May 15, 2010

O'Driscoll confirms interest in Kennedy

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has admitted that he has an interest in signing Rochdale left back Tom Kennedy, who is currently out of contract. O'Driscoll has been tracking the 24 year old defender for a few weeks, but may step up his interest now that Gareth Roberts has joined Derby County. Kennedy has been named in the PFA League Two "Team of the Year" for the last two seasons, and is described as an attack-minded defender.
O'Driscoll commented: "He's a very good footballer and he's obviously got a good family pedigree (he is the nephew of former Liverpool star Alan Kennedy) and I've seen him play a few times and we've also spoken to him and his agent. I think that there are quite a few clubs showing interest with him being a Bosman - especially the smaller Championship clubs. As I say he is a player we are interested in but until the Gareth Roberts situation was sorted out it was difficult to proceed. There are one or two other people that we are looking at."

May 15, 2010

Rankine - happy to be 'donkey'

Former Rovers youth team striker Michael Rankine steps out at Wembley tomorrow afternoon as part of a York City side striving to gain promotion back into the Football League. York play Oxford United in the play-off final after beating Luton Town in a dramatic two-legged semi-final.
Rankine, who has scored only ten goals this season, has provided a support role to the clinical finishing of strike partner Richard Brodie - but does not mind playing that role. He told the York Evening Press: “You don’t get as much satisfaction from creating goals than you do scoring them but I still get a lot because it’s a team game and, if you get to the play-off final, it’s down to a collective effort. Brodes has obviously scored a lot of goals and I’m his donkey. You have to take on a role at a club and I understand I am not the best or as good a finisher as he is. He gets himself in some great positions and is a great talent. I’m just happy playing every week because it’s the first season I have done that. I’ve been pleased with my performances this season and believe I can kick on from them.”
Rankine is rather pleased that Rushden & Diamonds fell at the semi-final stage. He spent three unproductive seasons at Nene Park, saying: “I’m happy we didn’t get Rushden in the final because you can sometimes get caught up in trying to show people what they have lost. I just want to focus on getting York promotion and enjoying the celebrations afterwards.”

May 15, 2010

Award-winning Rovers

Doncaster Rovers will be presented with the Football League's Championship Fair Play Award this afternoon at Wembley, when the club will be guests of the Football Association for the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Portsmouth. Rovers managed to go through the season with just 35 bookings and three red cards.
On hearing that Rovers had won the award, Sean O'Driscoll said: "Great credit must go the players for not only being competitive in what is the most demanding of divisions, but by doing it in a fair and respectful way. At times we feel this does go against us. But we ask that our players try to do the right things in every situation, whether we win lose or draw. That is easy to say, but extremely hard to put into practice."

May 15, 2010

Green signs new deal

Former Doncaster Rovers youth team palyer Liam Green has signed a new deal with Blue Square North club Ilkeston Town. Green left Rovers at the end of the 2006/07 season and went on to play for Boston United before arriving at Ilkeston in July 2009. Liam, a midfielder, is also capable of playing at left back, and has ditched the 'bleached' hair colouring he sported whilst at Rovers!

May 14, 2010

Roberts completes move to Derby

As expected after news broke last week that Derby County were talking to defender Gareth Roberts about a move to Pride Park, both clubs confirmed yesterday that the deal had been completed, with the player signing a two year contract. The move, whilst heavily reported by the Derby press last week, was delayed as Roberts was stranded in Spain as the volcanic ash cloud originating in Iceland closed 19 Spanish airports. Roberts is one of a number of Rovers players who are out of contract this summer, and had been offered new terms by the club. However, for the second time in two days, Rovers have found that money talks, with Derby offering Gareth terms that Sean O'Driscoll could not match.
O'Driscoll commented: "Gareth has been totally up front about everything. At 32 years of age he doesn't have to talk to you via somebody else - he'll come and have a chat. We have done what we can to keep him, but we are still far away from what he has been offered. I've got nothing but praise for Gareth. Since we walked through the door, he has been a first-class professional and got better. That is football and I think that he has found the decision difficult and at his age you understand that if he wants to move to pastures new, not to push him away. I would love him to have stayed, but you have to be practical."
Roberts arrived at Rovers four years ago and has developed his game, adding a number of spectacular goals to his repertoire, most from outside the penalty area.
Roberts joins former Rovers midfielder Paul Green at Pride Park - another player to leave Rovers on a free transfer at the end of his contract who was lured by the higher wages on offer.
We would like to thank Gareth for all his efforts whilst at Doncaster Rovers and wish him well for his future footballing career. The move will be completed on 1st July, once his contract at Rovers ends.

May 14, 2010

Stock recalled to Wales squad

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has been recalled to the Wales squad after missing a number of their recent games due to injury since making his international debut against Russia last September. He has been named in a 21 man squad for the friendly against Croatia in Osijek on Sunday, 23rd May, with boss John Toshack omitting Joe Ledley, David Vaughan and Neal Eardley, all of who are involved in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
The match against Croatia is their final friendly match ahead of their European Championship campaign, which opens with a game against Montenegro in September. The squad meets in South Wales on Wednesday 19th May before flying to Osijek on Friday 21st May.
The full squad named by John Toshack is:
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Boaz Myhill (Hull City)
Defenders: James Collins (Aston Villa), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham United), Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest), Craig Morgan (Peterborough United), Lewin Nyatanga (Bristol City), Sam Ricketts (Bolton Wanderers), Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
Midfielders: Andrew Crofts (Brighton & Hove Albion), Simon Davies (Fulham), Andy Dorman (St. Mirren), David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Andy King (Leicester City), Brian Stock (Doncaster Rovers)
Forwards: Craig Bellamy (Manchester City), Simon Church (Reading), David Cotterill (Swansea City), Robert Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), Ched Evans (Sheffield United), Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

May 14, 2010

Shackell - Rovers would not go beyond financial limits

Rovers chairman John Ryan moved yesterday to reveal that Doncaster Rovers made a "substantial offer" to sign Wolves defender Jason Shackell this week. In fact, Rovers matched Barnsley's transfer fee offer, with both clubs having their bids accepted by Wolves, but Barnsley put a wages offer to the player which Rovers would not match.
Ryan commented: "As for Jason Shackell, we did all we could to keep him here and although we agreed a fee with Wolves, even his agent was surprised at the offer that Barnsley put in. It was more than we valued the player so we would not match it."
Sean O'Driscoll said: "We had agreed a fee with Wolves, so that first hurdle was over. That was helped with Wolves staying in the Premier League, as their situation was going to change because they would have another year of Premier League money and it gives them the ability to go out and strengthen in a different market than what they have been used to. That made a deal for Jason possible so that was concluded. We knew a number of clubs were interested. From the prerogative of the players and agents, they look to see where the best club is for him to go. That takes a lot of things into account. I think that if you took finance out of it, then he would still be a Doncaster Rovers player. It was a good place for him to put his career back on track and it would have been a stepping stone for him. If he had carried on playing the way that he was, he would have gone to - with all due respect - a bigger club than Barnsley or ourselves."

May 14, 2010

Blayney called up for Northern Ireland

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for their friendlies this month against Turkey and Chile.
Blayney won his one international cap against Romania in 2006 whilst he was still a Doncaster Rovers player, but has since left English football to play in Northern Ireland, and currently plays for Linfield.
He joined Oldham Athletic after leaving Rovers in summer 2007, and has since played for Bohemians and Ballymena.
The full Northern Ireland squad for the two matches is:
Goalkeepers: Michael McGovern (Ross County), Alan Blayney (Linfield)
Defenders: Colin Coates (Crusaders), Stephen Craigan (Motherwell), Andrew Little (Rangers), Rory McArdle (Rochdale), Gareth McAuley (Ipswich Town), Ryan McGiven (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Corry Evans (Manchester United), Kevin Braniff (Portadown), John Gorman (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Robert Garrett (Linfield), Jamie Mulgrew (Linfield), Michael Bryan (Watford)
Forwards: Josh Magennis (Cardiff City), Warren Feeney (Cardiff City), James Lawrie (Port Vale), Rory Patterson (Coleraine)

May 14, 2010

Nelson hopes for new contract

Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Stuart Nelson is keeping his fingers crossed that he will win a new contract at Aberdeen this summer. His one year contract ends this summer - his chances have not been helped with the SPL abandoning the reserve team league, which has limited the number of games he has played to impress boss Mark McGhee. He played in two matches at the end of the campaign, a draw against St Johnstone and a defeat to Kilmarnock. For the rest of the season, he has had to settle for being back up to first choice keeper Jamie Langfield - but despite that, Stuart is keen to stay on at Pittodrie.
McGhee has indicated that Nelson will be offered a new short-term deal, but added: “I haven’t talked to any of the players yet and I will address it in the next couple of days. It is only right I deal with the players at the club who are out of contract first. I will talk to them all to give them my decision and, in some cases, get their thoughts."

May 13, 2010

Shackell signs for Barnsley

Any hopes that Rovers supporters may have had in some attention-grabbing signings arriving at the club were dampened yesterday when Barnsley announced that they had signed Jason Shackell from Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll had indicated that he would like to sign the defender, who impressed during his time on loan at Rovers this last season, but it looks as though the continuing problem of Rovers not being able to financially compete with most other Championship clubs is again meaning they miss out on transfer targets.
O'Driscoll said last season: "We've never made a secret of the fact that we would like to keep Jason. He's done really well and he fits in. If it is possible and we could we would sign him, but he was a £500,000 buy from Norwich, so that transfer fee puts it well out of our transfer capabilities."
Barnsley boss Mark Robins said of his first signing of the summer: "I am delighted to have signed Jason today. He has proven himself to be a more than capable Championship player and is a leader on the pitch. I am looking forward to a long and successful working relationship with him here at Barnsley FC".
Shackell said of the move: "I am delighted to be here. I feel that this is the right place to be at this stage of my career. I met with Mark Robins and he is really ambitious and wants to push on with Barnsley. He was keen to get me in and his enthusiasm, ambition and drive really made this feel like the right place for me. I am ambitious; I want to be pushing on in my career and I feel this is the right place to do that."

May 13, 2010

Tyrone heads for the exit

Ex-Rovers loan midfielder Tyrone Thompson has become the first casualty of Torquay United's end of season clear-out after being told that he will be released by the club at the end of his contract at the end of June. He was actually told before the Gulls travelled north for their game at Bury in the penultimate game of the season, and he was withdrawn from the squad as a consequence. Tyrone had been with the club for two seasons, playing 58 games for the club since moving from Crawley Town, and has previously played for Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Scarborough and Halifax Town.
Thompson played just one game for Doncaster Rovers whilst on loan from Sheffield United back in the 2002/03 season - a 1-1 home draw against Morecame on 21st April 2003. Whilst he stayed with Rovers until the end of that season, he did not make another appearance for the club before returning to Sheffield United, where he was released at the end of the season.

May 13, 2010

Griffith offered new deal by Vale

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Anthony Griffith has been offered a new two year contract at Port Vale after featuring prominently for the club this season. The offer was made before the end of the season, but the player wished to wait until after the last match had been played before considering the offer.
He told the BBC: "I know it's probably making the club wait, but I'd like to see the season through and then hopefully sit down and talk about it. Nothing's concrete yet, but they have put it down. We'll wait and see."
Griffith joined Port Vale on a free transfer from Rovers in 2008 - although he had also played on loan for Oxford United, Darlington, Stafford Rangers and Halifax Town. In his two seasons at Vale, he has started 75 league games, although he has yet to score for the club.

May 13, 2010

Pirates keep interest in Heffernan

Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope has confirmed that he is still interested in signing Doncaster Rovers striker Paul Heffernan, despite the disappointment of the player being recalled to Doncaster for the last few matches of the season, owing to the injury to loan-striker Billy Sharp. However, Trollope has warned Bristol Rovers fans that they will have to be patient as he prepares to revamp his squad, with the emphasis being put on younger players for next season.
Trollope said: "We are hoping for a fresh look to the squad for next season and I think the average age will be down. Hopefully, there will be reinforcements where we need them to add to the quality we have already got. Every club would like deals done early, but the last two seasons have taught us that's rarely the case and you have to be patient. We are looking at quite a small band of players to make us better within what we can afford, and we will make every effort to tie people up as soon as possible. But some people are under contract and some might be loan deals which would not happen until pre-season, so there is a need for patience. If people aren't here by the end of May, it doesn't mean we've missed out on targets. We know where we are going and we know where we need to strengthen. Some of the loan players we have had this season have done well and made a big impression with their talent and application and we may be revisiting some of those."
Of the prospects of persuading Heffernan to sign for the club, Trollope commented to BBC Radio Bristol: "I'm sure he will have options and there will be competition for his signature, but he is somebody of great interest to us and we are in discussions with his agent."
"We were very impressed with Paul when he was here. He's a good link man and made us a better team with his hold-up play. His attitude was excellent too, and his work ethic was very good. He fitted into the group well."
Paul was one of a number of players to be released at the end of his contract with Doncaster this summer.

May 12, 2010

Regrets for Rovers' skipper

Rovers skipper Brian Stock has looked back at the 2009/10 season as one of regret from a personal point of view, although he is pleased about the achievements of the team. Stock has had to endure an injury-hit season, with a back complaint which forced an operation last summer flaring up again in the second half of the season. Things were going well earlier in the campaign, but a cracked ankle bone was diagnosed shortly after starrring for the Welsh national side, which meant he had to sit out a considerable chunk of the season.
He told the Doncaster Star: "I would like to have played more games, I've only played around 15 league games which is probably the lowest total in my career. So, from a personal point of view. it has been a disappointing season, but the team have done really well."
"The gaffer prepares for every scenario in training which helps the players coming into the team when key players are out. Injuries are part and parcel of football and he can't control those things so he doesn't let it worry him. He's got other players to come in and he gets on with it and he's done a hell of a job. From an early age I was told that for a team to be successful all the players have to play their part, whether they are injured or not. I think that is what has brought our football club together. When players aren't playing they give support from the bench. They also talk to the players playing in their positions in the dressing room at half-time. That is what the manager is all about. He likes to put the onus on us to partially make decisions.
On his plans for the summer break, Brian said: "I'll be having a bit of a break but I'll also be doing some work. I can't afford to sit around the house and not do anything otherwise I'll fall back into the same situation. I'll be trying my hardest to be as fit as I can at the start of pre-season."

May 12, 2010

Moore joins Brewers

Former Rovers centre-back Darren Moore, who was released by Barnsley at the end of his contract this summer, has signed for Burton Albion on a two year contract.
Moore moves in to help shore up a Brewers' defence that has conceded over 70 goals this season, a figure that only two League Two clubs have the dubious distinction of beating. But for the number of goals conceded, Burton would have been challenging for the play-offs instead of having to settle for a midtable place.
Moore joins Brewers boss Paul Peschisolido, with the pair having previously worked together when playing for Derby County - the two of them travelled from Birmingham together for a three year period, so perhaps it was no surprise that Moore decided to join Burton.
Moore said of the move: "I'm really grateful that I had the phone call from the gaffer. We played in the same team at Derby in a very successful campaign and we've enjoyed a mutual respect. When he heard of my availability, he asked me if I'd like to come and join the challenge he faces here – and yes, of course I do, because I still want to carry on playing and maximize my playing potential. I wanted to come here and be part of the exciting times at this club. It's a fresh challenge that I'm looking forward to. I can bring a wealth of experience and know-how. I'm a no-nonsense type of player on the pitch. I try to do my best and I expect the players around me to give their best. I want to be a leader and to try to bring a winning mentality."
Despite being 36, Moore is confident that he can offer much to Burton's side next season. He continued: "I played in 85% of the games over the last two seasons at Barnsley and I felt quite strong at the end of this campaign, so I still feel I have a lot to offer. Physically, I feel strong and I still have mobility. I like to train and I take training seriously. I feel quite happy at the way my fitness is at the moment, so I hope that will continue and I'll get stronger."

May 12, 2010

Bayo in dilemma over future

Ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, no strange to the rumour-mill when it comes to his situation at the end of each contract he signs, is in a dilemma as far as whether he will stay at Northampton Town for next season. The Cobblers came close to a play-off place in League Two this season, but their failure to finish in the top seven places means they are denied the chance of League One status next term.
Akinfenwa told BBC Radio Northampton: "Every player will tell you they want to play as high as possible. That has to be in my thoughts for next season, but I enjoy it here, I've got love for Northampton and it's the longest I've ever been at one club, so we'll see."
Akinfenwa is out of contract at Northampton and is expected to attract attention from a number of clubs, despite his susceptibility to injury. Even so, he has managed to score 16 goals this season.
He continued: "The club know that I like everything about the place, from the fans through to the manager, and I believe it is second to none. I'm still talking to both the chairman and manager about it on a daily basis and we are making positive strives. Obviously every player wants to play at the highest level possible, but I'd love to play at another level with this club because it is such a good club. At the end of the season I will sit down with my family and discuss what is best for me and then reassess the situation."

May 12, 2010

Thistle hope Rovers targets stay

Inverness boss Terry Butcher is insisting that Adam Rooney and Jonny Haynes will be playing for the club next season, despite reported interest from Doncaster Rovers in the closing matches of last season. Aberdeen are also understood to be interested in signing the pair, but Butcher has insisted that the club have not received any enquiries about the pair.
Rooney, aged 22, still has a year left on his contract and Inverness are hoping to extend his stay at the club, whilst Haynes has just signed a new two year deal with the club. Should Rovers wish to continue their interest, it is clear that a potentially substantial transfer fee would be required - something that, by past form, they would be reluctant to pay.
Rooney bagged 27 goals last season in the SPL, whilst Haynes contributed 10 goals in 44 appearances.
Butcher has said that it would take a "crazy offer" to tempt them to part with either of the pair and was looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2010/11 season.

May 11, 2010

Oster appeals for Rovers to push forward

In an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post, Rovers midfielder John Oster has urged the Rovers board not to be content with the progress made so far, and said that it is an ideal time for them to push forward in search of doing even better next season.
Rovers finished in 12th place in the Championship - their best finish in over 50 years - and with clubs such as financially stricken Portsmouth coming down from the Premier League this season, the chance for a place in the play-offs may be better than it was this season.
The club have to decide whether to make a few key signings or to rely on the loan market, something which Sean O'Driscoll has utilised to stunning effect in the last twelve months.
Oster is currently in discussions with Rovers (or at least his agent is) and said: "I'm talking now with the club and hoping to sort something out. Who knows what's going to happen, I'll leave that to my agent and try and enjoy my summer as best as I can. Hopefully, we can get something sorted either way in the next week or two."
Of Rovers' prospects for next season, he said: "It's sort of on a knife-edge at the minute. It's up to the board as they are the people with the money. They can either rest on their laurels and sign a couple of players here or there to make up the squad or we can have a go and try and sign the likes of Billy Sharp and Jason Shackell, who have done unbelievably well for us this season. If they do that, then it obviously shows that the club are trying to go somewhere and it attracts other players. It can have a knock-on effect and if we do sign someone like Sharpy, then I think other players will look at us and think 'at least they are having a go'."

May 11, 2010

Mulligan makes World Cup squad

Former Doncaster Rovers defender David Mulligan has been named in New Zealand's 23-man World Cup squad, despite the unfortunate distinction of being without a club at the moment after he was released by Wellington Phoenix at the end of last season.
National boss Ricki Herbert, who was also his boss at Phoenix, praised the attitude of Mulligan in going after his World Cup dream. Herbert said: "David has been a victim of circumstances at the Phoenix where other players have come in and played well, keeping him out of the team. He has never stopped working hard, however, and his attitude has been first-class."
The All Whites squad will link up in Auckland on May 19th before flying to Melbourne for a warm-up match against Australia on May 24th. They will then travel to Austria for training and matches with Serbia and Slovenia before bunking down in South Africa for the group stage opener against Slovakia on June 15th.
The New Zealand World Cup squad is:
Goalkeepers: James Bannatyne, Glen Moss, Mark Paston
Defenders: Andy Boynes, Tony Lochhead, Ryan Nelsen (c), Winston Reid, Ben Sigmund, Tommy Smith, Ivan Vicelich.
Midfielders: Andy Barron, Jeremy Christie, Aaron Clapham, Leo Bertos, Tim Brown (vc), Simon Elliott, Michael McGlinchey, David Mulligan
Strikers: Rory Fallon, Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Chris Wood, Jeremy Brockie

May 11, 2010

Thornton released

Ex-Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton was a suprising name on the list of players released by Leyton Orient this week. O's boss Russell Slade has released seven players inlcuding Thornton, club skipper Stephen Purches and long-serving goalkeeper Glenn Morris as he strives to overhaul his squad that finished only narrowly above the relegation places in League One.
Thornton has been at Brisbane Road since July 2007, joining the London club from Doncaster Rovers after a two year stay at Belle Vue. His off-field behaviour has often attracted criticism and has undoubtedly limited the success of his career throughout the years, and it led to a loan spell at Shrewsbury Town in September 2008 as he struggled to stay in the Orient team. This season has been a good one for him, having played in 30 League games and scoring seven goals.
In addition to the release of Thornton, Leyton Orient have also released midfielder John Spicer at the end of his loan deal from Doncaster Rovers.

May 11, 2010

Hawkins given a chance

Ex-Rovers defender Colin Hawkins has been offered a chance to prove that he deserves a new contract at Brighton & Hove Albion, despite having a full season out of action with an achilles tendon injury keeping him on the sidelines since the arrival of new boss Guy Poyet last November.
As a consequence, Poyet has been unable to assess Hawkins' value to the squad, and so he has told the player that he, along with striker Gary Hart, who is in a similar position to Hawkins, is welcome to join the squad in pre-season training in July. Both Hawkins and Hart are out of contract this summer.
Poyet told BBC Radio Sussex: "We need to help each other and know where we are standing with one another. There are no promises, that's the main point. If they get the chance to join someone else they will be free to go."
Poyet continued: "I didn't see Colin once. It's got to the wrong time. I think he will be ready for Monday. Unfortunately we are not here on Monday. If we think during pre-season they can help us, we will tell them. Even if we release people we will respect the players and give them the opportunity to train with us."

May 10, 2010

Will he sign, or won't he?

Ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is keeping Northampton Town guessing as to whether he will agree to sign the new contract on offer, despite finishing the season as the club's top scorer. Supporters were appealing to the player to stay at the club after his current deal ends later this month, but on past experience, Bayo will probably keep them waiting a while longer.
Cobblers boss Ian Sampson has the feeling that Akinfenwa is waiting to see if any other offers materialise. Sampson said: "He's become an iconic figure at Northampton Town and that seems strange to say because he's only been here a couple of years. He's just so well liked by everyone and he's got a real presence. The fans here like him and we feel we've made him a good offer. If he feels the love from the fans like he says he does then he'll sign it, but I can't force him to do that. If he wants to look elsewhere then that's his prerogative, and I've always said that about players. He's no different."

May 10, 2010

Scott signs on for more

Former Rovers defender Scott Maxfield has signed a new contract with UniBond Premier League club Buxton as their management team begins to build a squad with the aim of gaining promotion to the Blue Square North after narrowly missing out on gaining a place in the play-offs this time around. Maxfield is one of a number of what are described as "key players" to be signed up, with four or five 'quality' players targeted, and has been at Buxton since July 2007.
Former Rovers defender Clive Freeman is assistant manager at Buxton.

May 10, 2010

Elliott goes back

Coventry City defender Elliott Ward has returned to Coventry City at the end of his loan spell at Preston North End. It was confirmed last week that Preston boss Darren Ferguson will not be making a move to keep Ward at Deepdale for next season, with many Preston supporters decidedly unimpressed with his performances in the closing weeks of the season.
Ward, who scored one of Rovers' goals of the season with his spectacular overhead kick against Sheffield Wednesday, impressed at Rovers during his month on loan earlier in the season. He joined after a defensive crisis was heightened when on-loan defender Jason Shackell was sidelined with a groin injury, with indications afterwards that Sean O'Driscoll may be keen on making a move for the player during the summer break.
Elliott Ward is out of contract at Coventry City this summer and was expected to leave the club. However, the sacking of manager Chris Coleman at the end of the season could possibly change matters.

May 10, 2010

Sullivan set to stay

Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan looks likely to stay at the club after being offered a new contract by Sean O'Driscoll. Despite passing his 40th birthday in February, Sullivan has been in impressive form this season and was ever-present in league games, apart from the final game at Swansea City, when O'Driscoll gave Ben Smith the chance to say farewell to the supporters before being release a few days later.
Rovers' goalkeeping coach Lee Butler is not surprised that Sullivan has been offered another contract.
He told the Doncaster Star: "I think that he has been very consistent again. He might have celebrated his 40th birthday in February, but he's still got a desire to play and he has shown that he can still do a job. He has been very reliable this season. When I started playing people used to think that anyone over 30 was over the hill. But players look after themselves better these days and sports science has played a big part in that. If you look at the top keepers in the Premier League Schwarzer, Friedel, David James, Edwin van der Saar, they are all a similar age to Sully."
"I've been working with him for two-and-a-half years now and I kind of know what Sully needs. If he was playing on a Tuesday he'd not do as many reps as the others, but other than on those occasions when we had got a midweek match, he did exactly the same as the other keepers. If the other lads did eight exercises he'd only do four or six"
"Hopefully part of the reason that Sully has missed very few games since he's been here is down to what he does on the training field, but luck also comes into it."

May 10, 2010

Apology over statistics

We would like to apologise to all users of this website for various errors that have appeared on the "appearances" statistics which are contained in the "matches" section of this website during the current season.
We were made aware following the home game against Ipswich on 19th September that our statistics could have been used in the Rovers' match day programme without our knowledge. To avoid unfair accusations, we proceeded to include some false statistics, starting by adding two goals to Brian Stock's career total, and then went on to include appearances by Sean McDaid and Stuart Elliott. It became apparent that our statistics were being used without Rovers having had the courtesy of asking first, so we continued to include some false information - one week we swapped two columns which we understand were consequently printed in the programme (which made Lewis Guy's Rovers career record look incredibly good!), and there has been a bogus appearance by Robbie Clark which has continued for much of the season since, despite the fact that he has been out on loan most of the time.
We apologise to Rovers fans who may have been misinformed by such information and assure you that the information on that page has now been corrected.

May 9, 2010

Goals review

On the afternoon that the final League One and League Two fixtures were played, four former Doncaster Rovers players were featured on the goals scoring lists. The first was rather unfortunate, with defender Gordon Greer scoring in his own net to give Millwall a 3-2 victory over Swindon. The win was not enough to give Millwall automatic promotion to the Championship though, with Leeds winning their final match to stagger into the Championship after a stuttering finish to the season. Leeds will, of course, be replaced in the third tier by another alleged "giant" in Sheffield Wednesday.
Also in League One, Jason Price scored in the seventh minute to put Carlisle two goals up - the match at champions Norwich City ended 2-0 to the Cumbrians.
In League Two, former Rovers loan striker Jack Lester struck in the 80th minute to put Chesterfield level in their home game against Bournemouth, with the Spireites going on to win 2-1 thanks to a 96th minute winner.
In the same division, Adebayo Akinfenwa scored in the 94th minute as Northampton drew 1-1 against Bury.
Finally, we must mention a couple of players with a Rovers connection who took part in Barrow's 2-1 victory at Wembley in the FA Trophy yesterday against Stevenage Borough. Striker Gregg Blundell started the game for Barrow, but the winner was scored in extra time by Jason Walker, who was on trials at Rovers last summer.
Stevenage presumably won't be worrying too much about their Wembley defeat - they have their first season in the Football League to look forward to after winning the Blue Squre Premier title this season.

May 9, 2010

Jordon set for Premiership chance

Birmingham City midfielder Jordon Mutch, who has been on loan at Doncaster Rovers for the last few weeks of the 2009/10 season, is in with a chance of being involved in this afternoon's Premier League season-finale when Birmingham City travel to Bolton Wanderers. Mutch has been added to the Birmingham squad of 20 for this afternoon's match after returning to the club after the conclusion of his loan deal at Rovers.

May 9, 2010

Nelly released by Hatters

Ex-Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe is one of eight players who have been released by Blue Square Premier club Luton Town after they failed to gain promotion back into the Football League. Nelthorpe moved to Kenilworth Road on loan at the end of January, but since then has only managed to make eight substitute appearances. He joined York City last summer, but struggled to be included in their side, and also spent some time on loan at Barrow.
A statement from Luton said: "In the first phase of the club`s restructuring ahead of a promotion push next season, four players have been released while a further four who with the Town on-loan will not have deals renewed. The club would like to go on record and thank all the players for their time with the Hatters and wish them all the best success in the future."

May 9, 2010

Lewer still in charge

Alan Lewer, who was assistant manager to Steve Wignall at Doncaster Rovers in the 2001/02 season, insists that he is still in charge at Histon, despite the clbu advertising for a new manager.
Lewer told the Cambridge News: "I haven't been sacked and I haven't resigned, so why would I want to apply for a job I'm already doing?"
However, Histon's Press Office said: "We are advertising for a manager and hope Alan will apply. The club is trying to sort things out for the new season and for the future."

May 9, 2010

Iron offer Forte new deal

Scunthorpe United have offered a new contract to former Doncaster Rovers striker Jonathan Forte after successfully surviving in the Championship this season. Forte is one of twelve players who have been offered new contracts for next season, but have released three players deemed to be surplus to requirements.
Forte joined the Iron three summers ago, but has mainly been utilised as a substitute by Nigel Adkins, starting 25 league games but being substitute on 49 occasions. He spent two spells on loan at Notts County in the 2008/09 season - and was at Doncaster Rovers on loan from Sheffield United on three occasions - between August and October 2005, between November and December 2005 and then for the whole of the 2006/07 campaign.

May 8, 2010

Mickey's benefit day

Tomorrow afternoon sees the finale of Mickey Walker's benefit season, with the Yorkshire Masters being played at the Keepmoat Stadium. Taking part will be teams from Doncaster Rovers, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United. Matches will be six-a-side, each comprising two fifteen minute halves, with the first game due to kick off at 1pm. The matches will be played on the main Keepmoat Stadium pitch, and all players taking part will be aged 35 and over, with Mickey hoping to take part somewhere during the afternoon.
The Rovers squad named for the event is: Barry Richardson, Steve Foster, Dean Walling, Tim Ryan, Gary Brabin, Dave Penney, John Doolan, Francis Tierney, Paul Barnes, Mickey Walker.
Adult tickets are £8, with concessions £4.

May 8, 2010

Finley leaves Witton

Former Doncaster Rovers central defender Gary Finley has left Witton Albion by "mutual consent". He took control at the UniBond club in November 2008, but he was unable to guide them to survival in the UniBond Premier League, with the club being unable to bounce back at the first time of asking this season.
Finley has quit Wincham Park due to his coaching role at Premier League side Blackburn Rovers meaning that he will have to cut back on the time he can spend on managerial duties at Witton.
Witton chairman Mark Harris said: “Although it has been a disappointing season results-wise, I am very sorry to see Gary depart. A combination of injuries, loss of form by key players, 10 missed penalties and other factors made his job very difficult indeed. Few people appreciate how hard he worked for the club, or realize how personally he took each setback. Gary felt the disappointment just as keenly as the board, and supporters. Although we now move on and begin planning for next season, I would like to place on record the directors’ appreciation of all that Gary has done for the club. We wish him well.”
Since leaving Docnaster Rovers, Gary has also played for, and been manager of Welsh Premier League side Aberystwyth Town amongst others.

May 8, 2010

Sean interested in Telford job

Ex-Doncaster Rovers player Sean Parrish has admitted that he is interested in the current managerial vacancy at AFC Telford United, following the departure of former boss Rob Smith a couple of weeks ago.
Parrish spent two spells as a player at Telford, and was also assistant manager at the club, but is currently working as a youth team coach at Northampton Town.
He told BBC Radio Shropshire: "It does appeal to me. If I can help out in any way then I might look to do that."

May 8, 2010

Rovers after Daggers winger

Dagenham's local paper has reported that Doncaster Rovers are reported to be monitoring young Dagenham & Redbridge right winger Danny Green, who has been making something of a name for himself this season with some impressive performances.
The report also mentions that Dagenham have just signed a new player, also called Danny Green, who is a left winger - so if Rovers are interested in the player, they'd better make sure they sign the right one!

May 8, 2010

Mulligan set to be unlucky for World Cup dream

Most of the squad for the New Zealand World Cup 2010 campaign is said to be predictable, but for former Rovers defender Dave Mulligan, the chances of being included in the squad for South Africa are in the balanace. Mulligan has struggled even to make the Wellington Phoenix side in the 2009 season and was released from the club at the end of his contract before Christmas. However, New Zealand boss Ricki Herbert included him in New Zealand's final qualifying match against Bahrain, and has previously said that all of those 18 will be included in the squad which is to be named on Monday.
Mulligan has been taking part in a pre-World Cup squad training camp in Auckland, which was set up to keep the players in shape following the end of the domestic campaign.

May 7, 2010

Penney leaves Latics

Ex-Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney has parted company with Oldham Athletic after just over twelve months in charge at Boundary Park. Oldham have battled against relegation for much of the season, although they did pull clear of the danger zone in recent weeks.
Penney joined the club in April 2009 when he replaced Joe Royle, who had been placed in temporary control following the departure of John Sheridan.
Oldham director Simon Corney told BBC Radio Manchester: "Perhaps even Dave himself felt things were not quite right so we decided to part company. It is a hard job here, there's no doubt about it," he said. "We have had a season where we are in a division with the likes of Charlton, Leeds, Norwich, Southampton and Huddersfield. You're talking there about clubs with four or five times our budget. It's very, very difficult to compete and the fans have to realise that."
Corney went on to claim that within ten minutes of the confirmation that Penney had left the club, the Latics had received twenty enquiries about the vacancy. Remarkable, if true!
Part of Oldham's problem is that attendances fell, which clearly affects income for the club.
Oldham Chief Executive, Alan Hardy commented: "We have had a lot of injuries but some poor performances too and we have lost quite a lot of fans because of that. I think the fans haven't been happy and they have showed that by not coming to the games."

May 7, 2010

Roberts off to Derby?

It appears that Rovers left back Gareth Roberts may be about to join Derby County, with news coming less than 24 hours after Doncaster Rovers revealed that he was one of ten players to be offered a new contract. However, the Doncaster Free Press reports that Roberts is likely to move after being made an offer that he cannot refuse.
Doncaster Rovers refused to comment on the story yesterday, but it looks as though Roberts is set to join former teammate Paul Green at Pride Park. Green moved to Derby two years ago when Rovers could not compete with the money on offer by the Rams.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll recently commented: "Gareth has actually improved as a player since he has been here and I don't think he would want to go anywhere else by choice unless he was offered terms we couldn't compete with."

May 7, 2010

Rovers after Kennedy

Maybe coincidence, but on the day that news broke that left back Gareth Roberts was likely to leave Rovers this summer, Sky Sports reported that Doncaster Rovers are considering a move for highly rated Rochdale left back Tom Kennedy. The 24 year old is rated as one of the best young prospects in the lower leagues over the last few years, having made over 150 appearances for Bury before joining Rochdale in 2007, and was named in the League Two "team of the year" for the 2009/10 season, being part of Rochdale's team that won promotion to League One this season.
Kennedy is out of contract this summer.

May 7, 2010

Abbott considers move for JJ

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott has confirmed that he intends to hold talks with former Rovers striker Jason Price about a permanent move to Brunton Park. Price had a successful loan spell at Carlisle last season, and will be out of contract this summer, having joined Millwall last summer on a one year deal.
Abbott said: "He is in my thoughts but I have not made any hard and fast decisions."

May 7, 2010

Wheater future uncertain

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has indicated that the club's "precarious" finances may yet dictate whether former Rovers loanee David Wheater will stay at the Riverside.
The Boro boss wants Wheater to play for the club next season, and the player has indicated on numerous occasions that he wants to stay, but Strachan accepts that he must performa a delicate balancing act with the club's finanaces during his transfer negotiations this summer.
Aston Villa and Sunderland have been linked with Wheater during the last few months, and a chance to play Premier League football next season may yet prove decisive.
Strachan commented: “I like working with him and there is a lot more to develop with David. I like having him in my team and having him about the place. He is a good influence. We are seeing him back to form now which is good. We’d like to see him here but like everything else it is a financial decision. David has a fantastic affinity for Middlesbrough. We will do everything that anybody could do to keep David here.”
“I’d rather get it sorted out right away rather than have the situation we’ve endured this year where we’ve had six or seven peoples’ contracts up,” Strachan said. “But I can understand that with the club not really knowing where they are going financially.”

May 6, 2010

Rovers release six

Following our update yesterday morning of players set to leave the club, Doncaster Rovers have now released the list of players who are being released by the club. Those who have been released at the end of their contracts are Paul Heffernan, Lewis Guy, Sean McDaid, Charles Fisher, John Spicer and Ben Smith.
A further ten have been offered new contracts: Mark Wilson, Gareth Roberts, Neil Sullivan, Mustapha Dumbuya, James Hayter, Adam Lockwood, John Oster, Robbie Clark, Waide Fairhurst and Gary Woods. Negotiations are continuing between the club, the players and their agents.
We would like to thank the six players who are leaving the club for all of their efforts whilst at Doncaster Rovers and wish them all the best for their future careers.

May 6, 2010

West Brom pre-season game confirmed

The first pre-season game of the summer has been announced, with newly promoted West Bromwich Albion set for a visit to the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday, 27th July, with the match kicking off at 7.45pm. It marks a swift return to Doncaster for the Baggies, who celebrated promotion from the Championship after their game in Doncaster on 10th April.

May 6, 2010

Johnson denies interest in Lewis

New Peterborough United boss Gary Johnson has distanced himself from reports that he is interested in signing Rovers striker Lewis Guy. Johnson has indicated that there will be a major rebuilding of the Posh squad during the summer, with the club aiming to bounce back from relegation from the Championship this summer. Four have already been told they do not feature in his plans - Sergio Torres, Ben Wright, Kewsi Appiah and Exodus Geohaghon, whilst on loan striker Liam Dickinson has returned to Brighton.
As well as denying an interest in Guy, he also dismissed speculation of Bristol Rovers' midfielder Stuart Campbell, saying: “Stuart is a good player but I am not looking to bring in a 32 year-old - and there is no truth in the other one either. Due to the fact we are going to be quite lively in the transfer market I expect we will be linked with quite a few players.”

May 6, 2010

Sean in Team of the Week

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton has been named in the League One "Team of the Week" by the Press Association for his performance in their 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers. That was a result which means Wycombe are relegated to League Two, with the O's now virtually safe, being three points clear of the relegation places, with a 21 goal advantage in the goal difference column.
Thornton has had a mixed season at Brisbane Road, having missed a number of matches due to injury.

May 6, 2010

Danny could still play in cup final

Former Doncaster Rovers loan striker Danny Cadamarteri could be in with a chance of playing in the Scottish Cup Final, despite dislocating his shoulder against Rangers last weekend. Dundee United's assistant manager Paul Hegarty explained: "His shoulder has been popped back in so it is just case of waiting and seeing how he reacts. He is doubtful for this week’s games but he will be desperate to get back in time for the cup final. It is still early days as far as the final is concerned. He is a very enthusiastic guy, he is full of energy so he will be doing all he can to get there.”

May 5, 2010

Heffernan heads for exit door

Striker Paul Heffernan looks as though he has played his last game for Doncaster Rovers. Heffernan is out of contract this summer and has been frustrated this season with the lack of first team opportunities, having to settle for a place on the subsitutes' bench for most games. He has spent a successful time out on loan at Bristol Rovers in the latter part of the season, and spent a month on loan at Oldham Athletic earlier in the campaign.
Sean O'Driscoll's snub of a player who has scored a goal every other game throughout his Rovers career, which includes as high as the Championship, is rather mystifying, but the reliance on Billy Sharp as the 'lone striker' this term has meant that Heffernan's opportunities have been limited. Last season, Paul was sidelined for the first half of the campaign, but on being given a first team chance around Christmas, he helped propel Rovers from the bottom of the table to midtable safety.
His agent, Clive Hart, has admitted that there are a number of clubs interested in signing Heffernan, and commented to Sky Sports: "Sean O'Driscoll and Paul have talked and all parties believe it is probably for the best to move on for a new challenge. Paul's goalscoring record in the Championship and League One over the last few seasons speaks for itself and there will be no shortage of offers for him as a Bosman. There are a number of clubs interested in Paul and he wants to go somewhere where he will be playing regularly."

May 5, 2010

Transfer update

With official sources regarding players leaving the club and being offered new contracts this summer being non-existent, supporters are having to rely on snippets of information to work out who is staying and who may be leaving Doncaster Rovers this summer.
In an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post, defender Gareth Roberts has said that he is in talks with Rovers about a new contract for next season. The defender, who has been made captain for the latter part of the season, is one of several players at the club who are out of contract this season. Other players out of contract this summer were reported to be Neil Sullivan, James Hayter, John Oster, Mark Wilson, Sam Hird, Adam Lockwooed, Lewis Guy, Sean McDaid, Mustapha Dumbuya, Ben Smith and Gary Woods. We understand that a number of other players will also be at the end of their current deals, meaning that there is the potential for a substantial change to the squad during the summer.
In an interview with Ben Smith on BBC Radio Sheffield yesterday evening, the young keeper indicated that his future may well lie away from Doncaster as he is keen to play regular first team football. He said that Neil Sullivan has been offered a new deal at Rovers, which would obviously limit his chances next term, with Ben currently thinking that a move in the summer is inevitable.
During the interview he did say how much he had enjoyed being part of the Rovers squad for the last three years, but at the age of 24, he has to think of progressing his career by being a first choice keeper and is willing to drop down the Football League to achieve that ambition.

May 5, 2010

Moore released

Former Doncaster Rovers captain Darren Moore has been released by Barnsley at the end of his contract. Moore is one of a number of players who have been told they do not feature in manager Mark Robins' plans for next season and will not be offered a new contract after their current deals expire.
Moore has been a highly popular player at Barnsley during his time at the club, but Mark Robins is clearly taking his first summer at Oakwell as the opportunity to build a squad for next season which will do better than their 18th place finish this season.
Moore, now aged 36, has been with Barnsley for two seasons, joining from Derby County on a free transfer. He began his career at Torquay United before moving to Rovers in 1995 before featuring for Bradford City, Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion. during which time he has started 533 league matches.

May 5, 2010

Green bound for Sunderland?

The Daily Mirror has reported that Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is lining up a £1.5 million bid for Derby County midfielder Paul Green. They say that Bruce has sent former Rovers boss Ian Atkins, currently a scout at Sunderland, to watch Green in the last six matches of the season as he sees Green as being able to add more power to the Sunderland midfield.
The news, which has not been reported elsewhere, so should be treated with a good deal of caution, comes just a few days after the former Rover had been called up into the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time.

May 5, 2010

Voting results

Five players received nomiations for the "Man of the Match" award for the final game of the season against Swansea City. The determined defensive display of Rovers was reflected by all but one of the players nomiated being in the Rovers defence. In what could prove to be his last game for the club, goalkeeper Ben Smith came out ahead of the other four, with those receiving most votes being:
1 Ben Smith (35.71%)
2 James O'Connor (26.67%)
3 Sam Hird (21.43%)
We thank everyone who took the time to place their vote - not only for this game, but throughout the season. This is the eighth season we have run the voting, which has remained a popular feature throughout, and it will return for the first league game of next season. Every single vote has been retained and will be used to calculate the end of season rankings which we will publish on this site during the summer break. The results are interesting, but you will have to wait for a little while to find out who has been voted as your "Player of the Season"!

May 4, 2010

Smith included in Team of the Week

Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Ben Smith has been named in the Championship "Team of the Week" for his performance in Rovers' goalless draw against Swansea City on Sunday. Smith was part of a determined Rovers defensive performance which denied Swansea that vital goal which would have earned them a place in the end of season play-offs. Each week, the Press Association names the top performing players in each position as their Team of the Week. The full lineup for the final week of the season is: Ben Smith (Doncaster Rovers), Danny Simpson (Newcastle United), Niall Cannavan (Scunthorpe United), Darren Purse (Sheffield Wednesday), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United), Jimmy Kebe (Reading), Hugo Colace (Barnsley), Graham Dorrans (West Bromwich Albion), Henri Lansbury (Watford), Craig Mackail-Smith (Peterborough United), Danny Graham (Watford).

May 4, 2010

Bristol Academy 1 Doncaster Rovers Belles 2

It took an injury time goal at the end of the game to give Doncaster Rovers Belles victory in Sunday's game at Bristol Academy. Emma Johnson's curling shot from the edge of the penalty area gave Doncaster victory, which means that they have now beaten the points total they achieved last season. Doncaster had gone in front in the 40th minute with a goal from Precious Hamilton, but Bristol captain Grace McCatty seemed to have earned them a draw when she scored 20 minutes from the end of the game.
Doncaster Rovers Belles' assistant manager Paul Green commented after the game: “There was not a lot in the game so we are delighted to have taken the three points. Our keeper Marie made some important saves when we really needed her today. The girls are delighted to end the season with more points than we finished with last time. We can improve and will look to recruit more quality over the summer ready for the Super League season.”

May 4, 2010

Dangerous Dave gives Bangor cup glory

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Dave Morley headed Bangor City to victory in Saturday's Welsh Cup final against Port Talbot Town, which was played at Parc Y Scarlets. Bangor had built a two goal lead inside the opening fifteen minutes, but a determined Port Talbot fightback in the second half seemed to be sending the game into extra time. However, deep into injury time, Morley's header won the cup for Bangor - meaning they have now won the trophy for the third successive season, and also means that they will qualify for European football again next season.

May 4, 2010

Fortune goal wins charity game

Former Rovers player Quinton Fortune was part of a Manchester United team which played a charity match againsta Rivals eleven at the weekend. The match, played at Old Trafford, featured a mix of former footballers along with some celebrities, with 35,000 packing into the ground to raise money for BBC's Sport Relief and the Manchester United Foundation.
The United side included players such as Jaap Stam, Ronny Johnson, Dwight Yorke and Andrew Cole, with Ian Rush leading the all-comers side. Celebrities taking part included Keith Duffy and Ronan Keating of Boyzone and Ralf Little - with Little scoring one of the goals for the Rivals. However former Rovers star Quinton Fortune stepped up to convert a penalty for Manchester United deep into what the matchday commentator called "Fergie Time" to make it 2-2 at full time. The Rivals finally won the penalty shoot-out 7-6.

May 3, 2010

Swansea City 0 Rovers 0

Swansea had to out-point Blackpool in the last match of the season to gain the last play-off place yesterday, but as it turns out, both clubs drew their matches, meaning the Swans finished in seventh place, just one point away from the end of season lottery. It could have been so much different, but Lee Trundle's last minute goal was disallowed for handball, much to the annoyance of the home supporters. Rovers were also fortunate not to have conceded a penalty a couple of minutes earlier when Sam Hird appeared to have brought down Craig Beattie, with even Sean O'Driscoll admitting that penalties had been given for less. In the end, Swansea's lack of goals this season - they have fought out ten goalless draws this term and scored fewer goals than any other in the Championship - was probably their undoing.
Rovers made two changes to the side that beat Scunthorpe last weekend, with Ben Smith replacing Neil Sullivan in goal, and Dean Shiels coming in to replace Brian Stock in midfield. Gary Woods got a rare opportunity in the first team squad as one of Rovers' substitutes, with Robbie Clark also included after returning from the club after a loan spell at Brigg Town.
Swansea squandered some early opportunities, but Rovers came close in the 30th minute with their first shot on goal coming from a free kick by Jay Emmanuel Thomas which just dipped too late to sneak under the bar. The home side hit back in search of that all-important goal, but Rovers held firm, with Swansea's best chance coming when Kuqi firing over despite having beaten Ben Smith in the Rovers goal.
Again, after the break Swansea pressed Rovers back, but shots from the edge of the penalty box went wide or into the side netting. Rovers had a chance to sneak a winning goal when Paul Heffernan was introduced as a substitute and. like in last Saturday's game against Scunthorpe, he had a good chance to score when unmarked in front of goal, but the Irishman blasted the ball high and wide.

May 3, 2010

What the managers said

Sean O'Driscoll was pleased that the superb defensive display put on by his Rovers side earned a point after working on such a tactic this week during training.
Speaking after the game, he said: "We worked all week for it. I thought that it was a game where, in some senses not that there was little on it, because you can't treat any game lightly in this division, but Swansea City's focus was greater than ours because they had more on it."
"We slowly built the week up and probably prepared as well as we have all season. We couldn't come here unprepared, so we did a lot of work and that helped us. We could have been better with the ball but both goalkeepers had only one save to make. In some senses, we cancelled each other out."
"There was a lot of organisation and lots of discipline and we always tried to play. It wasn't good enough but we always try to play. We have come off of pitches feeling that we haven't got what we deserved, but I felt that we deserved a point."
The referee was right to disallow Lee Trundle's goal, with O'Driscoll's view being: "The referee's decision was correct as we all saw Lee Trundle handle the ball before putting it in the net. But a few minutes earlier they could have been awarded a penalty when Sam Hird collided with Craig Beattie inside the area as I have seen them awarded before. There was no good us coming here to the Liberty Stadium and going through the motions as we wanted to put on a good show. You don't get near the play-offs unless you are a good side and Swansea play football the right way."
Swansea boss Paulo Souza was understandably frustrated in seeing his side denied at the final hurdle. His view of the "penalty" was: “It was a wrong decision, everyone saw it was a penalty. All season bad decisions like this have gone against us."
As far as Trundle's disallowed goal, Souza simply said: “I don’t want to talk about it. Everyone is unhappy in the dressing room as we have not done what we wanted to do. We deserved to win the game, which has reflected our season, and we made enough chances to win but failed to score and once again referee's decisions have cost us dearly. I do not want to talk about the handball decision but we had no luck at all today. It was a pleasure working with these players who have given everything to the club and they deserve much more. I am happy because at the start of the season I said I wanted the club to finish in the top half of the division and we have achieved that."

May 3, 2010

Wellens scores for Foxes

On the final day of the Championship season, former Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens scored from the penalty spot in the 86th minute to put Leicester City 2-0 up against Middlesbrough. The result means Leicester finish in fifth position and will face Cardiff City in the first stage of the promotion play-offs, with Nottingham Forest facing Blackpool in the other play-off semi-final.

May 3, 2010

Joyce leads Robins to title again

Former Rovers player Sean Joyce, who has been manager at Western League club Bideford Town for over a decade, was celebrating after Saturday's final game of the season. Their win over Corsham Town brought the Toostation Western League title back to the Sports Ground for the first time since 2005/06, something which greatly pleased Sean.
He said: "It has probably been the hardest one to win and, to win it like we have, it's special. For other championships I had the backing of former chairman Paul Mitchell to more or less get what I want. The team was an experienced and solid Western League team with lads who had come down from higher leagues. It has taken me four years to build this team. The lads have come up from lower leagues. One or two players have moved on who didn't have the desire and hunger to go and win it again."
"We've been top since Christmas and as soon as you put on a Bideford shirt, players want to beat you. One or two of the boys have never been in a position to win the league before and they have stood up really well. They are a great bunch of lads and the spirit is second to none."
Bideford now have the chance of promotion to the Zamaretto League (formerly known as the Southern League). Despite winning the title on numerous occasions earlier in the decade, Bideford declined promotion, but it now looks as though Joyce and his players will have the chance to test themselves at a higher level.

May 2, 2010

Swansea City v Rovers

The final set of matches of the 2009/10 season arrives with a few promotion and relegation issues still to be settled. Rovers, whilst not able to reach the play-offs themselves, still have a chance of influencing the outcome of which club gets the final play-off place, although the result of their match this afternoon is irrelevant if Blackpool get three points at home to Bristol City.
Rovers still have the chance of finishing as high as ninth, should Sheffield United and Bristol City lose (away to Ipswich and Blackpool respectively) and Reading fail to win at home to Preston - all presuming, of course, that Sean O'Driscoll's men win at the Liberty Stadium! Whilst Rovers could also draw level with Middlesbrough on points, the current nine-goal difference discrepancy is too much to overcome - although Boro do have a trip to Leicester to make, who have already qualified for the play-offs!
It's set for an interesting afternoon - and with all matches scheduled to kick-off at 1pm the situation will, no doubt, change on several occasions during the ninety minutes of play.
It will be very interesting to see what side Sean O'Driscoll selects for this afternoon's game, with a number of players hoping to return for the season's finale. John Oster, who was forced to drop out of last weekend's game against Scunthorpe at the last minute, has trained this week and is hoping to resume his midfield role - although Brian Stock, who returned after a ten week absence last weekend, will be hoping to retain his place in the side.
On-loan defender Jason Shackell is also hoping to take part in this afternoon's game after missing the latter part of the season with a hernia problem, and has also trained this week. The ultimate decision for his inclusion lies with his parent club Wolves. We suspect that a place on the bench is the most that Jason could hope for - fellow defender Adam Lockwood may also be keeping his fingers crossed for a start for the first time in months after only featuring as a substitute since returning after a broken metatarsal injury.
Jordon Mutch is able to be included in the squad this afternoon after having his loan from Birmingham City extended until the end of the season.
Definitely out of contention for today's game are Billy Sharp (thigh), Steve Brooker (ankle), Martin Woods (groin) and Byron Webster (foot).
Lewis Guy and John Spicer have been out on loan and both played in Oldham Athletic and Leyton Orient's last games of the season respectively yesterday afternoon. Charles Fisher and Robbie Clark have been out on loan at UniBond clubs Frickley and Brigg Town respectively - they could be included (although unlikely), as the UniBond fixture list finished last week.
Swansea go into this afternoon's crucial game with Garry Monk set to make his 200th apearance for the club, but they will be missing defender Alan Tate (ankle), Ferrie Bodde (knee), Craig Beattie (hip) and Jordi Lopez (ankle). Hints out of the Liberty Stadium suggest that Paulo Sousa will stick with the same side that lost to Sheffield United last weekend, which may mean that Lee Trundle and Craig Beattie will be unlucky in their bid for inclusion.

May 2, 2010

Today's match officials

The match officials for this afternoon's away game at Swansea City have been confirmed as:
Referee: G Hegley
Assistant referees: A Rodda & I Smedley
Fourth official: D Sheldrake

May 2, 2010

Goals review

With the non-league season virtually over, barring a few play-off matches, we have just two matches involving goals with a Rovers connection to mention today.
In yesterday's game between Carlisle and Walsall, former Rovers players scored both of the goals in a 1-1 draw - Jason Price on target for the Cumbrians, with Darren Byfield scoring a second minute goal for Walsall.
In Notts County's home game against Cheltenham Town, ex-Rovers skipper Graeme Lee scored their first goal in what turned out to be a comfortable 5-0 win. And yes, Ricky Ravenhill did get booked!

May 2, 2010

Rovers Belles aim to finish with a win

Doncaster Rovers Belles travel to bottom of the table Bristol Academy for their final game of the season this afternoon hoping to finish off with a win which will confirm a top six finish ahead. Both clubs will be included in the first Women's Super League season which begins in March 2011, and both go into today's game with a full squad to select from.
Rovers Belles' assistant manager Paul Green commented ahead of the match: "This has been a good season for us, but we have just lost the lead a few times and drew too many times at home. We have proven we can match anybody on our day; we ran Arsenal close last week and drew with Everton a couple of weeks ago."
"We are looking to finish on a high and there is an air of optimism around the club with the new Super League competition on the horizon. The girls need to secure their place in what will be a squad of quality players next season."