March 15, 2010

Barnsley ticket information

The forthcoming away fixture against Barnsley on Saturday, 27th March will be an all-ticket match for both sets of supporters. Rovers have received an initial allocation of 2,460 tickets, which are on sale now to season ticket holders, members and Rovers Alliance members. Remaining tickets will go on general sale from Monday, 22nd March and remain on sale until 4.30pm on Friday, 26th March, after which unsold tickets will be returned to Oakwell.
Ticket prices for the fixture are as follows:
Adults £20
Senior Citizens £12
Under 18s £12
Under 12s £6 (must be bought with an adult/senior ticket)
Disabled supporters pay the respective price above, but their carer is admitted free of charge. There is only limited availability in the wheelchair area.

March 15, 2010

Nelson vows to battle for new deal

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Stuart Nelson has not given up hope of gettign a new contract with current club Aberdeen, despite a lack of competitive action threatening his prospects. On the eve of last season, the SPL decided to scrap the leagues for reserve team football, but that limits the opportunities that players outside the first team have to play competitive football.
Nelson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has played just one first team match this season, which was against Falkirk earlier this season.
As Stuart explained to the Aberdeen Evening Express: “The scrapping of the Reserve League in Scotland has killed a lot of players’ careers. Some players have had to leave their teams, because with no reserve league, there is little chance to show what they can do. I have had just one start against Falkirk, so I have not really had the chance either. The Reserve League was scrapped in the week I signed at Pittodrie last summer. The SPL have to look at the situation. If players are not getting regular games, some of them will not be up to the standard needed when they are moved into the first team. If it is not changed, the SPL will suffer and it will become a poorer league.”

March 15, 2010

Fans vent anger at Penney

It's not all going well for former Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney at current club Oldham Athletic. The Latics are currently just two places above the relegation spots in League One, and it took a last minute penalty by Pawel Abbott on Saturday to rescue a point in their game against Wycombe. Even so, it was not enough to calm the supporters, who fear relegation on current form. Match reports from Saturday's game suggest that they greeted the final whistle with a chorus of boos, leaving Penney in no doubt that they are disatisfied with the way things are progressing this season.

March 15, 2010

Jan leaves Eastwood

Ex-Rovers keeper Jan Budtz has left Blue Square North club Eastwood Town "by mutual consent" after what is described asa "financial disagreement". The move means that Eastwood boss Paul Cox has to look for a replacement keeper with urgency, as stand-in keeper Ian Deakin, who played last weekend, requires surgery on an ankle injury.
The statement from Eastwood said: "We have parted company with Jan because there was no way we could carry on. We have other keepers in mind and we hope to have one in place for the weekend with a bit of luck. If not then we will bring someone in for Tuesday."

March 15, 2010

Ward goes back - for the moment

Defender Elliott Ward has returned to Coventry City after playing the last match of his month on loan at Doncaster Rovers. Sean O'Driscoll has stated that Rovers cannot afford to keep him under their squad budget, and with the return to fitness of Adam Lockwood and Shelton Martis, the injury crisis amongst the club's central defenders is easing, with only Byron Webster likely to be out for a lengthy period as he recovers from a broken metatarsal.
Whilst Ward is heading back to Coventry for the moment, there is a chance that he will return in the summer. As O'Driscoll explained: "He's done really well for us. He's out of contract at the end of the season and he's somebody we'd like to keep tabs on for maybe next season."

March 13, 2010

Rovers 2 Derby County 1

Doncaster Rovers registered a significant league 'double' over Derby County this afternoon, with the result meaning that Rovers are now just four points adrift of the play-off positions - and just four or five points adrift of Sean O'Driscoll's safety target of 52/53 points. If Rovers can keep their current form going, with the inconsistency of many teams around them proving a great leveller, who knows where the season may end?
Whilst the Rovers performance was not the best, their determination to do well was evident - it was one of those matches where it is more important to win whilst not playing well than to put on an impressive performance for the crowd. Rovers took the lead from the penalty spot after Billy Sharp had been brought down by Derby defender Jake Buxton - Sharp put the memories of Tuesday's spot kick miss behind him to fire home. Rovers' second came in superb style with a potential goal of the season from Jay Emmanuel Thomas, who has impressed in his games since joining on loan from Arsenal a fortnight ago. His shot from 25 yards simply flew into the net past a helpless Derby keeper - surely Rovers need to keep the Arsenal youngster if they are to continue to progress up the table.

March 14, 2010

What the managers said

Despite sitting in eleventh place, Sean O'Driscoll's mantra continues to be of striving for survival, rather than looking forward. Whilst a commendable attitude, as it stems the flow of expectation that could easily get out of hand, he will soon have to change his approach, as the statistical point of safety is not too far away. Three points at relegation favourites Peterborough on Tuesday will almost achieve the safety target of 52 points - and the Rovers boss can then look to more ambitious targets. The first of those is likely to be to beat last season's 14th place, which was achieved with 58 points. Rovers are currently on 48 points from 36 games, with ten more league matches to be played.
Still preaching the survival theory, O'Driscoll said after yesterday's game: "I don't really care where we are as long as we get enough points and we are in this division next season. I don't look at the table so I am not concerned. I keep saying to the players, 'if you want to win this division would you do anything differently? If there is why aren't you doing already?' My motivation is to stay in this division."
Of the game, O'Driscoll was again singing the praises of on-loan Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who scored his third goal in four games since joining the club. O'Driscoll said: "I am very pleased with him. He had an opportunity in the first half and he tried to chip it to Billy. We said at half-time if you get half a chance, pull the trigger. He has got a hammer of a left foot so we have been saying to him to have a shot when he gets half a chance.
Taking a leaf out of O'Driscoll's vocabulary, Derby boss Nigel Clough has appealed for his players to "take more responsibility" after their defeat yesterday, which was their 11th away defeat out of 18 games so far this season, during which time they have scored just ten goals. He said: "We have looked nervous away from home, with not enough people grasping the nettle. They are always looking to someone else to do something. I want them to take responsibility for themselves and then to help their mates on the pitch. When it is not going well everyone retreats into themselves a little."
Clough continued: "We didn't play particularly well. We have been beaten by a dubious penalty and a wonder goal so we could have got something out of the game. The referee said Buxton had a hand full of shirt. I would like to look back over his games this season to see if he has given a free-kick or penalty every time."
He continued: "We were much better in the second half once we changed a few things around, controlling the game for long periods. We're not playing as well as we have been away from home of late, but today we were beaten by a dubious penalty and what you can only describe as a wonder goal. For all the good football Doncaster played they cut us open very rarely today and David Martin had very little to do. We are obviously concerned we are 4 points off the relegation zone right now, but all we can do now is go out there against Middlesbrough on Tuesday and try to widen the gap again."

March 14, 2010

Will the pitch play its part?

Despite keeping the unbeaten sequence of results going yesterday, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll fears that the state of the pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium could play a decisive part during the run into the end of the season. The pitch has suffered since the freezing conditions of this winter, with the efforts to clear the pitch of snow during sub-zero temperatures playing its part. O'Driscoll commented: "I think we did really well to cope with the pitch because at this minute in time it's not doing us any favours. I watched the England under-21s play here and they couldn't handle it so our lot did pretty well. We made hard work of it, but a lot of that is down to the surface. It will not help us play the way we want to play."

March 14, 2010

Around the goals

For a change, there are a few more former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend, so we begin our review in the Championship, where Michael McIndoe scored Coventry City's equaliser in their 1-1 home draw against Plymouth Argyle.
In League Two, Jason Price scored on his Carlisle United debut to given them a 2-1 victory over Colchester United, which pulls the Cumbrians into the top half of the table.
Sean Thornton scored both of Leyton Orient's goals in their 2-0 home win over Walsall, with Walsall introducing ex-Rover Darren Byfield as a second half substitute.
Dropping down into non-league football, Rob O'Brien scored for Bradford Park Avenue in their 1-0 home win over Worksop Town - Avenue's sixth win in a row, and is the latest of a stunning set of results that has seen them take 37 points out of the last 42. Not surprisingly, Bradford are top of the UniBond Premier Division.
In the UniBond Division One (South), we begin with the on-loan Robbie Clarke, who scored both of Brigg Town's goals as they won 2-1 at Quorn. In the same division, Neil Grayson scored Glapwell's second goal in their 2-0 home win over Rushall Olympic, and Tristram Whitman scored Carlton Town's first goal in their 2-0 home win over Goole AFC.
Finally, in the Northern Counties East Premier Division, Liam Slack scored just a minute from time for Winterton Rangers in their 2-1 home win over Thackley.

March 14, 2010

Coaches to Peterborough

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Tuesday's away game at Peterborough United. They will leave Retford at 3.45pm, Bawtry 4.00pm, Harworth Pit Gates 3.50pm, Rossington Styrrup 4.00pm, Hare & Tortoise 4.05pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 4.15pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 4.30pm.
The fares are:
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, please contact Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154).

March 13, 2010

Rovers v Derby County

Elliott Ward looks set to play the last match of his spell on loan at Doncaster Rovers when Derby County visit the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon. Ward's loan finishes after today's game, with Sean O'Driscoll claiming that Rovers cannot afford to keep him any longer. With Shelton Martis understood to have returned to fitness, as is Adam Lockwood, the problem area of centre-back looks to be resolving itself.
Midfielder Martin Woods returned to the side for a brief substitute appearance on Tuesday evening at Preston, and is likely to be included again today - whether he starts or not may well depend on how fit he is after his time out due to a groin problem.
There are no reported additions to the injury list following Tuesday's game at Preston, so the only definite absentees will be Steve Brooker (ankle), Byron Webster (foot), Brian Stock (back), Jason Shackell (groin) and Waide Fairhurst (foot).
Derby County boss Nigel Clough has had an interesting problem to overcome this week - the task of finding a goalkeeper. Stephen Bywater was substituted in their midweek game at Reading on Tuesday evening with a back injury, with Saul Deeney replacing him between the sticks. However Deeney was sent off whilst conceding a penalty, meaning that Robbie Savage had to finish the game in goal. The situation improved yesterday when Clough signed Liverpool reserve goalkeeper David Martin on loan, who will make his debut this afternoon. Youth team keeper James Severn is likely to be named as goalkeeping cover on the bench.
County's squad has been hit by a virus which means that a number of players have missed training this week. Chris Porter is likely to miss the game after being affected just before their game at Reading, but Steve Davies will be included aftger an injury absence - but with a doubt over whether he will last ninety minutes, Clough may well elect to keep him on the bench.
Jay McEveley has also been affected by the vomiting bug, but is expected to be fit for the game today.

March 13, 2010

Match officials v Derby County

The match officials for the home game against Derby County have been confirmed as:
Referee: SA Hooper
Assistant referees: G Hart & C Kavanagh
Fourth official: P Bramley

March 13, 2010

O'Driscoll's target

Sean O'Driscoll has insisted that, despite Rovers' promising current league position, Championship survival is still the main priority this season.
After Tuesday's game, which saw Rovers climb to a season-best eleventh place, O'Driscoll distanced himself from a late charge for a play-off place.
He said: "We're more concerned about staying in this division. We're just trying to avoid relegation more than anything else. That's been the focus and the motivation for everything. Once that's been achieved we'll see where we are, but you can't take anything for granted in this division."
O'Driscoll added: "We don't set targets, we just want to perform well each week and we feel if we do that we will get enough points. We played really well on Saturday, we played well at Preston, so the objective is to play well again against Derby on Saturday and if we keep doing that we'll get to where we want to be."
"If we can get to 52 points that would be great. People might say that's a bit negative but my motivation is to stay in the division. Once we achieve that, our motivation will be different. I don't like to set goals though, it doesn't help."
Roveras are currently on 45 points, just seven away from that initial target that most people consider as enough to ensure survival.

March 13, 2010

McGuire signs on

Ex-Rovers defender Phil McGuire has signed for Arbroath as they battle to avoid relegation from the Scottish Second Division and he could make his debut at Brechin City this afternoon.
McGuire is currently a free agent after leaving Formartine United, who play in the Scottish Highland League, where he played after being released by Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the end of last season.
McGuire can play in either defence or midfield and made his mark with over 200 appearances for Aberdeen before making his switch to England to play for Doncaster Rovers.

March 13, 2010

Run for Sport Relief at the Keepmoat

The Keepmoat Stadium is the venue for a number of events to raise money for Sport Relief on Sunday, 21st March, with the Sport Relief Mile being run around the stadium. People of all ages are invited to join in and raise money for a very good cuase, with three distances to choose from. A number of other attractions are being planned, so even if you aren't brave enough to take part in the run, there will be attractions such as a bungee fun run to enjoy. In 2009, 524 people took part - hopefully this year, with your help, it will be even more!

March 12, 2010

Coaches to Peterborough

The Supporters Club will be running coaches to the away game at Peterborough on Tuesday, 16th March. They will leave Retford at 3.45pm, Bawtry 4pm, Harworth Pit Gates 3.50pm, Rossington 4pm, Hare & Tortoise 4.05pm,Doncaster Royal Infirmary 4.15pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 4.30pm.
The fares are:
Members £12, OAPs £11, U16s £8
Non-members £14, OAPs £13, U`16s £10
Please note that all under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
To book a place on the coach, please telephone Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 8174347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154),

March 12, 2010

Ticket information v Derby County

Tickets are still on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office for Saturday's home game against Derby County. With Derby having sold over 1,100 tickets for the game, a crowd of 10,000 ought to be in prospect for this important game, as Rovers strive to climb further up the Championship table.
Ticket prices for the game are as follows:
Category A: Adults £23, Concessions £17, 12-16s £17, 11 & under £10
Category B: Adults £20, Concessions £14, 12-16s £13, 11 & under £5

March 12, 2010

Offiong staying at Carlisle

Former Rovers striker Richard Offiong is staying at Carlisle United after a loan move to Rotherham United failed to go through a week ago. Whilst Millers boss Ronnie Moore has been looking for a striker to help out top scorer Adam Le Fondre, it now seems that he has got his man by signing Exeter striker Craig McAllister on loan.
Carlisle boss Greg Abbott explained why Offiong's move failed to materialise:"There was a complication so the loan didn't go through. Maybe it's a bit of a good thing."
As it turns out, an injury to Carlisle striker Darryl Duffy meant that Abbott ended up short of strikers, so maybe Offiong's move was fortuitous - and also led to them signing another former Rover in the shape of Jason Price, who joined for the rest of the season earlier this week.
Abbott continued "The move has fallen through now and Richard will be staying here to fight for a place in the side. It didn't work out for whatever reason, but Darryl's injury has given Offiong a chance to impress if called upon."

March 12, 2010

Brighton sign LuaLua for rest of season

Brighton & Hove Albion have extended the loan of Newcastle United striker Kazenga LuaLua until the end of the season after the youngster enjoyed a successful first month at the club. LuaLua, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Doncaster, told BBC Sussex: "It's a tough league to play in but I'm really enjoying my time here. The team is winning games so that helps."
Brighton boss Gus Poyet added: "He's something different. We're working with him to try and help him keep improving. He's got plenty of things to get better, he knows that. We're looking after him and I think that's important as well for Newcastle."

March 12, 2010

Coppinger wins the vote

James Coppinger was named as your "Man of the Match" for his performance in Tuesday evening's draw at Preston North End, coming ahead of six other nominated players. He gained over a quarter of the votes cast, with the players receiving most votes being:
1 James Coppinger (26.32%))
2 Billy Sharp (21.05%)
3 James Hayter (15.79%)
May we again thank everyone who took the time to place their vote. The next vote will open following Saturday afternoon's home game against Derby County.

March 11, 2010

Ward to return to Coventry

On-loan defender Elliott Ward is set to return to parent club after his loan period expires - because Rovers cannot afford to keep him any longer. Ward was signed when all central defenders at the club, apart from Sam Hird, were on the injured list. The situation has now improved, with Adam Lockwood back in training, and new signing Shelton Martis also expected to return shortlyy.
But it was the financial reason that Sean O'Driscoll put forward as why Ward was set to return to Coventry, despite making a good impression during his time at the club. O'Driscoll said: "It's a difficult one because financially, no, we can't afford it. Shelton Martis will hopefully be fit and if he is then maybe we have plugged that gap short-term. Adam Lockwood is obviously back in contention as well, although he hasn't played any games. He looks ok at the moment so, touch wood, that mini-crisis seems to have eased somewhat. Elliott has done well for us and is someone we might be interested in the summer, although I don't know financially what we can or can't do."

March 11, 2010

Price moves to Carlisle

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Jason Price has completed a loan move to Carlisle United after the completion of a loan spell at Dave Penney's Oldham Athletic. It had been expected that Price would remain at Oldham for the rest of the season, with both clubs expectant of this outcome, so yesterday's news comes as somewhat of a surprise.
However, the move is just what Carlisle boss Gregg Abbott needs to boost the Cumbrian's season. Abbott said: "We need someone who is proven at this level and Jason fits the bill. This is a good chance for him to come here and prove himself."
Price had struggled to maintain a first team place at Millwall, and has been seeking regular first team football by moving out on loan. He will be able to play in the rest of the season's games for the Cumbrians, but will not be able to play in their Johstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley on 28th March, as he has already played in the competition and is cup-tied.

March 11, 2010

Ticket information v Peterborough

Tickets for the away game at Peterborough United on Tuesday, 16th March are now on general sale from the ticket office at the Keepmoat Stadium. Rovers have received an allocation of 520 terrace tickets and 726 seating tickets for the match. Tickets will remain on sale until 4.30pm on Monday, 15th March at the following prices:
Adults: £22 (seating), £17 (terracing)
Senior Citizens (60+) & Students (NUS card required): £14 (terracing or seating)
Juniors (15 & under): £10 (terracing or seating)
Ambulant & disabled: £14 (carer free of charge)

March 11, 2010

O'Driscoll after consistency

Ahead of Tuesday's trip to Preston, Sean O'Driscoll spoke of his desire for Rovers to perform consistently - and that if that was achieved, promotion to the Premier League is not an impossible dream. As it is, the majority of teams are tightly bunched together in the league table, as that level of consistency has not been achieved, perhaps apart from the league leaders.
O'Driscoll reflected on Saturday's win by saying: "If we maintain that level of the performance, we will be in the Premier League. It showed what we are capable of. Consistency is the thing everyone is striving for. There is not much between all the teams in this division. Only Newcastle have found consistency on a regular basis. We always have to play with a bit of guile and intelligence as we are not the biggest and most powerful team in the league."

March 11, 2010

What the managers said

Speaking in his post-match press conference on Tuesday, Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll spoke of his disappointment of failing to come away from Deepdale with three points, but backed Billy Sharp to put the disappointment of his penalty miss behind him.
O'Driscoll said: "I'm disappointed because we had the chance with the penalty to get our noses in front again but this is a difficult division and if everything happened as you would want it to it wouldn't be so tight."
"Billy will be disappointed with missing the penalty. Goalscorers want to score goals so he'll be a sulky boy on the way home. But he's been terrific for us. He's our top goalscorer, a bubbly character and he'll bounce back on Saturday I'm sure."
However, Preston boss Darren Ferguson was fuming that the penalty had been awarded in the first place. He commented: "I was a long way away from it (the penalty decision), but I was amazed. I'd have to see it again but I think Sean was gobsmacked as well. I think the referee got put under a bit of pressure at half-time. They (Doncaster) felt they should have had a penalty and he's given one, but two wrongs don't make a right. The referees have got to stay strong."
Ferguson was also incensed that the referee did not send James Chambers off for a second bookable offence in the second half. He added: "How the lad's not been sent off is an absolute disgrace, a complete disgrace. It drives you mental. You don't want to come out after games and keep talking about referees but it was a disgraceful decision. If he hadn't have been booked already, the referee would have booked him and that would have changed the game."
For all that, of the game as a whole, Ferguson said: "It was a really good game; I think it was an exciting game, with end to end stuff and in the end we should of won it with the three really good chances, so I am disappointed we didn't get the three points. I thought we started the game okay, but then they came back into it. We knew how Doncaster would play and we didn't play as a unit and they ran in between us at times, which caused us problems and for 20 minutes there was no doubt that they were the better team. We were going in ones and twos rather than as a team and we spoke about that at the break and we made ourselves a more compact unit and the second half was a much better performance."

March 10, 2010

Preston North End 1 Rovers 1

Doncaster Rovers earned another valuable point at Deepdale last night - but it could have been so much better, with Preston Keepmer Andrew Longergan saving Billy Sharp's second half penalty to earn his side a point. The spot kick had been awarded for a push on James Chambers in the 56th minute, but the keeper went the right way and managed to get a hand to Sharp's strike.
After Saturday's performance, maybe it wasn't a surprise that Rovers' first chance involved both Billy Sharp and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, with Sharp playing in the on-loan Arsenal player in the 16th minute, but the shot curled wide of the far post.
Rovers went in front in the 29th minute after two good opportunities were foiled by the Preston keeper - firstly, a low shot from Emmanuel Thomas was blocked, then a deflected strike from Gareth Roberts was pushed around the post. But Rovers went in front when a James Coppinger corner was headed out as far as Roberts on the edge of the penalty area, with Roberts putting the ball back into the centre for Hayter to neatly finish with a first-time shot from 12 yards flying into the bottom corner.
Preston's equaliser came three minutes before the break, with a free kick being played beyond the far post, then knocked back by Mawene for Mellor to stab the ball over th line from close range.
Preston fans were in vociferous mood in the second half when Chambers fouled Coutts in the 63rd minute - but the referee chose to give the defender a stern lecture rather than what would have been his second yellow card of the game.
Sharp again went close in the 71st minute, but after collecting the ball with his back to goal and under pressure from a defender, his shot on the turn went narrowly wide.

March 10, 2010

Preston North End 1 Youth Team 0

Doncaster Rovers bowed out of their Youth Alliance Cup game at the third round stage yesterday lunchtime when they were defeated by Preston North End, with a second half goal by Preston skipper Bailey Wright proving to be the only score of the game.
Judging from the match report on Preston's website, the only report available at the time of writing, Rovers were under pressure in the first half, with keeper Jordan Bradshaw doing well to prevent Preston striker Michael McLennan before the half time break - Preston were then guilty of missing three reasonable chances, but failed to land a shot on target.
Preston hit the Rovers bar after the break after they had swiftly broken upfield to outpace the Rovers defence, but the only goal of the game finally came in the 51st minute was scrambled home with Proctor managed to strike the ball, which had been bobbling around in the goal mouth.
The match probably should have gone to extra time when Aaron Moxam hit the post after a good build up, and Preston's defence held firm to keep Rovers out in the dying minutes of the game.
Preston: Comrie, Clarke, James (Hart 57) Clucas, Wright (c), Holton, Bent (Proctor 45), Davidson, McLellan (McGreevy 45) El-Harrati, Dougan
Subs: Leather
Doncaster: Bradshaw, Towler, Oldham (Husband 83), Betts, Nodder, Jones, Blake, Thompson, Moxam, Adkin (Hoyle), Grayson (McMahon 83)
Subs: Biggs, Lucas.

March 10, 2010

Sullivan plans to play on

Although he passed his 40th birthday recently, Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan has said that he has no plans to retire from the game and plans to keep his playing career, that began with Wimbledon back in 1992, going into next season.
Sullivan revealed: "I still feel fit, I still feel fine, I'm injury free, so I'm not really thinking about it. It comes from everyone else really. It's just one of those things when you reach a certain age. Every mistake you make is because you're too old. Every save you make is because you're using the wealth of your experience. You can't win."
"It's the same as when you're starting out. When you're young and you make mistakes it's because you're inexperienced, and when you make saves it's because your young and you've got no pressure on you. So it makes no odds really."

March 10, 2010

Heffernan extends loan

Bristol Rovers have confirmed that they have extended the loan of Doncaster Rovers striker Paul Heffernan until the end of the season. However, the Dubliner will not be able to play in the end of season play-offs, should the Pirates qualify, under a condition of the loan agreement.
Heffernan said of the news: "I'm enjoying myself down here and it was an easy decision to make. We're still eight or nine points off sixth place. If we start picking up a few wins, you never know."
Heffernan's contract at Doncaster Rovers is due to expire at the end of the season, with a permanent move to the Memorial Ground a possibility.
Bristol boss Paul Trollope said: "It's great that we are able to keep Paul until the end of the season. He has fitted in well with how we do things, both on the pitch and in the dressing room, and there's no doubt he has helped to improve us in the time he has been with us so far."

March 9, 2010

Preston North End v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have no new injury concerns ahead of this evening's trip to Deepdale, when they try to build on their superb victory at the weekend over Bristol City. It will be hard for Sean O'Driscoll to make any changes to the side, but on-loan defender Elliott Ward will probably be added to the squad after missing Saturday's game due to a twisted testicle.
Martin Woods and Shelton Martis are both making good progress, but are again not likely to be risked at this stage, with the weekend's game against Derby County the more likely date pencilled in for their return.
The 'regular' absentees continue to be Adam Lockwood (foot), Jason Shackell (groin), Brian Stock (back), Steve Brooker (ankle) and Waide Fairhurst (foot).
Preston North End will see Paul Coutts return to their squad after missing Saturday's draw at Plymouth owing to suspension.
They have doubts over Ross Wallace, who limped off the pitch on Saturday with a hamstring injury; he will have a late fitness test. Callum Davidson wil return after proving his fitness in training yesterday and "will be involved", but on loan striker Danny Welbeck is remain absent as he continues to recover from injury.
Preston's former Rovers striker Chris Brown will, if selected, make the 200th League appearance of his career tonight - and if Rovers emerge victorious this evening, it will be the 200th win of his managerial career - and Rovers will score their 100th away league goal during O'Driscoll's time as boss.

March 9, 2010

Tonight's match officials

The match officials for this evening's game at Preston North End have been confirmed by the Football League as being:
Referee: PT Crossley
Assistant referees: AJ Scregg & J Whiteley
Fourth official: P Graham

March 9, 2010

Rovers duo in Team of the Week

Doncaster Rovers have two players included in the Championship Team of the Week, thanks to their two goal hauls against Bristol City on Saturday. Billy Sharp and Jay Emmanuel Thomas are both named in the side, which is chosen by the Press Association, who name the eleven top performing players in each position from the weekend's matches.
Congratulations go to Billy and Jay - may we see them, or some of their Rovers colleagues, in the Team of the Week next Monday!
The full team named for thsi weekend was: Matthew Gilks (Blackpool), Matthew Connolly (QPR), Shaun Barker (Derby), Sean St. Ledger (Preston), Chris Cohen (Nottm Forest), Darren Ambrose (Crystal Palace), Danny Guthrie (Newcastle), Alejandro Faurlin (QPR), Jonathan Stead (Coventry), Billy Sharp (Doncaster )

March 9, 2010

Stock's fitness boost

Although it is likely to be another three weeks before Rovers fans see skipper Brian Stock back in action, it looks as though the injection he opted for last week is working.
Sean O'Driscoll commented: "The injection has resolved his pain issue and he's feeling really good. He was bright as a button and he wanted to train because he felt that his back felt about as good as it has ever done. It was tempting but John the physio warned us that if we went down that route that we'd be back in the same cycle. The underlying problem is still there and we are not going to sort it out in the short term."
"He needs to be put on a programme which will mobilise his spine because it is a nerve problem so there are certain things that he needs to do before we throw him back in. If we threw him back in as he is, I think he'd just end up with the same problem and we don't really want to do that, If he gets the problem again then the closer he becomes to having surgery - and if we can avoid that we will. We are going to try to see if we can maintain a level of fitness without having to resort to surgery to resolve the problem. When we feel he's ready we'll put him in and see how he goes."

March 9, 2010

Man of the Match results

For the first time we can recall, the entire votes we received for this week's Man of the Match were restricted to just three players - Billy Sharp, James Coppinger and Jay Emmanuel Thomas. Not surprisingly, Emmanuel-Thomas was the clear winner, impressing boss Sean O'Driscoll with his contribution, which led to him being given a standing ovation by the Rovers fans when he was substituted late in the game.
The final result of the voting was:
1 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (73.53%)
2 Billy Sharp (17.65%)
3 James Coppinger (8.24%)
May we thank the very pleasing number of people who cast their vote. The next poll will open following this evening's away game at Preston North End.

March 8, 2010

New dates for youth team games

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed revised dates for a number of youth team games which were postponed due to the severe wintry weather of the last couple of months.
As we advised last week, the Youth Alliance Cup game against Preston North End will now take place on the same day as the first team are at Preston - so the match is tomorrow morning, with an 11:00am start.
The winners of that tie have been drawn against Stockport County, with that match due to be played on Monday, 15th March.
The youth team's away game at Hartlepool, postponed from 13th February due to a waterlogged pitch, will now be played on Tuesday, 13th April with a 2pm kick-off.
The away game at Chesterfield will now be played on Tuesday, 30th March with a 2pm kick-off.
Finally, the away fixture at York City will now be played on Tuesday, 6th April with a 2pm kick-off.

March 8, 2010

Heffernan keen on extending Pirates stay

With the prospects of a first team place at Doncaster Rovers looking unlikely, it is perhaps not surprising that striker Paul Heffernan is keen to remain at Bristol Rovers for a little longer.
Heffernan has now played the final match of his initial month's stay, but is hoping that Sean O'Driscoll will let him stay at the Memorial Stadium for another month.
Heffernan told BBC Radio Bristol: "I'm happy down here and would like to stay on and get some more games. As a striker you can have a great game but if you're not on the scoresheet people think you're not doing well. Obviously I'd like a few more goals and a few more chances but you can't have everything. We're creating enough chances so hopefully I'll get my fair share in the coming games."
Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope commented: "He's a player who's made a decent impression and we'll be speaking to Doncaster in the not so distant future about maybe extending it for the remainder of the season. His attributes have been there for all to see and he's done well for us. The lad's out of contract in the summer so the situation at Doncaster needs clarifying. But certainly he's a player that's fitted in with how we do things very well and we've got a keen interest in him."

March 8, 2010

Martin on the move

March 7, 2010

Bristol City 2 Rovers 5

Doncaster Rovers cruised to their most convincing victory of the season in a truly remarkable match at Ashton Gate. The opening quarter of an hour saw the score locked at 2-2, with fans wondering how many more goals they were going to see, but it was Rovers that comfortably went on to victory, an with a little more luck, along with some better shooting, Rovers could have almost doubled their tally.
It all started off well, with Jay Emmanuel Thomas, making his first start for Rovers after making a late debut appearance last Saturday, slotting his first goal for the club with just ninety seconds on the clock when he was set up nicely by strike partner Billy Sharp. The score was level in the ninth minute, when Bradley Orr equalised, but Rovers took the lead again in the 12th minute, when Billy Sharp scored his 13th goal of the season. Again, Orr equalised after quarter of an hour's play - but the scoring hadn't stopped!
The home side could have gone in front in the 21st minute when Nicky Mayard volleyed the ball against the crossbar, but Rovers then took control, with Gerken having to save from James Coppinger and Gareth Roberts.
Billy Sharp and Jay Emmanuel Thomas both scored again before the break to give Rovers an incredible 4-2 lead.
In a relatively boring second half (only one goal!), Rovers had to sustain some initial pressure from Bristol City, with Campbell Ryce firing narrowly wide and Orr having a good shot saved by Neil Sullivan. City's misery was completed in the 61st minute when a cross from John Oster was diverted into his own nett by an unfortunate Bradley Orr.
In the closing moments, Rovers had the opportunities to extend their lead even further with a shot from Coppinger going wide of the post, as did a curling shot from Emmanuel-Thomas.

March 7, 2010

What the managers said

Needless to say, Bristol City boss Gary Johnson was not a happy man following yesterday afternoon's defeat at the hands of Doncaster Rovres.
He said: "We were at sixes and sevens from the start and although we hit back twice, the game was lost in the first 20 minutes. We managed to fight back from 1-0 and 2-1 down and Nicky Maynard even hit the crossbar at 2-2. We didn't make enough tackles in any area of the pitch and when you fail to do that the opposition are made to look very good. The players will be working very hard tomorrow and Monday before our midweek trip to Crystal Palace."
"We're disappointed with how the game has gone. The game was too open as far as we were concerned. Every time they got the ball they looked dangerous. They had a few players who were on their game and we weren't able to handle them. The defensive display as a team was very, very poor. Of course you don't want to let in five goals at home. It's like a dagger into your heart with every goal that goes in.
Rovers manger Sean O'Driscoll was very pleased with the performance of his side, and in particular with the contribution of Jay Emmanuel Thomas.
The Rovers boss said: "Jay suits our style of play perfectly and it is quite something for a club like us to attract a player from Arsenal. I'm so pleased to have him and hopefully we can help him make progress in his career. He has work to do on his play off the ball, but at this stage he could be anything. I was delighted with all the team. Bristol had height in the middle with Chris Iwelumo and pace down the flanks so they were always going to be a threat, but we were very brave in the way we defended."

March 7, 2010

Around the goals

We've noticed just two goals with Rovers connections to report today.
Firstly, in League One, the on-loan Paul Heffernan scored for Bristol Rovers in the 39th minute as Rovers cruised on their way to a 4-0 away victory. The win puts the Pirates in 9th place, eight points adrift of the play-offs. More to the point, congratulations are in order, as the strike was Paul's 100th first team goal in a career that began in England when he signed for Notts County in 1999.
In League Two, ex-Rover Adebayo Akinfenwa scored his 15th goal of the season in the third minute to set Northampton Town on their way to a 3-1 win at Port Vale. That victory puts the Cobblers on the brink of the play-offs - one place and three points adrift of seventh placed Shrewsbury Town, who went down to defeat at Grimsby.

March 7, 2010

Youth Team 2 Bradford City 2

The Rovers youth team fought out a 2-2 draw against Bradford City at the Cantley Park complex yesterday morning.
No further details from a Rovers point of view are currently available.

March 7, 2010

Ronnie after Offiong?

Rotherham United boss Ronnie Moore is reported to be hopeful of signing Carlisle United striker Richard Offiong, who has struggled to make it into Carlisle's first team since moving from Hamilton in the summer. Moore wants a striker to help out hot-shot Adam Le Fondre - although the Millers striker is in prolific form, Ronnie is aware that too much pressure is being heaped on the youngster.
Moore had been hopeful of securing Offiong's services ahead of yesterday's defeat against Bradford City, but it seems that he was unsuccessful.
Moore told the Rotherham Advertiser: "'You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a striker. There are one or two we are looking at. We missed out on Scowcroft at the last minute but there are a couple of others we are talking too, one being Offiong. He's a six-footer and he's quick but he can't get into the Carlise side at the moment. We'll try and sort something out before the Bradford game and if that doesn't work out we'll turn our attention elsewhere. There's too much pressure on Alfie scoring goals and you can't have that at a club. It's difficult when Alfie isn't on or things don't go well. If we don't have an outlet then we're in trouble."

March 6, 2010

Bristol City v Rovers

A minute's applause will be held before this afternoon's game at Ashton Gate to celebrate the life of Keith Alexander, the Macclesfield Town and former Lincoln City manager, who died this week. The Football League has asked that all clubs observe the tribute as a mark of respect.
Rovers are likely to play a virtually unchanged squad for this afternoon's game, with the injured players that missed last weekend's game against Crystal Palace still absent. Those missing include Brian Stock (back), Shelton Martis (hamstring), Jason Shackell (groin), Martin Woods (groin), Byron Webster (foot), Adam Lockwood (foot) and Steve Brooker (ankle).
On-loan Arsenal midfielder Jay Emmanuel-Thomas could play more of a part today after showing some good touches in the brief time he had on the pitch last Saturday.
With Rovers having an awful away record this season, having now won away against a team in the top half of the table so far, this afternoon's match will be a tough test for Sean O'Driscoll's men, especially since Bristol City are unbeaten in their last seven matches and will be full of confidence after beating promotion candidates West Bromwich Albion in their last home game.
Bristol City are hoping to welcome back striker Nicky Maynard, who missed last weekend's game against Ipswich Town with a thigh injury. Maynard scored twice for the reserves in midweek to prove his fitness and is now hoping for a recall. Missing this afternoon will be Marvin Elliott (back) and Evander Sno (knee), along with Jamie McAllister, Jamie McCombe and Brian Wilson. Midfielder Marvin Elliott could miss up to six weeks of the season due to a knee injury sustained against Ipswich Town last weekend.
Also playing for the reserves this week and likely to be in today's squad are Jamal Campbell Ryce and Ivan Sproule.
Certain to feature for City this afternoon is striker Chris Iwelumo,currently on loan from Wolves, who has been identified by Sean O'Driscoll as a threat to Rovers.
O'Driscoll said: "Any team who have him in their line-up would potentially think that they have got the ammunition to be successful because of what he brings to the team. Not only has he got a good physical presence, but technically he's a good player as well."

March 6, 2010

Today's match officials

The match officials for this afternoon's game at Bristol City have been confirmed as:
Referee: DJ Phillips
Assistant referees: SJD Daly & MF Thompson
Fourth official: BJ Malone

March 6, 2010

Ex-Rovers players feature in fund-raiser

Former Rovers stars Glynn Snodin, Tommy Wright, John Sheridan and Brendan Ormsby afre set to feature for a Leeds United side selected by current Leeds boss Simon Grayson in a match to be played at Garforth Town's ground tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 1pm). The game will be against a Leeds Fans Remembrance XI, with Leeds Fans Remembrance aiming to raise at least £100,000 for the Candlelighter's Children's Cancer charity.

March 6, 2010

O'Driscoll encourages positive approach

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll encourages his players to concentrate on what they are good at, rather than worring about what they can't do. The approach must be working, with Rovers currently doing well in their second season in the Championship.
He said: "What we try and do here is look at the qualities of players and say 'this is what you're good at and we'll try and get that out of you rather than worry about what you can't do'.
"We concentrate on the positives rather than worry about the negatives. If you're always saying 'you need to do this or that' and 'you don't do that very well or this very well' the players are on a downer from the start."
"We just try and encourage people to play. You want the likes of John Oster, James Coppinger and Billy Sharp to do the things they're good at and all we ask is for a positive reaction if something doesn't come off."

March 5, 2010

Early Bird Deadline Extended!

After the furore surrounding the 31st March deadline for the "early bird" season ticket prices, we are pleased to announce that Doncaster Rovers have extended the deadline to the end of April. With the mailshot which would have advised fans of the details for next season still not sent out, Rovers chairman John Ryan has listened to the problems the short notice had created, thanks to representations made to him on behalf of Rovers fans by VSC chairman, Gareth Thomas.
We would like to thank John Ryan for this gesture, and hope that fans will now be more amenable to renewing their season tickets for the forthcoming season.
The revised details for season tickets are, therefore, as follows:
From 1st March to 30th April:

Category	Adult price	Concessions	17-20s	12-16s	U11s
A	£440	£320	£200	£95	£50
B	£380	£265	£150	£95	£50
C*	£320	£200	£150	£95	£50

* only available to renewing season ticket holders
1st May to 31st May:

Category	Adult price	Concessions	17-20s	12-16s	U11s
A	£460	£335	£210	£95	£50
B	£400	£280	£160	£95	£50
C	£400	£280	£160	£95	£50

From 1st June:

Category	Adult price	Concessions	17-20s	12-16s	U11s
A	£480	£350	£220	£95	£50
B	£420	£295	£170	£95	£50
C*	£420	£295	£170	£95	£50

Category	Adult price	Concessions	12-16s	U11s
A	£420 (£459)	£305 (£339)	£60	£30
B	£360 (£399)	£250 (£279)	£60	£30
C	£280 (£280)	£150 (£150)	£60	£30

Category	Adult price	Concessions	12-16s	U11s
A	£23	£17	£17	£10
B	£20	£14	£13	£5
C	£15	£8	£8	£5

March 5, 2010

Rovers after Rooney!

Docnaster Rovers are interested in signing John Rooney, the younger brother of England striker Wayne, according to the Daily Mail. The young striker, aged 19, is currently at Macclesfield Town, and is also reported to being chased by Sheffield United.
Reports say that Sean O'Driscoll is hopeful of persuading Rooney that Rovers are the preferable option, as he would get more regular first team action than at Bramall Lane.

March 5, 2010

Injury update

Less than 24 hours after we mentioned the lack of update on the injury situation at Rovers, the club have updated their website with information on a number of players.
As we reported, skipper Brian Stock has had an injection into his back injury. It appears to be working, and he is able to walk without pain, but it will be some time before there is any possibility of him returning to the first team. Rovers are expecting that it will be up to two weeks before he can train, with an anticipated return to the team in around four weeks, meaning he would be available for the vital season-end run-in.
Defender Shelton Martis is due to return to training today, and could be available for selection for next weekend's game against Derby County.
Martin Woods (groin), Adam Lockwood (broken metatarsal) and Waide Fairhurst (damaged foot ligaments) have all resumed training after recovering from their respective injuries. Whilst they are recovering, the club have not given any indication that any will imminently return to first team action.
Byron Webster is still recovering from his foot injury, and may have to have a pin put in his broken metatarsal if the specialist deems it necessary. If that is necessary, Byron's period of recover will be extended by around a month.
Steve Brooker still has his foot in a walking boot after the latest surgery on his injured ankle. Everything is apprently going well, but it will be four weeks before he sees the surgeon again.
Jason Shackell may well have played his last game for Rovers after news emerged that he faces up to twelve weeks on the sidelines. His parent club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, have decided that he does not need surgery on his groin injury, but his injury will take time to heal.
Sean O'Driscoll told the Free Press: "Jason hasn't had surgery but it's a problem with the groin muscle which will take time. He's on a course of injections and back in rehabilitation but it looks to me as if it could take eight to 12 weeks and that would rule him out altogether, but he has a different view and he's determined to play for us again before the end. He's been spending time here - and at Wolves - but he always seems keen to get back here and is really motivated to get back in action. He's enjoyed his time here and has done a great job for us."

March 5, 2010

Bristol City ticket information

Tickets for tomorrow's away game at Bristol City remain on sale until midday today. Rovers have received an allocation of 500 tickets, of which 268 are reported as being sold.
Ticket prices are:
Adults: £25
Senior Citizens (65+): £20
Students (with NUS cards): £15
Juniors (U16): £10
Ambulant disabled: £15 (carer free)
Wheelchair disabled: £15 (carer free) - need to be bought direct from Bristol City on 0871 222 6666.
The Supporters Club are running coaches to the game, leaving Retford at 8am, Harworth 8.05am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.30am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 8.45am.
Prices are:
Members £20, OAPs £18, U16s £16
Non-members £22, OAPs £20, U16 £18.

March 5, 2010

Elliot joins Albion

Stuart Elliott, who left Doncaster Rovers to join Hamilton Academical in January, has now joined Scottish First Division promotion chasers Stirling Albion on a month's loan. He made his Albion debut on Tuesday evening against Stenhousemuir, coming on in the 54th minute from the subsitutes' bench.

Stirling boss Allan Moore told the Stirling Observer: "I’m delighted we have managed to get Stuart. He had the chance to go to Ayr United but was keen to come to us because we are up near the top of the league and should hopefully be creating lots of chances. It will just be a one-month deal because Hamilton boss Billy Reid wants him back at the end of March for the run-in.”
Since joining Hamilton, Elliott has started two league games and been substitute on three occasions, as well as being involved in two cup matches. Hamilton are keen for the player to get his match sharpness back before returning to New Douglas Park to play his part in the club’s fight against relegation. With Stirling scheduled to play nine games during the time Stuart is at the club, there will be plenty of matches to play!

March 5, 2010

Grayson moves on

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Neil Grayson has signed for Rainworth Miners Welfare, who play in the Northern Counties East Premier Division. However, he has signed Dual Registration forms, which means he can still turn out for Glapwell. It's a different world in non-league - and no transfer windows either!
Neil joined Doncaster Rovers in 1989 and went on to start 21 League games for the club before joining York City during the 1990/91 season. Most of his games in the Football League came between 1994 and 1997 when he played over 130 times for Northampton Town.

March 4, 2010

Shiels plays against Albania

Doncaster Rovers striker Dean Shiels played half of Northern Ireland's away game against Albania last night. The Irish lost 1-0 in what is described as a "dull friendly" played on a poor pitch at the Qemal Safa Stadium in Tirana, wiht the only goal of the game coming in the 26th minute.
Northern Ireland were without a number of key regular players, which gave a number of fringe players to play, but the result means that Northern Ireland's awful away record - they have won only three away games in 22 matches - continues.
Shiels was introduced as a half time substitute by boss Nigel Worthington.
Northern Ireland: Taylor (Tuffey 72), Little, McGivern,McCartney, Craigan, O'Connor (Evans 46), McGinn (Shiels 46),Davis, Healy (Kirk 78), Lafferty, McCann.
Substitutes not used: Carson, Patterson.

March 4, 2010

Mutch makes England U19 debut

Jordon Mutch, on loan at Doncaster Rovers from Birmingham City, made his England Under-19 debut on Tuesday night, playing the second half of the game, which ended as a 1-1 draw.
Mutch was a late call-up to the England squad after Tottenham's Dean Parrett withdrew at the weekend due to injury - and he came on as a substitute after half time to replace John Bostock.
The game, which was a friendly, was preparation for both sides' European U19 Championship Elite Round Qualifiers in May.

March 4, 2010

Fossie joins Spartans

Within 24 hours of news emerging that former Rovers defender Steve Foster had left League Two stugglers Darlington, it was announced that he had found himself a new club.
Foster has joined Blue Square North club Blyth Spartans on a contract until the end of the season, after which time the arrangement will be reviewed. Foster went straight into the Blyth squad for Tuesday night's game at Workington, which Workington won 3-1, which leaves Spartans in mid-table.
Manager Mick Tait said: “Foster has been a good pro and has lots of experience. He is a quality central defender with good positional sense and has a magnet for a head. He won’t be match-fit as he hasn’t been in the Darlington side since the end of November but he is a great addition to the squad. He’ll be here until the end of the season and then we’ll take it from there, although I’m sure there will be some Conference Premier clubs keen to sign him in the summer.”

March 4, 2010

Woods continues recovery

Rovers midfielder Martin Woods is still making good progress back to fitness and has trained this week without any adverse reaction. He is scheduled to train with the rest of the squad today, although it is rather uncertain whether he will be fit enough to be included in Saturday's first team squad.
Richard O'Kelly commented: "Because of the nature of his injury he'll join in some days but he might have to drop out on others."
There is been no new news about skipper Brian Stock, who had an injection in a troublesome back injury last week. Rovers were hopeful that the injection will relieve the symptoms sufficiently to allow Stock to play the rest of the season, as surgery is the only alternative available.
Sean O'Driscoll said last Friday: "Brian had the injection on Friday. We'll see how that pans out and see what the reaction is. We will go on to make a decision with Brian as and when."
In the week since, there has been no word from the club on whether the injection has proved to be a success or not.

March 4, 2010

Shields rejoins Raith

Former Rovers striker Dene Shields (no connection with current player Dean Shiels!) has re-signed for Scottish club Raith Rovers, the club where he began his career back in 1999 as a trainee. Since then, Sheilds has played for several clubs, mainly north of the border, namely Sunderland, Scarborough, Doncaster Rovers, Brechin, Cowdenbeath, Gretna, Stranraer, Stirling Albion and Ross County. He left Ross County last summer after an injury-hit season, and has now joined Raith on non-contract terms.

March 3, 2010

Ryan - Rovers need cash to progress

Rovers chairman has defended the season ticket price rises announced on the Internet by Doncaster Rovers on Monday,. He told BBC Radio Sheffield that the gulf between income and expenditure necessary to challenge for promotion is too much for Ryan and his fellow directors to finance.
He said: "It needs cash investment and the directors have done their bit. We've put in probably towards six million in the past two years."
"We can't continually make up this great big gap to bring in the players you want. You can't do it all the time and the fans might be unhappy that the prices may have gone up a bit."
According to a survey currently being conducted on the VSC forum, most supporters (80% at the time of writing) don't have too much of a complaint over the price rises - but they do have a problem with the short notice given by the club, meaning that prices rise, in some cases substantially, on 1st April.

March 3, 2010

England game at the Keepmoat tonight!

England Under-21's are in action at the Keepmoat Stadium this evening in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifer against Greece. Tickets are on sale this evening at £10 for adults and £5 for all concessions. Group tickets are available in advance of the match, with ticket prices halved if a group of 15 or more book. Groups need to download a booking form from the Keepmoat Stadium website. Please remember, however, that the match kicks off at 6pm, owing to the England senior team being in action against Egypt at 8pm.
The England squad for tonight's match is:
Goalkeepers: Frankie Fielding (Rochdale (loan from Blackburn)), Scott Loach (Watford), Alex McCarthy (Yeovil Town (loan from Reading))
Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Reading (loan from Chelsea)), Michael Mancienne (Wolves (loan from Chelsea)), Kyle Naughton (Middlesbrough (Tottenham Hotspur)), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Fulham), James Tomkins (West Ham United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Tom Cleverley (Watford (loan from Man Utd)), Jack Cork (Burnley (loan from Chelsea)), Fabien Delph (Aston Villa), Jack Wilshere (Bolton Wanderers (loan from Arsenal)), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers), Dan Gosling (Everton), Henri Lansbury (Watford (loan from Arsenal)), Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic), Lee Cattermole (Sunderland), Jack Rodwell (Everton)
Strikers: Andy Carroll (Newcastle United), Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Preston North End (loan from Manchester United)).
Under-21's boss Stuart Pearce is looking to his return to the Keepmoat Stadium, having visited the ground previously when the Under-19s played agains tTurkey.
He said of that match: "It was a fantastic night, a full house. Obviously with the senior match being played at Wembley, we didn't want a game anywhere near Wembley on the same evening so this is a perfect venue. It's hosted international football before and I think the facilities are great and it is a fantastic stadium, so we're looking forward to the evening."

March 3, 2010

Rovers play friendly against Tigers

Doncaster Rovers went down to a 5-0 defeat in a 'behind closed doors' friendly fixture against Premiership Hull City. Rovers played a number of unnamed trialists in their side, as well as a few first team players who have not featured regularly in recent games, including Lewis Guy, Sean McDaid, John Spicer and Ben Smith featuring.
Hull named a strong line-up, with several first teamers playing, with their goals coming from Jimmy Bullard, Craig Fagan (3) and Kamel Ghilas.
As all reports originate from either Hull City or their local press, there is no word from a Rovers point of view.

March 3, 2010

Foster releasd by Quakers

Former Doncaster Rovers skipper Steve Foster has been released by Darlington after over two years at the club. Foster had been frozen out of the Darlington side as a clause in his contract meant that if he started two more games for the Quakers, it would automatically trigger a further year's extension to his Darlington deal. Foster has, as a consequence, been out of action since the Quakers' game against Morecambe in November.
Darlington were hit badly by going into administration last summer and as a consequence lost virtually all of their professional players by the time Steve Staunton was appointed as manager in June 2009. Since then, they have struggled and are currently 16 points adrift of safety, having just 15 points from 29 games played, with relegation to the Conference all but certain this summer.

March 3, 2010

Offing - it's time to deliver

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Richard Offiong has been told "it's time to deliver" by Carlisle boss Greg Abbott after a poor start to his career at Brunton Park.
Offiong has scored only one goal since joining from Scottish club Hamilton in September and has struggled to hold down a first team place, despite costing the Cumbrians a £75,000 transfer fee.
Abbott told BBC Radio Cumbria: "He's had a tough talking-to. We've told him it's time to start to deliver. Patience is something you don't get a lot of in football and he's had more than most."
"He's been in this situation before. We've asked him to come to the party. We're hoping the penny is going to drop with Richard."
Offing enjoyed a prolific time with Hamilton, but has clearly struggled to adapt to the differing demands of English football.

March 2, 2010

Ryan - Rovers to offer a free Premiership ticket!

Following on from the furore surrounding yesterday's release of season ticket information for next season, Rovers have come up with a novel way of deflecting the criticism - offering a free season ticket for the following season to all supporters who buy one for the 2010/11 season. But there is a catch - it only applies if Rovers are promoted to the Premiership next season!
With the economic recession hitting the Doncaster area hard, crowds have struggled to break through 10,000 this season - but even so, John Ryan has called on the supporters to rally behind their club if Rovers are to challenge for promotion next term.
He said: "To progress further we really need your support. To compete at the top end of the Championship we need to improve our fanbase and particularly our season-ticket sales. In recent years Watford, Hull City, Burnley and Wigan Athletic have all been promoted to the Premier League. Why not us? We have quality players, a top management team and a board who have invested over £5million in the last two years. We need your help to move to the next level and for the key signings we need. If we can increase season tickets, and therefore attendances, it gives us a chance. We run the club extremely well and have a proven record of success. If we all pull together anything is possible, especially in football. Buy your season ticket to help our cause for further success. If we make it to the Premiership next season I guarantee we will give you your Premiership season ticket free."
Whilst the "early bird" prices show only a moderate increase in most cases, and the introduction of the 17-20 age bracket will ease the difference between junior and adult tickets for some, what seems to have angered the supporters is that these "early bird" prices only apply until the end of this month - whereas in all previous seasons, the initial discounted period lasts until the end of May. After the end of May, a further increase applies, with some substantial increases involved, particularly to those with Category C season tickets.
Incidentally, whilst the information was released on the Internet yesterday, no season ticket holders have yet received notification of increases by post - meaning those who do not have Internet access are not yet aware of these increases - and they will have even less chance to qualify for the cheapest level of increase!

March 2, 2010

Mutch extends Rovers loan

Birmingham City have today announced that their young midfielder, Jordon Mutch, has extended his Football League youth loan at Doncaster Rovers for a further month.
Mutch has made just one appearance for the Blues, and has also been out on loan at Hereford United earlier this season.

March 2, 2010

Voting results v Palace

Thanks go to everyone who took part in the "Man of the Match" voting for Saturday's home game against Crystal Palace. Out of the nine players nominated by you, the majority of the votes were shared between four players as follows:
1 James Coppinger (25.64%)
2 Elliott Ward (23.08%)
3 Billy Sharp (15.38%)
4 John Oster (12.82%)
The next poll will open following Saturday's away game at Bristol City.

March 2, 2010

Mutch to play for England U19s

Midfielder Jordan Mutch, on loan from Birmingham City, has received a late call-up into the England Under-19s squad for this week's friendly against Holland. The 18 year old has been drafted in to replace Tottenham's Dean Parrett for this evening's clash, which is being played in Waalwijk this evening.
The young midfielder has made seven appearances for Rovers, all but one of them as a substitute, scoring a superb goal on his debut against Middlesbrough.

March 2, 2010

More goals

There are two more former Doncaster Rovers players scoring goals at the weekend that we neglected to mention on Sunday.
Firstly, in the UniBond Premier Division, Andy Campbell scored a 16th minute goal for Whitby Town in their game at Matlock Town, although Whitby eventually went down to a 3-1 defeat. Campbell has been enjoying a goal-scoring spree since joining Whitby on loan from Bradford Park Avenue a couple of months ago.
Also, Dave Morley scored a dramatic winning goal in the third minute of added time at the end of Bangor's Welsh Cup quarter-final clash against arch-rivals Llanelli at a muddy Farrar Road. The win means that they will meet Prestatyn Town in the semi-finals on the weekend of 10th/11th April, and means they are on course to win the Welsh Cup for the third successive season.

March 2, 2010

Rovers complain about referee

Doncaster Rovers have made an official complaint over the performance of referee Neil Swarbrick following Saturday's home game against Crystal Palace. There were numerous occasions where Swarbrick gave some baffling decisions, including turning down what appeared to be two good appeals for penalties in the second half of the game.
Rovers chairman John Ryan told Radio Sheffield: "The word appalling comes to mind. I've spoken to David Allison, the head of League referees, and told him of my absolute disgust of several decisions."

March 1, 2010

Rovers announce inflation-busting season ticket price increases

Doncaster Rovers have announced the season ticket prices for next season - with all prices subject to inflation-busting increases. No mention is yet given of the match-by-match prices, although Rovers have said that prices will also rise for those.
Season tickets for the 2010/11 season go on sale from this morning - with prices due to rise from 31st March - giving most fans almost no chance of saving sufficiently to take advantage of the lower increases. Season ticket holders will have their seats reserved until 31st May.
Category C season tickets will only be available to those renewing - there are only the south-west and south-east corners where they are currently available, but they will be categorised B for any new season ticket applications.
Season ticket prices for the 2010/11 season are given below - for comparison purposes, we also include the season ticket prices for the current season, so you can appreciate the level of increases which apply to your season ticket.
From 1st March to 31st March:

Category	Adult price	Concessions	17-20s	12-16s	U11s
A	£440	£320	£200	£95	£50
B	£380	£265	£150	£95	£50
C*	£320	£200	£150	£95	£50

* only available to renewing season ticket holders
1st April to 31st May:

Category	Adult price	Concessions	17-20s	12-16s	U11s
A	£460	£335	£210	£95	£50
B	£400	£280	£160	£95	£50
C	£400	£280	£160	£95	£50

From 1st June:

Category	Adult price	Concessions	17-20s	12-16s	U11s
A	£480	£350	£220	£95	£50
B	£420	£295	£170	£95	£50
C*	£420	£295	£170	£95	£50

Category	Adult price	Concessions	12-16s	U11s
A	£420 (£459)	£305 (£339)	£60	£30
B	£360 (£399)	£250 (£279)	£60	£30
C	£280 (£280)	£150 (£150)	£60	£30

Category	Adult price	Concessions	12-16s	U11s
A	£23	£17	£17	£10
B	£20	£14	£13	£5
C	£15	£8	£8	£5

March 1, 2010

Bayo in talks

Northampton Town have confirmed that they are to hold contract talks with several of their first team squad this week, with only four players definitely contracted to the club for next season. Many have options for a second year on their contract, but many key players, including ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, are clean out of contract in the summer. With the club currently challenging for promotion from League Two, scouts from other clubs will undoubtedly be checking out Northampton players - with the current financial situation, any player receiving an offer from elsewhere will have to give it serious thought.