March 31, 2010

Rovers extend Mutch loan

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that they have extended the loan of young Birmingham City midfielder Jordon Mutch for another month. The loan, termed a 'youth loan' means that the 18-year old can be recalled by Birmingham should they require. Jordon has made eleven appearances for Rovers, all but one of which have been as a substitute. Mutch will remain at Rovers until the end of April as they strive to close the gap between them and the play-off places.
At least the prospects of being able to catch the sixth placed team, currently Leicester City, were improved a little last night when Cardiff City beat Leicester 2-1, with former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack scoring Cardiff's first goal. The result means Leicester have now used up their game in hand on Rovers and remain six points above Rovers with six games to play.

March 31, 2010

Rovers check out keeper

Doncaster Rovers are reported to be one of a number of teams lining up to sign Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey, whose current contract with Partick Thistle expires at the end of the season.
However, Rovers are up against some tough opposition for his signature, report Sky Sports, with Scottish giants Rangers keeping a close eye on Tuffey, with their current first choice, Alan McGregor, likely to be sold in the summer due to the financial situation at Rangers. Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dundee United are also admirers of the Irishman, whilst south of the border, Preston North End, Doncaster Rovers, Leeds United and MK Dons are all "known" to have been monitoring his progress.
Tuffey commented: "I'm out of contract at the end of the season and we'll just have to wait and see what happens. There's nothing been agreed with Partick and nothing with anyone else as of yet. That's the truth and I've made no secret about the fact I want to play at the highest level possible."

March 31, 2010

Youth team game off

Doncaster Rovers' youth team game at Chesterfield has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The fixture was originally due to be played during the wintry weather in January, but the two sides will now try for a third time to play the game on Tuesday, 20th April, with a scheduled 2pm kick-off.

March 31, 2010

Ryan on stage tomorrow

Rovers' chairman John Ryan is due on stage at the Doncaster Little Theatre tomorrow evening to promote his "Dare to Dream" book, during which time he will talk about the book, and some of the stories contained within it. There will be a "Question and Answer" session in the second half of the show.
There are currently ten tickets left for the performance, with tickets costing £20, which includes a champagne reception. The bar opens at 6pm, with John Ryan due on stage at 7.30pm.
If you want to buy a ticket, their box office on East Laith Gate is open from 4pm - alternatively, order by phone on 01302 340422.

March 30, 2010

Coppinger makes Team of the Week

Rovers winger James Coppinger has been named hin the Team of the Week for the Championship for his performance in Saturday's away win at Barnsley, in which he scored the only goal of the game. We congratulate James on this achivement as he becomes the latest of a number of Rovers players to be recognised in this way during the season.
Each week the Official Football League website will bring you the Team of the Week. Produced by the Press Association, the Team's of the Week feature the eleven top performing players from each division from this weekend's matches.
The full "Team of the Week" is: Stephen Bywater (Derby County), Eddie Nolan (Sheffield Wednesday), Alex Baptiste (Blackpool), Gabor Gyepes (Cardiff City), Ryan Bertrand (Reading), Donald McDermott (Scunthorpe United), Charlie Adam (Blackpool), James Coppinger (Doncaster Rovers), Brian Howard (Reading), Chris Porter (Derby County), Paul Hayes (Scunthorpe United)

March 30, 2010

Rovers practice game today

Doncaster Rovers will be playing a 'behind closed doors' friendly match against Mansfield Town today. The local press in Nottingham have reported that the match has been arranged to give some of Mansfield's fringe players a "much needed run-out".

March 30, 2010

Hawkins keen to impress Seagulls

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Colin Hawkins is battling against time to earn a new contract at Brighton & Hove Albion after a nightmare season has seen him injured for the entire campaign. He has hopes of returning to training soon to give him a chance to show boss Gus Poyet - who has yet to see Hawkins play - that he is worth a new contract in the summer.
Hawkins is currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, and it will be around four weeks before he is fully recovered.
As Hawkins says: “It’s a nightmare. Every one is desperate to impress a new manager and I’m no different. Time is running out for me. My contract is up in the summer, like a lot of other lads, and it is looking like three to four weeks for me on the training ground to try and prove something to the manager and see if there is anything there. At the moment I am just desperate to prove it to myself more than anything.”
Hawkins has only played in the Brighton first team for 15 minutes in the last 15 months, having a hernia operation then, by the time he recovered from that, he suffered the Achilles problem, which was not correctly detected by specialists, which wasted four months of the season before it was correctly diagnosed in January.

March 30, 2010

Ryan predicts shift in power

Rovers chairman John Ryan has predicted that next season will see a significant shake-up in the balance of power in South Yorkshire, with Barnsley and Rovers set to outshine their Sheffield rivals.
Rovers and Barnsley, who are both on the fringes of the play-off places, have made major strides towards becoming top ten Championship clubs - at the moment, only Premiership strugglers Hull City are above Rovers from all the teams in Yorkshire, including the once-mighty Middlesbrough and Leeds United!
Ryan said to the Doncaster Star: "No disrespect to the Sheffield clubs but there is a definite power shift on the way. The key is the quality of management at Barnsley and Doncaster. It's why we have the advantage over the Sheffield clubs. Wednesday are on the edge of the relegation zone and I hope they don't because I've a lot of respect for their manager, Alan Irvine. I sincerely hope they can get out of it."
"Kevin Blackwell has worked under tremendous pressure and has had to sell his star players and has to rely on loans coming in. It's all very well loaning players but it's not ideal to have too many, the Championship is very competitive and I think he's done a magnificent job but a lot of United fans are angry. One thing that is positive about the Sheffield clubs is their magnificent fan base. What I wouldn't do for that kind of fan base at Doncaster!"
"To a lesser extent, Barnsley have the same problem. The Achilles heel for both clubs in terms of going on from where they are is their small fan base which is a big handicap both in financial terms and in trying to attract players. Both Mark Robins and Sean O'Driscoll have proved themselves managers/coaches of the highest calibre. When we were struggling at the bottom oat Christmas I knew Sean would get us out of it. That's why I call him the Championship's Arsene Wenger. He is tactically astute and produces teams that are a joy to watch."

March 30, 2010

Voting results

James Coppinger was the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" voting for Saturday's game at Barnsley, with his performance also seeing him named in the Press Association's Team of the Week for the Championship. We received nominations for seven players this time, with those receiving most votes being:
1 James Coppinger (62.2%)
2 Neil Sullivan (13.3%)
3 James O'Connor (8.89%)
We thank everyone for their time in placing a vote - the next poll will open after Saturday's home game against Plymouth Argyle.

March 29, 2010

Vote for Billy!

Not for the first time this season, Rovres striker Billy Sharp is in the running for the PFA Championship Fans' Player of the Month award for this month. Whilst not hitting the heights of earlier in the season as far as goal scoring is concerned, he is still playing a key part in the Rovers' late push for the play-offs, although he has failed to score during March - coincidentally, the same period that Rovers have been having a sponsored beard-growing competition! Thankfully, March finishes before the next match, so normal service should be resumed on Saturday when Rovers entertain Plymouth Argyle.
To vote for Billy in the Player of the Month, please click on the logo to the left, or visit http://fansaward.givemefootball.com/

March 29, 2010

Youth Team 2 Grimsby Town 3

The Rovers youth team failed to take advantage of a strong breeze which was blowing on their backs during the first half of Saturday's game at Cantley Park. They were forced to replace their goalkeeper after fifteen minutes when Bradshaw was injured making a brave save at the feet of a Grimsby striker, but even so, they could ahve gone ahead just ahead of half time when Sam Jones could not make a clean contact with the ball, and the opportunity went begging.
Grimsby had the strengthening wind in their favour after the break, although it was Rovers who pressed forward in the early stages with Oldham going close, but it was Moxam who scored the first goal to put Rovers 1-0 up. A wind assisted goal just a minute later put Grimsby level, and the visitors went 2-1 up in the 72nd minute through Gardner, with their third goal coming four minutes later when McReddy beating the offside trap to score. Rovers grabbed their second goal in stoppage time at the end of the game through Grayson, with what proved to be the last kick of the game.
Rovers: Bradshaw, Towler, Oldham, Betts, Nodder, A.Jones, Blake, Thompson, Moore, Moxam, S.Jones
Substitutes: Biggs (for Bradshaw, 20), Grayson (for Moxam (75), Adkins (for Moore, 840, Lucas, Husband

March 29, 2010

Blackpool ticket information

Tickets for Easter Monday's away game at Blackpool go on general sale from this morning, having been on sale to season ticket holders, members and Alliance members last week. Tickets will remain on sale until 4pm on Thursday, 1st April at the following prices:
Adults £24.50
Senior Citizens (60+) £19.50
Under 18s £16.50
Under 16s £14.50
Disabled £12.00
Carers £12.00

March 28, 2010

Barnsley 0 Rovers 1

They may be getting a little faint, but the glimmer of hope still shines in Rovers' challenge for a promotion play-off spot after yesterday's win at Barnsley. Rovers remain six points adrift of sixth placed Leciester City - but with Cardiff having a challenging season end, where they face Leicester City, Swansea City and Nottingham Forest in their next three games, clubs above Rovers are bound to drop points. With Rovers still to face Blackpool, West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City, fate could yet shine on a late challenge from South Yorkshire.
Rovers won yesterday's game thanks to a James Coppinger goal fired in from the edge of the penalty area, although they were fortunate to escape after Anderson deSilva's header hit Neil Sullivan's crossbar in the first half. It could be argued that Rovers should have ended the first half more than just one goal in front and, with some determined pressure from Barnsley at times during the second half, Rovers had to put in a good defensive display to keep the Tykes at bay, with Neil Sullivan again producing some key saves to keep another clean sheet.
The win lifts Rovers back up into eighth place in the Championship.

March 28, 2010

What the managers said

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was pleased to get some points on the board after the disappointment of losing out to leaders Newcastle on Tuesday evening, which means that Rovers have now lost only once in their last eight games.
He said: "We played brighter in the first half. We were bright in the first half and weathered a bit of a storm in the second half. To be honest, we've played well in our last two games and still picked up only one point against Sheffield United and Newcastle.The players didn't want to end the month with a poor performance."Billy Sharp will be frustrated with his miss in the second half. Since we've all been growing beards he hasn't scored a goal."
"We can go into games full of confidence. I don't think you can throw caution to the wind in this league but you can certainly play without a lot of fear. We've been playing really well and I thought we showed that again."
Barnsley manager Mark Robins was undertandably disappointed with yesterday's game, which could have seen them draw level with Rovers if they had been victorious. As it is, their play-off chances are now remote, although he has vowed to keep fighting until all chances have gone.
He commented: "We kept going but it was just a disappointing day all round. We have a game now on Tuesday at Plymouth to try and pick up the pints we should have had last time. Supporters expectations have changed here this season which is great but we have to live up to that now. We have got ourselves into a good position this season but thrown that away."
"Doncaster play good football and I thought they moved the ball better than us in the first half. We coped with that quite well. I went with a system to try and get a foothold in the game at the start. Leaving out your leading goalscorer is never an easy decision but Daniel (Bogdanovic) rocked his ankle in the first half at Bristol City and we thought we would be lucky to get half an hour out of him today. We made an enforced change in the first half with Daniel coming on for Filipe (Teixeira) and it was just before they scored."
"I was disappointed with the goal. They play short corners because they don't have much height and they sucked three players out of position and the ball fell to Coppinger. They play a good game of football and they pull you out of position. It was a really disappointing goal. It's been a disappointing week. They moved the ball around better than us in the first half and created a lot of chances. n the second half we created one or two chances but I keep telling the players that we need to play until the final whistle of the season."

March 28, 2010

Around the goals

After a relative excess of former Rovers players scoring goals last weekend, it's a much lower total this week, as we've only spotted two to mention.
In the Welsh Premier League, Gareth Owen scored for Rhyl in their 2-2 draw at Caersws - and in the UniBond First Division North, Adriano Rigoglioso scored a 30th minute goal for Colwyn Bay in their 1-1 home draw with Wakefield.

March 28, 2010

Offiong set to miss Wembley final

Former Rovers striker Richard Offiong's fall from favour at Carlisle United continues with confirmation that the underperforming striker will be left out of the Carlisle squad that faces Southampton in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley this afternoon. Also missing from Carlisle's side this afternoon will be ex-Rover Jason Price, who is cup-tied after playing for Millwall in the competition earlier this season.
One former Rovers player who will be lining up for the Cumbrians this afternoon is goalkeeper Adam Collin, who has impressed since joining them from Workington Reds in the summer.

March 28, 2010

Bradford send McCammon back

Bradford City have decided not to extend the loan of former Rovers striker Mark McCammon, and he has returned to Gillingham for the rest of the season. The Gills had hoped to send him back out on loan for the rest of the season, but no deal was possible in the time they had available.
McCammon joined the Bantams in late February, but failed to score in his four appearances for the club. Bradford boss Peter Taylor explained: "I wouldn't think we are an easy team to play for at the minute so it was probably a little more difficult for a striker. Mark didn't join us 100 per cent match fit and I think that affected his touch and timing. He helped James Hanson, no doubt about that, and gave him a few ideas. I said I would always keep an eye on his situation, but he knows he's got to get fit. You've got to be fit in any sport."

March 27, 2010

Barnsley v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers will make a late check on the fitness of winger James Coppinger, who missed Tuesday evening's game as he was suffering from a virus. Rovers are likely to make minimal changes, with no new injury problems reported by the club. Midfielder John Spicer will be unavailable after joining Leyton Orient on loan this week, but Jay Emmanuel-Thomas will continue his stay at Rovers as his loan deal from Arsenal has been extended until the end of the season.
Brian Stock is apparently making good progress from his back injury, but is not expected to return to the match day squad until after Easter.
Barnsley look likely to welcome back defender Rob Kozluk, who has been out with a knee injury since January, and winger Adam Hammill, who has missed games with a hamstring injury. They will be without on-loan defender Carl Dickinson, who has returned to Stoke City for treatment to damaged knee ligaments.

March 27, 2010

Today's match - now pay on the day!

Barnsley, in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police, have agreed that this afternoon's match will no longer be an all-ticket game.
Tickets will remain on sale to Barnsley supporters from the Oakwell Ticket Office until 3pm this afternoon - Rovers fans will be able to buy tickets from the North Stand turnstiles.
Please note that no under-12 tickets will be available from Oakwell today.
Rovers have virtually sold out all of their 2,460 ticket initial allocation, but there is more capacity in the away stand for anyone turning up today.

March 27, 2010

Former Rover attacked by burglars

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Dick Habbin, who played for the club during the 1970's, was taken to hospital last week after suffering a horrific attack during a burglary at his home in Rotherham. He will need surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone after raiders used an iron bar to attack him during the incident.
The robbers broke through two doors to gain entry to his bungalow, allowing Dick and his wife Jenny time to dial 999 before the burglars reached his bedroom, when they demanded money and access to a safe. Even though Habbin complied, with the burglars getting around £2,000 in case and up to £20,000 worth of jewellery, one hit him with an iron bar.
They then demanded access to "the guns" - even though the couple do not own any - which led Dick to believe the burglars had targetted the wrong address.
Detectives say the trio were tracked by police dogs and had gone for "some distance" across country, possibly to a waiting vehicle in the early hours of last Wednesday.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0114 2202020.

March 27, 2010

Gilbert offered new deal

Former Rovers loan defender Peter Gilbert has been offered a new contract at Northampton Town after impressing sufficiently during his short-term contract. He began the season having trials at clubs such as Coventry City and Southend United, but was then signed on a one month deal by Oldham Athletic, only to be released by Dave Penney in early September.

March 26, 2010

Barnsley v Rovers

Tickets for tomorrow afternoon's away game at Barnsley have been selling well, with 2,138 being reported as sold by the Keepmoat Stadium website out of an "initial allocation" of 2,460. The fixture has been designated as all-ticket for both sets of fans, meaning that no tickets will be on sale tomorrow at Oakwell. Tickets will remain on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium until 4.30pm this afternoon.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults £20 - Senior Citizens (60+) £12 - Under 18s £12 - Under 12's £6
Disabled supporters pay the appropriate price, but their carer can be admitted free of charge, although there is limited availability in the wheelchair area.
South Yorkshire Police have also issued a statement regarding tomorrow's match, advising that "there will be some limited facilities for refreshment available at the Metrodome Leisure Centre and inside the ground, but it is unlikely that these will able to accommodate everyone. In the interests of a trouble free and enjoyable fixture, could I ask that Doncaster Rovers supporters wishing to take refreshment before attending the fixture, do so before travelling into Barnsley. This will help avoid disappointment with the limited facilities available and help ensure that there are no problems in Barnsley town centre from the tiny minority of trouble causers."
We understand that the Metrodome has another function this Saturday, so there will be a restriction to the number of fans allowed in on Saturday.

March 26, 2010

Rovers Belles win cup for seventh time

Doncaster Rovers Belles have won the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA Women's Cup for the third successive season, which means they have won the cup for seven out of the last eight seasons. Despite making a number of changes to the side, John Buckley's side won the game comfortably after contesting an even, and goalless, first half.
Ten minutes after half time, skipper Vicky Exley was fouled just outside the Rotherham penalty area, with the resulting free kick being driven into the back of the net. It became 2-0 in the 72nd minute when Millie Bright scored, and Exley scored her second goal of the game six minutes later to give the final scoreline a margin as befitted the difference in the respective status between the two teams.

March 26, 2010

Jay here until the end of the season

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that they have extended the loan of midfielder Jay Emmanuel-Thomas until the end of the season. Jay has scored three goals in six games since joining from Arsenal a month ago, and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
Assistant manager Richard O'Kelly said: "Originally his loan stay was just for a month. The boy has enjoyed his spell here and settled in quickly. It is a lot more rural up her than the hustle and bustle of London, so it can take time to settle, but he has taken to it like a duck to water. We are pleased to have him and Arsenal were glad to send him here over a number of over clubs that were hoping to take him on loan. He is a cracking lad and has a great personality, which has slotted in well to what we already have here."

March 26, 2010

Spicer off to the Orient

Rovers midfielder John Spicer has joined League One club Leyton Orient on loan for a month after the London side moved to strengthen their midfield on the loan transfer deadline day.
Spicer has not been included in the first eleven for Rovers on a regular basis this season and has had to settle for a place on the bench for much of the campaign, mainly owing to the good form of other Rovers midfielders.
The 26-year old joined Rovers in 2008 and has played over 50 games for the club. He began his career at Arsenal before joining Bournemouth in September 2004 and then Burnley a year later. We wish John all the best for his time whilst out on loan.

March 26, 2010

Crichton joins Cobblers

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Paul Crichton has been appointed as the new goalkeeping coach at Northampton Town. He replaces Tim Flowers, who moved to Hull City earlier this month. The much travelled Crichton has got coaching expereince a Brighton and Norwich, and had a lengthy playing career of over 500 games which took in Nottingham Forest, Peterborough, Doncaster Rovers, Grimsby, West Brom, Burnley and Norwich.

March 26, 2010

John wins the voting

In one of the most one-sided votes of the season, midfielder John Oster was voted as the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" for his performance against Newcastle United on Tuesday. Six players received nominations, with the most votes going as follows:
1 John Oster (78.43%)
2 James Chambers (9.80%)
The other four players shared the remaining votes cast. We thank everyone for their votes, which will all be carried forward to the "Player of the Season" totals which we will reveal once the season has ended. The next vote will open after tomorrow's away game at Barnsley.

March 25, 2010

O'Driscoll - Play-offs out of reach

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has conceded that the play-offs are now out of reach for his side following defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday. The maths made it a tough challenge before Tuesday's game, but Rovers are now 7 points adrift of the play-off places, having played a game more than sixth placed Cardiff City. With Rovers only having seven more games to make up that deficit, unless at least one of the top six suffer a spectacular slump in form, it's a tall order.
Following Tuesday's game, O'Driscoll spoke to Sky Sports and said of whether the result would end talk of reaching the play-offs: ""I would imagine so, it was going to be a tall order. I don't know how the other results have gone, but we've got to focus. We've never focused on targets, we've always focused on the next game and we've got a difficult local derby against a Barnsley side, who we never seem to win against, no matter how well we play."
"There's a few tired legs out there now. We've had lots and lots of games and the way we play, we move the ball and we have a lot of possession, and that takes it out of people so we get that one out of the way. If we can bounce back and give another good performance, they can take a lot of credit from the little run that they've had."

March 25, 2010

Goals review

There are a few former Rovers players to mention who have scored goals since our last review on Sunday morning.
Ross McCormack scored Cardiff City's first goal on Sunday afternoon on the Bluebirds' way to a 3-1 win over struggling Watford in the Championship.
On Tuesday evening, Tomi Ameobi scored one of Forest Green's three goals in their 3-1 win over Salisbury in the Blue Square Premier.
Finally, Mark Hume scored a hat-trick last night as Bradford Park Avenue's impressive sequence of results continued with a 5-1 win at FC United of Manchester. The result puts Bradford three points clear at the top of the UniBond Premier Division and means they have now taken 40 out of the last 45 points available.

March 25, 2010

Rovers hope that Jay will stay

Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly has said that the club are hoping that Arsenal will allow the loan of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to be extended until the end of the season. The teenager has scored three goals for the club in his stay so far.
O'Kelly said of the situation: "Originally his loan stay was just for a month, but there is an option there to extend that. However, a lot depends on whether Arsenal want him back there or not really. The boy has enjoyed his spell here and settled in quickly. It is a lot more rural up her than the hustle and bustle of London, so it can take time to settle, but he has taken to it like a duck to water. We are pleased to have him and Arsenal were glad to send him here over a number of over clubs that were hoping to take him on loan. He is a cracking lad and has a great personality, which has slotted in well to what we already have here."
It seems that Rovers will continue to be happy to allow youngsters from Premiership clubs to develop their careers at the club, even though, in most cases, there will be little propsect of full transfers due to Rovers not being able to compete from a wages point of view.
O'Kelly continued: "We would like to think that Arsenal's decision to send him here instead of other clubs shows how highly we are regarded by Premier League clubs. We can't afford big wages, so if Premier League clubs want to develop their players at a lower level then we are happy to be used in the right way. Jordan Mutch has joined us from Birmingham City and although he hasn't featured as much as Jay-Emmanuel he is still a cracking lad to have around the place. So, both of those clubs are using what we have got here to give their youngsters a bit of experience and we would love to continue that in the future."

March 25, 2010

Coaches to Barnsley

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Barnsley. They will leave Retford at 12.00pm, Bawtry 12.15pm, Harworth Pit Gates 12.05pm, Rossington Styrrup 12.15pm, Hare & Tortoise 12.20pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 12.30pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 12.45pm.
The fares will be:
Members £8.00 - OAP's £7.00 - U16's £6.00
Non-Members £10.00 - OAP's £9.00 - U16's £8.00
To book a place on the coaches, please contact Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154).

March 23, 2010

Rovers 0 Newcastle United 1

Doncaster Rovers were denied a point when Billy Sharp's equaliser was controversially disallowed for an off-side decision. Martin Woods had surged into the area, forcing the keeper to make a good save, but the ball fell kindly to Sharp, who prodded the ball home from six yards out - but the goal was mystifyingly disallowed as the linesman's flag was raised. Newcastle United had gone in front just a few minutes earlier when a crossfield ball on the half way line fell short of Gareth Roberts on the left wing, instead it laneded at the feet of a Newastle player. The visitors then surged forward down the right wing, with Andy Carroll finding enough space to slot the ball past Neil Sullivan.
Until that stage, it looked very likely that the game would finish goalless, with both sides squandering the few opportunities that came their way, although Rovers had to be at their best to keep the league leaders under control.
The result puts Newcastle ten points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest (who they meet in their next match) with a game in hand, so must be not far away from a return to the Premiership.
Other results see Rovers drop to tenth, but they are still six points adrift of the play-offs.

March 24, 2010

What the managers said

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was happy with the contribution of his players to yesterday's home game against Newcastle, but was understandably disappointed that they did not get any points out of the game. He said: "It was a tight game. We were excellent off the ball and stopped them getting any rhythm, which was important. They had to fight for everything and we had to be brave on the ball and I thought we were. We mixed it up really well, I'm just disappointed we didn't get a result."
After looking at the incident on a video, O'Driscoll agreed that the decision to disallow Billy Sharp's goal was correct. He explained:: "He was right, by a smidgen. It was just offside and to be fair the linesman was alert and got it right."
Unsurprisingly, Chris Hughton was pleased to take all three points away from the Keepmoat Stadium - a result that keeps their ambition to return to the Premiership at the first time of asking on track. He said after the match: "It's a very, very big win for us. Any win away from home is always huge, but at this stage of the season it's massive. It was a very difficult match and that was what we expected. They tried to play football and on the balance of play it was an even match. I thought we had the better chances but we still had to grind out the result and it was a real team performance. I'm delighted with the application and I thought it was a terrific win."
"The team have been focused all season. We have carried the pressure of being top all season and the pressures that go with that. It was a very tough game as expected. This (Doncaster) side is a wonderful footballing side, coping far better with this division. They keep possession and use the space very well. They gave us a real test."
Hughton refused to answer any questions concerning the off-field incident involving striker Andy Carroll, but said of his top goal scorer: "He is in very good goalscoring form and one we continue say can add goals to his game. He was part of an 11 and you are always working on selection. He is in very good form and is a vital player for us. This is a team which has been focussed all season and what everyone is aware of is that we have carried the pressure of being at the top nearly all season. This is not an easy place to get a result.'

March 24, 2010

Ward joins Preston

Former Doncaster Rovers loan defender Elliott Ward has signed on loan for Preston North End for the rest of the current season, and was included in their squad for last night's away game at Middlesbrough. Although he was named as a substitute for the game, he was not one of the two substitutes used by Darren Ferguson.
Ward has only just returned to Coventry after completing a month on loan at Rovers, where he impressed both fans and club management. Sean O'Driscoll had explained that club budgetary limits meant that Rovers could not keep Ward any longer, but that they would consider making a move for him in the summer, when his contract at Coventry expires.

March 24, 2010

JR at the Little Theatre

There are still around 30 tickets available for "An Evening with John Ryan" at the Doncaster Little Theatre, which is being held to promote the launch of his new book, "Dare to Dream". After a discussion in the first half of the show, there will be a quesiton and answer session in the second half.
Tickets are priced at £20 and are available from the Doncaster Little Theatre, King Street, Doncaster DN1 1JD, and you can book tickets by phone on 01302 340422. Their box office is open between 4pm and 8pm.
"Dare to Dream" is an autobiography of Rovers chairman John Ryan and has received good reviews from those who have read it. It is avaible from amazon.co.uk at £12.43 (postage free) instead of the full price of £15.99 - the relevant page can be accessed by clicking on the logo to the left.

March 24, 2010

Ryan moves on

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Tim Ryan has signed for Stalybridge Celtic. He has been without a club since the demise of Chester City, where he was one of the few remaining players - he also held the post of assistant manager at the time that the club was wound up by the High Court.
Tim played for Rovers in two spells - in the 1996/97 season, and then between 2000 and 2005. Infamously, the then-"supremo" at the club, Ken Richardson said to Ryan as he left the club in his first time at Rovers, "you will never play for the club again". Of course, he went on to return and become one of the most popular players, although injury affected Tim in his last season at the club.

March 23, 2010

Rovers v Newcastle United

With two challenging matches within the space of four days, the Rovers squad will be tested to their limits this evening when leaders Newcastle United arrive in town. With Cardiff's win on Sunday now meaning that Rovers are six points away from the play-offs, as well as having played a game more than their Welsh counterparts, anything less than 100% of wins in their remaining games and the play-offs are probably out of their reach. For all that, as Rovers have shown on a number of occasions this season, they are certainly capable of competing with the best teams in the division, and there is no reason to expect anything else of them today. Rovers go into the game on the back of a six match unbeaten run.
Billy Sharp will make a welcome return to the side this evening after missing Saturday's game against his parent club, Sheffield United. We expect James Hayter, who led the line well in Sharp's absence on Saturday, to keep his place, but probably reverting to a position wide on the left, where he has performed well in recent games.
Gareth Roberts is considered doubtful with a hamstring strain - if he fails to make it, Sam Hird will probably move in to central defence, James Chambers to left back and James O'Connor to right back. As an alternative, Adam Lockwood is also available after being on the bench for the last couple of games, but is lacking in match practice.
Intriguingly, controversial midfielder Joey Barton is included in the Newcastle United squad for this evening's game after five months out with a foot injury. Whilst controversy has followed Barton throughout his career, most Rovers fans will remember him for his encounter with Rovers defender Mark Albrighton in a pre-season "friendly" match when he was with Manchester City a few years ago. A pity the Sarge isn't still at the club!
Barton may have to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench this evening, with Danny Guthrie impressing whilst deputising.
Newcastle will be without skipper Alan Smith for this evening's game due to an ankle injury- the same complaint that keeps striker Peter Lovenkrands out of the game. Also missing will be central defender Fitz Hall (hamstring), striker Shola Ameobi (hamstring) and Steven Taylor (knee), but former Rovers loan defender Mike Williamson may play with a protective cast on his broken hand.

March 23, 2010

Tonight's match officials

The match officials for this evening's home game against Newcastle United have been confirmed as follows:
Referee: KD Hill
Assistant referees: J G Adcock and C N Harwood
Fourth official: R Fletcher

March 23, 2010

Close to sell-out for Toon clash

We understand that the Keepmoat Stadium is close to a sell-out for this evening's visit of leaders Newcastle United, with tickets selling quickly for the last few days. With Rovers on a six match unbeaten run which has lifted them to the fringes of the promotion play-off places, interest in the game is high.
With less than 1,000 tickets apparently left for sale, anyone who has not yet bought a ticket that is intending on watching the game is recommended to buy a ticket in advance, either on-line at http://www.keepmoatstadium.com/ticketinformation/index.php, by telephoning 01302 762576 or in person at the stadium ticket office.
Please note that Newcastle United's allocation has completely sold out and no further tickets will be made available for visiting supporters.

March 23, 2010

Rovers Belles reach the Super League!

Exciting times are ahead for the Doncaster Rovers Belles after the FA announced that they will be one of eight teams to make up the Women's Super League when it kicks off in March 2011. Matches in the division will be broadcast live ESPN and the move will see a dramatic rise in the players' salaries.
The full line-up will be: Arsenal, Birmingham, Bristol Academy, Chelsea, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Everton, Lincoln and Liverpool.
Interestingly, current Women's Premier League leaders Sunderland are not one of the lucky eight clubs, along with current Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Millwall.
We would like to congratulate the Rovers Belles and wish them luck in the new league set-up.

March 23, 2010

Man of the Match

We thank the many supporters who cast a vote for the "Man of the Match" following Saturday's home game against Sheffield United. There were eight players receiving nominations, with the players receiving most votes being:
1 Mark Wilson (28.26%)
2 John Oster (21.73%)
3 James O'Connor (15.22%)
4 James Coppinger (13.04%)
5 James Hayter (10.87%)
The next vote will open later this evening following the home game against Newcastle United.

March 23, 2010

Rovers announce new shirt sponsors

Doncaster Rovers have announced that One Call Insurance will be the new shirt sponsors for next season, with a three year deal being confirmed yesterday. One Call saw their name on the Rovers shirts a decade ago whilst Rovers were in the Conference, and take over from local firm Wright Investments.
The shirt design is set to remain unchanged for next season, meaning the new sponsors' logo will be the only change.
Of the news, chairman John Ryan said: :"I am delighted to welcome One Call Insurance as Club Sponsor of Doncaster Rovers. One Call Insurance are great friends of the Club and have been part of our success in the past and I'm sure will see even more success over the next three years."

March 23, 2010

Darlington 2 Youth Team 2

The Rovers youth team came away from Darlington with a 2-2 draw on Saturday, with much of the game played in very poor conditions as the rain poured down in the north-east of England. Darlington took the lead in the 38th minute, nd it took until the 68th minute for Rovers to equaliser though Moore. Doncaster took the lead just two minutes later when Moore scored his second goal of the game as the driving rain continued to come down. Darlington's equaliser came 14 minutes from time.
Doncaster Rovers: Bradshaw, Towler, Husband, Betts, Nodder, Jones, Blake, Thompson, Moore, Moxam, Oldham
Substitutes: Harrison (for Betts, 35), Adkins (for Moore, 80), Wakefield, Mullen, Lucas, Biggs

March 22, 2010

Coaches to Barnsley

The Supporters Club are running coaches to Saturday's away game at Barnsley. They will leave Retford at 12.00pm, Bawtry 12.15pm, Harworth Pit Gates 12.05pm, Rossington Styrrup 12.15pm, Hare & Tortoise 12.20pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 12.30pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 12.45pm.
The fares will be as follows:
Members £8.00 - OAP's £7.00 - U16's £6.00
Non-Members £10.00 - OAP's £9.00 - U16's £8.00
To boo, please contact Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154).

March 22, 2010

Ben moves to Buxton

Former Doncaster Rovers loan striker Ben Muirhead has signed for UniBond Premier League club Buxton after becoming a free agent following the demise ofd Farsley Celtic. We wish Ben well - he's certainly been unlucky with his choice of clubs this season, as he also signed for King's Lynn earlier in the campaign, and they also went out of business!
Muirhead played six times for Rovers whilst on loan from Manchester United during the 2002/03 season, three of those as substitute, but after that was released by Manchester United and signed for Bradford City.
He then signed for Rochdale, but since then has plied his trade in non-league football, playing for Alfreton Town, Farsley Celtic and Harrogate Town. Muirhead made his Buxton debut last weekend against North Ferriby United, and looks to be a useful addition to Buxton's promotion campaign. Buxton currently lie two places outside the promotion play-off positions.
Buxton boss John Reed said of his new signing: "He has had a great career. Hopefully we can keep hold of him until the end of the season while we have got this run going. He just oozes quality. He has actually been training with us for the last two or three months so he knows all the team. He is a quality signing and we are very pleased he chose us, because he had three or four other clubs chasing him. We just hope no-one else comes in now and puts seven days notice on him. He will be a quality acquisition."

March 22, 2010

Keepmoat set for bumper crowd

A bumper crowd looks to be in prospect for tomorrow evening with well over 13,000 tickets already sold for the highly anticipated clash with leaders Newcastle United. The league leaders have sold all of their 3,300 allocation, and home ticket sales have now broken the 10,000 mark.
Tickets will remain on sale until kick-off tomorrow at the following prices:
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 22, 2010

Cobblers aim to keep Bayo

Northampton Town boss Ian Sampson is confident that he will be able to persuade leading scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa to sign a new contract with the club. Bayo has scored 15 goals in 29 starts so far this season, but his contract expires at the end of the season.
Although the player is likely to be in demand from other clubs, Sampson said: "We're talking to Bayo about a new contract. I'm talking to his agent this week and hopefully we can get something sorted out."
Akinfenwa played nine games for Doncaster Rovers at the end of the 2003/04 season, but has then been trying to find clubs closer to London, taking in Torquay United, Swansea City, Millwall and Northampton along the way.

March 21, 2010

Rovers 1 Sheffield United 1

A draw was probably a fair result of yesterday's game, which saw Rovers dominate the first half, but Sheffield United hit back in the second half to put Rovers under constant pressure which eventually paid dividends with a goal just a couple of matches short of the 90 minute mark.
Rovers started off superbly, going in front after just four minutes when James Hayter forced the ball home. After that, it looked to be more a case of how many goals Rovers would score, rather than if they would score. They poured forwaard against a Blades side that had only two players in the side that played in the opening fixture of the season, and had given 22 players a debut since that opening day. The Sheffield goal led a charmed life at times, with shots flying across the goalmouth on a number of occasions - but to be fair, the Rovers goal did come under threat as well, with a low cross coming in from the right which went right across the open goal - but no-one, of either side, could reach the ball to either clear the danger or prod the ball home.
Whatever Kevin Blackwell said at half time certainly worked, and the visitors came out in a much more determined mood with more organisation and constantly pressed Rovers back deep into their own half. The game had settled into a staedy pattern, with Rovers wasting their opportunities when they did gain possession. It was only when the equalising goal went in that Rovers were jolted into meaningfull action, and they poured forward in search of the winner. James Hayter had only the goalkeeper to beat deep into injury time, but he blazed the ball high over the bar into the South Stand crowd.
The result means that Rovers close the gap between them and the play-offs to just three points - but with Cardiff to play this afternoon, as well as having a further match in hand, that gap could be much wider before too much longer, meaning that Rovers will probably have to win all their remaining games to have a realistic chance of reaching the top six. But it is still possible, and until mathematically impossible, why not live the dream a little longer?

March 21, 2010

Rovers Belles - countdown to the final

Doncaster Rovers Belles will be aiming to win the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup for the seventh time in the last eight seasons when they face Rotherham United in this afternon's final. The only unsuccessful final during that run came when they lost to Sheffield Wednesday in the 2007 final. They go into this afternoon's final fresh from a win over Premier League leaders Sunderland, and boss John Buckley is confident of successs this afternoon.
Buckley said: "We've got a very good record in the competition and we're hoping to continue that on Sunday. I've got to make a decision on whether to put in some of the younger girls who played in the earlier rounds or go with a bit more experience. But whatever side takes to the field we should have enough to beat Rotherham. We just want to continue doing the best we can and try and win it again."
The match is being played at Stocksbridge Park Steels' ground and has a 2pm kick-off.

March 21, 2010

Around the goals

There were a number of former Rovers players on the scoresheet yesterday, although we begin in the Championship with the unfortunate David Wheater, who put the ball into his own net in Middlesbrough's 1-1 home draw against Reading.
At the top of League One, Gordon Greer's late equaliser for Swindon Town denied leaders Norwich City another win - the Canaries still remain well clear of second placed Leeds United, who did not play yesterday.
Also in League One, Darren Byfield scored even later in Walsall's game against Colcheter. His goal in the fourth minute of time added on at the end of the match gave the Saddlers a 1-0 win, which lifts them into 12th place.
Paul Heffernan, on loan from Doncaster Rovers until the end of the season, scored Bristol Rovers' second goal in their 3-0 win at Yeovil Town. The win lifts the Pirates into 9th position, although the play-offs look out of reach, with an eight point deficit to make up in the nine remaining games.
Dropping down into the Blue Square Premier, Tomi Ameobi opened the scoring for Forest Green Rovers in their 2-0 win at Kettering.
A little further down the leagues in the UniBond First Division North, Adriano Rigoglioso scored for Colwyn Bay as they registered a welcome 3-1 win over Chorley. Adriano was one of the players brought in to steady the ship after a worring sequence of losses began to threaten their promotion challenge. As it is, they will probably have to settle for the play-offs - they are now in third place, ten points behind second placed FC Halifax Town and a further three behind leaders Lancaster City.
Finally, in Scotland, Stuart Elliott scored Stirling Albion's third goal in their 3-0 win at East Fife, which keeps Stirling's promotion challenge on track. They are now third in the Scottish Second Division behind Alloa and Cowdenbeath. Elliott is currently on loan at Stirling from Hamilton Academical to gain first team match practice after having been out of action for most of this season.

March 21, 2010

Gregg's on his way to Wembley!

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Gregg Blundell was celebrating yesterday when Barrow reached the FA Trophy final, which will be played at Wembley Stadium at the end of the season. Blundell scored the vital goal in their 1-0 first leg victory at Salisbury last weekend. In yesterday's match, Barrow won the game 2-1, with both goals scored by Jason Walker, who was on trials at Doncaster Rovers last summer.
It means that Barrow will be in the final for the first time in 20 years, when they lifted the trophy with a 3-0 win over Leek Town.

March 20, 2010

Rovers v Sheffield United

Doncaster Rovers go into this afternoon's local derby against Sheffield United without leading scorer Billy Sharp, who is ruled out of the game against his parent club, despite there being no clause in his loan deal to prevent his inclusion. Sharp's omission means that Rovers will rely on James Hayter to play up front, with on-loan Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in support.
The injury situation at Rovers is now, at long last, improving. Shelton Martis made a successful return to action on Tuesday for his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury, and Adam Lockwood made a late substitute's appearance against the Posh for his first taste of first team action since playing against Swansea at the end of September.
Sean O'Driscoll made a few changes to the side for Tuesday's game at Peterborough, mindful of the number of big games coming up in the near future, but all are expected to return to the starting eleven today. Mark Wilson and James O'Connor are likely to be recalled.
Rovers go into the game unbeaten in the last five games and just one point behind the Blades - but the Sheffield club's awful away record means that Rovers must fancy their chances of ending the day as the top team in South Yorkshire. If that turns out to be true, stand by for the deluge of calls on Praise or Grumble this evening!
Sheffield United have had a problem with goalkeepers this week. First choice keeper Mark Bunn was recalled from his loan spell by Blackburn this week, and United boss Kevin Blackwell has moved quickly to sign Stoke City goalkeeper Steve Simonsen on a month's loan. Simonsen will go straight into the squad for today's game - whilst they have other goalkeepers on the club's books, Blackwell wanted a "recognised number one" for the key run-in to the end of the season.
Skipper Chris Morgan serves the second of a two-game ban, with the Blades also without Toni Kallio (calf), Jamie Ward (hamstring), Ched Evans (collar bone), Gary Naysmith (knee), Ryan France (knee) and Derek Geary (ankle). On the postive side for the Blades, midfielder Lee Williamson (hamstring) and Kyle Bartley (food poisoning) returned to the squad for their midweek game and could start today.

March 20, 2010

Today's match officials

The match officials for this afternoon's home game against Sheffield United have been confirmed as:
Referee: J Moss
Assistant referees: T Harrington and DR Street
Fourth official: WE Grunnill

March 20, 2010

Billy - Rovers can reach top six

Sean O'Driscoll may be playing it cautiously, but on-loan striker Billy Sharp still believe that Doncaster Rovers could make a late surge for the play-offs after they have climbed up to eighth place thanks to their five-match unbeaten run. With seventh placed Sheffield United in town today, victory for Rovers would lift them up to seventh.
Sharp commented: "There is always one team which comes with a late run and it could be us."
In contrast, O'Driscoll, who celebrated his 200th match in charge of Rovers last Saturday, said: "Our motivation is to stay in the division, so first and foremost we've got to achieve that and after you've achieved that you can look at something else. But we've got to win eight or nine games and that's a tall order in this division where teams beat each other left, right and centre."

March 20, 2010

Rigo back at the Bay

Colwyn Bay's promotion challenge from the UniBond First Division (North) is looking like it will come off the rails after an awful run which has seen them lose six out of the last eight games. Not surprisingly, the run has dented their confidence badly, and boss Neil Young is trying to boost the squad with three or four new players with Conference or Football League experience.
One key signing by Young was to sign former Rover Adriano Rigoglioso from FC United of Manchester, and he made his Colwyn Bay debut in their midweek game against Warrington Town. Although Bay went down to their four successive home defeat, Rigoglioso did inspire the side to produce an improved attacking performance in the first half.
The signing of Rigoglioso was rushed through to enable him to play on tuesday, and Young, who has said that he has nine days to rescue Colwyn Bay's sesaon, will be hoping that Adriano's inclusion in the team for this afternoon's home game against mid-table Chorley. Remarkably, considering their recent form, Colwyn Bay are still nicely positioned to qualify for the play-offs, although the top two clubs are now ten points ahead.

March 19, 2010

Keegan at the Keepmoat

One of Doncaster's most famous sons, Kevin Keegan, is heading back to his home town next month to present "An evening with Kevin Keegan" at the Keepmoat Stadium. The event is being held as part of Mickey Walker's testimonial season, with a number of events being planned over the coming few weeks, which we will let you know about in the near future.
The Kevin Keegan evening is on Thursday, 8th April with a 7pm start, with tickets at £45 each, or £400 for a table of ten. Included is a two course meal, along with a full evening's entertainment, which includes Doncaster's own Two Grand, who appeared on Britain's Got Talent last year. The evening will be hosted by ex-Rovers player John Stiles, who is now firmly established as a comedy speaker on the "After Dinner" circuit.
Why not come along and support Mickey's testimonial season - tickets are available from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office on 01302 762576 or on-line at www.keepmoatstadium.com.

March 19, 2010

Blades tickets selling nicely

Ticket sales for tomorrow's home game against Sheffield United have been selling well over the last few days, with interest being heightened following Tuesday's win over Peterborough lifting Rovers to just one place behind tomorrow's opponents. The Keepmoat Stadium is reporting sales of 9.036 for the home stands, with 2,900 sold by Sheffield United.
Tickets will be available up to kick-off, but if you are buying a ticket tomorrow, we suggest that you give yourself plenty of time in case there are queues at the ticket office.
Ticket prices for the match are:
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 19, 2010

Stock hopes for early return

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Brian Stock is hoping that he can avoid having a second back operation, with his specialist of the opinion that another operation will not be necessary. Stock has had an injection to reduce the inflammation of the nerve affected, and now it is a case of waiting for it to improve.
Brian told the Doncaster Star: "The specialist has seen the scans of my back and he says that the surgery I had last summer has been a success and he doesn't see why I should get any recurrence in the future. I saw him this week about my current back problem and he doesn't think that I will need an operation. Obviously if the symptoms do persist then he'll have to operate, but he says that he doesn't want to operate and he doesn't feel as though my back needs it."
"I've had an injection to try and reduce the inflammation of the nerve. It is frustrating not being able to play; it's not been a good season. It is the first time in my career that I've only played a handful of games; it is something new to me. I'm hoping that once the back problem is cured that I'll be okay. With my back having been in spasm my spine needs a lot of mobilising. But once that is all done, and John the physio is happy with it, then I'll be back in training."

March 19, 2010

LuaLua's season is over

Former Doncaster loan striker Kazenga LuaLua looks certain to miss the rest of the season after limping from the pitch during Brighton's win over Brentford on Tuesday. Kazenga has enjoyed a successful loan at Brighton, but has now returned to Tyneside for treatment.
Brighton's assistant manager Mauricio Taricco said: "It's a huge blow. He's a player with something different that no-one else has. He's very very quick but it happens in football. But you adapt, we have others that can come in and do a good job."

March 19, 2010

Man of the Match

The superb form of goalkeeper Neil Sullivan was recognised by many of the supporters who travelled down to watch the Rovers at Peterborough United on Tuesday evening, as he was voted as your "Man of the Match" by a clear margin, gaining twice as many votes as his nearest rival, Gareth Roberts.
There were nominations for seven players, with those receiving the most votes being:
1 Neil Sullivan (41.03%)
2 Gareth Roberts (20.52%)
3 John Oster (12.82%)
4 James Coppinger (10.26%)
We thank everyone who took the time to place a vote. The next poll will open following tomorrow's home game against Sheffield United and unlike certain other "Man of the Match" votes, it won't even cost you the cost of a text message!

March 19, 2010

Odds fall for O'Driscoll to become Robins' manager

With betting firms now taking bets on who is to become the next manager at Bristol City, the name of Sean O'Driscoll has crept to the top of the list, with odds of 4/1 with Victor Chandler , making him joint favourite with Alan Curbishley. However, with Rovers riding high in the Championship, we don't anticipate that O'Driscoll will be going anywhere soon.
Even though the vacancy isn't available, Sky Bet are also making O'Driscoll one of the front runners at Premiership club Burnley. Even though Brian Laws was only recently appointed, poor form of the team since then makes the punters think that Laws' time may be limited at Turf Moor. Phil Brown, the recently sacked Hull City manager, is listed as favourite for the post, with O'Driscoll and Gary Megson close behind him in the pecking order. With Rovers' compensation claim putting Burnley off when they were last interested in obtaining O'Driscoll's services, we can't see why the situation would change if they were to make a move for the Rovers boss.

March 18, 2010

Mulligan released

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Dave Mulligan has been released by Wellington Phoenix after the club decided not to offer him, or Michael Ferrante, a new contract for next season. Despite still being included in the New Zealand national team, Mulligan was not a regular in the Wellington side last season and his release comes as no surprise.
Wellington's Chief Executive, Tony Pignata, said: “The club thanks Michael and David for everything they’ve done,” Pignata said. “Michael, in particular, has been an important member of the squad and was a foundation player for the Phoenix. I’m sure that both Michael and David will be able to continue their careers at other clubs.”
Despite being born in England, Mulligan played 25 times for New Zealand after growing up in the country, and has also played with Barnsley, Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town and Port Vale.

March 18, 2010

Season ticket reminder

Season ticket holders should now have received a communication from Doncaster Rovers regarding season ticket prices for the 2010/11 season. However, that mailing was distributed before John Ryan agreed to extend the "Early Bird" cut-off date to the end of April, rather than the end of March detailed in the leaflet. With no details, to our knowledge, appearing in the local press to advise supporters of the revised date for the discounted tickets, we would like to take this opportunity to remind supporters that season ticket details for next season are 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 18, 2010

Rovers need cash to keep Sharp

Rovers' assistant manager Richard O'Kelly fears that the only way that Billy Sharp will stay at the club next season is if he or Sean O'Driscoll wins the lottery, according to his interview with Sky Sports. The 24-year old striker's 15 league goals have been the main reason why Rovers are on the fringes of the promotion play-offs, but the financial constraints at the club may prevent a move for him in the summer.
O'Kelly said: "It depends who wins the lottery, out of me and Sean, to whether we can sign him permanently. We would love that to happen, but the financial constraints decide what we do at this football club. Some believe it is not speculating, others think it is good management, but in the present climate with football clubs going out of business and being taken to court puts our policy in a good light. At the end of the day you want a successful football club that is still in existence in 10 or 15 years' time. As much as we'd love to have Billy here next season, finances will determine whether we can do that."

March 18, 2010

O'Drsicoll admits Rovers are safe!

Sean O'Driscoll has finally admitted that Doncaster Rovers are now safe from the threat of relegation after they reached the 51 point mark on Tuesday night. How he has worked that out when he insists that he doesn't look at the league tables is a little mystifying, but now that Championship survival is now virtually certain, he can now concentrate on whatever his next goal is, which presumably will publicly be to finish as high as possible, although surely in private, he will be hoping for a chance of reaching the play-offs. Recent form suggests that may not be an impossible dream, but the next three games are tough - Sheffield United, Newcastle United and Barnsley - and if Rovers were to come out with over half points from those three, the situation will be very interesting indeed.
O'Driscoll conceded "We'd be extremely unfortunate or extremely poor if we were playing in League One next season - so I am delighted. The players showed a great attitude today and we can move on to something else now. I don't like just saying things; I think you need a strategy and a plan. If we are going to do it - then we may as well give ourselves the best possible chance."
Statistically, third-bottom Scunthorpe United can reach 68 points if they won all of their remaining ten games - and whilst their next two games are against the bottom two (Plymouth and Peterborough), five of their games are against teams currently in the top nine places, so such an achivement looks extremely unlikely!

March 18, 2010

Supporters Club - spaces left for Yarmouth trip

Due to some cancellations, the Supporters Club have eight spare places for their weekend trip to Great Yarmouth on the weekend of the Ipswich Town game (17th April). The trip costs £120 and includes bed, breakfast & evening meal as well as coach travel. The coach will leave from the Keepmoat Stadium at 9am on Friday, 16th April and will depart from Yarmouth at around 2.30pm on the Sunday afternoon. If anyone is interested, please contact Paul Mayfield on 07961 727769 as soon as possible.

March 17, 2010

Peterborough 1 Rovers 2

Things are starting to look interesting, despite Sean O'Driscoll's insistence that he does not look at the league table. They have now gained 51 points, just one short of his target for Championship survival. But for a 92nd minute goal for Cardiff, Rovers would have been just two points away from the play-offs. As it is, they are still four points adrift of sixth placed Cardiff, but they are up to a staggering eighth place, with seventh placed Sheffiedl United the visitors to the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.
Rovers came from behind to win for the first time this season in a game that they didn't play well for most of the match. It looked as though Billy Sharp's point blank range miss might prove costly - but a stunning goal from Gareth Roberts and a 90th minute winner from John Oster, his first for the club, gave Rovers a fortunate three points.
Rovers had gone behind just after the break with a point blank header from Charlie Lee, and Rovers owed much to some good saves from Neil Sullivan to keep them in the contest.
The result now means that Rovers are unbeaten in their last five matches and leaves Peterborough running out of matches to save their Championship status.

March 17, 2010

What the managers said

Sean O'Driscoll praised the performance of his team last night after they came from behind to claim all three points from London Road. In his post-match press conference, he said: "It was always going to be tough work with only two players above six feet tall against a team who excel in set-pieces and at long throws. But we stuck in there after going behind, continued to play our football and got the equalising goal we deserved. Adding a winner at the end was a nice bonus. I'm really happy for John (Oster) to get his first goal for the club. He has been asked to play with much more responsibility of late and it is a role he has relished."
Neil Sullivan also pulled off some important saves in the game, and O'Driscoll recognised that, adding: "Some people might think your reactions start to go when you are 40 but Neil proved there is nothing wrong with his when making some terrific saves."
Peterborough boss Jim Gannon, who arrived recently on a short-term contract, is currently holding talks with the Posh chairman over his future. He said of those discussions: "I had a very constructive and enjoyable meeting with the chairman and with Barry (Fry) and I have to say the club is very lucky to have two passionate football people in charge. I now have a good feel for the club. I haven't made a definitive decision yet, but things should be clearer in my mind within a couple of days once I have spoken to the people I want to discuss things with. It was an easy decision to come here on a short-term basis but it will be a much more difficult one to make now."
Of the game itself, all Gannon said: "We had problems with injuries before and during the game, but we had the chances and couldn't quite convert them."

March 17, 2010

One step from Wembley

Gregg Blundell's 85th minute goal on Saturday means that Barrow are just ninety minutes away from a trip to Wembley in the FA Vase. Barrow won the first leg of their Trophy semi-final clash against Salisbury, and with the home leg at Barrow to come on Saturday, the chances of Barrow making it to Wembley must look promising.
It was Blundell's first start since suffering a head injury after he was catapulted into a concrete pitch surround recently, and it came despite suffering from a virus last week.
Of his goal, Gregg said: “I’d like to say it was a 20-yard screamer but, you know, it was just one of them scruffy goals, not one of my best. I just bundled it in really. The keeper saved my first shot, then, from the rebound, my header’s hit the inside of the post. I followed it in again and the only thing I could do was bundle it into the net. It was an important goal and I’m well happy to have grabbed it for the lads. It’s good for your own confidence to get a goal, even if it does go in off your midriff!”
Barrow boss Dave Bayliss said of the winning goal: : “It was an unorthodox way of getting it over, I think it hit him in the testicles, but they all count. It doesn’t say in the papers what part of the body put the ball over the line, it just says Blundell goal, and we’ll settle for that.”
He added “It gives us a different dimension when Gregg plays. I think he’s unfairly had a bit of stick off certain sections of people, but you can see how honest the lad is. He runs and runs and runs. He’s had a virus this week and to put a shift in today like he did is a credit to the lad.”

March 17, 2010

Goals review

On-loan Rovers midfielder Robbie Clarke scored twice for Brigg Town against Spalding United last night to lift the Zebras up to twelfth in the UniBond League Division One (South). It's the second time during his loan spell, which will last until the end of the season, that he has scored a brace.
Whilst not actually scoring the goal that won the game last night, Lewis Guy had an eventful first match for Oldham Athletic yesterday evening. He was brought down by Stockport County defender Danny Swailes in the 25th minute to earn Dave Penney's men a penalty kick. The award also meant that Swailes was sent off, leaving County at the bottom of the table and 13 points from safety, whilst Oldham's three points eases the pressure on Dave Penney, as they climb to 17th place, seven points above the danger zone in League One.

March 17, 2010

Plans for next season!

The Football League have already been making plans for next season and have revealed key fixture dates for the 2010/11/ campaign, whcih will begin on Saturday, 7th August, with the first round of the Carling Cup taking place in the following week.
Hopefully Rovers won't be involved, but the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will be played in the midweek beginning 30th August.
With Christmas Day being on a Saturday, no matches will be played on that day - but the traditional Boxing Day matches will go ahead on Sunday, 26th December, followed by games on Tuesday 28th December, Saturday 1st January and Monday 3rd January.
The season for League One and Two will finish on Saturday, 7th May, with the Championship fixture list ending on Sunday, 8th May.
Fixtures for next season will be released by the Football League at 10am on Thursday, 17th June.

March 16, 2010

Peterborough v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers travel to Peterborough United today for what, at least on paper, should be one of the easiest matches left this season. However, Peterborough have suddenly hit a rich vein of form, winning two matches in a week, with a 1-0 win at Watford on Saturday coming hot on the heels of a 1-0 home win over promotion chasing Sheffield United. New boss Jim Gannon seems to be in the process of turning the Posh's fortunes around, but let's hope that Rovers will be sufficiently on their guard this evening.
With a full fixture list this evening, Rovers have a chance to close the four point gap between them and the play-off places.
Rovers are likely to incude Shelton Martis for his first start since suffering a hamstring injury which led to a six match absence. He replaces Elliott Ward, who has returned to Coventry City after the completion of his month on loan. Martin Woods is again pressing for a recall after overcoming a groin problem, but with no other new injury concerns being reported by Rovers, he may well have to settle for a place on the bench once again. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Mark Wilson have overcome concussion and a deadleg respectively and will be included in the squad.
Peterborough boss Jim Gannon will have to wait until the last minute before naming his side, with Lee Frecklington (calf) and Chris Whelpdale (groin) having late fitness tests. They will be without Kerrea Gilbert, on loan from Arsenal and defender Ryan Bennett, who is still suffering from an ankle injury.

March 16, 2010

Peterborough tickets update

Whilst tickets for this evening's game at Peterborough United are no longer on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium, you can pay on the turnstiles at the match.
Admission prices are:
Adults £22(seating), £17 (terracing)
Senior Citizens (60+) & Students (NUS card required) £14
15s & under £10

March 16, 2010

Match officials v Peterborough United

The match officials for this evening's away game at Peterborough United have been confirmed as:
Referee: F Graham
Assistant referees: O Saliy & GS Stretton
Fourth offficial: I Smedley

March 16, 2010

Rovers Belles fell the leaders

Doncaster Rovers Belles registered an impressive win on Sunday when they beat Women's Premier League leaders Sunderland 2-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium, thanks to two late goals from Rachel Williams. Sunderland grabbed a late consolation goal in stoppage time, but had Steph Bannon sent off as she clashed with Chelsea Weston whilst trying to retrieve the ball from the net.
Doncaster Rovers Belles have an away match at Everton tomorrow evening, and then face Rotherham in the County Cup final, which is being played on Sunday.

March 16, 2010

Youth Team 0 Lincoln City 4

The youth team slumped to a 4-0 home defeat against Lincoln City on Saturday in a Youth Alliance match which was played at Cantley Park. They were undone by the more direct style of the visitors, who took the lead in the 12th minute, which was doubled just ten minutes later. Rovers were disadvantaged by an injury to their goalkeeper, but Bradshaw's replacement, Biggs, saved well to deny what looked a certain third goal just before the break.
Goal in the 51st and 85th minutes sealed Rovers' fate, which sees them maintain tenth place in the North East Conference.

March 16, 2010

Lewis signs for Oldham

Rovers striker Lewis Guy has signed for Oldham Athletic on a month's loan and goes into their squad for this evening's local derby against Stockport County. Oldham, who are lying just above the League One relegation places, made the move to strengthen their strike force when on-loan striker Daniel Nardiello was ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring injury.
Lewis has had to settle for a place on the bench at Rovers so far this season and has moved on loan to get some first team games under his belt.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "The move will get Lewis some games in what is a busy part of the season. We could have done with keeping him, but he's not played and you have to be fair to the player. They have a game at Stockport on Tuesday and he will be signing the forms after training and meet up with Oldham's squad tomorrow."
Guy signed for Rovers, then managed by Dave Penney, the current Oldham boss, back in 2004, and spent a short time out on loan at Hartlepool United last season.

March 16, 2010

Man of the Match

With a pleasing increase in the number of votes cast for Saturday's "Man of the Match", there was healthy competiton for the leading places. There were nine players receiving nomincations, with those receiving most votes being:
1 John Oster (26.87%)
2 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (22.39%)
3 Billy Sharp (14.93%)
4 James Coppinger (8.96%)
We thank everyone who took the time to place their vote - all votes will be counted and carried forward to the end of season "Player of the Season" totals. The next poll will open following this evening's away game at Peterborough United.