January 15, 2010

Brentford coaches update

Supporters who booked a place on the Supporters Club coach to the Brentford FA Cup tie, originally scheduled to be played two Saturdays ago, are being urged to confirm whether they still intend on travelling for the rescheduled match next Tuesday.
Coaches will now depart from the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 2:00pm - please contact Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154) to confirm if you are intending to travel.
Fares for the trip are as follows:
Members £20 - OAP's £18 - U16's £16
Non-Members £22 - OAP's £20 - U16's £18

January 15, 2010

Sean on the Burnley job

In yesterday's press conference, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll had his first opportunity to speak publicly about the varying stories that have circulated this week concerning his potential move to Premiership club Burnley.
He stressed that discussions were always dependent on the issue of compensation between the two clubs being settled - there was little point in discussing any other details if that could not be agreed. As O'Driscoll said to Sky Sports: "The issue of compensation was always the stumbling block for anything. That had to be solved before we took anything further. That had to be sorted before I could accept anything that Burnley would offer. That was never sorted, so my options were limited and one of the things I could have done I wasn't prepared to do. I couldn't do it and I told both parties that. You try and tell the players to do the right things and I don't think walking out on anything is the right thing to do. I don't think I could ever be labelled a hypocrite. I stick to my principles and try and work as hard as I can to make those things successful."
He added: "One of my options was to walk, but I made it very clear from day one that that was one of the things I wasn't prepared to do."

January 15, 2010

Pitch looks OK after snow clearance

Tomorrow's home game against Watford is set to go ahead as scheduled following the pitch being cleared of snow earlier in the week. The work means that the pitch is now in good condition, with the Keepmoat Stadium bringing in some heaters to ensure that the pitch at the South Stand end of the ground thaws out. Those heaters have been highly effective, meaning that the pitch is now playable. No further pitch inspection is now planned to take place, with temperatures above freezing point today and tomorrow.

January 15, 2010

Derby confirm FA Cup ticket prices

Derby County have confirmed ticket details for their Fourth Round FA Cup tie, even though it is yet to be determined whether their opponents will be Brentford or Doncaster Rovers.
Rovers and Brentford will try to get their Third Round match played next Tuesday - the third attempt to play the game after the previous two were postponed due to a frozen pitch at Griffin Park. With temperatures due to be well above freezing point this weekend, it looks promising that the match will finally be played on Tuesday, although what state the pitch will be in may well be another thing.
Should a victor be determined next Tuesday, the Fourth Round tie will be played, as scheduled, on Saturday, 23rd January at Pride Park, with a 3pm kick-off. However, if a Third Round replay is required, that will be played on Saturday, 23rd January, with the subsequent Fourth Round tie played on Tuesday, 2nd February.
Ticket prices for the Pride Park match (whenever it is to be played!) have been set at £15 for adults and £5 for Senior Citizens (60 & over) and Juniors (16 & under).
The match has been declared as all-ticket, but there is no mention on Derby's website as to whether tickets will be on sale on the day of the match, bearing in mind there could be as little as only three for Rovers (or Brentford) fans to buy tickets for the game.

January 15, 2010

Belles drawn away

Doncaster Rovers Belles have been given an away tie in the fifth round of the Women's FA Cup, although much of the draw has been affected by the recent bad weather. In fact, the tie involving the Rovers Belles names five possible clubs as taking part - either Birmingham City or Derby County will host the game, with Doncaster Rovers Belles facing Havant & Waterlooville in a third round tie, with the winners playing Cardiff City in the fourth round.
The full fifth round draw is: WFC Fulham or Blackburn Rovers v OOH Lincoln or Sheffield Wednesday; Liverpool Feds/Rochdale or Middlesbrough/Curzon Ashton v Reading or Aston Villa; Birmingham City or Derby County v DONCASTER ROVERS BELLES or Havant & Waterlooville/Cardiff City; Bristol Academy or West Ham United v Colchester United or Barnet; Norwich City/MK Dons or Newquay/Yeovil Town v Nottingham Forest or Leeds City Vixens; Everton or Queens Park Rangers v Luton Town/Cambridge WFC or Portsmouth; Arsenal or Sunderland v Leeds Carnegie or Watford; Preston North End/Liverpool or Chelsea v Leicester City WFC or Millwall Lionesses.

January 15, 2010

Oster set to sign new deal

Doncaster Rovers midfielder John Oster looks set to sign a new contract with the club in the next few days. With the managerial situation at the club now resolved following Burnley's interest in Sean O'Driscoll, Oster appears keen to extend his stay at Rovers past the end of his current six-month contract, which expires later this month.
He said: "It has turned out to be a good decision to come here. As a player you are always happy when you are playing and I've played quite a few times. We've also had some great results of late and we've won five of our last seven games. That has helped turn our season around. Prior to our current run, we were playing some decent football but we weren't getting our rewards in some games and the pleasing thing of late is that has happened. We probably haven't played as well in some of the games during the last few weeks as we did earlier in the season when we either drew or lost. But that is football; you don't have to play brilliantly every week to win a game.
"We've kept a lot of clean sheets of late so obviously the defensive side of our game has picked up really well and Billy (Sharp) has been taking his chances, so it has been good all round. I've not scored yet and it is starting to become a bit of a burden. I've never been a prolific scorer but I scored about five or six at Crystal Palace last year and I'd like to be around that tally this season."

January 14, 2010

Thanks to fans for snow clearance help

The Keepmoat Stadium have issued a message of thanks to the supporters of Doncaster Rovers who went down to the Keepmoat Stadium to help clear the pitch. The pitch was finally cleared around lunchtime yesterday, which should give time for the pitch to be in a playable condition for Saturday. With temperatures forecast to be above zero for the rest of the week, with around +4C forecast for Saturday, the match should not be in doubt, but to ensure that a sheltered part of the pitch towards the South Stand is thawed out, the stadium have arranged for some hot air blowers to be brought in.

January 14, 2010

Cup opponents known

It may be next Tuesday before Doncaster Rovers get to contest a Third Round FA Cup tie with Brentford, but the opponents for the victors are now known, with Derby County winning the Third Round replay against Millwall on Tuesday evening. The Rams eventually were victorious, winning a penalty shoot-out 5-3.
The fourth round is scheduled to be played on the weekend of Saturday, 23rd January and Sunday, 24th January.

January 14, 2010

Lewer back in charge again!

Former Rovers assistant manager Alan Lewer is back in charge at Blue Square Premier club Histon - just three days after relinquishing the role when boss Steve Fallon was reinstated. Fallon had been suspended over a disagreement with the board over the restucturing of the wage bill at the club - but it became evident after his reinsatement that the problem still existed, so chairman Tony Roach decided the only option was for Fallon to leave the club.
Lewer has been put back in to the role of caretaker manager whilst the club consider their next move.

January 14, 2010

Johnson returns to Holbrook

East Midlands Counties club Holbrook MW have been boosted by the return of Aaron Johnson to the club. Johnson, a former Doncaster Rovers youth team player, adds some valuable experience to the side as the club look to match last season's third place finish.
Johnson was in the Rovers' youth side between 2000 and 2002.

January 14, 2010

Watford ticket update

Perhaps due to the recent weather conditions, but ticket sales for Saturday's home game against Watford seem to have been selling slowly. The Keepmoat Stadium updated their website yesterday, showing that 8,543 home tickets (including season tickets) have been sold, along with 267 tickets sold to Watford supporters. However, with news that the pitch is now clear of snow meaning the match is likely to beat the freezing weather conditions of late, sales may now pick up for the rest of the week.
Tickets are on sale at the following prices:
Category A: Adults £23, Concessions £17, Juniors (12-16) £17, Juniors (11 & under) £10
Category B: Adults £20, Concessions £14, Juniors (12-16) £13, Juniors (11 & under) £5

January 13, 2010

O'Driscoll stays as Laws goes to Burnley

Burnley have finally confirmed that they have appointed Brian Laws as manager, which means that John Ryan has been successful in keeping Sean O'Driscoll as manager at Doncaster Rovers. It looked for much of yesterday as though O'Driscoll was the hot favourite to move to Turf Moor, but judging by various reports, Rovers' demand for substantial compensation was sufficient to persuade Burnley to turn to Laws, who was out of work after leaving Sheffield Wednesday last month.

January 13, 2010

Ryan set to keep his man

Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan amazingly looks to have won his battle to keep Sean O'Driscoll at the club following a day of conflicting news which, at one stage, indicated that it was only a matter of time before O'Driscoll was named as the new manager at Burnley. However, as the day went on, the chances increased that former Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws would be moving to Turf Moor after he was interviewed by chairman Barry Kilby for a second time.
It seems that John Ryan's insistance on "substantial compensation" for O'Driscoll, reported in some circles to be as high as £1 million, has finally put Burnley off, opting to take Laws instead.
O'Driscoll has been reported to have been interviewed about the vacancy since the weekend and was understood to be their first choice until the compensation issue arose.
John Ryan said on Monday: "We don't want to lose Sean, but should it happen we shall be seeking serious compensation. We've not been called 'the Arsenal of the Championship' for nothing. That's down to Sean."
Brian Laws said of his prospects for the job: “Of course it would interest me. I have a great affinity with Burnley, but there's no more I can say on that.”
Burnley remain tight-lipped over any new appointment, with chairman Barry Kilby saying: "We are still interviewing, we are still looking."

January 13, 2010

Rovers issue plea for help in shifting snow

Doncaster Rovers have issued an appeal for assistance with clearing snow from the Keepmoat Stadium in a bid to get Saturday's home game against Watford played on schedule. Rovers have not played since Boxing Day due to the inclement weather, with their last home game being against Bristol City on 12th December.
Ground staff have been working all week to clear snow from the playing surface and the area around the stadium, but even with the slow thaw, there is a lot of work to do. If anyone is able to help, please go down to the stadium and report to Main Reception in the South Stand - they are also asking if volunteers can bring their own shovel.

January 13, 2010

Blades - no bids for Billy

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell said yesterday that the club has not yet received any bids for striker Billy Sharp, who is currently half way through a season-long loan at Doncaster Rovers. Sharp has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford, who is expected to move to Newcastle United during the current transfer window. The Magpies are reported to have bid £1.5 million for Beckford, who is out of contract at the end of the season, but that valuation falls below that set by Leeds.

January 13, 2010

Rovers check out Exeter defender

With Saturday's match against Preston North End cancelled due to the freezing conditions, Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll travelled down to Norwich to watch highly rated Exeter City defender Danny Seaborne. Rovers, along with Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Leicester City, are all understood to be monitoring the 22 year old, although Exeter boss Paul Tisdale has stressed that no club has yet made an approach for the player.
Tisdale told the Exeter Express & Echo: “I know there are a few clubs watching him. There were a lot of people watching the game on Saturday and who knows which ones were there watching Danny, any of our other players or Norwich players. But nobody has stepped in and said they would like to buy Danny yet.”
Norwich had two bids for Seaborne rejected in October - whilst he is out of contract at the end of the season and has rejected a new contract at Exeter, City will be entitled to compensation under the "Bosman" ruling as he is under the age of 24.
Tisdale continued: “I thought he did extremely well on Saturday,” said Tisdale. “It is one thing playing against Norwich’s front three but when you have to do that in front of 25,000 people, with all the transfer speculation, I thought he did really well. He knows that people are watching him with a view to possibly putting in an offer for him and it takes a lot to handle that sort of pressure. Taking into account all those aspects, he coped well.

January 13, 2010

Cobblers insist Bayo is not leaving

Northampton boss Ian Sampon has stated that former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will definitely not be leaving the club during the January transfer window, despite the arrival of another striker, Stephen O'Flynn, at the club last week.
Sampson said to the BBC: "Adebayo is in our plans. I'd expect there to be interest but he's our main striker and he'll be a Cobblers player in February. We're the wrong end of the table and we need our best players. The ones that are in the team need to keep scoring and that keeps them happy. The other ones have got to fight for the place. Good competition is healthy for the squad and hopefully that'll push the players in the team harder."

January 12, 2010

O'Driscoll update

Sean O'Driscoll looks almost certain to be leaving Doncaster Rovers in the near future after he is reported to have been offered the post of manager at Premiership club Burnley. BBC Radio Sheffield have carried the news this lunchtime, and say that Rovers and Burnley are currently hammering out a compensation package before the appointment is confirmed.
Neither Doncaster Rovers or Burnley have made any public statement on the matter, despite a number of newspapers, nationwide television and radio stations reporting the news.

January 12, 2010

O'Driscoll linked with Burnley job

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Premiership club Burnley, according to a number of different news sources.
The Lancashire Telegraph indicates that O'Driscoll is vying with ex-Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws for the job, with the Lancashire Telegraph saying "it is understood that he has been interviewed, while Laws is believed to have had a second interview"
Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark, a former Burnley player, is thought by some to be in with a strong chance of getting the job, but Leeds boss Simon Grayson has denied any contact with the Premiership club. Grayson told BBC Radio Leeds: "It's just speculation. I'm the manager here at Leeds and I've only been here a year. I'm fully focused and committed to taking this club forward and getting them promoted."
Huddersfield have also said they have not received an approach for Lee Clark - despite reports elsewhere that he had been interviewed at Turf Moor on Sunday evening.
Doncaster Rovers have apparently "played down reports linking Sean O'Driscoll with the vacancy."
However, The Sun newspaper has stated that O'Driscoll is favourite to become Burnley's new manager, but that Rovers have told the Clarets that they will demand £1 million in compensation. The Sun state thta O'Driscoll was interviewed by Burnley chairman Barry Kilby and director Brendan Flood at the Worsley Marriott Hotel on Sunday - a little specific if it's only a rumour! They also state that Brian Laws was given a second interview at the same venue.
John Ryan is quoted by The Sun as saying: "We don't want to lose Sean but should it happen we shall be seeking serious compensation. We've not been called 'the Arsenal of the Championship' for nothing. That's down to Sean."
O'Driscoll has gained a good reputation after managing to keep Rovers in the Championship on a small budget last season, and Rovers' current midtable position also suggests that his reputation continues to grow.
To add to the confusion, the Daily Mail report that Brian Laws is favourite to land the job, with confirmation being "expected in the next 48 hours"

January 12, 2010

Leicester game rearranged

The postponement of the FA Cup tie against Brentford, now scheduled for Tuesday, 19th January, means that the planned home game against Leicester City must be moved. The match against the Foxes had been provisionally arranged for 19th January after being postponed from the Christmas period, but the two clubs have now agreed that the game will be played on Tuesday, 23rd February, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Hopes are rising that Saturday's home game against Watford will go ahead. The Doncaster area has experienced a slow thaw over the last 48 hours, and with groundstaff starting to clear the pitch of snow, there is every chance that the playing surface will have thawed out sufficiently to be playable by the weekend.

January 12, 2010

Croydon fight to keep Ross

Croydon Athletic have denied reports that Dover Athletic have made an official approach for former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Ross Flitney, although they did confirm that there had been some "outside interest" in Flitney, although no bid has yet been received.
A Croydon spokesman said: "There are a few clubs interested in Ross who we're in negotiations with. There has certainly been no seven-day request though as he is under contract. He's been a pro for most of his career so he wouldn't be on a non-contract [basis]. Two or three clubs have enquired about him but it has gone no further than that."
Flitney signed for Rovers on loan from Fulham in January 2005 as cover for Andy Warrington when reserve keeper Stuart Jones was sidelined with damaged foot ligaments. However, whilst Ross appeared on the bench for Rovers, his services were never called upon.

January 11, 2010

Brentford match off

Tomorrow evening's away FA Cup tie at Brentford was postponed earlier today when the pitch failed an 11.30am inspection by the match referee. The pitch is still covered with snow, with the pitch frozen underneath, and there is little prospect of the pitch thawing out in time for tomorrow evening.
The match has been rearranged for next Tuesday - 19th January - with a 7.45pm kick-off. Any replay necessary will be played on Fourth Round day, Saturday 23rd January. Of course, should a winner be decided next Tuesday, the victors will face either Derby County or Millwall away in the fourth round on Saturday, 23rd January.

January 11, 2010

Heffernan after new deal

Buoyed by his loan spell at Oldham Athletic, Rovers striker Paul Heffernan is back at Doncaster Rovers raring to go as he strive to impress the Rovers management in what remains of the 2009/10 season.
Looking back on his time at Oldham, Heffernan told the Star: "I enjoyed it; it was good to get a few games under my belt. It was good playing for Dave Penney again. He's not changed - he's still the same as he was when he was here. When I first went there I didn't know any of the players so it was nice to know the manager. I knew what he was all about and he knew all about me. I thought that I did okay. The first two games were tough - we played Leeds and Norwich, who were both flying. But we won and drew the next two games."
The freezing conditions meant that the last two games of his stay at Boundary Park were cancelled - and Rovers have not played a game since Paul has returned to Yorkshire. He continued: "As I say I scored during my time at Oldham and in the past when I've got off the mark I've gone on to score on a pretty regular basis and hopefully that will be the case again."
However, the Irishman accepts that Billy Sharp's good form will mean it will be a big challenge to win a place in the side at the moment. He said: "The first thing that I've got to do is to get back in the team and that won't be easy with Billy Sharp playing the way that he has been."
"But with all the postponements we are going to be playing a lot of Saturday-Tuesday games and maybe the manager will tinker with the side a bit more than usual and hopefully I'll get my chance. When I do I've got to make the most of it. I will also be looking to impress the manager every day in training because I'm out of contract at the end of the season."

January 11, 2010

Mills - ready to impress Royals fans

Former Rovers defender Matt Mills has had a frustrating time since joining Reading in the summer, struggling to find a place in the starting eleven. However, as Matt pointed out: “I think people forget that when I first came here I had been injured for 18 weeks and had hardly trained. I was pretty much thrown back into things because of the lack of numbers we had here, but now I feel I’ve done my base of fitness and I can be judged on what I’m about now because I’m fully fit.”
Mills started his first match since October for Reading's FA Cup clash against Liverpool.
He said: “The most pleasing thing for me was that after two-and-a-half months without playing, to come back into such a big game, I thought I gave a good account of myself. There are always nerves and you wonder if you’ll be fit enough, if you’ve played enough and if can you read the game well enough, but I managed to get through it and felt okay.”

January 11, 2010

Wright extends Town stay

Former Doncaster Rovers loan full back Alan Wright has had his good form this season by having his stay at Blue Square North club Fleetwood Town extended until the end of next season. The 38 year old has been a first team regular this season, in his 25 games for the club so far, he has also scored one goal.
As Wright explained: “Basically, the deal was put to me and it is another year with coaching with the youth team as well. The club would like to go fulltime next year anyway and that appeals to me. I spoke to Micky Mellon, who had already spoken to the chairman, and it was resolved very quickly. I can offer a lot on the football side. My experience is useful and can be a calming influence on the younger players when it’s needed. I’m enjoying my football, so the decision was easy.”
Wright will also be involved in the expansion of the Highbury Youth Development Programme, run in partnership with the Blackpool & Fylde College, which will double its numbers this summer.
Wright commented: “Part of the appeal was becoming involved on the youth coaching set-up. Although I’ve done what I have done in my playing career, my coaching side lacks experience at the moment. This will give me that experience and hopefully be the start of my coaching career. I’m in the process of completing my UEFA `A` Licence, so the timing is just right."

January 11, 2010

Pitch inspection

A pitch inspection will take place at Griffin Park, Brentford, at 11.30am this morning, which will decide whether tomorrow's FA Cup tie between Brentford and Doncaster Rovers will be played. Brentford had abandoned ideas of getting volunteers to clear the pitch this morning due to an adverse weather report, but expected snow failed to appear yesterday and, with temperatures rising just above zero, prospects of the match being played may have improved. However, the subzero temperatures have frozen the pitch and whilst the snow may be melting, it is uncertain whether the pitch will have thawed sufficiently to pass the inspection.

January 10, 2010

FA Cup clash in severe doubt as Brentford cancel pitch clearance appeal

Tuesday evening's game at Brentford looks virtually certain to be postponed tomorrow morning after Brentford abandoned plans to ask supporters to help them in clearing the Griffin Park pitch. They state that with weather conditions in the area remaining below freezing point, and forecasts of more snow and temperatures below zero, meaning that any pitch clearance would be "to no avail". Braemar Road, outside the ground as well as a number of other side roads in the area have yet to be gritted and remain in a hazardous condition.
The pitch inspection will take place at 11.30am on Monday morning as previously arranged, but the outcome appears to be certain already.
Presuming the match is called off, the tie is likely to be rearranged for Tuesday, 19th January, the date set aside for a replay. Presuming that to be the case, the rearranged home game against Leicester City would be postponed for a second time.

January 10, 2010

Goals review

Unsurprisingly, our review of former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend isn't all that long - but even though virtually all matches from League Two downwards were postponed owing to the freezing conditions, with just seven matches being played in the Football League and Premiership yesterday, we do have a couple of players to mention.
Firstly, former Rovers loan striker Jonathan Forte scored an 89th minute goal for Scunthorpe United as they hammered Derby County 4-1 at Pride Park. The win moves Scunthorpe up two places to 19th in the Championship.
Secondly, or finally, Jon-Paul Pittman scored Wycombe Wanderers' equaliser in the 63rd minute as they drew 1-1 at Leeds United.

January 10, 2010

Sean avoided award jinx!

Whilst disappointing that Sean O'Driscoll did not win the Coca Cola Manager of the Month award for December, yesterday's result does mean that O'Driscoll does not have the prospect of the award jinx hanging over his head for the next match. Invariably, the winner of the Manager of the Month goes on to see his side lose in the match following the award - meaning that the odds must be rising on Nottingham Forest losing their next match, whenever that may be played!
Perhaps fortunately for Forest, they played in Friday evening this week, when they convincingly beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 at the Hawthorns - 24 hours before boss Billy Davies was given the accolade.
As further recogntion of their rise up the table, Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp was named as the Player of the Month for the Championship, coming ahead of Rovers striker Billy Sharp.

January 10, 2010

Nelly extends loan

Former Doncaster Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe has extended his loan at Barrow for a further month. The York City player was due to return to the Minstermen following the New Year games after his initial month's loan, but Barrow have now obtained an agreement from York for Nelthorpe to stay at Holker Street. Also at Barrow is former Rovers striker Gregg Blundell, who signed a full transfer recently.

January 10, 2010

O'Driscoll denies interest in Jones

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has denied that he has made enquiries to bring Hartlepool midfielder Ritchie Jones to Doncaster. O'Driscoll told the Doncaster Star: "His agent rang me on Wednesday and said that we'd been linked with him but that he'd never spoken to me. I don't read the papers and it was the first time that I'd heard of it. I don't know where the story came from."
With O'Driscoll trying to keep John Oster, Simon Gillett and Quinton Fortune at the club for the rest of the season, there seems to be no money left to bring in extra players.
He continued: "If we don't get them (Oster, Gillett and Fortune), then obviously we would use the money earmarked for them to strengthen the squad. It's a bit hit and miss at the moment. It is difficult to tell people or agents and players themselves that you are interested in them. You are always looking and we've got one of two people who we'd like to get if certain things didn't come off. But at the moment we've got no plans to bring anybody in. You'd always like to bring a couple in, but budget-wise we'd be struggling. If something happened and we needed to get players in then I'm sure that money would be found. But it would have to be for that reason rather than just bringing in a player for the sake of it."

January 10, 2010

Elliott set for debut

Stuart Elliott is set to make his belated debut for Hamilton Academicals this afternoon - a rather low-key match, where they face Glasgow Rangers in a fourth round Scottish Cup tie! The freezing conditions meant that Hamilton's game against Motherwell last weekend was called off, denying Stuart the chance of his first game for the club.
Elliott is keen to get his career back on track after a frustrating stay in Doncaster, where he rarely got a chance to show what he could do.
He spoke to the Hamilton Advertiser of the move, saying: “I’m over the moon. It’s a great opportunity for me to get hungry for the game again and the last time I was in Lanarkshire, with Motherwell, I had a really good time. The fans took to me there and I hope I can get the same at Hamilton. I’ll certainly give 110 per cent and try to get goals.”
“I had six great seasons at Hull and was their top scorer in almost all of that time. But then I went to Doncaster and never really had a chance to show what I could do. It was a bit of a nightmare. I spoke to the manager many times but I just didn’t seem to fit in with what he wanted to do. I was able to settle my contract with them, I was happy to come back up to Scotland and I heard that Billy Reid was interested in me. Hopefully I can repay him for that, and I’m very grateful to him.

January 9, 2010

Brentford appeal for help with game in doubt

Brentford FC have issued an appeal to their supporters for help in clearing snow from the Griffin Park pitch on Monday in a bid to get Tuesday evening's FA Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers played.
Whilst the pitch is currently covered by snow, they have got covers down, and although more snow is expected over the weekend, they consider that improved forecasts for early next week gives them optimism that the match could be played.
All suppporters who can help, especially those with snow shovels, are asked to let Brentford know, with pitch clearing starting at 9am on Monday.
There will be a pitch inspection at 11.30am on Monday, which will give everyone from Doncaster adequate notice to prevent any unneccessary travel.
For any Rovers fans based in the London area wanting to help Brentford out in clearing the pitch, email them on tashley@brentfordfc.co.uk.
Should Tuesday's game be postponed, the scheduled replay date of Tuesday, 19th January looks likely to be the date that the tie will be played, but no decision can be made until the fate of this Tuesday's game is known.

January 9, 2010

Preston ticket update

With today's game against Preston North End being postponed due to a frozen pitch, it has been announced that all tickets purchased for the game will be still valid for the game, whenever it will be played. No new date has yet been announced, but if any supporters are unable to attend the match, they will be able to obtain full refunds from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office.
Rovers face a fixture backlong, like most other clubs in the country, with their last match being the Boxing Day game at Coventry City.

January 9, 2010

Danny out for a month

Dundee United's former Doncaster Rovers striker Danny Cadamarteri is facing a month out of action after tearing a calf muscle in training on Thursday. Cadamarteri has been very successful during his short time in Scotland. He moved to Dundee United after leaving Huddersfield Town in May 2009. Danny began his career at Everton in 1996 before moving to Fulham (loan), Bradford City (twice), Leeds United, Sheffield United, Grays Athletic, Leicester City, Doncaster Rovers (loan) and Huddersfield Town.

January 9, 2010

Youth game off

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that their away match in the Football League Youth Alliance at Chesterfield has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. No new date has yet been agreed for the fixture.

January 9, 2010

Fortune injury problem

Whilst it was reported by Rovers last week that midfielder Quinton Fortune had resumed training, it now seems that he is suffering from a back injury which will require a scan. Fortune has not played for Rovers since the home game against Queens Park Rangers on 21st November. Quinton is also in discussions with Rovers over an extension to his contract at the club, which runs out later this month.

January 8, 2010

Gillett returns south as contract talks go on

Midfielder Simon Gillett has returned to parent club Southampton as he considers an offer made to him for a full transfer to Doncaster Rovers. Gillett has had a successful loan spell at Rovers, and Rovers have come to an agreement with Southampton concerning the transfer. However, the stumbling block appears to be the negotiations of personal terms, with Sean O'Driscoll commenting: "We've offered him a contract and everything is agreed with Southampton so we are just waiting to hear back from Simon."
Gillett would have missed Saturday's game at Preston, had it gone ahead, and it looks unlikely that he will be available for selection for Tuesday's FA Cup game at Brentford.

January 8, 2010

Shackell praises O'Connor

Rovers' on loan star Jason Shackell has praised the performances of James O'Connor in recent weeks, with their central defensive partnership being a key part of Rovers' rise up the Championship.
O'Connor was switched to centre-back from his usual right back position due to an injury crisis, but things have worked out so well that, even with other central defenders now being fit, O'Connor has kept his place in the side.
Shackell told the Doncaster Star: "Our first game together was against Crystal Palace and it just clicked then. We got our confidence going by keeping a clean sheet there and we have not looked back since. I think Jimmy has done fantastic ever since being moved from full-back to centre-half. He is really good to play with as is Sam Hird and Adam Lockwood. But Jimmy has been magnificent recently and we seem to work well off each other. I think he has slotted in really well. We had a blip at Coventry but we need to make sure that we keep keep doing the right things and hopefully we can keep some more clean sheets."

January 8, 2010

New youth team date

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that their youth team home game against Notts County, which was postponed from the original date of 12th December, has been rearranged for 2pm on Tuesday, 26th January.
The youth team have had break from fixtures over the Christmas/New Year period, but are scheduled to play their first match tomorrow morning when they have an away match at Chesterfield, with the match kicking off at 11.30am. With the current wintry conditions showing few signs of abating, we presume this match will also be postponed.

January 8, 2010

O'Driscoll agrees Preston decision

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has agreed that it was sensible for Preston North End to make an early decision as to whether Saturday's Championship game against Rovers was likely to be played.
With the Deepdale pitch frozen, despite two layers of covering being used, and little prospect of temperatures rising above freezing point before Saturday afternoon, the decision was unsurprising and inevitable.
O'Driscoll said: "It's sensible when you consider the weather conditions. If it's anywhere near as bad as how we have had it in Doncaster, then it isn't really a surprise."
Rovers missed a day's training earlier in the week after the snowfall prevented the players from reaching Cantley Park, but they have been in for training since Thursday, although some of the players returning from injury have had their recovery plans amended as a result.

January 8, 2010

Cup draw irrelevant until Rovers play Brentford

Doncaster Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has refused to comment on the draw for the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, stressing that there is no point thinking about the potential tie until Rovers have played their Third Round tie at Brentford.
In any case, the opposition in the Fourth Round is unclear, with Derby County and Millwall requiring a replay after drawing the original tie at the New Den.
O'Kelly told the Doncaster Star: "The draw is immaterial because we haven't got past the third round yet. We could have drawn either Accrington or Arsenal and I'd have said the same; we've got to play Brentford first. We won't even think about who we might play in the next round until such time we've sorted Brentford out. Football can kick you in the backside if you start talking about the next round before you get through."
"Brentford are going to be a tough proposition and we know that it is going to be difficult. The pitch is well worn with Chelsea Reserves also playing there."

January 7, 2010

Preston match off

Saturday's away game against Preston North End has become a victim of the wintry weather which has hit much of Britain for the last fortnight. Preston North End's official website states that the pitch is frozen following it dropping to -10C at Deepdale last night, and with temperatures expected to be similarly low for the next couple of nights, the double covers at Deepdale have been unable to cope.
The pitch was inspected by a match official from the Football League at 1pm this afternoon and confirmed that the pitch was already unplayable and with conditions unlikely to improve by Saturday, had no hesitation in agreeing to postpone the match.
The clubs will discuss as to when the match should be rescheduled for - but with a mounting backlong of fixtures by many clubs, it may well be next month at the earliest, with Rovers' Third Round FA Cup clash still to be played, and doubt over whether it will be able to go ahead next Tuesday as scheduled.

January 7, 2010

Football League survey - chance to have your say

The Football League are running a survey of all football supporters to find out their views on a range of important football issues. As well as having the chance to give your views on issues such as goal line technology, sin bins and salary caps, there is also the opportunity to give your view on issues relating to Doncaster Rovers. They include what it would take to get you to go to more home and away matches, as well as your view on elements of match day experience of home games, such as pre-match entertainment, match programmes and standard of the stadium.
There is also a draw which gives you the chance to see the Rovers squad train and to meet the players afterwards.
If you would like to contribute to the survey, please click on the logo to the left.

January 7, 2010

Ticket office update

The ticket office at the Keepmoat Stadium will be open today - but they will not be having their usual Thursday late night opening, and will be closing at 4.30pm. The decision has been taken in light of the current wintry conditions, which has meant that travel in the stadium area has been difficult, with the earlier closing enabling staff to get home before conditions deteriorate.
There is currently no update on whether Saturday's away match at Preston North End will be on - tickets remain on sale, with 608 of the 1,060 Rovers allocation being sold.
Tickets are now on general sale at the following prices:
Adults (21-59 years): £20
Senior Citizens (60+) / Young Adults (16-20): £12
Juniors (15 & under): £5
Juniors (7 & under): Free
Ambulant/Wheelchair Disabled & carer: £20
Ambulant Disabled (No carer): £12
Match day parking is available at £5 direct from Preston North End on 0844 856 1966
Family tickets are also available - 1 adult/2 juniors £25 and 2 adults/2 juniors £45
Tickets will be removed from sale at midday tomorrow (Friday, 8th January)

January 7, 2010

Weather hits players recovering from injury

Sean O'Driscoll's hopes of having some of his injured players available for upcoming matches have been hit by the recent weather conditions. Rovers were forced to cancel training on Tuesday after heavy snowfall meant that the training pitches at Cantley Park were unplayable. Longer term absentees Steve Brooker (achilles) and Martin Woods (groin) were unable to continue their rehabilitation as a result. As physio John Dickens said to the Doncaster Star: "Steve had just started running for the first time since his Achilles tendon operation and was progressing well when the weather turned. He can't use a treadmill and he's had to go back to the bike and the cross-trainer until we can get him running again. Martin is back running and again we've been held up by the weather, but he should be back training in a week or two."
In addition, defender Adam Lockwood (foot) and Waide Fairhurst (ankle ligaments) remain out of action, with Fairhurst, injured during his loan at Shrewsbury, expected to be out for another four weeks.
Freezing conditions are now forecast to last for up to another two weeks, meaning that the next few fixtures must be put in doubt.

January 7, 2010

Sharp nominated for Player of the Month

Just a day after being named as the Fans' Player of the Month for December, Rovers striker Billy Sharp has been short-listed for the Coca-Cola Player of the Month in the Championship for December. The full list of nominations for the Championship are: Billy Sharp (Doncaster Rovers), Lee Camp (Notttingham Forest), Chris Burke (Cardiff City) and Darren Pratley (Swansea City).
The winners will be announced on Saturday from 9am during Sky Sports Soccer AM.

January 7, 2010

O'Driscoll up for award

Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has been nominated for the Manager of the Month award for December as recognition for Rovers' climb up the Championship table last month. Rovers only suffered one league defeat during the month, against Coventry on Boxing Day, with a four match winning run propelling Rovers towards the play-off places.
The full list of nominations for the Championship Manager of the Month is: Chris Hughton (Newcastle United), Sean O'Driscoll (Doncaster Rovers), Billy Davies (Nottingham Forest), Dave Jones (Cardiff City).
The winner will be announced on Saturday during Sky Sports Soccer Saturday from noon.

January 7, 2010

Rovers linked with Pool star

Doncaster Rovers have been linked with Hartlepool United midfielder Ritchie Jones, with their local press suggesting that Rovers are one of three clubs poised to make a move for the player during the January transfer window.
The 23 year old reaches the end of his contract at Victoria Park in the summer, with Blackpool and Hearts mentioned as rivals for his signature.
However, with the fine form of the Rovers midfield in the last couple of months, chances for Jones, were he to move to Doncaster, may be very limited.

January 6, 2010

Rovers fear backlog

A fixture backlog threatens to cause problems for a number of clubs as the cold weather shows no sign of relenting. With subzero temperatures forecast until the weekend, Saturday's game at Preston already seems to have doubt cast over it, although the pitch is apparently covered at the moment.
Should next Tuesday's FA Cup game at Brentford be postponed, the two clubs will try to play the match for a third time the following Tuesday, 19th January. If that attempt fails, the match will be played in Fourth Round day - Saturday, 23rd January.
Rovers are not scheduled to play a home game until they are due to play Watford on Saturday, 16th January - which will mean that they will have gone over a month since playing at the Keepmoat Stadium.

January 6, 2010

Sharp wins award

Rovers striker Billy Sharp has been named as the PFA Fans' Player of the Month in the Championship for December. Billy beat leading contenders Jon Stead (Ipswich), George Boyd (Peterborough) and Alan Smith (Newcastle) in the on-line vote.
Sharp received the recognition after scoring in six successive matches, only missing out on scoring in every game in December when Rovers went down to defeat at Coventry City on Boxing Day.
Didier Drogba of Chelsea won the Premiership award, Jermaine Beckford of Leeds won the League One vote and Accrington Stanley striker Michael Symes won the League Two's award.
We would like to congratulate Billy on this achievement, and hope that his form continues to enable him to be in the running for the January poll!

January 6, 2010

Ticket office update

The ticket office at the Keepmoat Stadium closed early yesterday afternoon due to the continuing bad weather in the Doncaster area, which saw 4 inches of show fall during the day. However, they are intending to open as usual at 9am this morning.
Normal opening hours are 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 7pm on Thursdays, and 9am to 4pm on Fridays.
On non-match Saturdays, they open 10am to 1pm, and on match days from 9am until kick-off time.
No further snow has fallen overnight, so they should be open for normal opening hours today, but you can always order your tickets by telephone on 01302 762576, as well as ordering on-line by clicking on their logo to the left.

January 6, 2010

Muirhead joins Harrogate

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Ben Muirhead has signed for Blue Square North club Harrogate Town. Muirhead started this season at Farsley Celtic before moving to King's Lynn in October - but with King's Lynn going out of business before Christmas, all their players became free agents.
Muirhead started his career as a youth player with Manchester United, but following a loan spell at Rovers, he moved to Bradford City in March 2003 and went on to make over a hundred appearances for them. He then moved to Rochdale in 2007 before dropping down into non-league football with Alfreton Town for the 2008/09 season.

January 6, 2010

Rovers shut shop and offices

Doncaster Rovers closed their offices and club shops early yesterday, with hazardous travelling conditions in the Doncaster area meaning that few people could get to the stadium. Opening times today appear to be uncertain at the moment, although with no snow falling since around 9pm yesterday, the club ought to be able to open as usual today. However, if you are travelling any distance, it would be worth checking first as to whether the club will be open before setting out.

January 5, 2010

Leicester fixture update

Doncaster Rovers will (subject to weather conditions) have a home game on Tuesday, 19th January - but there are two choices of opposition at the moment. With the FA Cup Third Round fixture at Brentford scheduled for 12th January, if a replay back in Doncaster is required, that will be played 7 days later, on Tuesday, 19th January.
However, if the FA Cup clash does not require a replay, Doncaster Rovers will play their postponed Championship game against Leicester City on that date.
All tickets for the Leicester City game bought for the original date will still be valid for the rearranged day, but if you are now unable to attend, you can obtain a refund from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office.

January 5, 2010

Rovers finally confirm cup date

Doncaster Rovers have now confirmed that the FA Cup tie at Brentford has been rearranged for Tuesday, 12th January, with a 7.45pm kick-off. The match, which was originally scheduled for last Saturday, was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Griffin Park after failing a pitch inspection.
If a a replay is necessary, that will be played at the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday, 19th January with a 7.45pm kick-off.

January 5, 2010

Nelthorpe back at York

Former Doncaster Rovers winger appears to have returned to York City after expiry of his loan spell at Barrow. He missed out on playing in their FA Cup tie at Sunderland at the weekend as he was cup-tied, having played for York in earlier rounds, with Sky Sports reporting that Craig has returned to York.

January 5, 2010

Rovers in player talks

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is hopeful that talks with three players whose contracts expire this month will be concluded as early as possible. Simon Gillett's loan from Southampton finishes today, although O'Driscoll is hopeful that the loan will turn into a permanent move. He said: "His loan finishes on 5th January and we had an agreement with Southampton that, if we could agree personal terms, we could take him on a free transfer subject to a sell-on clause. That still stands; it's been difficult with the Christmas period and people being on holidays. We've talked to his representatives this week and we are hopeful that something will be sorted by the end of the week."
Midfielders Quinton Fortune and John Oster have contracts with Rovers until the end of January, with O'Driscoll hopeful that they will stay until the end of the season. He explained: "Both of them are contracted until the end of January. Ideally, we would like to keep both players and that is the situation at the moment. We'll be talking to their representatives, which is never straight forward but both players have indicated that they would like to stay, so that is one obstacle out of the equation."

January 4, 2010

FA Cup draw

Doncaster Rovers face the prospect of travelling to either Millwall or Derby County in the fourth round of the FA Cup - if they manage to beat Brentford in a rearranged third round tie a week on Tuesday. Whilst Rovers continue to insist that the date has yet to be agreed, Tuesday 18th January is the scheduled date for replays, so it looks highly likely that the match will be on that date with a 7.45pm kick-off. Freezing conditions are forecast to continue for the rest of this week, meaning that a replay before this weekend will be virtually impossible.
The full fourth round draw, as well as the rescheduled third round ties, including replays, can be viewed via the BBC website by clicking on the FA Cup logo to the left.
Ties are scheduled to be played on the weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th January - although at the rate the weather is hitting fixtures, whether the third round is completed by then may be in doubt!

January 4, 2010

Blundell becomes a Bluebird

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Gregg Blundell has completed a full transfer from Chester City to Barrow after a successful month's loan at the club. Whilst Blundell may have only scored once in the last month, he has impressed Barrow's management, often operating as a lone striker during that time. Blundell, who returned to crisis club Chester in the summer, then suffered from a knee injury which limited his opportunities - then with Chester needing to reduce their wage bill, he moved to Barrow on loan deadline day at the end of November. He has signed an 18-month contract at the Holker Street club.

January 4, 2010

Preston coach information

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Preston North End. They will leave Retford at 10.15am, Bawtry 10.30am, Harworth Pit Gates 10.20am, Rossington Styrrup 10.30am, Hare & Tortoise 10.35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 10.45am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 11.00am.
The fares for the trip will be:
Members £12.00 - OAP's £11.00 - U16's £10.00
Non-Members £14.00 - OAP's £13.00 - U16's £12.00
To book a place on the coach, please telephone Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 8174347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154),

January 4, 2010

Ticket info v Preston North End

Tickets for the away game against Preston North End on are now on general sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Rovers have received an initial allocation of 1,060 tickets at the following prices:
Adults (21-59 years): £20
Senior Citizens (60+)/Young Adults (16-20): £12
Under-15s: £5
Juniors (7 & under): Free of charge
Wheelchair/Ambulant disabled & carer: £20
Ambulant disabled (no carer): £12
Family ticket (1 adult & 2 juniors): £25
Family ticket (2 adults & 2 juniors): £45
Match day car parking can be booked direct with Preston North End on 0844 8561966 at £5 per car.
Tickets will be taken off sale at midday on Friday, 8th January.

January 4, 2010

Sharp voting still open

The voting for the PFA's "Player of the Month" for December is still open - and we have the chance to place a vote for Rovers striker Billy Sharp, who has hit the headlines for scoring 10 goals in his 17 games since joining the club, including scoring in all but one match played during December. You can place your vote by clicking on the logo to the left - or by going to http://www.givemefootball.com/championship/fans-player-of-the-month-update-championship-dec-0

January 4, 2010

Walker praises Rovers boss

Doncaster Rovers' Director of Football, Mickey Walker, has praised first team manager Sean O'Driscoll for his achievements since joining the club in September 2006, with his reputation constantly being enhanced with some notable results against allegedly top teams this season.
Walker told Yorkshire Sport: "There's more to come from us. Every team that Sean works with has got improvement in it. I have worked with some good managers, Howard Wilkinson, Joe Fagin, Bob Paisley. He ranks up there with all those, I rate him very highly. He has not gone into a club flowing with money and with Premiership players. You have to work with them, to make them better players. That is the mark of a good coach, to make them better, manage them well and get them to play. It is a very difficult job."
Of O'Driscoll's methods of coaching the players to playing in the style he wants, Mickey continued: "He does it very well. Sometimes it is difficult for them to understand, but once they get a grasp of what he's trying to put across, you can see the results on the pitch. It is nice to work alongside somebody like that. The way he coaches is the way I used to coach and play – it is not kick it and chase it and knock it in the air."
"People now are aware of Doncaster," Walker stressed. "Last year we were the new kids on the block, this season people know how we can play. Any manager coming to play Doncaster is going to say don't let them have it, or keep it, because they can play, they will keep it all day and they'll play you off the park."

January 3, 2010

Goals review

With freezing weather affecting most of the country, our review of former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday is unsurprisingly short.
In the FA Cup, ex-Rovers striker Chris Brown scored managerless Preston North End's first goal as they cruised to a 7-0 home win over Colchester United. Incidentally, it appears that Darren Ferguson is emerging as favourite for the manager's job at Deepdale, with newspaper reports this morning indicating that with Rovers likely to demand substantial compensation, Sean O'Driscoll is dropping out of the realistic running for the job.
The only other ex-Rover we've spotted scoring yesterday was Chris Beardsley, who scored Stevenage Borough's third goal in their 4-1 home win over Cambridge United.

January 3, 2010

Rearranged FA Cup date

Brentford have commented on the postponement of yesterday's FA Cup game on their official website. When the pitch inspection was made at 11am, they state 70% of the pitch was playable, and they estimate that more of the pitch would have been safe by kick-off time. However, with no-one being able to guarantee the players' safety over all of the pitch, the referee had little option but to postpone the match. The problem was the area along the touchline of the Braemar Road side of the pitch, which rarely gets any direct sunlight at this time of year.
Brentford have stated: "Needless to say the Club are disappointed that the tie could not go ahead and sympathise with all fans and particularly those who maybe had to set out in hope prior to knowing the outcome of the pitch inspection."
Brentford FC had hoped to stage the match on Tuesday evening, but with cold weather forecast to continue, subject to Rovers agreeing on Monday, the new date will be Tuesday, 12th January, with a 7.45pm kick-off. Any tickets for yesterday's match will still be valid for the rescheduled game.

January 3, 2010

FA Cup draw

The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup will be made at about 6.10pm this afternoon following ITV's live coverage of the West Ham United v Arsenal tie.
Brentford and Doncaster Rovers will be ball number 2 in the draw.
The fourth round is scheduled to be played on Saturday, 23rd January.

January 3, 2010

Fortune back in training

Midfielder Quinton Fortune has resumed training after recovering from a hamstring injury and could be back in contention for a place in the squad for Saturday's trip to Preston North End. Fortune has not played for rovers since the 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in November.
Richard O'Kelly said: “Quinton joined in training for the first time on Sunday and he came through the session okay. It will be like having a new player having Quinton back in the fold. His injury has gone on longer than what we had hoped but hopefully he will be in contention from now on.”

January 3, 2010

O'Kelly pleased with Rovers' defensive record

Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has praised the performance of the Doncaster Rovers defence this season, which has seen them record ten clean sheets so far this season. The performance of central defender Jason Shackell has been key to this record, which should continue with the news that the Wolves defender has signed on at Rovers for the rest of the season.
Rovers have not conceded a goal from open play since their 4-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest in November - the only goal conceded since then came from the penalty spot at Coventry City on Boxing Day.
O'Kelly told the Doncaster Star: "Defensively we have certainly tightened up in the last four or five games especially after playing a few sides who are very good from set plays like Bristol City and Coventry. The key is to be disciplined and organised. It is important that the players have confidence in each other and talk to each other on the pitch. We are very pleased with how things are going but the thing is, as soon as you get complacent, you start taking a backwards step. What we have to do is take the plaudits and work on making it even better.”

January 3, 2010

Fairhurst back - but out for three weeks

Doncaster Rovers striker Waide Fairhurst has returned to Doncaster Rovers at the end of his loan spell at Shrewsbury Town - but will not be available for around three weeks after picking up a foot injury in the Shrews' Boxing Day match against Macclesfield Town. Due to the injury, Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson has elected not to approach Rovers about renewing Waide's loan deal, with his decision also being helped by the improving injury situation at the club.
Simpson said: "Waide has gone back to Doncaster to get an assessment on his foot injury, our doc and physio estimate that he will be out for around three weeks. We haven't heard back from Doncaster as yet but it looks likely that we won't see Waide again."

January 2, 2010

Rovers match off!

This afternoon's FA Cup tie at Brentford has been postponed due to a frozen pitch at Griffin Park. Whilst no new date has been yet confirmed for the tie, the original replay date of Tuesday, 12th January looks likely to be chosen.
Today's postponement means that Rovers have not played since Boxing Day's defeat at Coventry City.

January 2, 2010

Rovers team news

The FA Cup dream begins this afternoon for Doncaster Rovers as they travel to Griffin Park to face a Brentford side that are in 11th place in League One, eight points away from the play-off places. On the face of it, an easy progression through to Round Four ought to be on the cards for Rovers, but we all know that cup upsets happen!
Whilst Rovers won handsomely the last time they played the Bees in London three years ago, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is giving them every respect, especially since they did well against Leeds, Charlton and Colchester. A victory this afternoon would put Rovers into the Fourth Round for the second successive season - last term they came up against Premiership side Aston Villa, with Rovers eventually going out in a replay at Villa Park.
As usual, there is little hint of team news coming directly out of Doncaster Rovers, but the general hints seem to suggest that O'Driscoll may well give Brian Stock a start this afternoon after a three month absence. Another long-term absentee, Sean McDaid, is expected to have travelled with the squad, but will have to settle for a place on the bench this afternoon as he hopes to make his long-awaited comeback after a 20 month absence.
Rovers will be missing Martin Woods (groin), Adam Lockwood (foot), Quinton Fortune and Steve Brooker, who is still building up his fitness, and with James Hayter and James Coppinger doubtful with knocks, it may open the way for Paul Heffernan to be included in the squad after returning from his loan spell at Oldham Athletic.
Billy Sharp looks set to continue in attack for Rovers after Sean O'Driscoll confirmed that Sheffield United have not blocked his participation in the FA Cup for Rovers whilst on loan from Bramall Lane. Simon Gillett also has permission from Southampton to play this afternoon.
Also continuing for Rovers will be Jason Shackell, who agreed to extend his loan deal from Wolves until the end of the season, with Simon Gillett, Quniton Fortune and John Oster all in talks with Rovers to extend their short term contracts which run out during January.
A replay, if required, will take place on Tuesday, 12th January, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

January 2, 2010

Brentford team news

Brentford will be without defender Pim Balkestein, who has been recalled from his loan spell by parent club Ipswich Town, who have injury problems in their defence. They will also be without goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, on loan from Arsenal, who has missed recent games with injury, so Lewis Price looks set to continue in goal, despite dropping a "clanger" in their 1-1 draw with Charlton on Monday. They also have doubts with James Wilson and Mark Phillips, although Charlie MacDonald returns after completing a suspension.
Ryan Dickson should be fit to play after suffering from double vision during Monday's match against Charlton Athletic. Striker Carl Cort's loan deal with Brentford expires after today's match, with no news forthcoming over an extension to his stay.
The pitch at Griffin Park could well be interesting, with Brentford boss Andy Scott saying: "I think the pitch suits us at the moment, I don't think those sort of sides like out pitch, they want to get it down and play, when the pitch is a little cut up they can't really do that.

January 2, 2010

Brentford match officials

The match officials for this afternoon's FA Cup tie at Brentford have been confirmed as:
Referee: G K Hegley
Assistant Referees: L Betts and S L Massey
Fourth Official: G J N Jerden

January 2, 2010

Elliott leaves Rovers

Winger Stuart Elliott had his contract with Doncaster Rovers cancelled by mutual consent yesterday after failing to make a first team appearance for the club this season. His time at Rovers has been somewhat of a mystery, arriving in August 2008 to boost his chance of regaining a place in the Northern Ireland team, yet since then he has only started four games for Rovers, with 16 substitute appearances.
Last season saw Stuart go out on loan to Grimsby Town, where he started nine games, scoring two goals, before returning to the Keepmoat Stadium in the summer.
Stuart has agreed a short-term contract with Scottish Premier League club Hamilton Academical, which will run until the end of the season. He has previous experience of playing in Scotland, having spent two years at Motherwell between 2000 and 2002.
We would like to wish Stuart the very best wishes for his future, and thank him for his time and efforts whilst with Doncaster Rovers.

January 2, 2010

Billy's in the top scorers chart!

Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp has forced his way into the top ten goal scorers in the Championship, with his ten goals so far putting him into joint fifth place in the top ten - and just three goals off top scorer Pete Whittingham of Cardiff City, who has 13 league goals so far.
The top scorers chart, as appears on the BBC website, is:
Whittingham (Cardiff City) 13 goals
Ambrose (Crystal Palace) 11
Chopra (Cardiff City) 11
Fryatt (Leicester City) 11
Sharp (Doncaster Rovers) 10
Henderson (Sheffield United) 10
Maynard (Bristol City) 10
Nolan (Newcastle United) 10
Best (Coventry City) 9
Boyd (Peterborough United) 9
Johnson (Middlesbrough) 9
Simpson (QPR) 9

January 2, 2010

Rigo leaves to leave Bay short

Only two weeks after rejecting an approach from another club, former Rovers striker Adriano Rigoglioso has left Colwyn Bay to join UniBond Premier Division club FC United of Manchester, who have made a spectacular rise through the divisions in the last few seasons after being formed by disillusioned Manchester United supporters.
Colwyn Bay boss Neil Young said: “I am very frustrated because we have been working hard in the last few weeks on a new style of play based around Adriano coming deeper to link up play and that was starting to pay dividends. Now we have to re-organise again at a crucial stage of the season. But when clubs come in with big money offers that we can’t match then it is very difficult to hang on to players. It leaves us short up front again and we are now on the hunt for one or two more strikers. If we are to compete with the likes of Halifax and Lancaster then we need to strengthen – but it is proving very difficult to get the quality of player that we need within our budget.”

January 2, 2010

Alun's dream gets the go-ahead

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Alun Armstrong has received planning approval for his plan to turn a factory in Crook, Northumberland, into a football centre which will serve the local community. Planning permission was given last month, with the building eventually including five-a-side pitches, changing rooms and a cafe.
The planning permission was given to convert use from a factory to a leisure facility as it will inject money into the local economy.
Armstrong's spokeman, John Lavender, said: “The building has, unfortunately, been vacant for a number of years, but this new use would bring it back into use for Crook and the surrounding area. It will provide facilities that are not available locally and increase leisure and sporting activities in Crook.”
Ten jobs will be created - five full time and five part-time - with the new centre being calle "The Alun Armstrong Soccer Centre".

January 1, 2010

Shackell stays at Rovers

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers confirmed yesterday that they had come to an agreement which enables defender Jason Shackell to remain at Rovers for the rest of the season. The deal does, however, include a recall clause similar to the one Rovers have concerning Billy Sharp, where Wolves can recall Shackell should another club come in to buy him during the January transfer window.
Shackell has performed well since joining Rovers and has been a key part of their rise up the table in recent weeks, forming a good defensive partnership with James OConnor. The news means that he will be available for selection for Saturday's FA Cup clash at Brentford.
Sean O'Driscoll said of the news: "It was always on the cards - but Wolves obviously want the option to sell him. We can't complain about that. I'm pleased that we have got it done; I thought it might have taken longer - so we have to thank Wolves for that. Jason's pleased to be staying and pleased to be playing football. There's always been an opportunity to buy him, but we'd need to add a couple of noughts onto what we have bid. If the opportunity arises then I would be definitely interested."

January 1, 2010

O'Driscoll distances himself from Preston job

Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has distanced himself from press rumours of yesterday which linked him with the manager's job at Preston North End, which became vacant when Alan Irvine was sacked earlier in the week.
However, O'Driscoll stressed that he is happy at Rovers, saying: "I've got a good job here. I'm not touting myself around for anything. I think that is an unprofessional thing to do, so I will get on with the job here."

January 1, 2010

Rovers block Latics return for Heffs

Doncaster Rovers have blocked any ideas that Dave Penney may have had about extending the stay of striker Paul Heffernan at Oldham Athletic. Heffernan's loan at Boundary Park ended on 28th December, and Penney was keen to extend the deal.
However, an injury crisis at Doncaster has forced Rovers to reassess their options.
Dave Penney said: "We enquired about keeping Paul but due to the injury problems they have, Sean has said that Paul can't come back right now. We've now got to reassess what we have ready for the window opening and more importantly look to get three points from Hartlepool on Saturday."
O'Driscoll's viewpoint was: "He went to Oldham to get some games in, unfortunately they had a couple of postponements. James Hayter has just picked up a little knock and James Coppinger has picked up a calf strain. From Paul's point of view, the reason that we loaned him was that he was to get some games and he can evaluate his position. Now, he has half a chance of playing on Saturday and for the next couple of weeks, he will be needed here. Then we will reassess it."

January 1, 2010

Haigh's medal stolen in Christmas raid

The widow of Doncaster Rovers legend Jack Haigh has been burgled - and one of the thing stolen was a Division Three (North) title winners medal which is valued at around £1,000.
The thieves struck at Doris Haigh's house in Balby between 6pm and 9pm on December 22nd and took other jewellry. The police, along with ex-England manager Graham Taylor, have appealed for the thieves to return the medal. Taylor became a close friend of the couple through their connection with Scunthorpe - Haigh played for United before moving to Rovers in 1960, and the medal stolen commemorated the Iron's 1957/58 Division Three (North) title win.
Doris told the Free Press: : "I don't know how anyone could do something like this. It's just a medal to them but to me and my family it means everything."
Taylor commented: "I'm devastated for Doris and can only hope these people find it in their hearts to leave it somewhere she can find it."
South Yorkshire Police are appealing for information about the raid, which took place between 6pm and 9pm on December 22. They believe the burglar may have escaped across fields to the rear of the property. Anyone with information about the burglary should contact PC David Nixon on 01302 385217, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

January 1, 2010

Harry extends stay

Former Doncaster Rovers loan defender Harry Worley has agreed to extend his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra until the end of the season. The 21-year old central defender has made twelve starts for the Alex since joining on loan from Leicester City in August, although he has missed three months of the season with an ankle injury.

January 1, 2010

Ryan - Rovers have a quality team

Speaking ahead of the Christmas games, Rovers chairman John Ryan reflected on the first half of the 2009/10 season in buoyant mood, having seen Rovers rise to just four points off the play-off places.
Contrasting this with last season, when Rovers were bottom of the table at Christmas, Ryan said: "This time last year we were rock bottom of the Championship and what a wonderful 12 months we have had since. I have to say on a personal note that I have never seen such wonderful football as I've seen the second half of last season."
Recalling Rovers' superb performance against Queens Park Rangers, he continued: "We have played some great stuff, a particular moment for me was the 34 pass movement against QPR. It was absolutely wonderful. It is a great testament to our management team, who have produced this wonderful free-flowing football and, of course, the people who have actually done it - the squad. We have a great squad of players who work remarkably hard and, who, in my opinion, have produced the best football the Championship has seen. We've never got the credit that we are due for the quality of our football, but that will come in time."
"I honestly don't think that the public of Doncaster realise what a quality team they have got. But eventually more and more people will realise that and we'll fill the stadium."
"The great thing about this football club is that we've got great stability," John said. "I took over this club twelve years ago and most of the directors have all been here for most of that period of time and when Dick (Watson) and Terry (Bramall) came here two or three years ago they really brought a professionalism and stability that a good football team needs. We can progress now; we can go forward. The highest position that Doncaster Rovers have ever finished at this level is 11th in the 1950s. It would be a great achievement were we to beat it, which I know we can."