June 15, 2010

Rovers make first signing

Doncaster Rovers have made their first signing of the summer with the news that Wolverhampton Wanderers defender George Friend has agreed a two year contract with the club. Friend made eight first team appearances for Wolves since joining from Exeter City in 2008 and has spent loans at Millwall, Southend, Scunthorpe and Exeter City, as first team chances became few following their promotion to the Premier League.
He told DROS: "I heard from my agent that Doncaster Rovers were interested and that they were after a left-back as a slot had opened up here. As soon as I heard, I was pleased. Doncaster are a nice Championship club and I am happy to be here. I always want to be able to play at the highest level that I can. I wasn't getting many games at Wolves, especially after they got promoted into the Premier League; I was out on loan trying to get games. I hope I can now come here and play some regular games in The Championship. Doncaster is a great club with good coaching staff and everybody at the Club seems really nice. Everything is done properly at this football club and I am very excited."
Rovers had been searching for a left back following the departure of Gareth Roberts and Sean McDaid this summer.

June 15, 2010

Pre-season cup draw made

The draw for matches in the Joma South West Challenge Cup, which is to be held in Devon between 19th July and 25th July, was made yesterday afternoon.
Doncaster Rovers have two group matches to play - on Wednesday, 21st July they face Havant & Waterlooville at Holsworthy FC's ground ( kick-off 7.30pm) and on Thursday, 22nd July they play Barnstaple at Barnstaple's ground (kick-off 8pm)
In all, there are 13 group matches, with three being played on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, whilst four are scheduled for the Thursday.
The date and venue for the semi-finals has not yet been announced, whilst the final will be played at 3pm on Sunday, 25th July at Bideford's ground.
Tickets are now on sale for the tournament - for the full draw and ticket information, please click on the logo to the left.

June 15, 2010

Swailes heads for Croft Park

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Chris Swailes has signed for Blyth Spartans after being released by Gateshead at the end of last season. Swailes joined Gateshead after being leaving Hamilton Academical twelve months earlier. Whilst playing the last few games, Swailes was one of a number of players to be transfer listed after their management became frustrated that they had not challenged for promoiton.
Swailes, now 40, effectively replaces another former Rovers player, Steve Foster, who left this summer to join Mansfield Town.
Blyth boss Mick Tait had no hesitation in signing Swailes despite his age, saying: “I played in midfield at the age of 41 in the old Fourth Division as player-manager at Hartlepool United and Swailes has also looked after himself. He played the last 10 games of the season for Gateshead in the Blue Square Premier and on the occasions I saw him he was one of the better players. He has a wealth of experience, having played for a host of League clubs, including two spells at Ipswich Town, and will lead from the front.”

June 15, 2010

Carling Cup draw

The draw for the first round of the Carling Cup will be made at 9.30am tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 16th June).
As in previous seasons, the draw at this stage is split into both north and south divisions, which are then split into seeded and unseeded halves. The two clubs in the northern section that were relegated from the Premier League this summer have been given a bye into the second round. The remaining 70 Football League clubs are then seeded, with the top 35 (on last season's finishing positons) being seeded, with the remainder unseeded.
The seeded clubs in the northern section are: Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Doncaster Rovers, Derby County, Preston North End,.Barnsley, Coventry City, Scunthorpe United, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday, Peterborough United, Huddersfield Town, Walsall
Unseeded teams: Carlisle United, Oldham Athletic, Tranmere Rovers, Hartlepool United, Rochdale, Stockport County, Morecambe, Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Bury, Bradford City, Accrington Stanley, Crewe Alexandra, Macclesfield Town, Lincoln City
Supporters will notice that the annual trip to Notts County in the first round will not take place, with County being put in the southern half of the draw!

June 14, 2010

Rovers improve training facilities

Doncaster Rovers may not have spent that much on players this summer, but they are investing for next season by improving the training facilities at their Cantley Park facility this summer.
Physio John Dickens told the Doncaster Star last week: "We can't go out and buy £1m players so what we are trying to do is to put more time and effort into the players that we've got to improve their performances. It is all about making the players fitter, stronger and faster and putting the resources in to make that happen. We are currently in the process of doubling the size of the gym at the training ground and adding new equipment. We are also increasing the size of our treatment room and adding one or two new machines."
"The current treatment room will become a sports science lab. We will be doing more testing of the players - particularly their levels of lactic acid. It is really important that we get players to recover well between games - especially when we are playing twice a week - and also to train well. That is a key factor and that's why we are trying to get ahead of the game. We are trying to make sure that we've got a recovery strategy in placethat it is all up to date because that is where we might get an edge on teams. The clubs who can do that the best over ten months will have an advantage over the rest."
The club are also taking on a part-time nutritionist from Sheffield University to boost the players' dietry support next season.
Dickens explained: "He will be in charge of what the players have for breakfast and lunch at the club and their post-match meal, which the players must eat within an hour of a match finishing. He was down at the training ground this week discussing menu's with the club's catering staff."

June 14, 2010

Dylan on World Cup duty

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Dylan Kerr is set for a key role in the World Cup finals this summer - although after retiring some years ago, it will not be on the playing side.
Kerr, who also turned out for Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United, Blackpool, Reading, Kilmarnock, Carlisle United, Hamilton Academical, Exeter City, Morton and East Stirling, left his job as Football Development Officer for Bute and Argyll Council last summer to take up a position in South Africa. He became coach at Mpumalanga Black Aces in Witburg and, currently, with Durban's Thanda Royal Zulus.
However, in a whirlwind series of events, Kerr now fineds himself in a key position of TV coverage, being responsible for "tactical analysis" for Host Broadcast Services, who have been given the rights by FIFA to cover the World Cup.
Kerr explained: "My title is visual graphic producer and it isn't so much a case of being thrown in at the deep end as being dropped in the middle of the Atlantic and left to get on with it. We've had a couple of dry runs with Under-17 games but I'll be going live with the opening match between South Africa and Mexico on Friday and then I'll be working at England's first game against the USA the following day."
"It's not about showing the incidents again but explaining to Joe Bloggs in Idaho, who's sitting watching the game on television but doesn't know much about football, how these key incidents came about. We'll show how Lionel Messi makes space for himself and team-mates to create an opening, for example, rather than how he shoots past the keeper. My role is to analyse key plays and contributions from individuals and what happens off the ball."
"Once I've identified the angles which provide the best picture for the armchair fan, I then pass that information on to the guys who work our Piero system, which transforms the film into a 3D picture," explained Kerr, who has applied for the managerial vacancy at Kilmarnock.
"That means we can have a player's eye view or linesman's eye view or whatever and the technical guys use what I've told them to put the graphic into motion. It's basically showing fans at home what they can't see during the live transmission – what happens off the ball – but we need to do it quickly so that I can check that the computer experts have done what I told them to and the pictures are ready for use at half-time and full-time."

June 14, 2010

Home grown rule for next season

Football League clubs will have to adhere to a new set of rules on 'home-grown' players in their squads for next season. Whilst most clubs will probably have no problem with such limits, those being relegated from the Premier League, where foreign players dominate, may have to change their playing staff to comply.
Under the new set of rules, clubs can include as many players under the age of 21 in their squad as they like, but they will have to name ten "home-grown" players in a squad restricted to 25 players over the age of 21. A "home grown" player is defined as one who has been registered in domestic football for three seasons before reaching the age of 21.
The Football League agreed the move in a meeting of all 72 clubs which was held in Malta (why Malta?!) earlier this month.
It was also decided at the meeting that clubs will receive a transfer embargo if they do not file their financial acounts with Companies House in time. A loophole in the rules has been closed to cover clubs that go into administration when the club is part of a group company, so they will also be hit by sporting sanctions (i.e. points deduction), thus removing the problem when Southampton's holding company went into administration two seasons ago.
Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: "This has been a positive and constructive meeting at which we've looked at many of the important issues currently facing football and taken steps to address a number of the most pressing governance concerns."

June 14, 2010

Player of the season

For several years now, this website has run a "Man of the Match" poll following each competitive first team game. As in the past, all votes have been collated and used towards a "Player of the Season", in which every single vote cast throughout the season is counted - unlike some other polls, where players coming consistently sixth or seventh in the voting would receive no recognition.
Over the next month, we will gradually reveal who you have voted for during the season. There have been 28 players who have received votes this season - the leading positions are, unsurprisingly, dominated by players who have featured in the first team for most of the season.
Players coming outside the top 20, are:
28 - Mustapha Dumbuya (0.05%)
27 - Paul Heffernan (0.25%)
26 - Ben Smith (0.35%)
25 - John Spicer (0.60%)
23= - Shelton Martis & Byron Webster (0.80%)
22 - Quinton Fortune (1.05%)

June 13, 2010

Rovers keep on searching

Assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has confirmed that Rovers are continuing to search for reinforcements for their squad, despite missing out on some named targets so far.
O'Kelly has said that Rovers will not be forced into "panic buys", but are keen to bolster their defence after missing out on the signature of Rochdale's Tom Kennedy last week.
He told Sky Sports: "We are interested in three or four left-sided players at the moment, but for some reason Tom Kennedy's name was released by someone. We would like to bring someone in to replace Gareth Roberts, but it does come down to money at the end of the day. We won't be offering anything that doesn't fall into our wage structure here. If we don't bring a left-back then we've still got James Chambers or James O'Connor and they can play on the opposite side of the pitch, so there isn't a great panic."

June 13, 2010

Gareth signs on for more

Former Doncaster Rovers skipper Gareth Owen has signed a new one year contract at Welsh Premier League club Rhyl. The Lilywhites announced that Owen will also act as assistant manager to boss Greg Strong next season, and as well as continuing as a player, will also take on a scouting role for the club.
Owen began his career as a trainee at Wrexham in 1990, spending over a decade at the Racecourse before leaving for Rovers for the 2001/02 season. During his time at Wrexham, he was capped at Under-21 and "B" levels for Wales. After just over a season at Rovers, he moved back to WAles to play for Connah's Quay Nomads and Airbus UK before joining Rhyl in July 2009.

June 13, 2010

Carlisle "open to offers" for Offiong

After a disastrous first season at Carlisle United, Richard Offiong faces the prospect of Carlisle being willing to listen to offers for him. Former Rover Richard failed to hold down a regular first team place at Brunton Park after his £90,000 move from Hamilton Academicals last summer, and was sent out on loan to Sweden towards the end of the season in the hope that he would rediscover the goal-scoring form that persuaded Carlisle to sign him. However, that loan at Ostersunds FK was cut short with a hip injury, and he now faces a battle to be fit in time for the start of next season.
Carlisle boss Greg Abbott said: “The ball is in Richard’s court and he has to produce and show people the sort of form he had in Scotland when he scored nearly 40 goals in just under 100 appearances. If he doesn’t he is going to have problems getting a place in this team as we think we are going to bring in players who will test Richard’s resolve and hunger to get into the side. He has to prove to everybody he is worthy of a place in the team. I’ve got to be patient because he has another year on his contract. If someone wanted to make an offer for Richard and thought they could make him a better player and put him in their team, we might listen to them. But at the minute I’m looking forward to Richard getting fit and proving he should have a place in the team.”
There is still a chance that Richard will have to have an operation on his hip, but that would mean he would definitely miss the beginning of next season.
Abbott concluded: “When he’s fit we have to judge him again. I would have liked him to do a full pre-season with us and started the new season on a level playing field with the rest of the players and got him fit, strong and hungry to play again. When he’s fit we have to judge him again. He either gets in the team and does well or he doesn’t get in the team.”

June 12, 2010

Quinton backs England for cup success

Former Rovers midfielder Quinton Fortune, back in his South Africa homeland for the World Cup, has backed England to win the World Cup.
Fortune, who was capped 46 times for his country, is looking forward to the competition, and cannot understand those who dismiss Engalnd's chances before a ball has been kicked.
He told the Daily Star: Why do you do that? What is wrong with your country? You have one of the best sides around – yet it’s all doom and gloom. Well I, for one, tip them to play Brazil in the final – and after that it is open.”
Fortune is visiting his parents in Cape Town whilst taking in a few of the matches, and is anticipating a great World Cup, dismissing all talk of security problems. He continued: "Everybodyh is talking of violence, trouble, security. But you always have that. In Germany last time fans were told not to go into certain areas. There are places in London, Manchester and Liverpool you wouldn’t want to go after dark."
“Where was the trouble when England fans watched rugby or cricket in South Africa? They were joyous occasions. This will be the same. But I do think my country has made a mistake leaving out Benni McCarthy.”

June 12, 2010

Fixtures out next week

The fixtures for the 2010/11 season will be released by the Football League at 10am on Thursday morning (17th June), meaning that Rovers fans will be able to start marking their diaries up for the forthcoming season.
The first match of the season will be on Saturday, 7th August, with the season coming to hopefully successful conclusion on Sunday, 8th May 2011.
The first round of the Carling Cup will take place during the week commencing Monday, 9th August - but looking a little further ahead, it will be the usual hectic time over the Christmas and New Year period. Matches will be played on Boxing Day (Sunday, 26th), Tuesday 28th December, New Year's Day and Monday, 3rd January.

June 12, 2010

Stuart keeps the Dons waiting

Aberdeen have offered former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Stuart Nelson a new one year contract at the club, despite the demise of the SPL's reserve team league, which has seen him playing only a few matches since joining the club last summer.
However, boss Mark McGhee is being kept waiting by the player, who is weighing up his options before putting pen to paper to stay at Pittodrie as he takes time to decide whether he is willing to face another season on the bench as understudy to first choice Jamie Langfield.
McGhee said of the contract negotiations with Nelson and Italian defender Davide Grassi: "There is some work to be done on that and we will continue to discuss it with them but I am hopeful that by the beginning of July, when pre-season kicks off, they will be back and be ready for a good season."

June 12, 2010

Burch signs for County

Goalkeeper Rob Burch has signed for Notts County after turning down a new contract offer from Lincoln City. Burch was widely tipped to be ont he radar of a number of clubs, including Doncaster Rovers, and is highly rated after impressing for the Imps last season.
To be fair to Rovers, since releasing Ben Smith earlier this summer, they have stressed that they are to use Gary Woods as Neil Sullivan's understudy, and are not looking at bringing in another goalkeeper this season.
Other clubs reported to have been tracking Burch last season include Blackburn Rovers and Burnley.

June 11, 2010

Rovers miss out on Kennedy

Leicester City have signed Rochdale left back Tom Kennedy on a three year contract after out-bidding Doncaster Rovers for his services. Rovers had been the hot favourites to sign the 24 year old, but Leciester boss Nigel Pearson came in with a late approact to persuade him that his future lies at the Walkers Stadium
Sean O'Driscoll had been hoping that Kennedy would fill the left back vacancy which arose as a result of Gareth Roberts moving to Derby County earlier this summer.
Kennedy's decision make it three players that Rovers are known to have missed out on due to other clubs being willing to pay inflated wages - Jason Shackell, Elliott Ward and now Tom Kennedy have all evaded the net. Let us hope that Rovers have enough other "irons in the fire" to fill the gaps in the squad by the time that the season starts.

June 11, 2010

Woods on the way back

Midfielder Martin Woods is making good progress after his groin surgery and hopes to be fit enough to join in pre-season training when the rest of the squad report back in early July.
He told the Doncaster Star: "Things are going well and I'm probably ahead of schedule, so everything is looking good as far as being ready to join in with the rest of the lads at the start of next month. The operation went well and I was surprised that there wasn't that much discomfort. I went back home to Scotland for a couple of weeks to rest after the operation but since then I've been working on my rehab programme down at the ground. I'm just trying to build up the area where I had the operation to try and make it stronger so that when I get back in pre-season there will be no problems. As well as working out in the gym I've also been doing some straight line running and I've had no reaction."
"Like most players, I don't enjoy pre-season training but it is a very important time of the season and the fitness work you put in has a big impact on the rest of the season - particiularly the first half. It is also the time when you stake your claim for a place on the starting line-up for the first game of the season. Everyone wants to play in the first game but there is a lot of competition for places."
"'I'm looking forward to playing and training without any discomfort. I had the groin problem for most of last season but I felt that I got away with it until around Christmas. But it got to a point in the second half of the season where I wasn't."

June 11, 2010

Greer for the Seagulls?

Ex-Rovers defender Gordon Greer is reported to be interesting Brighton & Hove Albion's boss Gus Poyet, although it looks like it may be an approach that is doomed to fail.
Greer had the disappointment of being suspended for Swindon's play-off final against Millwall, but he has still attracted the attention of Poyet, despite still having a year left on his Swindon contract.
He moved to Swindon last summer after being released by Doncaster Rovers, following a successful loan period at the club.
Whilst an approach is expected, the local Swindon press also expect that the club will rebuff any interest shown as they look to build a squad that will again challenge for promotion from League One next season.

June 10, 2010

Heffernan signs for Owls

Striker Paul Heffernan signed for Sheffield Wednesday yesterday after previously being expected to join Bristol Rovers, where he spent time on loan last season.
Heffernan was released by Doncaster Rovers at the end of the season after only rarely being included in the Rovers side, despite a goal scoring record that shows him scoring one goal in every two starts he made for the club.
Paul told the BBC after signing yesterday: "It's been a bit stressful the last few weeks trying to get things sorted. There's a lot of people out of contract. I'm just delighted to get it sorted and I'm raring to go."
He told Sheffield Wednesday's site: "I've done my homework on him as well and he certainly has the character to play for a club this size. I've been talking to a number of clubs but as soon as I found out about the interest from Sheffield Wednesday, my mind was made up. This is a massive football club and I can't wait to meet the rest of the lads and get started."
We would like to wish Paul all the very best for his future career and thank him for his contribution to the rise of Doncaster Rovers over the last five years. He will make an early return to the Keepmoat Stadium when he will be part of the Sheffield Wednesday squad for their pre-season friendly on Saturday, 31st July.

June 10, 2010

Wendies at the Keepmoat

Doncaster Rovers have announced that they will face Sheffield Wednesday for their final pre-season friendly fixture before the 2010/11 season begins. The Owls will play Rovers on Saturday, 31st July, with the match beginning at 3pm. No ticket information has yet been released by either club. Interestingly, all of Wednesday's pre-season games have been scheduled to be away from home, including a training camp in Austria between 3rd and 10th July.

June 10, 2010

Magpies friendly off

Rovers' pre-season game against Notts County, scheduled for 17th July, has been cancelled. County, who recently announced Craig Short as their new manager, have now arranged a pre-season training trip to Austria at that time the Rovers match was due to take place.
Rovers have announced that they hope to arrange new opponents to replace Notts County on that weekend.

June 10, 2010

Injury updates

Rovers midfielder John Oster faces the prospect of needing surgery to resolve a knee injury which flared up just before the Scunthorpe United game at the end of last season. He sustained the injury in the pre-match warm-up, forcing his late withdrawal from the game, as well as meaning that he was absent from the season's finale at Swansea City a week later.
Physio John Dickens told the Doncaster Star: "John saw the specialist at the end of the season and he told him to rest it for a month or so to see if it settled down. So that's what he has done and he's not followed the schedule that the other players have. He's not due back from holiday until the middle of next week. If rest hasn't cured the problem then we might have to do something. If that is the case then we'll get it done as quickly as possible. It would only be a minor operation and the rehab is only about three weeks so he'd be ready to start training around about the same time as the players report back in the first week of July."
As we reported towards the end of last month, striker Steve Brooker has been making good progress this summer following a number of ankle operations over the last 18 months.
John Dickens reported: "He went away for a short break and has been unable to get back because of the volcanic ash cloud. Prior to him going away. Steve had been doing a some straight line running and some basic ball work and there have been no problems so far. If he is back on Thursday we'll get him doing some sprinting and if that goes well then we'll get him doing some twisting and turning next week. If he comes through that then we can slowly start to intergrate him back into training and hopefully he'll be able to join in pre-season training with the rest of the lads and the hope is that he'll be able to play some warm-up games towards the end of pre-season,"
Defender Byron Webster had his weight-supporting boot taken off this week following a trip to his specialist. He broke a metatarsal late last season and had to have a pin inserted in the bone to help strengthen it. Dickens elaborated further, by saying: "It is just a matter of progressing him over the next month or so. He'll just be about ready to start doing some things when the rest of the players come in. If all goes well Byron should be ready for a game towards the back end of pre-season."

June 9, 2010

Wilson - Rovers can challenge for play-offs

After signing a new two year contract with Doncaster Rovers, midfielder Mark Wilson was interviewed by the Doncaster Star on his hopes and dreams for the forthcoming season. As well as praising the management team of Sean O'Driscoll and Richard O'Kelly, optimism for success in the 2010/11 season was another key reason why Wilson signed on again at Rovers.
On the prospects for next season, Mark said: "I think that there will be a lot of decisions to be taken right up to the start of the season which could influence things. Attitude is also crucial. Credit Newcastle and West Brom, who finished in the two automatic promotion places last season. They weren't arrogant and didn't think that it was going to be easy. Leicester City did well and reached the play-offs after winning the League One title the previous season, so you can't dismiss the the promoted clubs - not least because they have the momentum."
"I think that Norwich, who won League One, are probably going to be the strongest of the three promoted clubs, but it is a step up in class and they'll have to strengthen and bring in the right players to do well in this league. My view is that all the leagues are getting closer. Almost everybody - and certainly at Championship level - have got access to all the latest information on nutrition and sports science and equipment to help them to analyse games. As Blackpool showed last season, even if you are not one of the elite teams, anybody can break out of the pack and make a run for it and get promoted."
"A lot of it boils down to how clubs do things and use all the information which is available. If the manager doesn't get his message across properly, or the players don't listen, then the club is not going to be successful. I think Doncaster Rovers use the information the right way."
He finished: "The Championship is again going to be a tough league. but when I look at the new league and I ask myself: have we got a chance of achieving what we want to achieve? the answer is yes."

June 9, 2010

Akinfenwa - enquiry from Aberdeen

Ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is weighing up an approach from Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen, according to his agent, Dean Baker, who confirmed that the player may be heading north, saying: “We’ve had an enquiry from Aberdeen but no offer. They’d be on his radar with an offer. We’ll see if they come back but I’ve had bits and pieces from other SPL clubs.”
One of Adebayo's former managers at Northampton, Stuart Gray, thinks that he would be an ideal player for Aberdeen, by commenting: “Aberdeen should sign Adebayo as they would be getting a player like Emile Heskey. He has the same physical presence as Heskey, and another similarity is that they are both lethal in the penalty area. Adebayo is a big, powerful striker who will more than hold his own in the SPL. But there is so much more to his game than just strength, as Adebayo’s play in the penalty area is excellent.”
Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee was being much more cautious over potential transfer targets though. He confirmed that he is after a goal scorer, but warned: "We cannot afford expensive mistakes, so we have to be patient. Lots of players are waiting to see what their options are because they are working in a limited financial market."
"In the environment we are all working in, in Scotland, you have to be a bit more careful than that. We have to buy at the right price and buy the right players. There are a lot of things that have to fit before we can sign any players. There are a lot of players out there who we know we could get, there are some we can't afford, and plenty more waiting to see what their options are. Even within the Championship and League One in England, there is starting to be a little bit of a squeeze and players are finding it that little bit more difficult to achieve their expectations as far as contracts are concerned. We have just got to be patient and then start to pick off the ones that become available and the ones who realise we are an option."

June 9, 2010

Offing aims to bounce back

Richard Offing, the former Doncaster Rovers striker, has one aim in mind for next season - to prove that he is not an expensive misfit at Carlisle United, and is worth a place in their first team. He struggled to hold down a first team place last season after arriving from Hamilton in a £90,000 transfer, and was sent out to Sweden to regain his form towards the end of the campaign. However, a hip injury curtailed that loan and he is now back at Brunton Park and battling to regain full fitness in time for the new season.
He is aware that the patience of Carlisle's management is wearing thin and that he has to regain form quickly.
He commented to Carlisle's "News and Star": “I know I didn’t have a great season but I can’t let that affect me. I have to learn from it and move on. I certainly haven’t lost faith in myself. I know I’m a good football player and, with a bit of luck and a chance to prove what I can do, I can turn things round. I need a change of luck. Once you get into a rhythm and a habit of playing week in, week out you get your confidence. I just want to put next season completely behind me and learn from my mistakes.It’s no good sulking. What happened to me last season happens to players. I want to show Carlisle fans what I am capable of doing.”
Doctors have not completely ruled out the need for an operation to resolve his hip problem, but for the moment, they seem to believe that the problem will heal. Offiong continued: “I want to get fully fit and make sure I’m giving myself the best chance of playing well for the team. I can do some light work in the gym and at home – nothing strenuous but I should be able to step up the cardio-vascular work in the next few weeks. Once I start pre-season I’ll be able to run with the lads but I won’t be able to do the football side of things. I won’t over-exert myself as I need to make sure the injury is right."
“Hopefully I won’t miss the start of the season as I am a quick healer. I’m told it doesn’t need surgery but the doctor will have another look at the start of July. An operation would knock me back further. It’s just needed some rest, although I am able to jog now.”

June 9, 2010

The race for Sharp

According to various news reports, it still appears as though it is a three-club race to sign Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp, with Doncaster Rovers, Burnley and Leeds United mentioned in numerous sources as being after the player. Burnley have the huge advantage of a 'parachute payment' after being relegated from the Premier League this summer, whilst the big crowds at Elland Road give Leeds the opportunity to offer attractive terms as well as the financial muscle to offer a transfer fee acceptable to the Blades.
Sharp had a highly successful loan at Rovers last season and, according to many reports, is keen on making the move permanent. However, Rovers' unspecified bid for Sharp, which is in excess of the £600,000 mentioned in many accounts on the subject, was turned down by Sheffield United. Contrary to suggestions from Burnley and Leeds, no other bids have yet been received by the Bramall Lane club, meaning rumours that Billy has already agreed a move to Leeds for £1 million are well wide of the mark.
Sharp's former manager Brian Laws is now chief at Burnley and clearly already knows of Sharp's talents, whilst Leeds boss Simon Grayson is still keen on strengthening his strike force, despite already having signed Billy Paynter. Grayson commented: "Billy (Paynter) coming here doesn't mean to say that other strikers won't be coming in as well. It's all a matter of what's best for the squad and who is out there. If I see an option that I think will take us forward then we'll look to get it done. I said straight away that Billy wasn't a straight swap for Jermaine and we never saw him like that. He's a different type of player and we were very keen on signing him regardless of what was happening with Jermaine. But it doesn't necessarily mean that we're going to stop there."

June 8, 2010

Blackpool enter Joma Cup

The organisers of the Joma Sport South West Challenge Cup had been wondering whether to make Doncaster Rovers or Kilmarnock the top seeds for the July tournament, but today's news that Blackpool are also entering will presumably make their minds up. Blackpool, of course, dramatically won their play-off final against Cardiff City at the end of last season, which means they will play Premier League football next term. Blackpool contacted the organisers on Friday afternoon to accept the 'wild card' that had been offered to them, subject to travel and accommodation arrangements being satisfactory, along with a suitable tournament timetable.
They confirmed their participation today, meaning the competition was given a huge boost in its profile, thanks to 'Pool's new found top level status.
This means that Blackpool will line up alongside Rovers, Kilmarnock, Shrewsbury Town, Accrington Stanley and Leyton Orient, along with a number of non-league clubs based in the south-west.
The tournament director, Michael Bradshaw said of today's news: "On behalf of the entire Tournament Executive, I want to warmly welcome Ian Holloway and his victorious side back to the West Country for the JOMA 2010 Tournament; we are privileged to host such a gentleman of integrity and principle whose feats this past season have just left people absolutely spellbound .When Ian enters a room, it immediately lights up. And he has just lit-up the entire 2010 South West Challenge Cup. Welcome back Ian."

June 8, 2010

Rigo off to Chester

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Adriano Rigoglioso has signed for the newly formed Chester FC, meaning that new boss Neil Young now has 13 players on the books.
Rigoglioso had been at Colwyn Bay for the latter weeks of the season to boost their UniBond play-off challenge, but he has now decided to add another club to his CV as he follows Young from Colwyn Bay to the Deva Stadium.
Adriano played for Doncaster Rovers between 2003 and 2005, making five started and 15 substitute appearances. An England semi-professional international player, he joined Rovers from Morecambe.

June 8, 2010

Thistle hope to thwart Rovers move

Inverness Caledonian Thistle are hoping to thwart the efforts of Doncaster Rovers in signing their star striker Adam Rooney by extending his contract, which is currently due to expire in twelve months time. Unless he signs a new deal, Inverness fact the prospect that he will be able to sign a pre-contract contract elsewhere in January - although as he is still only 22, a transfer fee would still be payable. Rooney scored 27 goals in 46 appearances last season, but Thistle boss Terry Butcher is insisting that the Irish forward will still be playing for them next season.
Butcher said: "We haven't spoken to Adam Rooney's agent yet. However, we are keen to tie him up for a few years. He scored 27 goals last season, so there's no question that we want to keep him for longer and if we can do that then it would be a huge boost for the club. I know that Adam is happy at the club and the good thing is he is still under contract, so there is no great rush, but extending his contract is definitely something we want to do."
In Scotland, Rovers are reported as heading the queue of clubs chasing after Rooney's signature, although Inverness Caledonian Thistle have repeatedly said that they intend to hold on to their player ahead of next season's SPL campaign.

June 8, 2010

Gareth keeps Reds waiting

Ex-Rovers striker Gareth Taylor is keeping Wrexham boss Dean Saunders waiting over whether he will accept the new 12 month contract offered by the Welsh club at the end of last season. Saunders offered Taylor a new deal, which would involve a coaching element, but the package also was to reflect that Taylor would not be playing every match due to his age.
As Saunders said late last week: "Nothing has happened with Gareth yet."

June 7, 2010

Tournament ticket details

Tickets for the Joma South West Challenge Cup, which takes place between July 19th and 25th, are now on sale from the organisers website.
Tickets are available on a match by match basis, but there is also a flexi ticket which covers all twelve of the group matches, leaving just the two semi-finals and the final to be bought separately.
The flexi-tickets are £15 each, which admits one adult and one child (under 16) to all of the 12 group matches. A flexi-ticket is available for Senior Citizens at a reduced cost of £10.
Tickets for the semi-finals and the final are available in advance, or can admission can be paid for on the day, but the organisers point out that advance purchase will avoid having to queue for tickets.
Tickets for the semi-finals are £6 per adult and £1 for accompanying children. Tickets for the final are £8 per adult and £2 for accompanying children. Tickets for the final includes a free souvenir programme on admission.
The fixtures schedule for the tournament will be announced next Monday, 14th June, with Rovers basing themselves in Barnstaple for the week.
To buy tickets, please click on the logo to the left.

June 7, 2010

Hucknall sign 23!

New Hucknall Town boss Tommy Brookbanks has wasted no time in totally rebuilding the club's squad after arriving from Carlton Town in the summer. Despite the short time at the club, he has signed 23 players, including eight from former club Carlton Town. One of the players to follow Brookbanks to Hucknall is former Rovers striker Tristram Whitman, who ended up as Carlton's top goal scorer last season with 17 goals.
Also joining Hucknall is former Rovers striker Robert Gill, who has signed from Arnold Town. Gill will be known to Hucknall fans, as he was previously with the club after being brought in by ex-Rover Dean Barrick when he was the manager in 2005. Since leaving Rovers, Robert has played for Chester City, Scarborough, Burton Albion, Forest Green Rovers, Dagenham & Redbridge, Hucknall Town, Ilkeston Town, Gedling Town and Arnold Town. He has also played in New Zealand.

June 7, 2010

Competition for Wheater

Former Rovers loanee David Wheater's future looks likely to feature heavily in the news pages over the coming weeks. Wheater is currently the only centre-back still on the books of Middlesbrough - the others have either left or turned down offers of new contracts, whilst the arrival of Stephen McManus from Celtic still has not been finalised.
However, Wheater's future at Boro is far from certain. With twelve months on his contract, boss Gordon Strachan has to decide whether to cash in on one of his most valuable assets before risking the possiblity of him leaving for nothing next summer.
Stoke City are reported to be making a bid of £4 million for Wheater, whilst new West Ham United manager Avram Grant rates him highly and is understood in some circles to be considering a bid.

June 6, 2010

Wilson looks forward to challenge

Rovers midfielder Mark Wilson paid tribute to the Rovers management duo of Sean O'Driscoll and Richard O'Kelly after signing a new two year contract at the club, claiming that they have had even bigger an impact on his career than Sir Alex Ferguson.
He said: "The manager and the coaching staff here have probably been the most influential in my footballing career, which might be hard to believe when you look at the managers I have played for at Manchester United and Middlesbrough. Sean and Richard have adapted my game to make me more influential which I feel made me more of a complete player."
He also revealed that O'Driscoll encouraged him to speak to other clubs after his contract expired to help him make his mind up, whilst making it clear that he was rated as a player at Rovers.
Mark continued: "The only reason I probably would have left would be to be guaranteed regular first-team football, but that wouldn't be as much of a challenge as testing myself against the likes of John Oster, Brian Stock and Martin Woods and it doesn't get much tougher than that at this level and they are the sort of challenges that I need if I'm going to improve as a player, which is what I am looking to do."
"The gaffer encouraged me to speak to a few other clubs because it would help me make up my mind and it certainly did. There were several other clubs who were interested and I spoke to a few, but it just wasn't right. I was linked with Scunthorpe and I had previously spoken to manager Nigel Adkins, but there was nothing concrete. Taking everything into consideration I came to the conclusion for me to continue to improve I am in the right place. Although the gaffer encouraged me to talk to other clubs before signing a new deal, he also made it clear that he wanted me to stay and he said some flattering things about me. It was nice to know that a manager, who I hold in high regard, had spoken well of me; it is great to hear those things. He has been the biggest single influence throughout my career on the way that I think about the game and how I perform. It is the way that he goes about things. He gives a player the tools and almost a thought process to adapt and realise your strengths and become a more consistent player.

June 6, 2010

Rovers outsiders again!

Doncaster Rovers are one of the outsiders for promotion from the Championship next season according to Sky Bet, with only two clubs considered more unlikely to get promoted. Scunthorpe are again rank outsiders for promotion at 33/1, with financially troubled Crystal Palace 20/1. Rovers, Watford and Barnsley are considered 14/1.
Burnley are considered the early favourites for bouncing straight back to the Premier League, and their 'parachute' payment giving them a huge advantage.
Whilst Rovers are considered as outsiders, they have been one of the favourites for relegation since arriving in the Championship two summers ago, so we are sure that Sean O'Driscoll will again confound the so-called experts next season.
The full current odds for promotion are: Burnley 5/2, Q.P.R 7/2, Reading 7/2, Cardiff 4/1, Leeds 4/1, Leicester 4/1, Middlesboro 4/1, Nott'm Forest 4/1, Norwich 9/2, Sheff Utd 9/2, Bristol City 9/2, Ipswich 9/2, Hull 11/2, Portsmouth 11/2, Preston 11/2, Swansea 7/1, Derby 8/1, Millwall 8/1, Coventry 9/1, Barnsley 14/1, Doncaster 14/1, Watford 14/1, Crystal Palace 20/1, Scunthorpe 33/1

June 6, 2010

Adebayo heading to Scotland?

Ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa could be heading to Scotland to play his football next season. He is a free agent after allowing his contract at Northampton to expire, but now he could face the prospect of playing top-flight football north of the border. Although other clubs in England are showing interest, he says that he will consider a move north - although how that fits in with his previously stated aim of being within travelling distance of his south London home, we're not sure!
He told the Northampton Chronicle: "I've had three or four Scottish Premier League clubs contact me about going there and doing something. A couple of those clubs couldn't be further away from London so I'd have to seriously think about it, but it's nice to be sought after and nice to be wanted. Right now, I'm just letting the interest come in and when I come back from my holiday then I'll sort out my future."
"I've got the wife and a little kid here and that was another part of why I left Northampton. I was having to stay away Thursday and Friday night and most nights I was having to stay at my mum's because I live in south London and it's a long drive. I wasn't spending as much time as I would have liked with my family, and my wife is having another baby so I had to bear that in mind. Where I go, the family will have to come with me, so in an ideal world I'd be able to stay here and do a little bit of travelling."

June 6, 2010

Askern tickets update

As we reported earlier in the week, tickets for Rovers' pre-season game at Askern Villa go on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office tomorrow.
Tickets will also be available from Askern Welfare any evening of the week between 7.30pm and 9pm. They will cost £6 for adults and £3 for concessions - the Northern Counties East League side have set a capacity of 1,500 for the match.

June 5, 2010

Sky - Kennedy agrees Donny deal

Sky Sports have reported that they "understand" that Rochdale defender Tom Kennedy has agreed a three year deal with Doncaster Rovers after turning down a new contract on offer at Rochdale, despite 'Dale being promoted to League One this summer.
Rovers are seeking a new left back after last season's first choice in that position, Gareth Roberts, signed for Derby County, with the Rams offering a much higher wage than Rovers were able to pay.
Kennedy has been linked with a move away from Spotland this summer, with a number of clubs, including Leeds United and Scunthorpe United, reported to be in competition for his signature.
Earlier this week, Sean O'Driscoll confirmed that initial discussions had been held with the player, but he stressed that no offer had been made. However, just a few days later, it seems that the situation has progressed quickly, with Rovers apparently in pole position to sign the player.
However, whilst Sky Sports may understand Kennedy is Rovers-bound, it is far from certain that it is a 'done deal'. We will let you know as soon as there is further news on this.

June 5, 2010

Rovers favourites for summer tournament

Doncaster Rovers have been installed as early joint-favourites with Kilmarnock for the South West Challenge Cup which takes place between July 19th and 25th. Twelve clubs are taking part in the competition; the seeded clubs being Kilmarnock, Shrewsbury Town and Leyton Orient.
The other clubs in the competition are Accrington Stanldy, Rushden & Diamonds, Eastleigh, Havant & Waterlooville, Barnstaple Town, Bideford, Ilfracombe Town and Truro City.
The competition will give former Rover Sean Joyce, who has been manager at Bideford for a decade, the first chance to face his former club as a manager.
The competition will be in four groups of three clubs, meaning that Rovers could play two preliminary round matches before a semi-final (Thursday, 23rd July) and the final, which will be played on Sunday, 25th July. The draw for the compeition is due to be made at 2.30pm on 14th July, with matches scheduled to be played at the grounds of Barnstaple Town, Bideford, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe Town and Torrington.
Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has already been down to the area to check on facilities available. He said: "We are looking forward to the competition and naturally we hope to do well. We got an invite and we went down to have a look at the facilities and it is absolutely beautiful part of the world. All the things that you want at a pre-season tournament are there. The idea, as always, during pre-season is to make sure that we hit the ground running on the opening day of the season and we feel being down there will help us achieve that aim."
Rovers will be based in Barnstaple for the tournament.

June 5, 2010

Stone for Barnet

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Michael Stone has left Rushden & Diamonds to take up a coaching role at League Two club Barnet. Stone had been the assistant manager at Rushden & Diamonds prior to the move. He joined Rushden in February 2009, but failed to agree terms with them for a new contract for next season.
Stone previously managed Wingate and Finchley in the Ryman Lague before joining Rushden, having previously worked with the academy set-ups at Nottingham Forest and Spurs.
Stone spent a brief time at Doncaster Rovers, playing two games during the 2000/01 season.
Of his move to Barnet, he said: "I am very excited at joining Barnet at what we all hope will be a fantastic new chapter in the history of the club. The new training ground provides a great environment for the coaching of both young players and the professional footballers. I have known Paul Fairclough for quite a while and am especially delighted to be going to work alongside him and also the incoming manager. I hope we can all take the Bees forward to better things."

June 5, 2010

Lawrence leads Ashford to promotion

Ex-Rovers winger Jamie Lawrence has led Ashford Town to promotion from the Zamaretto Division One Central to the Zamaretto Premier Division - but the club have now turned down the chance to play at the higher level due to the costs involved in some much longer away trips in the Premier Division.
If they had been promoted, the Middlesex club would have faced trips to Truro and Swindon whilst being the fourth-worst supported club in the Premier Division. The cost of these away trips would have used up a huge amount of their small budget, and Ashford successfully argued that they would go out of business were they to play at the higher level. By staying in Division One next term, the longest trip is to Atherstone United in Warwickshire, with only three other trips being over 100 miles.
An unnamed source suggested that the FA were unhappy with the situation, saying: “I think it makes the FA nervous that Ashford, and others it must be said, are able to decide their own destiny. This might well trigger some new legislation that ensures clubs go into a league the game’s highest authority demands of them.”
Lawrence has managed Ashford Town since the start of the 2009/10 season and has set up the Jamie Lawrence Football Academy in London, where he helps kids in deprived neighbourhoods by teaching them football skills.

June 4, 2010

Rovers knock back Saints approach for Stock

The Doncaster Star has reported that Southampton have made an informal enquiry as to how large a transfer fee it would take to prise skipper Brian Stock away from Doncaster Rovers. Stock, who is still under contract at Rovers, has been rumoured to be linked with the south-coast club in recent weeks, presumably because he was born in Winchester, and played much of his career at Bournemouth.
Media reports from the Southampton area say that Saints boss Alan Pardew is showing renewed interest in the 28 year old, although he has not mentioned Stock in any comments of transfer moves.
However, it seems that Rovers value Stock highly, with Southampton reportedly "frightened off" by the figure quoted. A Rovers spokesman said yesterday that there had been no approach from Southampton.
Brian is due back for three days' training next week; all Rovers players are reporting back for a few days at some stage during the close season.

June 4, 2010

Mulligan looks forward to World Cup

Ex-Rovers defender David Mulligan is heading to the World Cup in South Africa as part of the New Zealand squad this summer, despite being released by Wellington Phoenix at the end of the 2009 season, and having not played a first team match for them during the entire season.
Mulligan did not expect to be included in New Zealand's squad, but his inclusion in six of their qualifying games, during which he scored three goals, has done enough to earn him a place in the 23-man squad.
He said to the New Zealand Times: "Words cannot described how I'm feeling. As a kid, you want to go to the World Cup. That's your dream but you never expect to get there. I'm one of those kids and it's awesome. It has been a hard year, but now it has turned into a great year."
With a strong unit of defenders in the New Zealand squad, Mulligan has been included as a midfielder. He impressed sufficiently during a recent training camp playing in midfield to be included in the final squad. Dave said: "I can play at full-back but I have also played defensive midfield for a number of years. I feel that's where my best position is and Ricki gave me the chance to play there."
National coach Ricki Herbert, who was also his manager at Phoenix, spoke very positively of Mulligan's inclusion, despite leaving him out at club level all season. Herbert explained: "He was at a professional football club where the manager, myself in this case, elected not to play him. The club had an extremely good season so selection was always difficult for David, but he was an absolute standout during the training camp and his attitude has been first-class."

June 4, 2010

Burnley and Leeds after Sharp?

A number of different stories surrounding the potential future of striker Billy Sharp have arisen in the last few days. If you believe them, he could be off to Burnley or Leeds - neither are likely to be correct at this stage, as Billy is currently away on holiday.
Leeds have been mentioned as a club interested in signing Sharp after Jermaine Beckford left to join Everton last week. The arrival of Billy Paynter at Elland Road may affect that decision, but after being finally promoted from League One this summer, Leeds have recognised that they need to strengthen their forward line for next season. Other players seen as potential targets for Leeds include Rob Hulse (Derby County) and Scunthorpe's Gary Hooper, who is expected to leave the Iron this summer to help balance the books.
Burnley have also been linked with Sharp - perhaps no surprise, with current Burnley boss Brian Laws being Sharp's manager for two years at Scunthorpe. Burnley have been reported in some quarters to have bid as high as £1 million for the prolific striker. However, Sheffield United are still saying that they have not received a formal offer from Burnley.
Laws has already signed Dean Marney from Hull City and Chris Iwelumo from Wolves since their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

June 4, 2010

Price now free to move

Much later than most clubs, Millwall have now confirmed which players they are to release following the club's promotion to the Championship. Millwall were involved in the League One play-offs until last weekend, and therefore could not confirm which players were to stay until they knew which division they would play in next season.
They have confirmed that Jason Price will not be offered a new contract for next season, which is no surprise to anyone, as he has featured rarely since his arrival last summer, and spent a highly successful loan spell at Carlisle United at the end of the season.

June 3, 2010

O'Driscoll set to play loan game again

After missing out on his first two targets for central defenders this summer, Rovers chief Sean O'Driscoll has hinted that he may well try to sign a central defender on loan instead of going for the full transfer option. Whilst that may seem the least preferable of alternatives, O'Driscoll's record in unearthing good central defenders over the last couple of seasons should give supporters great hope that he could unearth another diamond for next term. Rovers still have adequate cover at centre-back, with Shelton Martis, Adam Lockwood, Sam Hird and Byron Webster already at the club, but he is still wanting to strengthen the position further if possible.
Of the loan option, O'Driscoll told the Doncaster Star this week: "What we are probably looking at is trying to get someone in on a long-term loan. Those sort of things don't happen pre-season."
O'Driscoll is still waiting to hear whether Rochdale's left back Tom Kennedy may be Doncaster bound. The player has been on holiday, but with several other clubs interested, it may be a while before the situation is resolved.

June 3, 2010

Sandwith joins Mansfield

Ex-Rovers defender Kevin Sandwith has joined Blue Square Premier club Mansfield Town following his release from Oxford United last month. He signed a one year contract at Field Mill just an hour after former Rovers skipper Steve Foster joined the club. Born in Workington, Sandwith, now 32, brings much experience to the Stags, having previously played for Carlisle United, Telford United, Doncaster Rovers, Halifax Town, Lincoln City, Macclesfield Town, Chester City, Weymouth and Oxford United - with a total of over 300 appearances since joining Carlisle United as a trainee back in 1995.
Mansfield boss Chris Holdsworth said: "Kevin shows the attributes of reliability and durability. He brings great knowledge to our back four. He is a focused and professional individual."

June 3, 2010

Sharp reflects on great season

In a lengthy interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post, Billy Sharp reflected on a highly successful season at Doncaster Rovers, during which time he clearly enjoyed himself. Whilst he scored more goals at Scunthorpe United, the fact that his 15 goals at Rovers were scored at a higher level added value to his achievement.
He said: "It definitely feels just as good as my achievements at Scunthorpe, although I wanted to just get four more and get 20 as it would have been an even better achievement - but I did get injured towards the end of the season. I think I played 31 or 32 games and got 16 goals (including one for Sheffield United), so I'm happy with that."
His goal-scoring achievements ended a period of drought whilst at Sheffield United, which was recognised in Rovers' end of season awards ceremony, which saw him winning the "Golden Boot" as well as the "Players' Player of the Year" award.
Sharp continued: "The gaffer is very thorough and his training methods are really good. I definitely think I've improved as a player there (at Doncaster). I've got my hunger back and to be fair, he's made me believe in myself and that's helped me massively."
" I actually played up front on my own for a few games where you are not out on the wing a lot and you are playing just down the middle. I just enjoy playing that way and I did get a lot of support as we've got midfielders who all make forward runs. We've got really good players in the midfield who could probably get into any team in the Championship – and it was brilliant playing with them and I really enjoyed it and it helped me. Players like Jonny Oster and Coppinger have been absolutely brilliant – and they are two of the best players on the ball who I have played with."

June 3, 2010

Derby - hands off Green

Derby County issued a "hands off" warining yesterday after it was reported that Celtic were set to make a bid for the former Rovers midfielder Paul Green. Green has been grabbing the headlines since being selected for the Republic of Ireland this summer.
A Derby spokesman said: "We are not surprised that Paul is the subject of media speculation, given his recent profile on the international stage with the Republic of Ireland. However, Paul is an integral member of the manager's team for next season and beyond. The manager regards him as one of his 'untouchables' and, of course, we support that stance wholeheartedly."
A transfer fee of of £1.5 million has been mentioned in the press - if the move did go through, it would mark a healthy profit for Derby, who signed Green for nothing after his contract at Doncaster Rovers expired.
However, Derby yesterday stressed that they have received no enquiries, formal or informal, for Green and would not welcome any.

June 2, 2010

Wilson signs on for two years

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has confirmed that Doncaster Rovers midfielder Mark Wilson has signed a new contract with the club. He was one of a number of players to be out of contract this summer, but becomes the fourth player to sign on again, with Neil Sullivan, Gary Woods and Adam Lockwood already agreeing new deals. That means that Mustapha Dumbuya, James Hayter, John Oster, Robbie Clark and Waide Fairhurst are those left considering new contract offers made by the club, with Hayter and Oster understood to be close to signing for next season.
O'Driscoll told the Doncaster Star yesterday: "He is one of those players who has done ever so well for us and who you respect as a person as well as a player. We told him that we couldn't guarantee him anything in terms of starting games, but he played a lot of games last season and never let anybody down; he's someone who you can put your hat on. He's the sort of player who, whether he's playing or not playing, does his work and he's probably somebody who has got a future in the game past his playing days."
"He's done his coaching badges during the summer and he's been at big clubs and worked under experienced managers and played abroad, so he's got a wealth of experience."
Wilson joined Rovers in November 2006 and has gone on to play more than 100 games for the club

June 2, 2010

Players in for training

This week marks the second of three dedicated weeks that the Rovers players are reporting back for some training and to be tested during their summer break. The players have a choice of three different weeks during the summer to report back - which week they elect depends on holiday commitments. During the week, the players will do some fitness and ball work to ensure that they are on schedule with their individually prepared summer schedules.

June 2, 2010

Askern Villa ticket go on sale next week

Tickets for the away pre-season match against Askern Villa on 7th July will go on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium from Monday, 7th June. Tickets will cost £6 for adults, and £3 for concessions (U16 and OAPs).
The match is the first in Rovers' pre-season schedule which also sees them playing Notts County and Quorn, as well as the week-long competition in Devon, whilst the visit of West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, 27th July is the only home match so far confirmed for the pre-season period.
They play Quorn at Warwick University on July 14th, Notts County at Meadow Lane on July 17th, with the South West Challenge Cup taking place between 19th and 25th July.

June 2, 2010

Akinfenwa plots next move

Former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has spoken of why he did not sign a new contract with Northampton Town afer a stay of over two years, during which time he scored 39 goals in 82 starts. Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle ahead of flying out to the Caribbean for a holiday late last week, Akinfenwa revealed that he has been approached by 'six or seven' clubs to play for them next season, including some Scottish clubs.
However, he clearly enjoyed his time at Sixfields. He said: "They're my team now. Whoever they are playing I will want them to do well, unless it's against whichever team I end up at. I want Swansea to do well, but Northampton are my team and I think they will always be my team because I've got them in my heart. Every time I got on the pitch for them I wanted to give it everything and I still want them to do well and be successful even though I've left."
"I wasn't rushing to leave Northampton, I just couldn't sign within the deadline that the gaffer had. Although the contract was on the table for about a month I didn't start thinking about it until the season was done. I didn't know where I would end up and the amount of time was just too short for me to make a decision. After I finish my contract at wherever I land, though, who knows? Maybe one day I will come back."
Even though he is still only 28 years old, Akinfenwa is still planning ahead, as he added: "I'm taking a couple of courses and badges and we'll see what happens."

June 1, 2010

Fozzie signs for the Stags

Former Rovers skipper Steve Foster has signed for Blue Squre Premier club Mansfield Town after a short time at Blyth Spartans. Foster joins Mansfield for a second time - he began his career with the club before leaving 17 years ago, and has since played for Bristol Rovers, Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe United, Darlington and Blyth Spartans.
On signing for Mansfield, Foster said: "I am delighted to be here. As a Mansfield supporter, I know how much this club means to the fans and the community. I managed to see the Stags away at Gateshead last season and sat with them in the pouring rain on a wet and windy Tuesday December night. They are desperate for this club to be back in the Football League and so am I."
Manager David Holdsworth told mansfieldtown.net: "Steve has a wealth of experience and will bring a great determination and knowledge to our defence. His leadership qualities will shine through."

June 1, 2010

Woods to be Rovers' number 2 keeper

Young Rovers goalkeeper Gary Woods will be understudy to Neil Sullivan following Sean O'Driscoll's decision not to bring in another keeper after Ben Smith left the club at the end of his contract.
O'Driscoll sees Woods as challenging Sullivan for a first team place, although with the form of Sullivan last term, Woods may well have to wait a little longer.
O'Driscoll explained to the Doncaster Star: "Gary is probably at the same stage as Ben was two or three years ago. We thought that when we brought Gary in that it would be a case of Ben progressing to be the first team keeper and that Neil (Sullivan) would either move on elsewhere or retire before now. Ben was different class and he was just unfortunate that Neil continued to play well and never got injured."
Sullivan has been handed a new one year contract, but sees a big future ahead of Woods, who is still only 19.
O'Driscoll continued: "Gary has got a good presence and he's been at a big club (Manchester United) as well, which is always handy. He has seen how top class players train and behave so that's good and he is still growing. "He was one of the players who came back in for a few days last week and he looks bigger and stronger than he did when he first came in. He has impressed when he's played (in practice games) and now he'll play more in the games we play when Neil isn't involved. He's there to put pressure on Neil and if we feel that he is ready, and Neil gets injured, or we feel that he needs a rest, then we wouldn't be shy about putting him in. Financially it made more sense to bring in a younger one in because you can save a bit of money and use that somewhere else."

June 1, 2010

Guy impressed with Dons

After signing for MK Dons ten days ago, striker Lewis Guy is confident that he has made the right move following his release by Doncaster Rovers. He played against MK Dons whilst on loan at Oldham Athletic towards the end of last season - and the opinion of Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll of the Dons helped him to decide to make the move.
Lewis said: "I played here not so long ago on loan with Oldham towards the end of last season and straight away I thought what a great place it would be to play your football. Funnily enough, a few weeks later I'm here and I'm pleased to be here. The manager at Doncaster had said to me that if I can find a better club at this level he'd be surprised and I don't think I can so that's why I'm here now. The whole point in me going out on loan towards the end of last season was to get some games and try to impress some potential new clubs and that's the way it's worked out."

June 1, 2010

Blayney earns third cap

Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney earned his third international cap for Northern Ireland yesterday in the second match of their summer tour of the Americas. The match against Chile ended in a 1-0 win for the home side, with Chile using the game as preparation for this summer's World Cup in South Africa.
Blayney started the match and played the full 90 minutes for Nigel Worthington's side, with the only goal of the game coming after 30 minutes when the ball was headed in from a corner.