, but I'd love to stay here for the rest of the season. I have got a smile on my face and I am playing football week in, week out, again. The goals have started to come again which I always believed would happen. I can tell that the manager believes in me with the way he speaks to me and that gives me massive confidence. He has been brilliant with me since I've been here."
Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly also praised Sharp, saying: "Everything about the boy fits in with how we play."

December 11, 2009

Gillett keen to extend deal

Rovers' on loan midfielder Simon Gillett has said that he is keen to extend his stay at the Keepmoat Stadium after enjoying his first month at the club. His initial month's loan has been extended to 4th January, and Rovers are now discussing the prospect of a full transfer for Gillett duirng January.
Gillett said: "It's been brilliant since I've been here. I've been involved in a lot of games for the first team. The lads have been very welcoming and I have certainly enjoyed my football. As a team, we play really good football. We've extended the loan until 4th January, which gives me a bit more time and I can play more games and have ongoing talks with the Club. I'm certainly open to the idea of coming here permanently. I've enjoyed my time here a lot and I would be more than happy to extend my time here, whether it is permanently or a longer loan - whatever happens. I'd be happy to stay."

December 11, 2009

Rovers fear Woods needs op

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Martin Woods looks as though he will need an operation to resolve an ongoing groin injury which has forced him to be substituted in the last two matches.
Sean O'Driscoll has hinted at the need for surgery when explaining the latest substitution, which was at half time of Tuesday's game against Sheffield Wednesday. He said: "Martin's groin tightened up again and was sore. The same happened against Palace at Selhurst Park last week and he just felt he couldn't continue after half-time," O'Driscoll said. "We'll have to continue looking at that. He's had a couple of injections to try and solve it, but we may need to look at it further."

December 11, 2009

Youth team game off

Tomorrow's home youth team game against Notts County has been postponed owing to the pitches at Cantley Park being waterlogged.
No new date has yet been arranged for the fixture.

December 11, 2009

Voting results v Sheffield Wednesday

Voting was restricted to eight players for the "Man of the Match" of the home game against Sheffield Wednesday. Those receiving most votes were:
1 Billy Sharp (35.82%)
2 James O'Connor (25.37%)
3 Jason Shackell (11.94%)
4 John Oster (10.45%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. All votes cast go forwards to the "Player of the Season" - we'll update you on the latest standings over the Christmas/New Year period.

December 10, 2009

Woods in fitness battle

Rovers midfielder Martin Woods faces a race against time in his battle to be fit to play in Saturday's home game against Bristol City. Woods was substituted at half time in Tuesday's home win over Sheffield Wednesday, the second match in a row where injury has curtailed his involvement.
His fitness had been in doubt ahead of Tuesday's game, with assistant manager Richard O'Kelly confirming a groin injury after Saturday's win at Crystal Palace. However, O'Kelly said after Tuesday's game: "It wasn't a gamble to play him tonight; he was fine in training today. He was outstanding on Saturday – he was the most influential player on the pitch, and it was a blow to lose him tonight. The pitch conditions as the game wore on probably didn't help – a bit like Saturday at Selhurst Park. He will be missed if he is not playing against Bristol. He's doubtful at the moment, but Martin Woods is a fantastic character and if he can get out onto the pitch he'll be there."

December 10, 2009

£5 off tickets for Saturday - children are free

Doncaster Rovers have reminded supporters that they are discounting ticket prices for Saturday's home game against Bristol City by £5 for all categories, which will mean that all Under-11's buying a Category B ticket will be able to get in free of charge. In a bid to raise the current ticket sales, which currently are put at around 8,500 on the Keepmoat Stadium website, Rovers have decided on the price reduction as recognition of the financial pressures on supporters this year, and with the Christmas buying season now in full swing.

December 10, 2009

O'Kelly - first goal important

Speaking after Tuesday evening's hard-fought win over Sheffield Wednesday, Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly praised the effort of the players yesterday, with the result in the balance until the final whistle.
He said: "The game was always in the balance. Sometimes it takes one man at the back switching off, or a front player being switched on, to win the game, and that's what happened. There was a lot of good movement in the build up to the goal and Billy Sharp did the rest. It was goalless at that stage and it always looked as though it was going to be a one-goal game – we've seen loads of the in the Championship."
"The first goal at this level is so important and Sheffield Wednesday are going though a spell at this moment where they can't get that first goal. They've got some good players and they've got a good team spirit. hey've had a bad run of results lately and we did exactly the same last season. Billy got the goal and the won the man of the match award, but James O'Connor was absolutely outstanding.

December 10, 2009

Rovers hope to keep trio

After confirming that they are talking to midfielder Simon Gillett in the hope that they can turn his loan into a full transfer in January, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has also spoken of his hope of keeping loan star Jason Shackell and short term contract players John Oster and Quinton Fortune.
Of efforts to keep Shackell, the Rovers chief said: "Jason is somebody that we would like to keep. I spoke to him and told him that if I could bring him into the squad permanently, then I would do it. That would probably be a bit difficult for us at this minute in time. He doesn't particularly want to go and play back in Wolves' Reserves and we would like to keep him here for the rest of the season. We're singing from the same songsheet. We'll hopefully do something in the window that can satisfy both parties.
However, club finances may well be the determining factor on whether Oster and/or Fortune stay past the expiration of their contracts in January. Oster has been a regular, being in superb form for much of the season, whilst Fortune has played only occasional matches.
O'Driscoll said: "With Quinton and John, ideally, we'd like to keep them. Talks are ongoing at the minute. Quinton is unfortunately injured at this moment in time, whilst John is playing quite regularly. In some senses, from the players' point of view, they want to keep their options open and we have to respect that. The ideal situation would be to keep the squad intact, and that is the line we'll go towards and we are hopeful that will happen."

December 10, 2009

Coaches to Derby

The Supporters Club are, as usual, running coaches to the away game at Derby County a week on Saturday.
They will leave Retford at 11.15am, Bawtry 11.30am, Harworth Pit Gates 11.20am, Rossington Styrrup 11.30am, Hare & Tortoise 11.35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 11.45am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at midday.
Fares for the trip will be:
Derby County 19/12/09
Members £11.00 - OAP's £10.00 - U16's £9.00
Non-Members £13.00 - OAP's £12.00 - U16's £11.00
To book a place on the coaches, please contact Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347), or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154).

December 8, 2009

Rovers 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0

Doncaster Rovers achieved back-to-back league victories for the first time this season this evening as they beat a battling Sheffield Wednesday side, despite Rovers producing one of their worst performances of the season. The match looked sure to be heading for a goalless draw when the deadlock was broken when Simon Gillett got fractionally in front of his marking defender down the right of the penalty area to put over an inch perfect cross for Billy Sharp, whose astute movement left him with a clear header from just four yards. That was, basically, the only clear-cut chance of the game, although Wednesday could have done better with a shot from 20 yards in the dying minutes of the game, but the ball spun high of Neil Sullivan's crossbar into the visiting supporters. Worryingly for Rovers, Martin Woods failed to return for the second half after being passed fit on a groin injury before the game - presumably he must now be somewhat doubtful to be fit in time for Saturday's game against Bristol City.
Remarkably, just a couple of weeks after tottering just above the bottom three, Rovers are now in 15th place, six points ahead of third-bottom Ipswich Town, but only seven points adrift of Blackpool, who occupy the last play-off place.

December 9, 2009

What the managers said

Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll conceded that a draw would probably have been a fairer result last night after Sheffield Wednesday produced a committed performance that meant Rovers could not get their passing game going. He said: "It was a very dour game and not a lot (in the crowd). They came to do a job, tried to stop us from playing and credit to them. They worked really hard for Brian, which is what you want from your side, and it was always going to be settled by one chance, either side. On overall play, if we'd have walked off here with a draw I would have said 'OK'. It was a good goal for us and ironic that Billy gets it and we get three points. I don't think Billy's going to miss from two or three yards. Most of his goals are scored from inside the six-yard box. Simon put it on a plate for him and it's ironic because he's a Sheffield United boy, so he'll be pleased he scored against Wednesday. We worked hard for it, it wasn't one of our better performances, but they didn't allow us to play so you've got to give them credit for that."
Brian Laws, who was reportedly under pressure after Wednesday had failed to record a victory in the previous eight matches, was pleased with the performance of his players, commenting: "I got what I asked for. That was a derby-like performance. We were dogged, resilient and committed. The commitment was 100% and I've said to the players it doesn't matter what happens in terms of games, if you put that effort in we'll turn it round. We've got to believe. The fans believe we can do it, they were outstanding."

December 9, 2009

Stock on the way back

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock is expected to return to training this week, nearly a month earlier than expected. He was due to see a specialist on Monday, and presuming he is given the go-ahead, he could be back in training this week.
Speaking on Monday, Sean O'Driscoll said: "He sees the specialist today and if he is given the all-clear, then he is straight back into training tomorrow, I suppose. His rehab has gone perfectly and there have been no setbacks. He looks as fit as I have ever seen him and actually put on some weight in his upper body. He's raring to go, so if the specialist says okay, he'll be in non-contact training for a couple of days - but touchwood he's looking not to far off."
After that, it will be a matter of building his fitness back up, but it now looks as though the influential midfielder will be available for the crucial Christmas period.

December 9, 2009

Chambers in Team of the Week

Rovers defender James Chambers has been named in the Championship's "Team of the Week" for his performance in Saturday's away game at Crystal Palace. The accolade is one of a number in recent weeks, with Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll praising the improvement in James' form this season. The full Team of the Week, which is selected by the Press Assocation, is:
Carl Ikeme (Sheffield United), James Chambers (Doncaster Rovers), Mark Hudson (Cardiff City), Steven Taylor (Newcastle United), Jamie McAllister (Bristol City), Chris Whelpdale (Peterborough United), Graham Dorrans (West Bromwich Albion), Kalifa Cisse (Reading), Isaiah Osbourne (Middlesbrough), Lee Trundle (Swansea), Robert Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest)

December 8, 2009

Rovers v Sheffield Wednesday

Sean O'Driscoll is likely to keep an unchanged starting eleven for this evening's home game against Sheffield Wednesday, following Saturday's impressive away win at Crystal Palace. Goalkeeper Neil Sullivan played on Saturday after being forced off the field late in the game at Nottingham Forest, but he has recovered from the 'dead leg' and will play tonight, meaning that Ben Smith will again have to settle for a place on the bench.
The main concern is the fitness of skipper Martin Woods, who was substituted late in Saturday's game with a groin injury. O'Driscoll explained: "Martin has had a problem with his groin and it looks like a hernia, although the symptoms are different. It just gets tightened and that is why he came off this afternoon; it went tight. We'll have to monitor him and see how he fairs. He is the only injury concern at the moment."
Brian Stock, Sean McDaid and Steve Brooker continue to be absent as they recover from injury, although all are on schedule for a Christmas return to action - if required by O'Driscoll.
James Hayter and James Chambers were recalled on Saturday at the expense of Sam Hird and Simon Gillett - whether they keep their places may depend on which formation O'Driscoll elects to use.
Rovers are chasing back-to-back league wins for the first time this season, and the opportunity against under-fire Sheffield Wednesday may be the ideal opportunity to do so.
If you believe press reports, Wednesday boss Brian Laws could be only one match away from receiving his P45 - and new skipper James O'Connor believes that it is time for the players to deliver as they hope to improve recent form, which sees the Owls enter the match without a victory in seven matches, and just one point above the relegation places. O'Connor said: "It's not the manager who's out there playing football. It's us. The manager can prepare us as best he can. Once kick-off comes, it's down to the players. He's prepared us, and it's up to us to deliver. We're all disappointed with the way things have gone. We need to work hard and put it right. You couldn't ask for a better game than a local derby. Hopefully we can go there and get a result."
Wednesdy have not won since their victory over Coventry City at Hillsborugh on October 17th.
Wednesday will be without Tommy Miller (hamstring) and Francis Jeffers (foot) for the game, but Brian Laws is expected to make a number of changes for the 'must win' game.
Darren Purse could return after a five match absence to bolster the defence, with winger Jermaine Johnson hoping for a starting place after being on the bench on Saturday. On-loan striker Warren Feeney is pushing for his first start for the club, with Leon Clarke, Marcus Tudgay and Luke Varney apparently rivals for the two strikers' slots in the team.

December 8, 2009

Tonight's match officials

The match officials for this evening's home game against Sheffield Wednesday have been confirmed as:
Referee: Alan Wiley
Assistant referees: Nigel Bannister and Paul Thompson
Fourth official: Anthony Taylor

December 8, 2009

Burton Albion 2 Rovers Youth 2

Doncaster Rovers' youth team drew 2-2 at Burton Albion on Saturday in the Football League Youth Alliance North East Conference. Unfortunately no other details are currently available, with neither club's websites reporting on the match. The result sees Rovers in 10th place in the table, with 15 points from 14 games.

December 8, 2009

Tickets update

The Keepmoat Stadium web site has updated ticket sales for this evening's game against Sheffield Wednesday. Up to last night, 9,114 tickets for home supporters had been sold (including season tickets), with 2,635 being sold to Sheffield Wednesday.

December 8, 2009

Voting results

There was a remarkable spread of votes in the latest "Man of the Match" voting, which was for the away game at Crystal Palace on Saturday. Eleven players received nominations in the match, with those receiving most votes being as follows:
1 Billy Sharp (27.03%)
2 John Oster (21.62%)
3 James Chambers (13.51%)
4 James Hayter (10.81%)
Thank you all for your continuing participation in the voting. Unlike other polls, all votes cast throughout the season will go towards the "Player of the Season" - an update on those standings will appear on this site during the Christmas/New Year period. The next poll will open following this evening's home game against Sheffield Wednesday.

December 8, 2009

Rovers in talks with Gillett

Sean O'Driscoll has confirmed that Doncaster Rovers are hoping to sign diminuitive midfielder Simon Gillett from Southampton during the January transfer window. Gillett has been a success during his loan spell at Rovers from Southampton, and his initial loan at the club has been extended until January, with the initial deal only running until 12th December.
O'Driscoll said: "We are in the process of offering Simon a contract. I believe that the loan has been extended because it currently ends on the 12th December, so we have extended that into January and once the window opens, we'd very much like to take him on a permanent contract. Negotiations are ongoing at the minute."
Rovers are also hoping to extend the stay of defender Jason Shackell, with O'Driscoll hoping to extend his loan until the end of the season. He explained: "Jason is somebody that we would like to keep. I spoke to him and told him that if I could bring him into the squad permanently, then I would do it. That would probably be a bit difficult for us at this minute in time. He doesn't particularly want to go and play back in Wolves' reserves and we would like to keep him here for the rest of the season. We're singing from the same songsheet. We'll hopefully do something in the window that can satisfy both."

December 7, 2009

Wendies tickets still on sale

Tickets for tomorrow evening's home game against Sheffield Wednesday are still on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. According to the Keepmoat website, sales are now approaching 11,000 - 8,615 for home fans and 2,290 for away supporters. With Rovers now above Wednesday in the league table, and rumours going round amongst some of their supporters that boss Brian Laws is set to resign (although that may always be just wishful thinking), it looks like an ideal time for Rovers to put more space between them and the bottom three. Or, to look positively, Rovers are now only eight points behind the play-off places!
Tickets are available at the following prices:
Category A: Adults £23, Concessions £17, Juniors (12-16) £17, 11 & under £10
Category B: Adults £20, Concessions £14, Juniors (12-16) £13, 11 & under £5

December 7, 2009

Coventry tickets go on sale today

Tickets for the away game on Boxing Day at Coventry City go on sale to season ticket holders this morning. Members and Rovers Alliance Members will have to wait until Monday, 14th December before they can buy tickets, with any remaining unsold will go on general sale from Wednesday, 16th December.
Tickets for the game will remain on sale until 4.30pm on Wednesday, 23rd December - Rovers have received an allocation of 1,911 for the game.
Admission prices are as follows:
Adults: £25
All Concessionary Categories*: £13
Match day prices increase by £2 per ticket for all categories.
* Senior Citizens (60+) / Students / U16s / Wheelchair & Ambulant Disabled (carer free)

December 7, 2009

Fenton sees red

Ex-Rovers defender Nick Fenton ended his involvement in Rotherham's home game against Burton Albion 18 minutes early when he was shown a straight red card for a foul on Aaron Webster. Burton capitalised on their man advantage to equalise with six minutes remaining.

December 7, 2009

Oster keen to stay

Midfielder John Oster is keen to extend his stay at Doncaster Rovers after enjoying his first few months in South Yorkshire. Oster was signed on a short-term contract in the summer, and with his current deal expiring early in January, he is keen to get fixed up for the rest of the season.
He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I'll be speaking to the club in the next week or two and we'll go from there. I've enjoyed my time here and it's great playing regular football and it suits me here. I'd be more than happy to stay if we come to some sort of agreement and both parties are happy, then it wouldn't be a problem."
Oster, who celebrates his 31st birthday tomorrow, played against one of his eight previous clubs on Saturday when Rovers convincingly beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurt Park.

December 5, 2009

Crystal Palace 0 Rovers 3

One thing you can always rely on is for Donny Rovers to do something that you don't expect them to do. So, going into today's game at Selhurst Park, Palace were six matches unbeaten, within range of the play-off places and had never lost to Rovers at home. On the other hand, Rovers had an abysmal away record, not having won away since April. So what happens? After being rather lucky not to go behind in the early stages, Rovers took full advantage to stamp their authority on the game, eventually winning by a commanding 3-0 score-line. Billy Sharp opened up the scoring late in the first half, firing home a James Chambers cross. Then, in the second half, Martin Woods stabbed home Rovers' second, then James Hayter scored after Billy Sharp had put him through.
All in all, a most satisfying afternoon, with the win lifting Rovers up to the giddy heights of 16th place - four points ahead of the danger area at the foot of the table.

December 6, 2009

Goals check

This week's review of former Rovers players scoring goals begins at the County Ground, Leyton Orient went down to a 3-2 defeat against Swindon Town. Both of Orient's goals were scored by ex-Rover Sean Thornton. His first goal came courtesy of a free kick from 30 yards that deceived the Swindon keeper - the free kick came after ex-Rovers defender Gordon Greer committed a foul. Thornton's second goal came in the second minute of added time at the end of the second half, when he scored with a shot from 30 yards.
Also in League One, Darren Byfield scored for Walsall in their 3-1 home loss against Southampton.
Cheltenham Town drew 2-2 at home to Northampton Town, for whom Adebayo Akinfenwa scored both goals.
Dropping down into the Blue Square Premier League, ex-Rovers trialist Jason Walker scored Barrow's goal in their 1-1 home draw with Hayes & Yeading. Gregg Blundell played for Barrow as the lone striker, with Craig Nelthorpe also featuring.
Moving over the border into Wales, Dave Morley scored Bangor City's third goal in their 3-1 win at Caersws, which lifts Bangor up to the mid-point in the Welsh Premier table.
Back into non-league football, Mark Hume scored again for Bradford Park Avenue in their 3-2 home win over Nantwich Town in the UniBond Premier League. In the same division, Andy Campbell scored Whitby Town's first goal in their 2-2 home draw with FC United of Manchester.
Finally, in the Northern Counties East Premier Division, Liam Sclack scored both goals in Winterton Rangers' away win over Maltby Main. The win takes Wingerton up to 7th in the table. The crowd for that game is listed as....... 42!

December 6, 2009

What the managers said

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock was still wondering how Palace striker Neil Danns failed to score with the Rovers goal at his mercy in the 14th minute. If Palace had scored, what a different match it could have been!
Warnock said at the post-match press conference: "I don't have a clue how you miss a chance like that. It was a bad miss and it gets worse every time you look at it. And instead of going a goal up we lose by three, which could have been five. I've told him to come up and tell you how he missed it. I'm not sure he will though. Doncaster got out of prison today. They ended up looking like Brazil by the end of it. But that is life and we will take it on the chin."
" We could have been 2-0 up by half-time. I am glad we have got Reading followed by Sheffield United up next. We do a lot better against the big teams."
"When I shook Sean O Driscoll's hand at the end of the game I said to him you won 3-0 and it could have been five. I am disappointed we did not beat you."
"We have got two tough games against Reading and Sheffield United from now until Saturday. I could not ask for better fixtures really, we don't want to be playing these teams who are lower down the table."
I've bad news for Warnock - Reading are lower in the table than Rovers!
At least Neil refused to blame the fact that the Palace players had not been paid this week for their defeat today. He said: "I'd love to blame it on that, but that wasn't the case."
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "We were excellent today. We were brave in possession and could have scored more goals. You need a bit of luck but we deserved it today. In this league you have to not only perform, you have to do things like defend, and we did really well. I thought we were excellent. Palace are a difficult team to defend against and we took our chances well. In this division you need a little bit of luck and we took it. Regardless of the result, I told my players they were organised, our back four especially."

December 6, 2009

Break helped Waide

Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson praised Rovers' on-loan striker Waide Fairhurst for hsi contribution to the Shrews' side in the last few weeks, and looks forward to even better things in the next month.
Simpson allowed Fairhurst to return home to Doncaster during the week after playing Rotherham on Tuesday evening, when he scored is fourth goal for Town in their 2-0 win. He told BBC Radio Shropshire: "His time here is his first away from home, he was feeling a bit homesick, but he's come back with a spring in his step after a few days in Doncaster. I hope we'll see a lot more from him. He's looking lively, he's a goalscorer, and he wants to score goals."

December 5, 2009

Crystal Palace v Rovers

Rovers will be looking to rebound from last Saturday's disappointing 4-1 loss at Nottingham Forest as they travel to play Crystal Palace this afternoon in search of their first away win of the season. With few updates during the week, the injury situation at Rovers is a little unclear, although it appears that goalkeeper Neil Sullivan will be fit to play after having to be substituted late in last week's game with either a dead-leg or a thigh strain. Sean O'Driscoll did say "He came off against Forest with a slight thigh problem. We were 3-0 down at the time; he's got to be pragmatic about these things, so he came off. He trained yesterday. We'll just have to look at him today and hopefully he'll be fine."
Defenders Adam Lockwood and Byron Webster are hopeful of recalls after recovering from injury absences, although midfielder Quinton Fortune joins the injury list this week.
Crystal Palace have doubts over winger Sean Scannell, who has a hamstring injury, but will be without defender Lee HIlls (suspended) and Paddy McCarthy (shoulder). Palace are expected to name an unchanged side from last week's 3-0 win over Watford, and will be hoping that they will not suffer following the news that the players were not paid last week owing to cash flow problems - they are intending to pay the players out of the income from this afternoon's game against the Rovers.

December 5, 2009

Match officials for Palace game

The match officials for this afternoon's game at Crystal Palace have been confirmed as:
Referee: P Miller
Assistant referees: S Creighton & GS Evetts
Fourth official: JDA Hopkins
Mr Miller has been in charge of six games so far this season, in which he has shown 24 yellow cards and 1 red card .

December 5, 2009

Rovers on telly - at last!

Doncaster Rovers are finally to make their first television appearance of the season, Sky Sports have announced. The home game against Reading on Saturday, 6th February, has been selected for coverage to the nation, with the kick-off time being delayed from the usual 3 o'clock to 5.20pm.
The match will see the return of defender Matt Mills to the Keepmoat Stadium for the first time since his departure from Rovers last summer.

December 5, 2009

O'Driscoll to offer duo new deals

Sean O'Driscoll is intending to offer new contracts to midfielders John Oster and Quinton Fortune, as long as the finances at Doncaster Rovers allow. Both players signed short-term deals in August, which are due to run out in January. Oster has been a regular in the side since arriving in the summer, and ought to be a priority for the club, whilst Fortune has been used more sparingly, but has often proved to produce influential performances when he has been given the chance to play.
O'Driscoll told the Yorkshire Post: "We will have to look at the situation. Do they want to stay and, with the budget we have, can we improve using the finance available elsewhere? But on a superficial level I would like to keep both."

December 5, 2009

Ex-Rovers players leave stricken club

December 4, 2009

Cut price tickets for Bristol City game

Doncaster Rovers have announced that there will be a reduction of £5 on all tickets for Rovers supporters for the home game agianst Bristol City on Saturday, 12th December. Rovers will be hoping that the move boosts the attendance for the match, which is the last home match before Christmas. Attendances often fall just before Christmas owing to Christmas shopping. The Keepmoat Stadium is currently indicating that just 8,007 tickets for the home end have been sold, with 207 sales for away fans.
In addition, they are continuing to offer "half season tickets", which cover the final 11 home matches of the current season, which cost from £199 for adults and from £30 for younger supporters. These tickets are available from the ticket office.

December 4, 2009

Foster dropped in contract row

Former Doncaster Rovers captain Steve Foster will not play for League Two club Darlington until he agrees to have a clause in his contract removed. Boss Steve Staunton has confirmed that Foster will not play for the club again, as if he plays another two games, under his current contract, he will automatically be offered a new contract.
Staunton said: "We can't afford to be handing out that sort of deal not knowing what division we're going to be in. I asked him to take the clause out of his contract so he could be available for selection, but he decided not to."
"It's his decision. "My hands are tied, and unfortunately he won't be available for selection until that clause comes out."
Darlington remain rooted to the bottom of League Two with just 8 points from 19 games, and are 10 points behind third-bottom Lincoln City.

December 4, 2009

Rovers director's appeal fails

Jim Beresford, a Doncaster Rovers director, has lost his High Court bid to be allowed back to work after appealing to have a decision made a year ago, when he was struck off as a solicitor, overturned.
Sir Anthony May, President of the Queens Bench Division sitting with Mr Justice Silber and Mr Justice David Clarke, said there was no evidence that the Solicitors' Disciplinary Tribunal which struck the pair off the roll of solicitors last December had failed to properly consider all factual matters.
He said the case against Beresford and his business partner Douglas Smith, was that it was "professionally and seriously improper" to deduct success fees at all when the fees paid by the Government were intended to be the total costs payable to a claimant's representatives. He also ruled that the tribunal was right to make the pair pay the costs of bringing the action against them.
"Taken in the round, the tribunal made against Beresfords a cumulative series of findings of very serious misconduct on a huge scale and in relation to thousands of vulnerable clients in proceedings which were expensively contested in nearly every particular."

December 4, 2009

Nicol gets new Revolution contract

Steve Nicol, the former Doncaster Rovers defender, has been awarded a new two year contract at MLS club New England Revolution after guiding the club to the end of season play-offs again this season. Nicol has been at Revolution, who play in Boston, since 2002, and is now the longest serving coach in the MLS, and has guided them to the play-offs in every single season he has been at the club.
Nicol, who lost his assistant coach Paul Mariner to Plymouth Argyle just before the end of the 2009 season, is now searching for a new assistant coach before they decide on potential new signings in the draft system early in the New Year.

December 3, 2009

FA Cup date confirmed

Brentford have announced that the match details for their FA Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers have now been confirmed. The match will take place at Griffin Park on Saturday, 2nd January with a 3pm kick-off. A replay, if necessary, will take place at the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday, 12th January, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

December 3, 2009

Youth Team 0 Newcastle United 3

Doncaster Rovers eventually lost out in a keenly fought FA Youth Cup Third Round tie against Newcastle United yesterday evening, having matched their Tyneside opponents for long periods. The match ended goalless at the end of 90 minutes, but Rovers conceded three goals in extra time, as they chased the game after Newcastle took the lead. The Newcastle goals came from Bradden Inman (2) and Greg McDermott.
The two sides were:
Doncaster Rovers: Will Biggs, Ashley Towler, Jack Nodder, Aaron Jones, Andrew Turner; Bradley Grayson, Joseph Betts, Matthew Thompson, Matthew Stirland; Kyle Blake, Aaron Moxam
Substitutes: Stephen Hoyle (for Stirland, 67), Nicholas Adkins (for Moxam, 90), Louis Radcliffe (for Towler, 111), Robert Oldham, Jordan Bradshaw
Newcastle United: Jack Alnwick, Patrick Nzuzi, Paul Dummett, Bradden Inman, Jeffrey Henderson, Stephen Folan, Samuel Adjei, Andy Mogwo, Daniel Williams, Connor Newton, James Tavernier
Substitutes: Greg McDermott (for Mogwo, 28), Ryan McGorrigan (for Williams, 56), Liam Henderson (for Jeffrey Henderson, 106), Ben Robinson, Ryan Page
Attendance: 525

December 3, 2009

Goals check

Following on from yesterday's round-up of players with Rovers connections scoring goals in midweek matches, Darren Byfield got Walsall off to a good start of their away game at Yeovil Town, scoring in the fifth minute. Walsall went on to win the game 3-1.
Also in League One, Sean Thornton scored in the 28th minute as Leyton Orient registered a 3-1 home win over Gillingham. Gillingham's cause wasn't helped when nine of their squad were held up on the tube travelling to the match, meaning they had to name the first eleven players to arrive at Brisbane Road as their starting eleven, with the late comers making up the substitutes bench.
Chesterfield lost their unbeaten home record last night as they went down 3-2 to Crewe Alexandra - but Jack Lester scored an 89th minute goal for the Spireites.
Finally, in the West Riding County Cup, former Rovers youth teamer Rob O'Brien scored one of Bradford Park Avenue's six goals against Silsden. The match ended up as a remarkable 6-5 victory to Bradford, with the match going to extra time - it was a mere 3-3 at the end of the 90 minutes.

December 3, 2009

Sharp's form could see loan end

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll fears that Billy Sharp's good form could lead to him leaving the club during the January transfer window. Rovers have the former Scunthrope striker on loan for the full season - but Sheffield United can recall their striker if he attracts bids from other clubs. That is clearly a possibility after Sharp has hit the goal trail, scoring five goals in the last six matches.
O'Driscoll told the Yorkshire Post: "Billy was a big-money signing so Sheffield United are not going to let him go cheaply. We'd love to keep him for the season but if that's not the case then at least his loan period has helped everyone concerned. It will have helped Billy get his career back on track, it will have helped Sheffield United, and he's helped us, so we can't complain."

December 2, 2009

Last night's goals

Waide Fairhurst scored another goal last night for Shrewsbury Town, as they beat Rotherham 2-0 in League Two. He has now scored in their last two games, after scoring in their match against Hereford United a week ago.
Also on target last night was ex-Rover Craig Nelthorpe, who scored the only goal of the game in the 85th minute as Barrow were victorious at Altrincham. Gregg Blundell made his second appearance for the Bluebirds after moving to Barrow from Chester City on two months' loan last week. Blundell played 83 minutes of the game as he continues to build up his match fitness after missing many matches this season owing to injury.

December 2, 2009

Smith looks for loan move

Rovers keeper Ben Smith is looking for another loan move when the January transfer window opens in January. Smith, who came on for the injured Neil Sullivan fro the last ten minutes of Saturday's match at Nottingham Forest, is wanting to gain more first team experience, and sees a loan move away from Rovers as vital in that quest.
Smith told the Doncaster Star: "I really enjoyed my time at Morecambe. I only played three games because the last week I was there it was the FA Cup and Rovers wouldn't let me play because they didn't want me cup-tied. At the end of the day it is all about playing and you learn more from playing in a game and being under pressure. I think that I came back to the club a better player for the experience and I also felt a lot sharper. I'd like to go out on loan again somewhere early in the new year if the situation remains the same at the club. I'm not really bothered where I go except I still want to be playing in the Football League."

December 2, 2009

Richie in team of week

Former Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens was named in the Championship "Team of the Week" by the Press Association for his performance in Leicester City's game against Scunthorpe United. Wes Morgan was named in the eleven for his contribution to Nottingham Forest's win over Rovers on Saturday.
The full team for the Championship is: Julian Speroni (Crystal Palace), Danny Simpson (Newcastle), Richard Wood (Coventry), Wes Morgan (Nottm Forest), Bruno Berner (Leicester), Chris Brunt (West Brom), Akos Buzsaky (QPR), Richie Wellens (Leicester), Darius Henderson (Sheff Utd), Marlon Harewood (Newcastle), Jerome Thomas (West Brom)

December 2, 2009

Lockwood looks ahead

Adam Lockwood, now nearing a return to the first team after suffering a broken bone in the foot during Rovers' game against Swansea City in September, is looking forward to getting his place back in the side as soon as possible. Lockwood is now back in full training, and now has to persuade Sean O'Driscoll to give him a place in the squad.
Lockwood's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and he is keen to impress enough during the second half of the season to earn a new deal with Rovers.
He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Obviously, it's an important time for me – as it is for a lot of footballers. I'm just looking to improve myself as a player and hopefully try and progress. I don't know what's happening with where I am and things because I am out contract at the end of the season so obviously I will just have to wait and see now and see what happens. I have to try and keep working hard and hopefully impress the boss so that Doncaster want to keep me."

December 2, 2009

Youth team update

Details of Friday's youth team match between Rovers and Grimsby Town were scarce on Monday morning, when we brought you the result courtesy of Grimsby's official site. Rovers have now confirmed details, with the four Rovers goals being scored by Stirland, who hit a first half hat-trick, before going on to score his, and Rovers', fourth goal of the game after the break.
The Rovers side for the game, was: Biggs, Towler, Turner, Betts, Nodder, Jones, Grayson, Blake, Moxam, Thompson, Stirland
Substitutes: Hoyle (for Grayson), Oldham (for Turner, 85), Adkins (for Moxam, 86), Bradshaw

December 1, 2009

O'Kelly - give Forest credit

Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly, who watched most of the match from the stands after being banished from the dugout by the referee following Nottingham Forest's first goal, gave due credit to Forest for their organisation during the game.
He told the Doncaster Star: "You have to give Nottingham Forest credit - just like you had to give us credit defensively when we took the ball off Queens Park Rangers last week. They did a good job on us. They looked to press the ball. They had a good team shape and they closed us down quickly at times. They probably had more chances than us but we had more possession than them. Because we had so much possession, they were compact in defence and they broke quickly. What we didn't do was to make our possession count - not so much in scoring goals but creating chances."

December 1, 2009

Penalties help Belles to victory

Two Vicky Exley penalties in the second half set Doncaster Rovers Belles on the way to victory over Birmingham on Sunday, which marked their third victory ina row, which lifts them into third place in the Women's Premier League, just five points behind leaders Sunderland, with a game in hand. Precious Hamilton had earlier scored Doncaster's first goal with a 25-yard shot - Birmingham's only goal came 13 minutes from the end of the game.

December 1, 2009

Palace coach details

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Crystal Palace.
They will leave Retford at 8.00am, Bawtry 8.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 8.05am, Rossington Styrrp 8.15am, Hare & Tortoise 8.20am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.30am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 8.45am.
The fares are:
Members £20.00 - OAP's £18.00 - U16's £16.00
Non-Members £22.00 - OAP's £20.00 - U16's £18.00
To book a place, please contact: Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347), or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154)
Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

December 1, 2009

Forest voting results

Somewhat unusually, the results of the "Man of the Match" voting for the away game at Nottingham Forest on Saturday led to a very even spread of votes between five players. A total of eight players received nominations, with those receiving most votes being:
1 James O'Connor (17.74%)
2 Gareth Roberts (17.46%)
3 John Oster (17.19%)
4 Billy Sharp (15.87%)
5 Dean Shiels (15.63%)
Thank you to everyone who voted - the next poll will open following the away game at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

December 1, 2009

Hynes released

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Peter Hynes has been released by Irish club Shelbourne, as they announced their released list at the end of their 2009 season. Hynes joined Shelbourne from Sporting Fingal in December 2008, having previously played for Derry City, UCD (University College, Dublin), Newry City, Dublin City. He played for Rovers whilst on loan from Aston Villa in the 2003/04 season - he also played for English clubs Cheltenham Town (loan from Villa) and Tamworth.