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February
15, 2010 |
Owls
ticket update |
 |
Sales
of tickets for the Rovers' trip to Hillsborough tomorrow have increased
to 1,287 our of the initial allocation of 2,110, according to the Keepmoat
Stadium website. Ticketes will remain on sale until midday tomorrow (Tuesday,
16th February). We remind supporters that Sheffield Wednesday have been instructed to reduce ticket prices by the Football League, maning that Adult tickets are now £18, with concessions £10. Anyone who bought tickets at a higher price before last Friday can obtain a refund from the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Office - please contact them before the end of February to get your refund - you do NOT need to contact them before the match to qualify. The Stadium will attempt to contact everyone who has not claimed over the next few days. |
February
15, 2010 |
Blundell
injured as it turns ugly at Barrow |
 |
There
were ugly scenes in time added on at the end of Barrow's home game against
Kettering, with Kettering full back going shoulder-to-shoulder with Barrow's
ex-Rovers striker Gregg Blundell, which resulted in Blundell being shoved
into the advertising hoardings around the side of the pitch. Blundell
hit the boards head first and needed treatement. A mellee followed at the full time whistle, which resulted in a steward being carried off on a stretcher. Blundell is also understood to have been taken to hospital after the game as a precautionary measure. For the record, Kettering won the game 2-0. |
February
15, 2010 |
Belles
crash out as the cup holders march on |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers Belles bowed out of the Women's FA Cup yesterday at the quarter-final
stage, being defeated 5-0 by cup holders Arsenal. Rovers Belles went behind
after just six minutes when England winger Rachel Yankey scored for Arsenal.
The score was 2-0 at half time, with three further goals following after
the break to give the Londoners a convincing victory. Joining Arsenal in the semi-finals are Everton, Chelsea and Aston Villa. |
February
15, 2010 |
JR's
book launch |
 |
We
brought news last week that an autobiography by Rovers' chairman, John
Ryan, is being published at the end of March. It has now been confirmed
that John will be making an appearance at the Doncaster Little Theatre
on Thursday, 1st April, with the evening commencing at 7.30pm. With the theatre only holding 104 seats, tickets will be at a premium. Tickets will cost £20, which will be split equally between the Rovers' youth team/Sharpshooter Fund and the Doncaster Little Theatre. Tickets will go on sale int he next couple of days from the Doncaster Little Theatre ticket office, or by telephone on 01302 340422 (Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm). |
February
15, 2010 |
QPR
ticket information |
 |
Tickets
for Saturday's away game at Queen's Park Rangers are now on general sale
from the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Office, with Rovers being given an initial
allocation of 1,000 tickets. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults (22-59): £25 Concessions: £15 Juniors Under 7: Free if ticket bought before match day Ambulant disabled & carer: £15 Wheelchair disabled & carer: £12 Proof of age will be required at the turnstiles, and supporters are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before kick-off. |
February
13, 2010 |
Rovers
1 Nottingham Forest 0 |
 |
On
a bitterly cold and damp winter's afternoon at the Keepmoat Stadium, Rovers
produced a much improved performance to defeat high-flying Nottingham
Forest, thanks to a first half goal by Billy Sharp - who else? Sean O'Driscoll sparang a surprise by naming Jason Shackell in his starting line-up, only a fortnight after having surgery on a hernia, presumably as he wanted to have both Shackell and Martis to combat the aerial threat in the Forest side. That gamble did not pay off, with Shackell lasting only 14 minutes of the game before being replaced by Sam Hird. His fellow central defender, Shelton Martis, also was subsituted due to injury during the second half, potentially leaving only one recognised fit centre back (Hird) at the club. James O'Connor resumed his central defensive duties, with Mustapha Dumbuya coming on to impress the fans during his time on the pitch. Even with the bizarre decisions of the referee, which left the players and fans alike puzzled as to why some decisions were made, could not undo a determined Rovers defence, with Forest barely maanging a shot on target in the entire match. The win relieves some of Rovers' relegation concerns, lifting them up to five points above the drop zone, and with Sheffield Wednesday the opposition on Tuesday, there is a real chance that they can pick up more points to move into midtable safety. |
February
14, 2010 |
What
the managers said |
 |
Sean
O'Driscoll was full of praise for on-loan striker Billy Sharp following
yesterday's win over promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest, but conceded
that it is unlikely that Sharp will be a Rovers player next season - unless
someone can come up with the transfer fee required. He said: "He has been terrific for us. He had four or five games when he went without a goal and we said to him not to get frustrated because he is still a big influence for us. I'm pleased for him and all the goals he has scored for us have been crucial. He had a good tussle with Wes Morgan today and he gets frustrated very easily, so we told him to handle it, and he did so very well." "Billy Sharp is not my player, he's Sheffield United's player so I can't say what I'd like to do with him in the summer. Of course I would like to keep him but someone needs to give me a million quid. He had four or five games when he went without a goal and we said to him not to get frustrated because he is still a big influence for us. I'm pleased for him and all the goals he has scored for us have been crucial." Of the game as a whole, O'Driscoll said: "I thought that our tempo was right and that we learnt from the last game we played against Forest, where they pressed us really high up the pitch. I thought that we coped with that really well and I thought that we coped with Jason Shackell coming off. We adjusted with that really well and we adjusted later on when Shelton came off. We've not had it easy, by any stretch of the imagination, and I think we deserved it. I'm trying not to look at it through rose-tinted glasses, but I'd like to think that we deserved the three points." Whilst disappointed to have gone away empty haded after yesterday's Keepmoat Stadium clash, Forest manager Billy Davies refused to feel down as a result. He said: "Why should I be down? We've just come off a 19-game unbeaten run. I've just said to the players, do you think John McGovern won two European Cups because everything went right throughout a season? Over a season, there are good times and there are bad times, but we're sitting in the top three at the moment. Ask John McGovern what it takes to win two European Cups. It's horrible because we had three one-on-one situations with their goalkeeper and we had a stonewall penalty turned down in the first half and we lost a very soft goal. I said for weeks that these things would happen between now and the end of the season. But we need to earn the right, and the players need to enjoy the good times and the bad times. I've been through it all before." "I am disappointed when chances come along and we're not getting on the end of them. We are not playing as fluently as we were and are looking slightly disjointed, but these things happen. |
February
14, 2010 |
Around
the goals |
 |
Former
Rovers on-loan striker Ben Muirhead scored one of Harrogate Town's two
goals as they won 2-0 at home to Gainsborough Trinity in the Blue Square
North - a vital win, considering they are still bottom of the Blue Square
North, with just 19 points to date. Three go down at the end of the season,
and Harrogate are seven points away from safety - Gainsborough are only
one point better off, and also in the relegation places at the moment. In the UniBond Premier Division, two former Rovers players were on target for Bradford Park Avenue, who beat Ossett Town 4-2 yesterday. Ex-youth team player Rob O'Brien scored their second goal in the 53rd mintue, whilst Mark Hume scored the third goal 13 minutes later. Bradford maintain their lead at the top of the table, three points ahead of Boston United and with three games in hand. |
February
14, 2010 |
Roberts
injury blow |
 |
Rovers
defender Gareth Roberts faces a spell on the sidelines - possibly for
the rest of the season - after picking up an injury in Tuesday's draw
at Leicester City. He picked up a knock to his knee during the first half
and, whilst he played for the rest of the game, he struggled in training
in the following days. Rovers have arranged for him to have a scan tomorrow,
which will determine how long he will be out for. Sean O'Driscoll explained following yesterday's match: "Gareth hurt his knee at Leicester, where he felt a click in his knee but he played the whole night with it. It swelled up afterwards and we were bit concerned that it was something serious. He's having a scan on Monday and that will hopefully determine whether it is short term or long term. Initially, we thought that it may be a cruciate injury. It settles down and it depends now on what the scan says; whether it will be a short term thing that we can nurse him through or whether it will rule him out for the rest of the season." |
February
14, 2010 |
Shackell
out for Wednesday clash |
 |
Centre-back
Jason Shackell is unlikely to play on Tuesday night against Sheffield
Wednesday after suffering a reaction to his groin operation after just
14 minutes of yesterday's match. It was a surprise that he was included
in the side, just two weeks after having a hernia operation, but Sean
O'Driscoll said that Shackell thought he was fit enough to play for an
hour. As it turns out, that was not the case, although his partnership
with Shelton Martis did look promising during the brief time they played
together. With Martis also being substituted, seemingly due to injury, Rovers may have to play young right back Mustapha Dumbuya again on Tuesday night, with James O'Connor moving back to a central defensive position. |
February
13, 2010 |
Rovers
v Nottingham Forest |
 |
Dean
Shiels will return to the squad for this afternoon's home game against
Nottingham Forest after missing Tuesday's game at Leicester due to an
ankle injury. Apart from that, the club are not reporting any new injury
concerns ahead of the game, although they will still be without Jason
Shackell (hernia), Adam Lockwood (foot), Byron Webster (foot), Waide Fairhurst
(foot) and Steve Brooker (ankle). Forest go into todays' game just four points off top place, having lost just two games in the last 22, so it will be a huge challenge for Rovers. Forest have no new injury worries ahead of the match, with Dele Adebola, Robert Earnshaw and David McGoldrick all hoping for recalls. They will be without Julian Bennett, who is recovering from a long-term injury. Rovers are hoping that fans of both sides will take the giant foam hands that were distributed at the City Ground this afternoon. They were distributed when Forest and Rovers met at the City Ground three months ago, when fans of both sides sat together in a special family enclosure as part of a ground-breaking integration scheme. Due to the layout of the Keepmoat Stadium, that experiment cannot be repeated today, but Rovers are keen to build on the goodwill generated by the innovative scheme. |
February
13, 2010 |
Today's
match officials |
 |
The
match officials for today's home game against Nottingham Forest have been
confirmed as: Referee: A M Penn Assistant referees: I Siddall and S Smith Fourth official: R Atkin |
February
13, 2010 |
Rovers
set for bumper crowd |
.jpg){kind=small} |
A
crowd of 12,000 is certain for this afternoon's home game against Nottingham
Forest, a welcome change from the sub-9,000 attendance at the last home
game, when Rovers entertained Reading last Saturday. Almost 9,000 tickets
for the home sections have been sold, along with 3,318 Forest sales, meaning
that a crowd of over 12,000 will be announced this afternoon. Tickets are still on sale as follows: 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 |
February
13, 2010 |
Rovers
check out Taylor |
 |
The
Lancashire Telegraph have reported in their feature "The Rumour Mill"
that Doncaster Rovers are checking on former Burnley youngster Alex Taylor,
who is currently playing for Kendal Town. Taylor scored one of Kendal's
three goals in their midweek win in the UniBond League Cup against Lancaster
City |
February
13, 2010 |
Rovers
win award |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers are one of 37 clubs who have been awarded "The Football League
Family Excellence Award" for 2010. The award is based on an independent
assessment of the family experience at all 72 Football League clubs, which
was assessed by using "mystery shoppers". Rovers have now received recognition for the third successive season - one of 17 clubs to have done so. Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said: The 'Football League Family Excellence Award' provides a benchmark for clubs to work towards and ensures that they are doing all they can to attract and retain family groups as supporters. League clubs are working hard to make the family experience the best it can be." |
February
12, 2010 |
Further
Owls ticket update - concessions go up |
|
Further to our news of this lunchtime that ticket prices for next week's game at Sheffield Wednesday had been reduced, a further alteration has now been made - the concessionary prices have gone up to £10. The adult ticket price remains at £18. |
February
12, 2010 |
Fan
power wins as Wednesday back down |
|
In a dramatic move
over the ticket prices being charged for next Tuesday's away game at
Sheffield Wednesday, the two clubs have today announced that ticket
prices have been reduced. All supporters who have already bought tickets
at the higher price can claim a refund from the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket
Office for the difference in price. |
February
12, 2010 |
Youth
team game off |
 |
Tomorrow's
youth team game between Hartlepool United and Doncaster Rovers has been
postponed due to a waterlogged pitch in Hartlepool. The cancellation means
that Hartlepool have played just one youth team game since Christmas,
which means that they now face a fixture backlog. The two clubs have not yet agreed on a new date for the fixture. |
February
12, 2010 |
Lua
Lua goes out on loan |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers loan striker Kazenga Lua Lua has moved to Brighton &
Hove Albion on a month's loan after he has been frustrated about the lack
of first team opportunities he has recived at Newcastle United. Kazenga spent a very successful loan at Doncaster Rovers for the closing weeks of last season, and Rovers were keen to bring him back to the Keepmoat Stadium again this season. However, due to Newcastle being relegated to the Championship, Newcastle were reluctant to the move, which has seen LuaLua consigned to the Toon reserves instead. Newcastle boss Chris Hughton insists that this move does not necessarily mean that Lua Lua's time at St James' Park is over. Hughton said: "It's very positive, as he hasn't had the games that we need him to play. He needs competition at a good level, and what we want him to do is go away for a month, come back and very much be part of what we're doing here for the rest of the season. We'll always try to get the balance, because what we have to do is look after ourselves, but, of course, this is a lad that needs to make progress, and needs to be playing competitive games. It was a good opportunity." Kazenga is set to make his Seagulls debut against Norwich City this weekend. |
February
12, 2010 |
Coaches
to Hillsborough |
|
The
Supporters Club are running coaches to next Tuesday's away game at Sheffield
Wednesday. They will leave Retford at 5pm, Harworth Pit Gates 5.05pm,
Bawtry 5.15pm, Rossington Styrrup 5.15pm, Hare & Tortoise 5.20pm,
Doncaster Royal Infirmary 5.30pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 5.45pm. Fares are as follows: Members £8 - OAP's £7 - U16's £6 Non-Members £10 - OAP's £9 - U16's £8 To book a place on the coach, please telephone Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154) as soon as possible. |
February
12, 2010 |
Hawkins
faces three monts out |
 |
Former
Rovers defender Colin Hawkins remains the only long-term absentee at Brighton
& Hove Albion after undergoing an Achilles tendon operation last week.
Hawkins has been troubled by injury for several months and has only played
one first team game so far this season - a 4-2 home defeat against Stockport,
that ended early when he was shown a red card in the 65th minute - one
of three players to be dismissed during that game. |
February
12, 2010 |
Voting
results |
 |
It
was a close contest for the "Man of the Match" for Tuesday's
away game at Leicester City. With six players receiving nominations, those
receiving the most votes were as follows: 1 James Chambers (28.57%) 2 Brian Stock (21.43%) 3= James O'Connor & Billy Sharp (14.29% each) Thanks go to everyone who took the trouble to take part, with all votes going towards the "Player of the Season". The next poll will open following tomorrow's home game against Nottingham Forest. |
February
11, 2010 |
Adam,
the penalty shoot-out hero |
 |
Ex-Doncaster
Rovers goalkeeper Adam Collin was the hero of Carlisle on Tuesday evening
when a double penalty save in a thrilling penalty shoot-out gave Carlisle
United victory in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Final against
Leeds United. The win means that Carlisle will face Southampton in the
final at Wembley in April. Following the game, Collin revealed that he doesn't practice taking penalties, and only found out that he was playing in the game 90 minutes before the game started. The second leg at Brunton Park had ended in a 3-2 win for Leeds, meaning that it was 4-4 on aggregate, so the match went to penalties. Adam made saves from Leeds players Bradley Johnson and Shane Lowry to give Carlisle victory 6-5 in the shoot-out, after the match had ended in a 1-1 draw. Collin said: “I don’t practise them at all. I just try and stand big, look at the penalty taker’s body shape and try to read him, then make up my mind and go. There was no pressure on me. That’s all on the takers. You’ve just got to try not to make it easy for them. It’s a dream come true. Playing here in full-time football is a dream come true, and now to be playing at one of the biggest grounds in the world, with loads of fans there, is going to be a brilliant occasion.” |
February
11, 2010 |
Whitby
after hot-shot Campbell |
 |
Whitby
Town are hoping to secure the services of ex-Rovers striker Andy Campbell
for the rest of the season after he has made a superb start to his time
at the club, scoring a goal a game in his five games played so far. Campbell,
who failed to find the net whilst playing for Rovers, was valued at £1
million earlier in his career, but is currently on loan at Whitby from
Bradford Park Avenue. The loan had been agreed to give Campbell time on
the pitch after recovering from injury, with the good form of the Bradford
strike-force meaning it was unlikely he would ge ta game there. Campbell's
goals mean that Whitby are now on the fringes of the play-offs of the
UniBond Premier Division. |
February
11, 2010 |
Paul
joins Cadbury Heath |
 |
Former
Rovers striker Martin Paul has left Zamaretto League Division One South
& West club Mangotsfield United due to work commitments. He joined
Mangotsfield for a second time in the summer, but tore a hamstring against
Frome Town in August, so has only played in their opening three games
of the season. It is understood that Paul will be joining Toolstation Western League Division One outfit Cadbury Heath. Mangotsfield manager Phil Bater said: "Despite making only three first-team appearances due to injury I'd like to thank Martin for his efforts during his time with the club. I'd also like to wish him well for the future and like any former player he'll always receive a warm welcome at Cossham Street." |
February
11, 2010 |
Injury
update |
 |
Martin
Woods and Adam Lockwood are hoping that they will be able to step up their
rehabilitation after their lengthy time out due to injury. Woods has had an injection in his groin injury, and is expected to start running later this week, whilst Lockwood is hoping that he can remove a protective boot which has been on his foot after breaking a metatarsal in his foot. Defender Byron Webster has also fractured a metatarsal whilst training last week and will be out of action for at least six weeks. The third central defender out of action at the moment is Jason Shackell, who has had a hernia operation and is not expected to return to action for another two weeks. Two strikers remain sidelined by injury. Waide Fairhurst is scheduled to start a running programme this week after being out of action due to ligament damage sustained whilst on loan at Shrewsbury Town. Steve Brooker continues to be absent - it looks as though he will need a further operation after having a setback when stepping up his training recently. It seems he has damaged an ankle tendon - depending on the diagnosis, he may be ruled out for the rest of the season. |
February
11, 2010 |
Wheater
in Team of Week |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers loan defender David Wheater has been named in the Championship's
Team of the Week for his performance for Middlesbrough against Ipswich
Town on Saturday. The team is named each week by the Press Association,
and features the top eleven players in their respective positions. |
February
10, 2010 |
Leicester
City 0 Rovers 0 |
|
Doncaster
Rovers and Leicester City fought out a goalless draw at the Walkers Stadium
last night in a match of few goal-scoring chances, with the match probably
rememberd more for the horrific injury sustained by Leicester striker
Matty Fryatt in the first half. Fryatt was involved in a collision with
Rovers midfielder Brian Stock, which resulted in a five-minute hold-up
whilst he received treatment before being taken to hospital by ambulance.
It was later found that he had suffered a double fracture to his jaw. Both managers felt frustrated with the game - but at least Sean O'Driscoll was pleased that Rovers' four-match losing run had come to an end. Former Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens had a shot cleared off the line in the second half, with Rovers' best chance coming when Billy Sharp fired narrowly wide. Both sides are known for playing a good style of football, but if anything, it was Leicester that gained the upper hand in the second half. |
February
10, 2010 |
What
the managers said |
|
Rovers
boss Sean O'Driscoll thought that the effort of his players last night
gained Rovers a deserved point from their game at the Walkers Stadium. He said: "I didn't think the performance merited anything but a point. Both teams couldn't get any rhythm going. There's many games in the Championship that lack rhythm. It's a matter of making sure you're organised and disciplined and that's the benchmark for any Championship side. It's more difficult for the teams that want to play. We have got beaten in the last four games and played a lot better than that so if anyone has the answer come and see me." Of the incident with Brian Stock which resulted in Leicester striker Matty Fryatt breaking his jaw, O'Driscoll said: "There was nothing intentional in the challenge. Hopefully Matty is okay." His opposite number, Nigel Pearson had a different view of the incident, commenting: "Fryatt has broken his jaw in two places. Obviously it's not going to be a short-term thing. But it's not a very good challenge is it? I have seen the video. I've said enough. You'll have to see it yourself, I am sure they will show it." Of the match, Pearson said: "They got what they came for. For a side that comes with a footballing reputation they were very, very negative and it proved to be a very frustrating night for us. As the game progressed it became more frustrating. We didn't perform to the levels that we know we can but coupled with that they set themselves up to be difficult to beat." |
February
10, 2010 |
Bayo
scores to sink Stanley |
|
Former
Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa set Northampton Town on the
way to victory at Sixfields last night when he bagged the Cobblers' first
goal in the 10th minute. Northampton scored three more in the second half
to win 4-0, which meant that they leap-frogged above Accrington to be
within touching distance of the play-off places in League Two. |
February
10, 2010 |
Rovers
Belles reach quarter-finals |
|
Doncaster
Rovers Belles reached the quarter-finals of the Women's FA Cup on Sunday
when they won 1-0 at Birmingham City to set up a clash against the invincible
Arsenal Ladies. Rovers Belles had to withstand lengthy periods of intense
pressure, although Birmingham were reduced to ten players when skipper
Kerys Harrop was sent off when conceding a penalty in the 35th minute.
Vicky Exley scored the resulting spot kick, and Doncaster then missed
numerous chances in the second half to put the result beyond doubt. |
February
10, 2010 |
O'Kelly
has confidence in survival |
 |
The
results may have been variable of late, but Rovers' assistant manager
Richard O'Kelly is confident that the club will stay in the Championship
for a third season. After Saturday's home loss against Reading, O'Kelly said: "What we needed to do was to keep the belief in what we were doing. We did that really well last season when we were going through a bad spell in terms of results. We've just got to keep working at it with the group of players we've got this season; they are a good bunch." |
February
10, 2010 |
Melligan
leaves O's |
 |
Ex-Rovers
midfielder JJ Melligan has left League One club Leyton Orient by mutual
consent after having discussions with boss Geraint Williams. The cancellation
of his contract means that Melligan is free to join another club, even
though we are now outside the 'transfer window'. The Dublin-born player
has made 19 appearances this season, scoring in his opening two games
against Bristol Rovers and Colchester United. He joined Orient from Cheltenham
Town in July 2007, and has made 97 appearances for the club. |
February
9, 2010 |
Heffernan
signs for Pirates |
 |
The
Doncaster Rovers career of striker Paul Heffernan looks to be heading
towards a close with news yesterday that he has signed for League One
club Bristol Rovers on an initial month's loan. Heffernan has only occasionally
been used by Sean O'Driscoll this season, mainly as a late substitute,
and with his contract at Doncaster ending in the summer, the player may
elect to move to a club who will use him more regulalry. Heffernan, who has scored 54 goals in 135 starts and 49 substitute appearances, has regularly been top scorer at Doncaster during his time at the club, but the arrival of Billy Sharp has meant that opportunities have been very limited, especially with O'Driscoll only electing to use one out-and-out striker in most matches. Should the deal be registered in time, Paul will make his Bristol Rovers debut against Walsall this evening. Heffernan said to the Bristol Rovers official website: "I spoke to Lennie and Paul and we discussed that when the window opened again I would come back down on loan for a month, and I am delighted now that I am down. Initially it is a month and we will see how it goes from there." "I had a year down here at Bristol City about five or six season ago, but I hope fans wont hold it against me if I can stick one in tomorrow night. I have been with Doncaster five years, but I am out of contract in the summer so it may be time to move on. I think I have plenty to offer Bristol Rovers. I have been sitting on the bench up at Doncaster for most of the season, so I want to get out and prove that I can still score goals at whatever level because you are soon forgotten about in this game. I want to be playing every week, and the manager knows that and he was good enough to let me out. If it goes well for the club and for myself there is always an option to extend it for another month or for the rest of the season, so we will see how it goes." Bristol's Director of Football, Lennie Lawrence, said: "Paul is an experienced striker with Championship pedigree and was Doncaster's top scorer last season. We are delighted that he has joined us on loan for the next month, and if things work out well there is a chance it could be made into a more permanent loan. Heffernan has been given the number 9 shirt at Bristol Rovers - we wish him well for his time out on loan. |
February
9, 2010 |
Leicester
City v Rovers |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers travel to Leicester City this evening seeking to end their four-match
sequence of defeats, with Sean O'Driscoll likely to name a similar squad
to that which played against Reading on Saturday. Debutant centre-back
Shelton Martis is expected to be fit to play - he was substituted in the
second half of Saturday's game after feeling a twinge in his foot, but
that is understood to be a reaction to not having played many matches
recently. Fellow defenders Jason Shackell (hernia), Adam Lockwood (foot) and Byron Webster (foot) all remain absent, as does midfielder Martin Woods (groin) and strikers Steve Brooker (ankle) and Waide Fairhurst (foot). Of course, striker Paul Heffernan will be unavailable for at least a month after signing for Bristol Rovers on loan yesterday. Former Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens is likely to line up for Leicester City this evening after serving a one-match ban on Saturday, whilst Martyn Waghorn is set to continue in the side despite suffering from a knee injury which has affected him in recent games. Striker Yann Kermorgant is likey to miss out with a hamstring injury, but Nolberto Solano will return after missing Saturday's 2-1 win at Blackpool for personal reasons. |
February
9, 2010 |
Match
officials v Leicester City |
|
The
match officials for this evening's away game at Leicester City have been
confirmed as: Referee: RJ Booth Assistant referees: D Naylor & DJ Roberts Fourth official: MC Dexter |
February
9, 2010 |
Youth
Team 1 Mansfield Town 0 |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers' youth side played their Youth Alliance game against Mansfield
Town at the ground of Armthorpe Welfare FC on Saturday after the pitches
at Cantley Park were deemed to be waterlogged. The only goal of the game
came on the stroke of half time when Adkins pounced on a loose ball after
the Mansfield keeper failed to hold onto a high looping cross in from
the left. Despite Rovers pressing forwards after the break,no further
goals came, with some wayward shooting and good defending keeping the
Mansfield goal from further harm. Doncaster Rovers: Bradshaw, Towler, Oldham, Betts, Nodder, Jones, Blake, Thompson, Adkins, Moxam, Stirland Substiutes: Moore (for Adkins, 55), Hoyle (for Moxam, 77), Turner (for Blake, 89), Grayson, Biggs |
February
9, 2010 |
Voting
results |
 |
Nine
players were nominated for the "Man of the Match" against Reading
on Saturday, with the top three very closely bunched together. Coming marginally ahead of the rest was James Coppinger, whose industrious display earned him almost a quarter of all votes cast. He was closely followed by goalkeeper Neil Sullivan, who pulled off a number of superb saves, and defender James Chambers. The votes for the top four players were: 1 James Coppinger (24.39%) 2 Neil Sullivan (21.95%) 3 James Chambers (19.51%) 4 Billy Sharp (12.20%) Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - the next vote will open following this evening's away game at Leicester City. |
February
8, 2010 |
JR's
new book |
|
An
autobiography of Rovers' chairman, John Ryan, is being released on 31st
March. Containing contributions from Kevin Keegan and Sir Alex Ferguson,
we are sure that it will be a very good read - Amazon are taking advance
orders with 25% off the £15.99 cover price, making it £11.24
(post free). Of course, we fully expect the rise of Doncaster Rovers over the last ten years or so to feature fairly heavily! |
February
8, 2010 |
QPR
tickets |
|
Tickets
for the away game at Queens Park Rangers are now on general sale from
the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Rovers have received an allocation
of 1,000 tickets for the game; unsold tickets will be returned to QPR
at midday on Friday, 19th February. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults (22-59): £25.00 Seniors (60+), Young adults (16-21), Juniors (8-15): £15.00 Juniors (7 & under): Free if bought prior to match day Ambulant disabled & carer: £15.00 Wheelchair disabled & carer: £12.00 ( limited availability) Please note that proof of age will be required at the turnstiles. Supporters are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes before kick-off. |
February
8, 2010 |
Brewers
give ex-Rover trial |
 |
Burton
Albion maanger Paul Peschisolido is looking to strengthen his midfield
department - and is offering trials to two players, including former Rovers
striker Simon Johnson. The pair turned out for the Brewers in their recent
Birmingham Senior Cup quarter-final defeat against Romulus, and Peschisolido
is keen to have another look at them. He said: “Tuesday’s game was played in a mudbath, so it was difficult to make a judgement on them. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get one or both to spend a week training with us and play again in the reserves in conditions that lend themselves to a better assessment.” Johnson began his career at Leeds United, and also played in the Football League on loan at Hull City, Blackpool, Sunderland, Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley. After his release, he joined Darlington, Hereford United, Bury and, most recently, Halesowen Town in the Zamaretto Premier League. |
February
8, 2010 |
Rovers
Belles look for Super League status |
|
The
hopes of Doncaster Rovers Belles to be one of the eight Super League clubs
selected by the FA rose recently with news that Leeds Carnegie's bid for
membership had been withdrawn. That leaves the Rovers Belles as the only
Yorkshire club from the 15 remaining bidders, and with the FA hoping for
an even geographical spread, the Belles' hierarchy are hoping that will
give their case a huge boost. Should they be selected, it will be a remarkable turn-round for the Rovers Belles after coming very close to going out of business last season. |
February
6, 2010 |
Rovers
1 Reading 2 |
|
Doncaster
Rovers' poor recent form continues as the losing sequence extended to
four games after a hugely disappointing performance in front of the Sky
TV cameras at the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon. Reading came to Doncaster
in the bottom three in the Championship, but came away victorious with
a goal in each half. Sean Long opened the scoring six mintues before the
break when he headed home unchallenged just six yards out when Shelton
Martis was lured out of position to challenge for the ball at the side
of the pitch. Until that point, both sides had only limited opportunities,
with some wayward shooting the main culptit. After the half time interval, things didn't really improve all that much, with Rovers lacking the cutting edge necessary to get through to the hard working Billy Sharp, and it took two superb saves by Neil Sullivan, one in each half, to keep Rovers in the contest. The second goal came in the 77th minute when Brian Howard slotted the ball home comfortably, well out of Neil Sullivan's reach. As the Rovers fans streamed for the exits, it looked as though the home side stood little chance of rescuing the match - but all that changed within three minutes when a Rovers attack saw the ball go narrowly wide of the post - but that diversion came as a result of ex-Rovers' defender Matthew Mills being judged to have handled the ball. That gave Rovers a penalty, which Sharp duly converted, sending the keeper the wrong way. Rovers suddenly showed much more purpose and urgency, but their efforts were to no avail, although for the first few minutes, they tore into Reading, who were struggling to adjust to the loss of Mills. The result means that Rovers drop to 17th place, just four places above the relegation places, and two tough games coming up - away to Leicester City and home to in-form Nottingham Forest. Still - the tide has to turn some time, so let's hope it comes very soon indeed! |
February
7, 2010 |
What
the managers said |
|
Doncaster
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll came out of yesterday's home defeat against
Reading in optimistic, but frustrated, mood, saying that he thought the
side showed impressive qualities, particulalry when attacking. Of the game, he said: "We could have done better with the goals but I cannot fault anyone's effort. This league is so tight, you can walk off any game thinking you should have lost when you've won or won when you've lost. We try and maintain that players do the right things and as long as they do that we're happy. Sometimes results are in the lap of the gods, but overall I'm pleased with the way we played." However, the fact that the effort yielded no points for Rovers, had some effect on him, as he commented: "I've become used to walking into press rooms and thinking that we have dominated and that we should have won and taken it on the chin. This league is so tight; you can walk off of the pitch after any game and think that you could have won that game or you could have lost it. I've got over being frustrated because we went thirteen games without a win in the first season in The Championship - walking into press conferences where people were asking me 'how have you lost that one?' In some senses, we are used to it. Reading are a high-energy side and they were always going to be dangerous on the counter attack. I thought that we reacted and nobody's heads went down. We continued to move the ball and made enough chances in the second half to win it - but it wasn't to be." Quite understandably, Reading's manager Brian McDermott was very happy to see his side hang on to take three points from the Keepmoat Stadium, despite a late Rovers onslaught after the Royals were reduced to ten men. He said: "It was a big win today. The team were real warriors today. Off the back of the win we had over Barnsley last week, we had to follow that up. We've done that and I'm delighted." Diplomatically, of the penalty incident that saw ex-Rover Matt Mills sent off, McDermott said: "I haven't seen the replay yet. Someone said it was a bit harsh, someone else said it was a penalty. It was a double whammy for us - they get the penalty and score and we've also lost Millsy to a red card. So the last ten - or, in fact, seventeen minutes with all the injury time - were made very difficult for us. Down to ten men, it's very very difficult. At 2-0, I thought we were good value and deserved to be winning by that margin. We could have done without the seven minutes of injury time at the end, that's for sure. But we hung in there. I know Donny hit the bar but Adam Federici made some teriffic saves at the end." |
February
7, 2010 |
Goals
check |
|
We've
noticed just two former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday. In the
Championship, David Wheater scored Middlesbrough's equaliser after 62
minutes to leave Ipswich Town's boss Roy Keane frustrated to have drawn
their fifteenth match of the season. The dominance of draws in Ipswich's
results means they are still just above the relegation places, despite
reasonable form of late. In the UniBond First Division (South), Ben Saunders scored for Grantham Town in their resounding 4-1 home win over bottom club Willenhall Town. |
February
7, 2010 |
Williamson
moves to Newcastle |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers loanee Mike Williamson has signed for Newcastle United
from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee. Williamson joined Portsmouth from
Watford in September, but has not made a first team appearance for the
south-coast club. If a transfer fee is involved, Watford will receive
some of it as they had a sell-on clause as part of the £2 million
move to Portsmouth.Williamson began his career at Torquay before joining
Southampton for £100,000 in 2001. He found it difficult to force his way into their first team and spent time on loan at Torquay, Doncaster and Wycombe, with Wycombe subsequently signing him on a free transfer in May 2005. His fortunes took an upturn whilst at Adams Park, he began to attract attention from higher league clubs, with Watford eventually moved to sign him. |
February
7, 2010 |
Belles
cruise through |
|
The
Doncaster Rovers Belles crused through to the semi-finals of the Sheffield
FA Women's Challenge Cup, despite putting out a much changed side from
their usual line-up. The Rovers Belles racked up a 7-1 winning margin
against Huddersfield Town Ladies on Thursday evening, with John Buckley
electing to save a number of players for this weekend's Women's FA Cup
tie at Birmingham City. The Doncaster goals were scored by Vicky Exley
(2), Nat Shaw (2), Amy Vaughan, Millie Bright and Charlotte Bennett. Rovers Belles won the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup last year, and have won the competition for six out of the last seven seasons. Doncaster Rovers Belles: Harriet James, Katie Hemming, Tori Williams, Vanessa Leat, Naomi Chadwick, Kasia Lipka, Vicky Exley, Amy Vaughan, Rachel Williams, Charlotte Bennett, Millie Bright. Substitutes: Michelle Marshall (for Chadwick, 45), Paige Eli (for Bennett, 45), Nat Shaw (for Exley, 45) |
February
7, 2010 |
Rovers
give Romauld a trial |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers are reported to be giving Benin international midfielder Romauld
Boco a trial. The French-born 21 year old midfielder is currently without
a club after being released by Irish side Sligo Rovers at the end of last
season. As he is a free agent, he would be able to sign for a club outside
the transfer window. |
February
6, 2010 |
Rovers
v Reading |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers have no new injury concerns ahead of this afternoon's home game
against strugglers Reading, with Adam Lockwood (foot), Waide Fairhurst
(foot), Martin Woods (groin), Steve Brooker (ankle) and Jason Shackell
(hernia) still absent. New signing Shelton Martis will make his debut this afternoon after signing for Rovers on Monday from West Bromwich Albion - with Jason Shackell and Adam Lockwood expected to be out for four weeks, his addition to the Rovers back line will be most welcome. Rovers will again include young Birmingham City midfielder Jordan Mutch, although it is likely that he will again have to settle for a place on the bench. Whilst Rovers have lost their last three games - their worst sequence of the season - they will fancy their chances against a Reading side who are currently in the bottom three - but they will be up against Matthew Mills, who returns to Doncaster for the first time since his summer move south. With Rovers picking up 23 of their 33 points at home this season, a win will put them ten points ahead fo the Royals and keep them comfortably in midtable. Reading wil be without long-term injury victims Noel Hunt (knee) and Chris Armstrong (knee), with Julian Kelly and Marek Matejovsky playing for the reserves this midweek as they come back from injury, but neither are likely to feature this afternoon. However, Jem Karacan and Bylfi Sigurdsson are set to play after recovering from knocks picked up last weekend. Zurab Khizanishvili will be on the bench tomorrow and could make his first appearance since joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers. |
February
6, 2010 |
Today's
match officials |
|
The
match officials for this afternoon's home game against Reading have been
confirmed as: Referee:A Taylor Assistant referees: G Hilton and A J Scregg Fourth Official: C Boyeson |
February
6, 2010 |
Rovers'
TV date |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers appear on Sky Sports for the first time this season for their home
game against Reading. Please remember that, owing to the television coverage,
the match starts later than usual, having a 5:20pm kick-off. Sky Sports
begin their coverage at 5:15pm. |
February
6, 2010 |
Another
operation for Brooker |
 |
Steve
Brooker's battle to regain fitness took another blow this week after it
was decided that he should have an exploratory operation to find out the
cause of his latest ankle problem. Steve had been recovering from surgery
on his ankle in the summer, but the latest setback could put him out for
the rest of the season. Sean O'Driscoll explained to the Doncaster Free Press: "A scan has shown that Steve has split sheaths in his ankle, which is unusual in itself, and is having surgery to see what can be done about it. The worst case scenario is that he will be out for the rest of the season - the best is that he could be training again in a couple of weeks." He added: "I feel for Steve because it is very frustrating for him. He worked really hard to get himself back to full fitness and was very close when this occurred. He's had more than a few false dawns and it's been quite depressing for him but hopefully the latest procedure will get to the root of it." |
February
6, 2010 |
Youth
team change |
|
This
morning's youth team game against Mansfield Town has been moved from the
Cantley Park Training Ground to Armthorpe Welfare's ground. The kick-off
remains at 11:00am. |
February
6, 2010 |
Lockwood
hopes for better fortunes! |
 |
Rovers
defender Adam Lockwood is keeping his fingers crossed that he will have
better luck when he eventually returns to fitness, hopefully next month,
after being out since the Swansea game last autumn with a foot injury.
It was only when he was playing a practice match on his way back from
his original foot injury that it turned out that he had broken his metatarsal,
which has kept him out of action for longer than anticiapted. As he told the Doncaster Star: "I didn't know that I'd broken the metatarsal the first time I did it against Swansea and played on until the end even though I was in quite a bit of pain. But I knew straight away what I had done this time after twisting my foot in a practice game last month, and I came off. Having been through it before earlier in the season when injuring the other foot, at least I know what to expect in terms of rehab and roughly how long it will be before I am back playing again." |
February
5, 2010 |
Coaches
to Sheffield Wednesday |
|
The
Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Sheffield Wednesday
on Tuesday, 16th February. They will leave Retford at 5pm, Bawtry 5.15pm,
Harworth Pit Gates 5.05pm, Rossington Styrrup 5.15pm, Hare & Tortoise
5.20pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 5.30pm and the Keepmoat Stadium Car
Park at 5.45pm. Please remember that alcohol is not allowed on any of their coaches, and anyone who appears to be drunk will not be allowed to board a coach. Due to legal advice, they will not be able to take anyone under the age of 16 unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult. The fares for the trip are: Members £8 - OAP's £7 - U16's £6 Non-Members £10 - OAP's £9 - U16's £8 To book a place, please telephone Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154). |
February
5, 2010 |
McCammon
turns down Carlisle move |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers striker Mark McCammon turned down a move to League One
club Carlisle United just ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday. McCammon,
currently at Gillingham, who also play in League One, has mainly been
utilised as a substitute by the Gills this season and was understood to
be wanting to leave the club during the transfer window. Gillingham boss Steve Stimson confirmed last week that the big striker has asked to leave the club following the arrival of new signings at the club in January. |
February
5, 2010 |
Ticket
update v Reading |
|
The
Keepmoat Stadium are reporting that 7,967 tickets have been sold for home
supporters for tomorrow's game against Reading (including season tickets),
with 300 sold by Reading. With the match being televised 'live' on Sky
Sports, it looks as though the attendance at the match is set to be well
below the 10,000 mark - the previous lowest attendance was of 8,833 for
the midweek home game against Swansea City. We remind supporters that the kick-off time for this fixture is 5.20pm due to the live television coverage. Tickets will remain on sale until the start of the match at the following prices: Category A: Adults £23, Concessions £17, 11 & under £5 Category B: Adults £20, Concessions £14, 12-16 £13, 11 & under £5 |
February
5, 2010 |
Hawes
at Worksop for third time |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers midfielder Steven Hawes has joined Worksop Town for a
third time last week from Stocksbridge Park Steels - for who he has also
signed three times. He had been club captain at Stocksbridge and lifted
the Sheffield Senior Cup in 2006/07. Steve still holds the record of being
the youngest player to play for Sheffield United in the Premiership back
in September 1995 - he joined Rovers in the season prior to relegation
from the Football League. |
February
5, 2010 |
England
ticket information for Keepmoat match |
 |
Following
last week's news that England's Under-21 side are to play their first
match at the Keepmoat Stadium, information of tickets has now been released.
The match, which will kick off at 6pm on Wednesday, 3rd March, will have
tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concession (Under-16s
and Over 60s). Tickets can now be bought from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office or on-line at http://w3.keepmoatstadium.talentarena.co.uk. Forms for group bookings can be found at www.keepmoatstadium.com, with groups of 15 or more enjoying discounts of 50% (although there should be at least one adult per ten children in the group). |
February
5, 2010 |
Shirt
sponsor to change |
 |
The
shirt sponsor of Doncaster Rovers will change next season after current
sponsors Wright Investments decided not to extend their current three-year
arrangement with the club. Managing Director of Wright Investments, Colin Wright, said: "When we originally set up our sponsorship deal with Doncaster Rovers the aim was to grow our brand regionally and nationally and we have extremely successful in doing this. Despite the economic climate our business has definitely benefited from the association with Doncaster Rovers" Rovers are now seeking a new sponsor ahead of next season and are appealing for interested parties to contact the club. This will mean a change to the Rovers kit for next season, although the design of the first team kit will remain unchanged as it was only introduced last summer. |
February
4, 2010 |
Rovers
release two |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers have confrmed that Quinton Fortune has left the club after it was
decided not to extend his short-term contract. Fortune has been plagued
by injury since joining the club in the summer, which has severely limited
the number of first team opportunities to come his way. Whilst the announcement that Fortune was to leave was not a surprise after Sean O'Driscoll confirmed last month that the deal was not to be renewed, the news that young midfielder Jack Wilson had also left the club was a small surprise. Wilson, who moved down from Scotland last summer after leaving Hibernian, has not featured in the Rovers' first team squad this season. He had been signed as "one for the future" - yet, it seems, the Rovers management must have seen enough of him during his six months at the club to make a judgement. We would like to wish both Quinton and Jack well for their future careers and thank them for their efforts whilst at Doncaster Rovers. |
February
4, 2010 |
Stock
aims for international recall |
 |
Midfielder
Brian Stock, who has just returned to first team action after a lengthy
absence due to an ankle injury, is now setting his sights on being recalled
to the Welsh international squad. Whilst he admits that he is still a
way short of full match fitness, he is keen to return to John Toshack's
squad as soon as possible. Toshack was in the crowd on Saturday when Rovers played at Cardiff, so Stock's second half performance should have been noticed. Brian told the Doncaster Star: http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1820_5916270,00.html Stock sets sights on Wales: "John Toshack has stayed in touch with me ever since I've been injured. He has phoned me numerous times and it's good to know that he still's ringing me. To come to the games is even better. "I felt like I did alright against Cardiff, hopefully he feels the same way." |
February
4, 2010 |
Stadium
help out the Millers |
 |
The
Keepmoat Stadium helped out Rotheham United earlier this week when it
looked as though their home game against Bournemouth would be under threat
of being postponed due to a frozen pitch. The Keepmoat Stadium bought
some special mobile heaters last month to make sure that the pitch would
be playable for the Watford game after Rovers' attempts to bring in equipment
for the Christmas match against Leicester City failed. The Millers had to postpone last Saturday's home game against Macclesfield when parts of the pitch were left frozen, and the club management were keen not to have the fixture backlog increased further - they already have three matches in hand on many of their promotion rivals. Rotherham already use the Keepmoat Stadium as a training base. |
February
4, 2010 |
Coaches
to Leicester |
|
The
departure times for travelling to Leicester next Tuesday have been brought
forward from those previously issued by the Supporters Club to enable
more supporters to be able to attend the game. Coaches will now leave Retford at 4.15pm, Harworth Pit Gates 4.20pm, Rossington Styrrup 4.30pm, Bawtry 4.30pm, Hare & Tortoise 4.35pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 4.45pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 5.00pm. The fares will be: Members £12 - OAP's £11 - U16's £10 Non-Members £14 - OAP's £13 - U16's £12 To book a place, please phone Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154). |
February
4, 2010 |
Walker
set for Toffees exit |
 |
Iain
Turner's career at Everton looks likely to be over in the near future
following boss David Moyes agreeing a deal to bring Slovakian keeper Jan
Mucha to Everton when his contract in the summer. Turner moved to Everton from Stirling Albion six years ago, but has only made six first team appearances for the club since then, during which time he has sent time out on loan at Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Crystal Palace, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest. |
February
4, 2010 |
Ryan
flies the flag for the FA Cup |
 |
Rovers
may be out of the FA Cup for another season, but it is still a glamorous
competition for clubs below the top flight, according to Rovers chairman
John Ryan. In an intriguing interview with the Yorkshire Post, Ryan believes
a few changes to the organisation of the competition need to be made to
renew interest in the competition, with many Premiership clubs considering
it as a 'lesser' competition, especially in comparison with the Premier
League and the Champions League. Ryan said: "Something needs to be done because, although I don't like to say this, the FA Cup has started to lose a little bit of its magic. Excitement grows in the latter rounds but, for many, the early rounds are not as vital as they should be. Money is one of the big reasons, money for staying in the Championship or the Premier League," he added. "At least if Premier League clubs were kept away from each other early on it would make the draws more interesting." "Both the FA Cup and Carling Cup have been devalued in recent years by various top-flight clubs fielding weakened sides but I understand their points of view. The money is immense in the Premier League yet for clubs in the Championship the FA Cup remains an important source of income. Personally, I regard the FA Cup as a great tradition and a great opportunity for smaller clubs to have a go at the big boys." The current low priority that fans have for the competition was very evident with Third Round attendances low, with only 5,335 attending the Wigan v Hull tie, for example. Perhaps part of that was also down to the economic downturn and the fact that cup matches are not included in season tickets and have to be paid for separately. Ryan continued: "Some of the gates did not shock me. The credit crunch is affecting everyone and many of the ties were not that interesting." |
February
3, 2010 |
Bournemouth
thwarted in efforts to sign a Rover |
 |
Bournemouth's
attempts to sign young Doncaster Rovers defender Mustapha Dumbuya were
thwarted yesterday when, after apparently having permission to sign him
on loan from the Football League, permission was subsequently denied.
Bournemouth are currently operating under a transfer embargo, but had
asked for permission to bolster their squad when it became apparent that
they would have a severely depleted squad available for last night's game
at Rotherham - at one time, they were said to have only 13 fit players
available. As it was, they had to name assistant manager Jason Tindall
on the bench for last night's game - it didn't seem to hinder them too
much as Bournemouth came from behind to win 3-1 at the Don Valley Stadium,
whch keeps them in second place in League Two. |
February
3, 2010 |
Belles
hit Havant for six |
|
Doncaster
Rovers Belles had to come from behind in Sunday's Women's FA Cup fourth
round tie against Havant & Waterlooville after a shock looked on the
cards when the visitors scored an early goal against their Premier League
hosts. However, the Rovers Belles' class came through, with the goals
coming from six different players - Vicky Exley, Millie Bright, Victoria
Williams, Precious Hamilton and Chelsea Weston, with the final goal being
an own goal. Rovers Belles will now face Birmingham in the Fifth Round. |
February
3, 2010 |
James
selected for Wales |
|
Doncaster
Rovers' youth team player James Davies has been selected for the North
Wales U15 National/Regional Development Squad to face ISFA U15s on Sunday,
7th February. We would like to offer our congratulations to James for
this recognition and wish him all the best for Sunday! |
February
3, 2010 |
Leicester
ticket information |
|
Tickets
for next Tuesday's away game at Leicester City are now on general sale
from the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Office and will remain on sale until
4.30pm on Monday, 8th February. Rovers have received an allocation of 1,347, of which the Keepmoat's site indicate 312 have been sold. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults: £25 Senior Citizens (60+): £21 Young Adults (16-21)/Students: £15 Juniors (12-15): £10 Juniors (8-11): £5 Juniors (7 & under): £3 Wheelchair disabled pay the appropriate price, but their carer is free (limited availability); ambulant disabled pay the appropriate price with their carer admitted free. |
February
3, 2010 |
Ross
on the move |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Ross Flitney has completed a transfer from
Croydon Athletic to Dover Athletic, less than a fortnight after denying
that Dover had made an approach for him. Flitney signed for Rovers on
loan from Fulham in January 2005 as cover for Andy Warrington when deputy
Stuart Jones was injured. Whilst Flitney appeared on the bench for Rovers,
he never actually made it onto the field of play. |
February
3, 2010 |
Sheffield
Wednesday ticket information |
|
Tickets
for the forthcoming away game at Sheffield Wednesday on 16th February
are now on general sale from the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Office. Rovers
have received an intial allocation of 2,110 tickets for this fixture.
Tickets will remain on sale until midday on Tuesday, 16th February. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults: £24.00 All concessions: £13.00 (60 & over, 18 & under, students with NUS cards) Ambulant disabled pay the relevant price, with the carer admitted free. There are very limited numbers of wheelchair disabled tickets priced at £10 which must be bought direct from Sheffield Wednesday on 0871 9951867 - telephone after 1pm on weekdays and at least 24 hours before the match. There are only nine pairs of tickets available, so don't delay! |
February
2, 2010 |
Dumbuya
loan deal in the balance |
|
Bournemouth
are reported to be waiting to see if their eleventh hour attempt to sign
young Rovers defender Mustapha Dumbuya has been successful. The Cherries
have been operating under a transfer embargo this season, but were yesterday
given permission to add to the squad witha an emergency loan signing.
However, Bournemouth were given the go-ahead jsut two hours before the
transfer deadline, giving boss Eddie Howe little time to add to his squad. The Bournemouth Echo report that the two clubs have completed the necessary paperwork, but Bournemouth are awaiting confirmation from the Football League that the signing had beaten the 5pm deadline. With the number of transfers registered yesterday, they are expecting confirmation of whether Dumbuya's move has gone through, which will enable him to play in this evening's game against Rotherham United. Signed by Rovers in the summer, Mustapha has made just one first team appearance this season - from the substitutes' bench for the away draw against Sheffield United in October. |
February
2, 2010 |
Price
rejoins Penney |
 |
Ex-Doncaster
Rovers striker Jason Price has joined Oldham Athletic on an initial month's
loan from Millwall. Price joined the Lions from Rovers last summer, but
has started just seven games since, with injury affecting his season. The move means that Jason is reunited with his former boss Dave Penney, who signed him for Rovers from Hull City in January 2006 and went on to be a huge crowd favourite at Rovers. The loan was sealed in time for him to make his Latics debut this evening in their local derby against Stockport County. Millwall have issued a statement saying that Price has moved on loan to get first team football, which has been denied to him owing to the form of Steve Morison. Dave Penney said of the move: "I have known Jason for some time and he did great for me at Doncaster. He became a cult figure with his afro hair style and he certainly knows the game. He will give us the experience and know how up front that we have been missing, and hopefully also a few more goals." |
February
2, 2010 |
Clark
moves out on loan |
 |
Young
Rovers midfielder Robert Clark has joined UniBond club Brigg Town on loan
until the end of the season. Clark is a product of the Rovers youth team
and was awarded his first professional contract last summer, but has not
seen any first team action so far this season, although he has been included
on the substitutes' bench on two occasions, the latest being for the home
game against Middlesbrough. He has been signed in time to join Brigg's squad for this evening's away game at Witton Albion. |
February
2, 2010 |
Scunthorpe United 1 Youth Team 3 |
| Te |
The
Doncaster Rovers Youth Team comfortably beat their counterparts from Scunthorpe
United on Saturday in their Puma Alliance League match, which was played
at the ground of Bottesford Town FC. The opening goal came in the 5th minute from a corner, where Scunthorpe's Thomas rose to head home. Scunthorpe could have been two goals up just five minutes later when they hit the post - but that proved to be the catalyst for Rovers to mount a fight-back, with Grayson firing the equaliser from 18 yards in the 20th minute. It remained at 1-1 until the half time break, with the second half beginning with Rovers dominant. The pressure eventually told in the 61st minute with Blake cracking a shot into the Scunthorpe net to put Rovers in front. The final goal of the game came in stoppage time when substiute Moore evaded his marker to clip a shot in off the post to give Rovers a winning scoreline that their performance deserved. Doncaster Rovers: Biggs, Towler, Turner, Jones, Nodder, Betts, Blake, Thompson, Grayson, Moxam, Stirland Substiutes: Oldham (for Grayson, 77), Moore (for Moxam, 90), Adkins, Hoyle, Bradshaw |
February
2, 2010 |
Voting
results v Cardiff |
 |
In
a closely fought contest between the seven players to receive nominations
for the "Man of the Match", skipper Brian Stock came narrowly
ahead of the pack for hsi performance in Saturday's away game against
Cardiff City. His superb second half performance came as Rovers forced
their way back in to the game which ought to have yielded Rovers at least
a point. The players receiving most votes were as follows: 1 Brian Stock (26.67%) 2 Dean Shiels (21.43%) 3 John Oster (18.75%) 4 James Coppinger (13.33%) Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to vote after the long journey - the next voting will open following Saturday's televised home game against Reading |
February
1, 2010 |
Rovers
sign Martis |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers have announced that they have signed West Bromwich Albion central
defender Shelton Martis on a full transfer, and he will be available to
make his Rovers debut in the televised home game against Reading this
coming weekend. West Bromwich Albion's website has indicated that Martis
has signed a three and a half year contract, but neither club has disclosed
the size of the transfer fee. He joined West Brom in July 2007 from Hibernian
for £50,000. Shelton spent a highly successful month on loan in October 2008, during which time he played five games. He has been allocated the number 30 shirt with Rovers. |
February
1, 2010 |
Rovers
reject bid for Woods |
|
In
the brieftest of statements, Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that they
have rejected a bid for Martin Woods from Preston North End. Sky Sports
News had been reporting that the bid was in the region of £500,000. Woods is currently out of action as he recovers from a groin injury, and is expected to be back in action in around two weeks' time. |
February
1, 2010 |
O'Driscoll
in player search |
|
Sean
O'Driscoll hinted at the weekend that he will move to strengthen the Rovers
squad ahead of this afternoon's transfer deadline if he can, although
the usual budgetary restraints may well limit his options. With Jason Shackell set to be out for around a month due to injury, he may be looking to strengthen that area of the team, especially since Adam Lockwood is also likely to be absent for a similar period as he recovers from a foot injury. O'Driscoll said on Saturday: "It's difficult, because there may be one or two who waited until after this weekend's game and said 'we'll see what happens on Saturday and we will talk after then.' I'll be chatting to a few people tomorrow (Sunday) and we will see what we can do and who is available." Rumours have surfaced in Preston suggesting that midfielder Martin Woods is likely to be the subject of a move to Deepdale from Rovers - of course, any fee received would give O'Driscoll more freedom in the budget to play with - but we doubt the validity of the story, since Woods is yet to prove his fitness as he continues to recover from a groin injury that is likely to sideline him for the next ten days. The transfer deadline closes at 5pm this afternoon. |
February
1, 2010 |
Shackell
out for a month |
|
Defender
Jason Shackell had his hernia operation in Shrewsbury on Saturday morning
and is expected to be out of action for up to a month. Sean O'Driscoll
said on Saturday: "Jason had the operation this morning. The physio
is due to pick him up on the way back up to Doncaster and he will then
start his rehab. It looks as though he will now be out for three or four
weeks." |
February
1, 2010 |
Bluebirds
deny McCormack move |
 |
Cardiff
manager Dave Jones has dismissed suggestions that their former Rovers
striker Ross McCormack is to join Celtic on loan ahead of this afternoon's
transfer deadline. Reports in Glasgow yesterday suggested the move was
about to happen, but Jones said: “Why would I loan Ross to Celtic?
If I loan him out who am I going to bring in? So I might just as well
stick with what I’ve got.” Intrugingly, he said of his other players: “If someone comes in and offers big money I can’t answer that (whether any players would move). But I’ve told everyone to stay in bed, turn their phones off and hide. We’re not coming in until Thursday, so I want them to go to a mountain where there’s no mobile signal. Of course, it’s frustrating for everybody in the club, from the hierarchy to everyone down on the football side and the fans. But the football side is doing its bit and I’m sure the hierarchy is doing its bit as well.” McCormack commented: “I’m happy at Cardiff and focusing on getting the club into the Premiership. But everyone knows I’m a massive Celtic fan. I had a season ticket for Parkhead and always said I’d like to play for them at some point. Going there would interest any player.” |
February
1, 2010 |
Weekend
update |
 |
As
you may have seen on Saturday evening, it was a day to forget for former
Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens, who was sent off in the first half of
Leicester City's home game against Newcastle United for two bookable offences.
His team-mates battled on to force a goalless draw against the league
leaders, despite having to play with ten men for an hour. Former Rovers striker Chris Beardsley scored one of Stevenage Borough's four goals as they beat Dover Athletic 4-1 in the FA Trophy. Finally, ex-Rovers defender Scott Maxfield scored his first goal for 16 months for Buxton, although his side tasted defeat for the first time since October when they lost 3-1 to Guiseley in their UniBond fixture on Tuesday night. |
February
1, 2010 |
Danny
in Greek move? |
 |
Dundee
United expressed surprise at speculation linking former Rovers striker
Danny Cadamarteri with a move to Greece with Athens outfits Skoda and
Atromitos mentioned. Cadamarteri only moved to the Scottish club in the
summer and is under contract for another 18 monhts, so any move appears
unlikely. Speaking before the managerial vacancy at United was filled, then-caretaker boss Peter Houston said: “I saw it flash up on Sky last night, but that’s the first I’d heard of it. Danny’s out with a torn calf and it’s going to be three or four weeks until he’s back, so I don’t see anyone coming in for him during this window. He’s also under contract with us, we are happy with him and he has a very young family, so I’m not sure a move to Greece would be something he’d want.” |
February
1, 2010 |
Gillet
to return? |
 |
It
seems that the impasse which has prevented Simon Gillett returning to
Doncaster Rovers is not impossible to resolve, and Sean O'Driscoll still
has hopes that the diminuitive midfielder could end up at the Keepmoat
Stadium. He said: "We are just trying to work out a deal. There is the prospect of him maybe coming back here on loan." O'Driscoll had been hoping that Rovers reached the next round of the FA Cup, which would have yielded more sponsors money for the club, as a way of helping to finance any improvement to Gillett's agreement. Whether the chances have changed following Rovers' defeat at Derby, only time will tell. With the unknown factors involved in deals on 'deadline day', there is a fair chance of Gillett's return, particularly after it was reported late last week that Rovers and Southampton had again agreed a nominal fee for the player, with only personal terms remaining the stumbling block. |