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| May
31, 2010 |
Oster
- "almost a done deal" |
 |
John
Oster is virtually certain to sign a new contract with Doncaster Rovers,
with just some minor issues to be resolved before his contract is signed. The normally cautions Sean O'Driscoll confirmed the news to the Doncaster Free Press last week, when he said: "It's almost a done deal. I never like to say much before everything is signed, sealed and delivered because you never know in this game but we've agreed terms with John and it's just a case of dotting the 'i's and crossing the 't's." Oster proved highly influential in the Rovers side after being given a more central role in the second half of the season and has been seen by the fans as one of the key players to be signed up again for the 2009/10 season. Mark Wilson and James Hayter are also said to be close to signing new contracts with the club. Rovers remain hopeful of signing last season's top scorer Billy Sharp from Sheffield United, with an interview in the Yorkshire Post suggesting Sharp is keen to return. O'Driscoll claimed: "We are still hopeful but I'd like to know one way or the other as soon as possible. We want a quality striker and, if we are not going to spend the money on Billy, we need to spend it elsewhere. Situations can change rapidly at this time of year but, then again, it might be the end of June before we know for certain." Transfer target Tom Kennedy is currently on holiday, and will apparently make his mind up on the move when he returns. |
| May
31, 2010 |
Championship
for next season |
 |
With
Millwall being victorious in their play-off final against Swindon Town
on Saturday, the full line-up of teams competing in next season's Championship
is now known. Leeds United and Norwich City , along with Millwall, have
been promoted from League One, whilst Portsmouth, Burnley and Hull City
were relegated from the Premier League. The full line-up of clubs who Rovers will be facing next season is therefore: Barnsley, Bristol City, Burnley, Cardiff City, Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Hull City, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Leicester City, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth, Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers, Reading, Scunthorpe United, Sheffield United, Swansea City and Watford. The fixtures for next season will be released by the Football League in mid-June. Finally, congratulations go to Dagenham & Redbridge for their win the League Two play-off final yesterday. Dagenham were, of course, the beaten finalists when Doncaster Rovers won promotion back into the Football League in the Conference play-off final played at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke. Their 3-2 win over Rotherham United means that former Rovers players Andy Warrington and Nick Fenton will face another season in League Two with the Millers. |
| May
31, 2010 |
Rovers
Belles - financial odds against them |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers Belles manager John Buckley fears that his side will have the odds
stacked against them when the FA Women's Super League starts next March.
Other clubs in the new Super League receive substantial financial backing
from their relevant men's teams, such as Arsenal and Everton, whilst Lincoln
have wealthy benefactors of their own. However, Doncaster do not have
that substantial financial backing and have to be much more economical
as far as their player investment is concerned. Buckley has had to develop his own players so far, along with some astute signings from lower league clubs, but he faces even more of a challenge next year to keep the Rovers belles as a competitive force in the new 8 club league. The development of the Super League means that a number of clubs will field full-time players, but the Rovers Belles will have to play at their peak to compete with such investment. All of their games in the Super League will be played at the Keepmoat Stadium, rather than on one of the outside pitches, which Buckley is hoping will be an attraction in luring players to sign for the club. He said: "It is fantastic that we will be playing all our games at the stadium, but money is still a big factor. I've spoken to two or three girls who have then been offered double or even treble by other clubs. It's a headache. If we could come up with just £10,000 or so it would be a huge help." |
| May
31, 2010 |
Rovers
sign eight for youth squad |
 |
Paul
Wilson confirmed the signing of eight players for next season's Under-18
squad last week. Four of them came through the Rovers' Centre of Excellence
teams,whilst the other four have been signed after scouting missions and
recommendations. All eight will continue their education whilst with Rovers,
with a representative from the League Football Education organisation
explaining their education for the two years they are in the scheme. All
will attend Doncaster College in tandem with their football coaching and
training, joining the Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence. After the eight signed, Paul Wilson, head of youth at Rovers, said: "This is where all the hard work starts for these lads as they go full time after being at school and part of Academies/Centre of Excellences. We also look at furthering their education and qualifications off the field which is just as important. Next season they will start on the first rung of the full-time football ladder and will get the chance to interact and train with the first team. It will be quite a jump up for some of these lads but I am optimistic about their abilities and futures." |
| May
30, 2010 |
Keepmoat
weekend opening |
 |
With
the Dons playing at home this afternoon, the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office
will be open for the renewal of Rovers season tickets today. They will be open between 10am and 3pm today - and they will also be open between 9am and 4.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday. This will mark the last opportunity for Doncaster Rovers supporters to renew their season tickets ahead of the prices going up on 1st June. Tomorrow is also the last day that seats are reserved for season ticket holders from last season; with effect from 1st June, all seats that have not been renewed for the forthcoming season will be placed on general sale. |
| May
30, 2010 |
Sharp
- a man in demand |
 |
Striker
Billy Sharp is likely to be a man in demand this summer, although only
Doncaster Rovers have placed a bid for the striker. Whilst Sheffield United
rejected Rovers' club record bid, Rovers have not given up hope of bringing
Sharp back to the Keepmoat Stadium, with John Ryan pointedly not ruling
out an increased bid later in the summer. However, newspaper reports suggest that Leeds United may enter the running at some stage, especially with this weekend's news that Jermaine Beckford will not be at Elland Road next season, with Leeds releasing him from his contract, with Everton apparently interested in obtaining his signature. Sharp has said nothing since returning from his holiday, apart from commenting: "I've not heard anything from Leeds. I've just got back from my holiday but I heard Donny's offer was turned down. I'll speak to Sheffield United and we'll take it from there." Burnley are also being mentioned by the Doncaster Star as being interested in Sharp, even though they were relegated from the Premier League this summer. Burnley's manager is Brian Laws, who was Sharp's mentor during two highly prolific seasons at Scunthorpe United. However, Sheffield United appear to be holding out to recoup the majority of their investment in Sharp, who them an estimated £1.6 million when he returned from Scunthorpe in summer 2007. A source at the club said: "Billy won't be allowed to leave on the cheap. United have not ruled-out him staying, but if he does have to go then it seems they'll try to get the majority of that money back." |
| May
30, 2010 |
Tris
to follow former boss |
 |
Ex-Rovers
striker Tristram Whitman is one of a number of players expected to follow
manager Tommy Brookbanks from Carlton Town to Hucknall Town this summer.
Brookbanks, who has been at Carlton for a number of years, has moved up
a division to the UniBond Premier Division to sign a three year deal at
Hucknall, with a view of reviving the fortunes of the Yellows, and will
want to take a number of his former players with him to achieve that. With few players at non-league clubs under contract, they are much freer to move clubs, as has been shown on a number of previous occasions, where a manager has taken virtually a full team with him on moving clubs. Whitman, top scorer at Carlton last season, is now 29 years old and is the prime target for Brookbanks - with the manager having already agreed with Carlton chairman Mick Garton that he can raid Carlton's playing staff this summer. Brookbanks said: "They are players who I know and trust and I'm aware what they will be able to bring to the side. A new manager always likes to take a certain number of players with him, it's almost inevitable. These are lads who have done well for me and having stayed loyal to me while I was at Carlton, I now want to give them a chance to play at a higher level, which I believe they can. I was up front with Carlton and told them from the start there would be certain players I would be asking to come to Hucknall so they knew where we stood." Up to seven players are expected to make the move, but Brookbanks cannot reveal all of his signings until early June. He has, however, signed a remarkable 25 players already, with just four Hucknall players retained from last season. Brookbanks continued: "I'm quite excited by who we have coming in and what we have planned. I think sometimes it is better to make a fresh start, which is why there will be such a big turnaround of players. You want to bring in your own type of player and it ensures the team that goes out next season is my team and want to play for me. I want the team to have a blend of youth and experience, but some of the younger players will be developed outside the first team. You certainly don't want eight or nine youngsters in the first team." As well as Rovers, Whitman has also played for Tamworth, Dagenham & Redbridge, Scarborough, Eastwood Town and Arnold Town. |
| May
30, 2010 |
Glynn
hopes to keep dual role |
 |
Leeds
United's promotion is likely to mean that former Rovers defender Glynn
Snodin may be able to keep his role as Northern Ireland's assistant manager
next season. Snodin was finding it hard to juggle both his positoin as coach at Leeds with the Northern Ireland job, but with Leeds competing in the Championship next term, they will have blank "international" weekends, meaning that Snodin will be free to concetrate on Northern Ireland duties. Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington announced in February that Snodin had agreed in principle to accept a contract covering their Euro 2012 campaign - but Snodin's acceptance was always dependent on the outcome of Leeds United's season. Snodin told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I'm going to speak to both Simon and Shaun (Harvey, United's chief executive) and I'm hoping to stay involved with Northern Ireland. I've got to be 100 per cent committed to the job with Leeds first and foremost and the Northern Ireland job wouldn't have been possible if we'd been in League One next season. I couldn't have devoted myself properly to both. But the international breaks should let me carry on next season and I'd be really pleased if I can. I love the job at Leeds but I love coaching in general and it's great to have the chance to work at international level. It's a fantastic experience." Snodin has been part of Northern Ireland's coaching staff since 2007. |
| May
30, 2010 |
Sullivan
at charity event |
 |
Rovers
goalkeeper Neil Sullivan was one of three footballers who were guests
at a number of charity events held in Ripley last weekend to support the
Marie Curie Cancer Cure and the Teenage Cancer Trust. Sullivan appeared
along with Gareth Southgate and Danny Mills, and took part in a "Beat
the Goalie" evenue during the afternoon, which raised more than £40,000
for charity. |
| May
29, 2010 |
Green
scores on full debut for Ireland |
 |
Ex-Rovers
midfielder Paul Green was given his first start for the Republic of Ireland
last night when they faced Algeria at the RDS in Dublin. Green had made
his first appearance for the Irish side earlier in the week when he appeared
as a substitute midway through the second half, but last night's game
marked his first start. He went on to make it a night to remember by scoring
their first gaoal in the 32nd minute when he headed home a free kick from
Liam Lawrence. The Irish went on to a 3-0 win over World Cup bound Algeria, thanks to two goals from record scorer Robbie Keane. Republic of Ireland: Westwood (Joe Murphy 86), Kelly, St Ledger, O'Shea (O'Dea 36), Cunningham, Lawrence (Long 87), Whelan (Andrews 75), Green, Duff (Fahey 65), Doyle (Sheridan 72), Keane. Subs not used: B Murphy, Foley, Stokes. We would like to congratulate Paul for his achievement and look forward to reporting on his international achievements for some time to come! |
| May
29, 2010 |
Sandwith
out at Oxford |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers defender Kevin Sandwith is one of four players to be
released by Blue Square Premier play-off winners Oxford United as they
prepare for life back in the Football League. Sandwith, along with goalkeeper
Billy Turley, midfielder Chris Hargreaves and striker Franny Green are
all leaving the Kassam Stadium after being told that they will not be
offered a new contract with the club. Oxford boss Chris Wilder said: "It is never easy and all four of them are fantastic pros and great characters. They have all played a part for us and we wish them well for the future." Sandwith joined Oxford from Weymouth at the end of February 2009 and went on to play 33 league games for the club. He got his first taste of first team football at Carlisle United in 1999, moving to Telford United before playing for Doncaster Rovers in the 2001/02 season. He went on to play for Halifax Town, Lincoln City, Macclesfield Town, Chester City and Weymouth. |
| May
29, 2010 |
Swailes
set for Blyth move |
 |
Former
Rovers centre half Chris Swailes could be set for a move to Blue Square
North club Blyth Spartans this summer after being releaed by Gateshead.
The move is far from certain, but part of the equation depended on whether
ex-Rovers defender Steve Foster stays at the club. Foster played at Blyth for part of last season after ending his stay at Darlington, where boss Steve Staunton had left him out of the side, as Foster would have qualified for a further twelve months on his contract if he had started any more games. Boss Mick Tait commented to the Evening Chronicle: "Although now 35, Fozzy is keen to get back into the full-time game. If he does then we’ll move on, but if he doesn’t then I’m hopeful he will stay at Blyth. The situation regarding new players is fluent. I have spoken to a number but they are keeping their options open at the moment.” |
| May
29, 2010 |
Sampson
- Bayo is taking a risk |
 |
Northampton
boss Ian Sampson believes that ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, along
with Andy Holt, are playing a risky game by not signing new contracts
on offer by the Cobblers, despite not having definite offers from another
club. Both players had been offered two year deals on offer at Sixfields,
but failed to sign by the deadline set by the club of May 19th. The club
have now said that they will be looking to replace both players, who will
now have to take their chances with hundreds of other players who are
also out of contract this summer. Sampson commented: "I would have liked both players to have stayed but they've chosen to explore other avenues. They've both said they've not got anything lined up at the moment. It would be a strange decision to leave if they haven't got anything lined up, and that could be a bit of a risk." Akinfenwa is likely to be in demand with a record of scoring 39 goals in 82 Northampton Town matches, although his injury record may be of some concern to potential employers. |
| May
29, 2010 |
Heffernan
set for more talks with Pirates |
 |
Bristol
Rovers are planning more talks with Paul Heffernan, who had a successful
loan spell at the club last season, during which time he scored four times
in his eleven games before being recalled by Sean O'Driscoll for Doncaster's
last few games of the season. However, Bristol Rovers have moved to deny that Heffernan has already signed. A story claiming that the move had been completed had been posted on Oldham Athletic's website, but was later removed after the clarification had been made. Talks are planed with the player, with boss Paul Trollope hopeful that a deal will be struck in the coming weeks. |
| May
28, 2010 |
Carlisle
sign McDaid |
 |
Carlisle
United have signed Doncaster Rovers defender Sean McDaid yesterday to
become Greg Abbott's first signing of the summer. Sean has had a couple
of injury-affected seasons, but is now fully fit and raring to go - and
he is convinced that Carlisle will help him get his career back on track. McDaid told Carlisle's official site: "It was a frustrating season for me last season, but I'm back from the injury and I'm ready to go now. I've had a good chat with the manager and it's clear that he wants to move the club on. That's exactly the kind of thing that I wanted to hear and I want to be part of that. I'm really looking forward to getting here in July and getting on with it. It's a club that is ready to progress, there is an excellent team spirit, and it looks like it is a good place to be. I know that there will be no favours here, and that I'll have to work hard to earn my place, but I'm ready for the challenge." Boss Greg Abbot added: "We think that this is an excellent signing. Sean is hungry for football, and there is a real determination that he will come here and make an immediate impression. He hasn't been involved recently at Doncaster, and he wants to show everyone what he can do. He's one that I have known for a long time and he has pace, excellent awareness, and he can use the ball as well as defend his goal. He's one that we are all looking forward to working with." Sean has signed a one year contract, with a further twelve month extension should he start 30 games next season. He rejoins Abbott, who was an academy coach at Leeds United whilst the defender was at Elland Road. McDaid began his career at Leeds before joining Rovers in 2005, and he has started 65 league games since then. He had been a regular in the side under Dave Penney, but missed all the 2008/09 season with a knee injury and played just once, as a substitute, last season. We would like to wish Sean the very best for his future career and thank him for all his efforts whilst at Doncaster Rovers. |
| May
28, 2010 |
Brooker
continues progress |
 |
Striker
Steve Brooker is continuing to make good progress towards full fitness
following an 18-month injury nightmare. Brooker has played just once for
Rovers since joining from Bristol City in November 2008 due to a variety
of injuries, but at last his problems seem to be behind him. Brooker suffered
no adverse reaction to doing some running recently, and is scheduled to
step up his training next week. Physio John Dickens told the Doncaster Star earlier this week: "We are gradually increasing the speed of Steve's runs and we hope to get him doing some sprinting next week. Everything is going well and hopefully it will continue to do so. Steve's being doing some light work with the ball - the first time he's been able to do that since before his first ankle operation early last year. It is only short passing at the monent but he'll gradually start doing more. If the sprinting goes okay, then we'll start Steve on twisting and turning excercises next. It has been a tough time for Steve but he is very happy at the moment." Midfielder Martin Woods is also making good progress as he recovers from a groin operation and will be fit to join with the rest of the squad for pre-season training. As we reported this week, Byron Webster has had a bone in his foot pinned and is wearing a surgical boot, but he has also been down at the training ground this week to work on upper body fitness. |
| May
27, 2010 |
Villa
hope for bumper pay day |
.jpg){kind=small} |
Local
side Askern Villa are looking forward to a bumper pay-day in July when
Doncaster Rovers pay a visit for their first pre-season game of the summer.
Rovers have made a point of visiting the area's non-league clubs in recent
years, with games against Retford United, Rossington and Armthorpe Welfare
taking place since Sean O'Driscoll has been manager. Rovers' Director of Football, Mickey Walker, has already been down to visit Askern, with assistant secretary Dave Hall commenting: "We had Mickey Walker up here last Thursday looking at the pitch. He said that it was a flat pitch which was ideal for Rovers. There is already plenty of grass on the pitch but we'll be weeding and feeding in over the next few weeks and make sure that it is ready for the day. We'll be working on the dressing rooms before the game because they do need tidying up, and we are currently finishing off our ground improvements as well." Askern, who usually only attract crowds of around 50 for their league games, are hoping that a large number of Rovers fans will make the short trip to the NCEL club on 7th July, with their ground having a capacity of around 1,500. Hall continued: "We have only been in the Northern Counties East League for two years and we've spent a lot of money in that time on the ground to meet the criteria. We've been scrimping and saving during that time so obviously it is a big boost to be playing Rovers. It will help give us financial stability for next season. I think in terms of capacity you are looking at around 1,500, but I would imagine that the police will get involved. It would be nice to see the ground packed and I am sure that there will be a lot of Rovers fans there on the night, especially if the club make a couple of big signings." "We do need to increase our attendances - I think most Doncaster-area clubs at our level would say the same. The highest crowd we've had recently around the 400 mark when we played Scarborough Athletic. But our average gate last season was around the 43 mark." |
| May
27, 2010 |
Greer
to miss out on Wembley date |
 |
Ex-Rovers
defender Gordon Greer faces the nightmare of having to watch from the
stands this weekend when Swindon Town face Millwall in the League One
play-off final at Wembley on Saturday. The 29-year old Scotsman is suspsended
for the game after being sent off in the play-off semi-final against Charlton
Athletic for serious foul play, but at least saw his team mates go through
on penalties. Greer, Swindon's club captain, said: “I was gutted being sent off because I thought I had let the boys and everybody down, so I was delighted that we won eventually. It will be difficult for myself at Wembley but the players are buzzing for the final, as is the whole club and the town. It’s just my own personal disappointment that I can’t be out there on the pitch with them, but I have to put that to one side. It is a massive disappointment for me - possibly the worst I’ve ever felt in football. It will be a sickener for me that I can’t play because I’ve been in that situation before at a play-off final with Doncaster, when I was injured. But I will definitely be there supporting the lads and doing whatever I can to help them out. This will be the biggest game that most of the lads have played in and we will go into it believing we can win.” |
| May
27, 2010 |
Eric
wins award |
 |
Rovers
in the Community's Eric Randerson won the Lifetime Achievement Award at
last week's Doncaster Sports Awards ceremony which was held at the Keepmoat
Stadium. Eric received the deserved recognition for over twenty five years'
service to Rovers in the Community. Eric's achivements were also recognised
when the "Doncaster Rovers Community Sports and Education Foundation"
(the new name for Rovers in the Community) were named as the "Sports
Business of the Year". Congratulations to them for this accolade. Also receiving recognition was Sean O'Driscoll, who was named as "Coach of the Year" for his achievements in improving the final league position of Rovers this season. Doncaster Rovers also won the "Professional Club of the Year" for the second year in a row - although we're wondering which other professional clubs in Doncaster they are actually competing against! |
| May
27, 2010 |
Rovers
miss out as Ward signs for Canaries |
 |
Just
a few days after missing out on signing central defender Jason Shackell,
Rovers were dealt a second blow to their efforts to strengthen the squad
when Elliott Ward agreed to sign for newly promoted Norwich City on a
free transfer. Ward was available after his contract at Coventry City
expired, and Rovers had hoped to sign the player to partner Shelton Martis
in the heart of the defence. Norwich boss Paul Lambert said of the new signing: "He's got a terrific pedigree and we needed experience. He's played at a higher level and in big games for West Ham and has good experience of the Championship. He's a good age, has stature and presence at the back and comes with good pedigree. He's played a lot of games for someone who's only 25 and I'm hopeful he'll do great. I'm not naive enough to not think there were a few other clubs in for him. But the big selling point for this club is the fan base and it will always be the case." |
| May
27, 2010 |
Woods
signs for another year |
 |
Goalkeeper
Gary Woods has become the third player to sign a new contract at Doncaster
Rovers this summer, when he accepted the terms offered to him by signing
a new one year deal yesterday. He has made just one first team appearance
for Rovers owing to the continuing good form of first choice keeper Neil
Sullivan, but is intending to push for first team games next season. He said: "I'm glad to have got the new deal all done. The manager informed me a couple of months ago that he would be offering me a new deal, so now it is time for me to push on and learn from Neil Sullivan as much as I can. My game has come on a lot now and I have been learning a lot already from Sully. Learning at this level was different than the level I was playing at Manchester United. I want to learn and I've played for England when I was younger. I'd like to get a cap at Under-20 under my belt and progress so that I can earn a further deal." With the release of Ben Smith this summer, Woods now looks likely to feature regularly in the first team squad for the coming season. |
| May
27, 2010 |
Green
makes Irish debut |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers midfielder Paul Green made his international debut for
the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday evening when he came on as a second
half substitute in their 2-1 win over Paraguay. Green had been called
up to the Irish training camp the previous week and impressed Irish boss
Giovanni Trapattoni, featuring in two friendly matches. The Irish team was close to full strength, but he gave Paul Green, Cillan Sheridan and Keith Fahey their international debuts during the second half. All three debutants are said to have settled in well enough and will undoubtedly have benefitted from the experience.ericans stepped things up in the hope of avoiding the defeat. Republic of Ireland: Westwood (Coventry City); Kelly (Fulham), McShane (Hull City), St Ledger (Preston North End), O’Shea (Manchester Utd); Lawrence (Stoke City), Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Whelan (Stoke City), Duff (Fulham); Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Doyle (Wolves). Subs: Sheridan (Celtic) for Keane (63 mins), Green (Derby County) for Whelan (69 mins), Fahey (Birmingham City) for Duff (76 mins), Foley (Wolves) for Lawrence (83 mins), Long (Reading) for Doyle (87 mins). The Irish side face Algeria on Friday evening as part of their preparation for the 2012 European Championships. |
| May
27, 2010 |
Blayney
gets second cap |
 |
Former
Rovers keeper Alan Blayney, now playing for Linfield in the Irish league,
earned his second international cap this week when he played in the Northern
Ireland team that went down 2-0 to Turkey. The match was in the United
States as part of a short tour, with a second game, against Chile, scheduled
for Sunday evening. Nigel Worthington's squad was missing 17 regular players,
but did well to restrict Turkey to a few chances in the first half. Blayney
was one of five Irish League players to start the game, and looks to have
done well, making a number of good saves during the game. Northern Ireland: Blayney (Linfield), Little (Rangers), McAuley (Ipswich Town), Craigan (Motherwell), McGivern (Manchester City), Garrett (Linfield), Mulgrew (Linfield), C Evans (Manchester United), Braniff (Portadown), Gorman (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Patterson (Coleraine) Subs: McGovern (Ross County), McArdle (Rochdale), Coates (Crusaders), Maginess (Cardiff City), Lawrie (Port Vale), Bryan (Watford). Ex-Rovers keeper Michael Ingham was very disappointed not to have been included in the Northern Ireland tour of the USA and Chile, having been in outstanding form for York City this season. Ingham said: “It’s very disappointing and a little bit annoying to be left out again. I travelled all around the world and turned up to provide back-up to Maik Taylor when Roy Carroll did not and now I want to know what I have done wrong. I gave my all for Northern Ireland and turned up, determined to lend my support. I proved my commitment but while I was present in Lawrie Sanchez’s squads, Nigel (Worthington) has consistently overlooked me. I believe I am playing a better standard of football than some of the keepers Nigel has turned to. I’ve been a professional for 12 years and played at Wembley several times. The York City fans are asking me why I am not being considered.” |
| May
26, 2010 |
O'Driscoll
targets Ward |
| |
After
missing out on signing Jason Shackell, Sean O'Driscoll has turned his
attention to signing out of contract central defender Elliott Ward, who
played for Rovers for a month on loan last season. Whilst it has previously
been reported that Ward would have to take a wage cut to join Rovers,
O'Driscoll is hoping that the large number of players currently trying
to get themselves fixed up with new clubs may mean they are in with a
chance of him signing. O'Driscoll commented: "Elliott did well for us in the month that he was here on loan and we are obviously monitoring his situation. He is currently talking to four or five clubs. Our hat is in the ring because he doesn't need to come here and me try to persuade him to join us because he came here and did well." "If I was a player I'd look at all the other options and that is what he is doing at the minute. I think the fact that he has been here helps us more so than the boy. You couch things up how you want in football, but it all comes down to money. However much we want to pat ourselves on the back and say this is a good club - we look after players and let them play and they enjoy it - at the end of the day it comes down to money. I'm not being critical of players. They only have a short career and if someone is prepared to give them the money then you can't really complain." |
| May
26, 2010 |
Webster
looks forward |
 |
Rovers
defender Byron Webster will be hoping for better luck next season after
being consigned to the sidelines for much of this season due to injury.
He made just two starts and five substittue appearances for the club last
season before suffering an elbow injury against Sheffield United in October. Whilst recovering from that injury, he suffered a foot injury that led to him having a surgical boot fitted for several weeks, but that failed to solve the problem. He has now had the bone pinned and is hoping to be fit in a couple of months' time. Boss Sean O'Driscoll explained: "Byron was still having pain in his foot when he started to train and we came to the conclusion that it wasn't getting any better. We booked him for an operation at the end of the season to pin the bone. The operation should have solved the problem. Byron's on crutches at the moment but the prognosis is that it will be okay within a couple of months following the operation." "He's cancelled his summer holidays because he wants to get himself fit for the start of the season. He's got a great attitude and, touch wood, he'll be okay. It has been a frustrating time for Byron since he first injured the foot. But he has used his time out of the game to good effect and he's a completely different physical specimen to what he was when he first came here last summer and he's itching to get going again. "He's not as dominant in the air as was Jason Shackell last season; he is more of an Alan Hanson type of player. He has got a lot stronger because of all the hard work that he has done in the gym this season, "It will be interesting to see when he comes back if there is a marked difference. He's someone with potential but he needs games under his belt. Whether that is with us, or whether we loan him out, we'll decide during pre-season." |
| May
26, 2010 |
Gilbert
signs new contract |
 |
Ex-Rovers
loan defender Peter Gilbert has signed a new one year contract at League
Two club Northampton Town. The former Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth
left back joined the Cobblers in November 2009 and made 31 appearances
for them last season. Boss Ian Samposn told the BBC: "I'm really pleased that Peter is staying. You know what you get with him on and off the pitch. He is a defender with a good pedigree and was a model of consistency for us last season. He's a very good professional and a consistent performer, and you need a number of those in any team." |
| May
26, 2010 |
Kennedy
still in Rovers' sights |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers remain interested in Rochdale left back Tom Kennedy as a replacement
for Gareth Roberts, who has signed a contract with Derby County for next
season. Sean O'Driscoll has confirmed to the Doncaster Star that he has talked to the player, but it is far from certain where Kennedy will play next season. O'Driscoll said: "We've chatted to Tom Kennedy and he's got two or three other clubs showing interest, who obviously he'll go and see. We've not offered him anything. We've just said to him that we are in the market for a left-back. We told him that we'd watched him two or three times and that he'd fit in with what we do. As I say, he's got some big clubs looking at him as well and people have got to decide which is the best move for him. I don't think that it befalls on me to put any pressure on players because they have got to make the decision based on whatever they think is right." |
| May
26, 2010 |
Rovers
connection to Yellows job |
 |
Two
former Doncaster Rovers players look to be in the running for the manager's
job at Tiverton Town following long-serving boss Martyn Rogers' shock
resignation a week ago after twenty years at the club. Ex-Rover Sean Joyce, who has been boss at Bideford Town for over a decade, is one of a number of candidates mentioned for the post, with John Cornforth also mentioned if the Tiverton board opt for experience. Cornforth has most recently been coach at Peninsual League side Crediton United. Joyce began his footballing career at Doncaster Rovers in 1985, playing over 40 games for the club over the next three seasons. He played most of his career at Torquay United, where he made over 150 appearances before playing at non-league level for a number of clubs, all in the south-west of England. Sean guided current club Bideford to the Western League title last season. Cornforth played for Rovers whilst on loan from Sunderland in the 1986/87 season, but played more than 150 matches for Swansea City between 1991 and 1996, finishing his playing career at Exeter City before moving into football managemnt. |
| May
25, 2010 |
Next
season ticket deadline looms |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
The
next deadline for supporters to buy season tickets for the 2010/11 season
is now just a few days away, with prices due to rise further from 1st
June. Season ticket holders from last season will have their current seats
reserved until Monday, 31st May, after which they will be made available
for general sale. Sales of season tickets are currently showing on the Keepmoat Stadium website s 4,358. The stadium experienced a large surge in sales in the few days ahead of the last deadline, but the figure has increased only marginally in the four weeks since, with the current economic situation clearly affecting the decision of many as to whether to renew. Prices until the end of this month are:
Monday to Wednesday: 9am to 4.30pm Thursday: 9am to 7pm Friday: 9am to 4pm Saturday: 10am to 1pm |
| May
25, 2010 |
LuaLua
wants first team football |
 |
Newcastle
United striker Kazenga LuaLua has made it clear to his parent club that
he wants to play first team football next season. With Newcastle having
achived promotion to the Premier League this season, his chances of achieving
that at St James' Park seem very unlikely, so a move away looks very probable.
Kazenga spent last season at Brighton & Hove Albion, and press in
the north-east suggest that he may well return there again next season.
However, Rovers had expressed a big interest in signing LuaLua on loan last season - it was only Newcastle's relegation to the Championship that scuppered the deal, and are also reported to be interested,should the player be allowed to go out on loan again. No decision on such a move will be made for some time though. Newcastle boss Chris Hughton told the Newcastle Chronicle: “I’m not under pressure to make any decisions now. This is the start of the summer period, and there’s a fair amount of time before we go into the pre-season period. I have to make a lot of decisions around that, but the most important thing is not to make those decisions too quickly. I’ve got to make decisions, but every club wants to be able to be in that position.” Also likely to be allowed out on loan is striker Nile Ranger who, like LuaLua, looks very unlikely to get much first team football next season, with Leeds United, Carlisle United and Hartlepool United all keen on his services. At least if Leeds are successful, their alleged interest in Billy Sharp may diminish! |
| May
25, 2010 |
Rovers
trio set to sign this week |
| |
Sean
O'Driscoll is hoping to have a better idea on the make-up of his squad
for next season by the end of the week, with three players expected to
sign new contracts on offer. John Oster, Mark Wilson and James Hayter
all are about to sign, according to the Doncaster Star. O'Driscoll commented: "Hopefully John Oster, Mark Wilson and James Hayter will be sorted,or some way to be sorted, sometime this week. You want to do the ones that you want to keep before you start bringing people in." Neil Sullivan and Adam Lockwood have already put pen to paper on their new deals - but even if all contract offers are eventually signed, O'Driscoll will still be intending to sign two defenders, a midfielder and a striker. A signing as a result of O'Driscoll's trip to Slovenia last week to check on a player recommended to him seems to be unlikely, although there may be an offer made for the player concerned to train with Rovers during pre-season training. He commented: "The standard wasn't the best so you've got to consider if the player be able to step up to Championship standard. If we got the chance to have a look at him in pre-season we probably would. But we wouldn't do anything on the evidence on seeing him play over there." |
| May
25, 2010 |
Albrighton
pleased with another promotion |
 |
Ex-Rovers
defender Mark Albrighton is delighted to have added another promotion
to his CV this season, with current club Stevenage Borough having gained
promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history by
winning the Blue Square Premier title. He told their local paper: "It's been a disappointing season personally because I've not played that much but I'm chuffed for the lads and the whole squad for winning the league. I think I've made 19 appearances this year and not lost so I've contributed a lot but I'm just disappointed personally at not playing a lot of games. Every time I've come in I've done well it's just the squad has been so good and I've been unfortunate that I've not been playing as regularly as I'd wanted to." He continued: "That's my third promotion, two with Doncaster and now with Stevenage, and hopefully there's quite a few more to come. I'm 34 now but I've still got a lot left in me I think." Albrighton won another accolate recently after hitting the crossbar in Sky Sports' Soccer AM's "Crossbar Challenge" Mark said: "That was brilliant, going on Soccer AM and doing the crossbar challenge. I've done it before a few years ago and hit the corner flag but going in for it this week, I was down as a favourite and I produced." |
| May
24, 2010 |
Rovers
off to Devon for pre-season tournament |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers have been confirmed as one of the teams to take part in the 2010
Joma South West Challenge Cup, which is to be held in North Devon from
July 19th. Matches will be played at the grounds of Barnstaple Town, Bideford,
Ilfracombe, Torrington and Holsworthy. The teams that are confirmed as taking part are Scottish club Kilmarnock, English clubs Doncaster Rovers, Leyton Orient, Accrington Stanley and Shrewsbury Town, with non-league clubs being Rushden & Diamonds, Eastleigh, Havant & Waterlooville, Barnstaple Town, Bideford, Ilfracombe Town and Truro City. Tickets are now available on-line at www.southwestchallengecup.moonfruit.com - flexi-tickets are available permitting one adult and ond child to all twelve group games for £15. Senior Citizens tickets for all group games are £10. There is a limit of 1,000 flexi-tickets and 250 senior citizens' tickets which are available until 30th June. If you want further ticket information, please click on the logo to the left. |
| May
24, 2010 |
Stock
starts for Wales |
 |
Rovers
midfielder Brian Stock earned a starting place for Wales against Croatia
yesterday evening, and played the first 57 minutes of the game before
being substituted with what appeared to be a mouth injury. The match ended
in a 2-0 defeat for Wales against a useful Croatia team that were using
the game as preparation for their World Cup campaign this summer. Welsh hopes were hampered when John Toshack had to make do without 15 players of his squad, resulting in several personnel changes in the side. He said after the game: "It's disappointing and unfortunate we had the amount of players missing we have. We arranged this game with the [Euro 2012 qualifier] Montenegro match in mind in September because it will be a similar type of atmosphere. To lose the first goal right on half-time was disappoining and in the second half we were stretched numbers-wise." Wales gave five players their international debuts in the game - the Croatia games came on the stroke of half time and in the 81st minute, although Wales did have a Simon Church goal disallowed for offside. Wales: Hennessey (Myhill 46), Ricketts, Williams, Nyatanga, Gunter (Ribeiro 81), Edwards, Morgan, Stock (Bradley 57), Dorman (Taylor 62), Church (Vokes 71), Earnshaw (Robson-Kanu 72) |
| May
24, 2010 |
Bradley
shares in cup triumph |
 |
Former
Rovers midfielder Mark Bradley featured in Linlighgow Rose's victory in
the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup Final which was played against Largs
Thistle at a sundrenched Rugby Park, the home of Kilmarnock, this weekend. Despite being reduced to ten men, Rose came out on top, with what turned out to be the only goal of the game coming from defender Kevin Donnelly in the first half. Ex-Rover Bradley started the game for Linlithgow before being substiuted in the 66th minute. He has been with the club since 2006/07, with his previous clubs being Bathgate Thistle, Dumbarton, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath, Hearts, Stirling Albion, and his first club, Highbury Boys Club. He played just once for Doncaster Rovers - their first-ever match in the Conference at Dover Athletic back at the start of the 1998/99 season. Linlithgow last won the Scottish Junior Cup in 2006/07, having also won the competition in 2001/02 and 1964/65. |
| May
24, 2010 |
Nelthorpe
released by Minstermen |
 |
Ex-Rovers
winger Craig Nelthorpe is one of seven players to be released by York
City at the end of their contracts with the club, with two loan players
being returned to their parent clubs. Nelthorpe returned to York at the
end of the season after playing the second half of the campaign on loan
at Luton Town, where he made eight substitute appearances. Craig joined
York last summer, but only made seven substitute appearances before going
out on loan to Barrow in November, where he started six games, scoring
twice. He was released by Rovers in January 2009 - whilst at Rovers, he went out on loan to Hucknall Town (2005/06), Kidderminster Harriers and Gateshead (2006/07), Halifax Town and Darlington (2007/08). He joined Oxford United on being released by Rovers on 14th January 2009 before moving to York six months later. There was better news for two other former Rovers players currently at York. Goalkeeper Michael Ingham and striker Michael Rankine have been signed new contracts for next season. |
| May
24, 2010 |
Yorkshire
Masters set for return |
 |
The Yorkshire Masters,
which was held as part of Mickey Walker's testimonial seasson earlier
this month, may become a regular feature at the end of each season,
after the event was hailed a great success by Rovers' Director of Football.
The competition featured players over the age of 35 from six Yorkshire
clubs - Barnsley, Doncaster Rovers, Leeds United, Rotherham United,
Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. Each match was six-a-side
and lasted 30 minutes. |
| May
23, 2010 |
Ryan
sticks to wage policy |
 |
In
a week where Rovers have seen a potentially club-record bid for Billy
Sharp turned down by Sheffield United, chairman John Ryan continues to
insist that his policy of sticking to a strict wage policy is the only
way the club will operate. Rovers lost out to Barnsley for the services of Jason Shackell last week when the Oakwell club offered wages that were out of Rovers' league, whilst defender Gareth Roberts was attracted by the package offered to him by Derby County. Ryan said: "I know that many fans are moaning about the loss of these two as they did last season with the loss of Matthew Mills and Richie Wellens. However, the time to moan is if we do not do well when the season starts, not now. Remember last season when Sean O'Driscoll worked hard to replace those two? We finished higher than the season before. Once again Sean and his team are out there working tirelessly to rebuild the side for next season. If you want the club to throw ridiculous amounts at the market then look at Crystal Palace who are in financial meltdown with others close." |
| May
23, 2010 |
Cobblers
give up waiting for Bayo |
| |
Northampton
Town boss Ian Sampson has reported that ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa
has failed to sign a new contract wtih the club. As such, the club are
now working on rebuilding their squad without him. Akinfenwa was given
a contract offer two months ago, but had been set a deadline of 19th May
to confirm whether he was willing to commit to stay at the Sixfields Stadium
for next season. However, the player has not been in touch, and whilst Sampson is disappointed, he now has to find a replacement. He told BBC Radio Northampton: "We need to move on and concentrate on getting other players in. I don't know if it'll be a good decision for him (Bayo). We offered him a fantastic deal and I don't think he'll find a better club at this level. Big players have left clubs before. He isn't the first and he certainly won't be the last." On explaining the situation, Sampson told the Northampton Chronicle: "Bayo had voluntarily said he would call me but it didn't happen. It doesn't affect how I think the decision will go. I'm sure his agent is speaking to other clubs and trying to get the best deal he can. That's why we can't let it drift on too long." "Ideally I want Bayo to re-sign but I've got a list of people that I want to talk to if that doesn't happen. We will need someone who can hold the ball up but there aren't too many Akinfenwas about, and I haven't got £250,000 in my pocket to spend on a striker. |
| May
23, 2010 |
Histon
confirm Lewer departure |
 |
Histon
FC have confirmed that former Rovers assistant manager Alan Lewer no longer
has any connection with the club. Lewer was caretaker manager for the
final part of last season, but the post was advertised after the season
ended, with former Lincoln, Preston and Cambridge boss John Beck now appointed
to the post. Chief Executive Allen Sorraff commented ahead of Beck's appointment: "Alan undertook a temporary role until the end of the season but declined to apply for the permanent role of manager, recently advertised and for which we are now conducting interviews. As a Board of Directors we thank Alan for his hard work and commitment during the latter part of last season and wish him all the very best for the future." |
| May
23, 2010 |
Wheater
plans Boro stay |
 |
David
Wheater, who played at Doncaster Rovers on loan from Middlesbrough in
the 2005/06 season, during which time he played seven games, is hoping
to be offered a new contract by Boro to end the uncertainty surrounding
his future. Wheater, still aged only 23, is contracted to the Teesiders
for another twelve months, and there has been talk of him leaving the
club this summer after Boro failed to win promotion back to the Premier
League. Reports from the north-east suggest that boss Gordon Strachan
may decide to cash in on one of his most prized assets to bring in the
cash to rebuild the Boro squad. Wheater explained to the Evening Gazzette: "I've always said I'm happy to stay and I wouldn't ask for a transfer, but it's for the manager, Keith Lamb and the chairman to sort out, really. Obviously, if I'm here I want us to get promoted, but you don't know where you're going to be with the way football is at the moment, clubs need cash. I've got a year left so I'll definitely be back for pre-season. This is my club so I'm going to try my hardest, until I leave." "I just want to push on now, hopefully get us back into the Premier League and keep playing. It would be perfect to get back in to the Premier League with Middlesbrough - that's me set - I wouldn't want anything different." |
| May
22, 2010 |
Sharp
to talk to Blades after Rovers bid turned down |
| |
Billy
Sharp will be speaking to Sheffield United after returning from his holidays
to hear that Rovers' bid has been turned down. Sharp spend a highly successful
season on loan at Rovers, scoring 15 goals in 33 games, and Rovers are
keen to extend the stay. Sharp is now entering his last season under his
current Blades contract, and Sheffield United have the agonising decision
to make on whether to cash in on the player (who has only rarely featured
in their first team) now or to gamble on his transfer value diminishing
as his contract comes to a close. Sharp poured cold water on rumours abounding that he was set to sign for Leeds United, who look certain to lose Jermaine Beckford to Everton. He said yesterday: "I've just got back from my holiday, but I've heard Donny's offer was turned down. I'll speak to Sheffield United and we'll take it from there. I know they wanted a bit more than was offered, but until I've spoken to them I'm not certain what's happening. I spoke to the chairman at Doncaster and he told me he would do his best to get me there. I've not heard anything from Leeds. I heard about the rumours linking me with them in January but I wanted to stay at Doncaster and finish what I had started. But now I'm not sure what will happen." It was rumoured yesterday that the Rovers had bid £650,000 for Sharp, but John Ryan yesterday stated that the Rovers bid was in excess of that. Whilst the situation is far from resolved at the moment, Rovers are still hopeful that a satisfactory resolution will be achieved and that Billy will be a Doncaster player next season. |
| May
22, 2010 |
JET
praises Rovers |
 |
Jay
Emmanuel Thomas, who spent the latter part of the 2009/10 season on loan
at Doncaster Rovers, has now returned to Arsenal, but has taken time out
to praise Rovers on Arsenal's website. Emmanuel-Thomas also spent time on loan at Blackpool earlier in the season, but clearly enjoyed his time at Rovers more. He told Arsenal's official website: "My first loan [at Blackpool] was really a taster for me. I played sometimes in the midfield, sometimes on the right and sometimes on left." "My second loan was much, much better. I was more of a target man up front. I scored five goals for Doncaster and it was going really well, so I want to keep that up. It was a very good club where they played very good football, so it was a good club for me to go to. To know I've left Arsenal for another team who plays good football was good for me. Obviously Arsenal's style is a bit different. It's a bit more high-tempo, shorter and sharper. But they do reflect Arsenal's style of play." Jay is due to report back to Arsenal for pre-season training, but Rovers fans will be hoping that his experiences of last season may yet see the 19 year old back at the Keepmoat Stadium for another loan next season. |
| May
22, 2010 |
Pirates
in talks with Heffernan |
| |
Bristol
Rovers manager Paul Trollope is still hopeful of signing Doncaster Rovers
striker Paul Heffernan, who is available on a free transfer at the end
of his Rovers contract. Heffernan impressed the Pirates' boss when on
loan last season, and discussions have continued with the player and his
agent since the end of the season. Trollope commented on their efforts to take Heffernan and Daniel Jones, who also was on loan at Bristol last season: "We identified, a long time ago, some targets and we are currently in discussions with a number of players. Two of those players, Paul Heffernan and Daniel Jones, were both with us on loan last season and both made a good impression in their time with us. Having worked closely with them both, I know they are players that we would like to bring back to the football club. Discussions with both are ongoing, and we are hopeful of getting both of them back to the Memorial Stadium." Heffernan scored four goals in 11 games for Bristol Rovers last season. |
| May
22, 2010 |
Rovers
consider move for Ward |
|
Doncaster
Rovers are considering a move for Coventry City's out of contract defender
Elliott Ward, who spent a month on loan at Rovers last season. However,
the wages demands of the player are likely to be a problem, and the move
only stands a resonable chance of happening if the player reduces his
demands. Rovers were thwarted in their move for Wolves defender Jason
Shackell after matching Barnsley's valuation of the player, but Barnsley
offered a ridiculous wages package which ultimately swayed Shackell's
decision. Always coy on transfer targets, Sean O'Driscoll commented: "Jason was top of our wanted list, but that one's gone now and defence is an area we need to address. We're in the market for a centre half and we're talking to a lot of people about players that might be available." Ward played six games for Rovers in his month on loan, but is probably best remembered by Rovers fans for the spectacular goal he scored at Hillsborough in his debut match. |
| May
22, 2010 |
Hunt
interests Rovers |
| |
Sky
Sports have reported that Doncaster Rovers are one of a number of clubs,
including Charlton, Southampton and Sheffield United, to be interested
in Notts County defender Stephen Hunt, who played a prominent role in
County's promotion campaign this season. All have sent scouts to watch
the player during the last few weeks of last season. Hunt signed a one year contract last summer on reduced wages after having an injury-hit 2008/09 season, and is wanting a wage rise this season. Whilst he says he would prefer to stay at Notts, he is willing to consider other clubs, should wages prove a sticking point. He told the Nottingham Evening Post: "If I'm going to be playing in League One I would expect it to be an improved deal. I want a deal I'm happy with. I'm not that young anymore, as a footballer, and I think any deal has to reflect the season you have just had. I'm looking to earn more than last season. I want to stay at Notts County so I hope we can come to an agreement. I'm sure we will." Of interest from other clubs, he said: " There is a bit of interest. There are always a lot of scouts at our games and it is lovely to be linked with other clubs, but if everything goes to plan and I can agree a deal with Notts, it won't take long for me to sign it." |
| May
21, 2010 |
Blades
reject record bid for Sharp |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers have had an offer for striker Billy Sharp turned down by Sheffield
United, according to club chairman John Ryan. The bid was described as
a club record transfer fee, with the club record currently standing at
the £300,000 paid to Manchester City for defender Matthew Mills
in 2008. Speaking on BBC Radio Sheffield, Ryan commented: "I'm disappointed. We will have to wait and see what happens. All we can do is make offers. It was certainly the biggest bid Doncaster Rovers have made for a player.It was a very substantial offer, so we'll have to regroup and see what happens with the rest of the summer." It also looks unlikely that Rovers will make an increased bid for Sharp. When posed the question, Ryan responded: "Not at this stage, no. I think we pushed the boat out a bit with that offer. Sharp rejoined Sheffield United from Scunthorpe United in 2007 for an undisclosed fee, although it was understood to be in the region of £2 million, which may have been less as he made the reverse journey two years earlier. |
| May
21, 2010 |
Lockwood
signs new contract |
 |
Defender
Adam Lockwood has signed a new contract with Doncaster Rovers, and becomes
the second out of contract player of Sean O'Driscoll's squad to agree
to stay on for next season. Lockwood has signed a new two year deal which
keeps him at Rovers until June 2012. Lockwood hs made over 120 appearances for Rovers since joining from Yeovil Town in 2006, but had a frustrating 2009/10 season, missing most of it after breaking a metatarsal in training whilst recovering from another broken bone in his foot against Swansea, but he regained fitness to take a place on the bench for the last few matches of the season. Lockwood said: "I'm pleased to have signed my new deal because I have enjoyed my time here. It was an easy decision to make. We keep progressing and I have been looked after here as well. The Club have been great to me and hopefully I have given as much as I can back and I will keep giving more. Being settled is a big part as a footballer and hopefully I can become a better player and continue to progress. Every season we have built upon what we have achieved, we continue to progress and hopefully we will keep progressing as we have done since I have been here. I'm looking forward to next season." |
| May
21, 2010 |
Green
set for Ireland debut |
| |
Ex-Rovers
midfielder Paul Green impressed during the Republic of Ireland's training
camp this week, and played in a behind-closed-doors match against their
Under-23 side on Tuesday evening. Green qualifies for the Ireland team
through one of his grandparents, and played the whole game, with Ireland
boss Giovanni Trapattoni saying afterwards: "It's my opinion that
I saw a beautiful game for mentality and tempo. For us, I saw, for example,
that Paul Green played well." Green had to change his travel plans in order to get to Dublin, when the volcanic ash cloud cancelled the planned flight from East Midlands Airport. Instead, he had to travel to Holyhead, Anglesey to catch the ferry to Dublin - but it was all worth it. Ireland play another match against an Irish amaetur side this evening, and they then play two friendlies against Paraguay (Tuesday 25th May) and Algeria (Friday 28th May) next week, both of who are using matches against Ireland as preparation for their World Cup campaigns, and Green looks certain to be included in the squad for those games. The squad for tonight's game is: J Murphy (Scunthorpe); McShane (Hull City), Duffy (Everton), O’Dea (Celtic), Cunningham (Manchester City); Lawrence (Stoke City), Foley (Wolves), Green (Derby County), Long (Reading); Best (Newcastle), Sheridan (Celtic). |
| May
21, 2010 |
Burch
heads for Lincoln exit doors |
| |
It
looks as though Lincoln goalkeeper Rob Burch has played his last match
for the club after they have still not managed to persuade him to sign
the new contract on offer. He is now out of contract and despite putting
one of their most lucrative offers in the club's history to him, it has
not been enough to convince him to sign. The 26 year old looks likely
to leave, with a number of clubs in the Championship and League One reported
to have tracked Burch throughout the last campaign - including scouts
from Doncaster Rovers being mentioned on numerous occasions. Rovers are
looking for another goalkeeper to replace the departed Ben Smith - although
whoever they sign may well have to play second fiddle to Neil Sullivan
for the coming season, following the former Scotland international keeper
signing a new deal last week. Burch's departure looks more certain today with news that Lincoln have signed Port Vale keeper Joe Anyon as his replacement, with Lincoln boss Chris Sutton virtually giving up on the chances of Burch changing his mind. |
| May
21, 2010 |
Kirby
denies interest in Harlow job |
 |
Former
Rovers defender Ryan Kirby has denied any interest in the managerial vacancy
at Harlow Town, who have announced that they have now reduced the list
of candidates to a short-list of three. Harlow owner Tommy Cunningham said: "All three have got their own qualities. There are no certainties in life, but we have to make sure we do our homework so we can make an informed decision going forward. It's a big decision as we don't want to keep chopping and changing managers as has happened over the last few years. We want to appoint somebody who will be the right person to take the club forward long term." Harlow finished bottom of the Ryman One North, but are hopeful of avoiding relegation due to financial problems at othe clubs. Denying his interet in the Harlow job, ex-Rover Kirby said: "I have not applied. I have been at Boreham Wood all season and we have just won promotion to the Conference South. I'm not looking to come back to Harlow at the moment." |
| May
20, 2010 |
Lewis
signs for MK Dons |
 |
Rovers
striker Lewis Guy has signed a two year contract at League One club MK
Dons, where he becomes their third signing of the summer. The 24 year
old was released by Rovers at the end of his contract this summer and
has had to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench this season. Interestingly,
MK Dons have signed Guy primarily as a winger rather than a striker, perhaps
reflecting his disappointing goal scoring record. It was as a winger that
Lewis came to the attention of MK Dons boss Karl Robinson, when he impressed
playing against them for Oldham Athletic on loan last term. Robinson said: "We saw Lewis play against us when he was on loan at Oldham towards the end of the season and we've been monitoring him ever since. Our fans will have seen that night that he has the ability to provide real quality out wide. He's played as a striker during his career, but we've signed him primarily as a winger and his pace and trickery will make him a real asset for us. I've spoken to him at length and it's obvious that he wants to be successful and he wants to help us push on." Lewis told MK Dons' official website: "I was fortunate to play here while on loan at Oldham last season and I thought straight away what a great place to play your football. Everyone I spoke to spoke very highly of this Club and when you look at the facilities, the kind of football they play and the ambition around the place, it doesn't need much selling." We would like to wish Lewis well at his new club, and thank him for all the efforts he has made for Doncaster Rovers since he signed back in March 2005. |
| May
20, 2010 |
Sullivan
the first to sign |
| |
Experienced
goalkeeper Neil Sullivan has signed a new one year contract at Doncaster
Rovers, making him the first of the batch of players to be offered a new
contract by Sean O'Driscoll this summer to sign on the dotted line. His
new deal starts from 1st July and means that his career, which began with
Wimbledon back in 1988, goes on for a further season. Rovers have released Sullivan's understudy, Ben Smith, at the end of his contract, as he is wanting to experience regular first team football, something which is unlikely with the news that Sullivan is staying for a further year. Rovers still have youngster Gary Woods as goalkeeping backup, but may be looking to sign another keeper ahead of the new season. |
| May
20, 2010 |
Akinfenwa
to give Cobblers answer |
| |
Former
Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has been offered a new contract by Northampton
town, but the club have warned him that they are not willing to wait long
for an answer. They are keen to keep Bayo's services, but will no doubt
be aware of his history of waiting until the last minute before making
his mind up, often with a change of club involved. Akinfenwa is one of six out of contract players to be offered new terms for next season, but boss Ian Sampson wants to know their answer so that he can target alternative players if necessary. Sampson is expecting an answer from the player this week - he said last weekend: "Bayo has promised me an answer next week. Bayo has had the offer on the table for two months so I'm not twisting his arm and only giving him a few days to decide. I've got a good relationship with him and hopefully I will get his decision next week. Depending on whether or not Bayo signs that will probably determine the squad size for next season. If he stays we will have a small squad, but if he goes then I might have a bit more scope to bring in a few more players." |
| May
20, 2010 |
Lewer
threatens legal action against Histon |
| |
Alan
Lewer, the former Rovers assistant manager who was acting manager at Blue
Square Premier club Histon for the last few matches of last season, is
threatening to take legal action against the club after eh severed his
ties with them last Friday. Previous chairman Tony Roach had allegedly
guaranteed that Lewer would be boss next season, with Lewer claiming he
is legally entitled to take charge. However, the new Chief Executive Allen
Soraff has said that Lewer will have to apply for his job to stand any
chance of continuing at the club - and as far as we are aware, he has
not done so. Lewer said: "I won't be at Histon next season, I will definitely not be there. They've said I'm no longer manager." He is taking advice as to whether Histon's action constitutes constructive dismissal and has contacted the League Managers' Association for a claim for outstanding wages as well as earnings he would have received next season. "I'm obviously not the man for the job, which is fair enough, that's their call, as long as I get the full compensation," he said. Histon chief executive Allen Soraff said: "We're going to talk to Alan early next week and see what the situation is. Until we've sat down and spoken to him, it's not for me to comment." |
| May
20, 2010 |
Crocked
Richard returns home |
 |
Ex-Rovers
striker Richard Offiong has returned to England early after his loan spell
with Swedish club Ostersunds was interrrupted when he ruptured a thigh
tendon. He has returned to parent cub Carlisle United for treatment. Although
a scan on Monday revealed that surgery would not be required, it looks
as though he will be out of action for twelve weeks, which is enough to
end his loan in Sweden. He will remain in Carlisle for treatment throughout
the summer. Offiong has failed to settle at Brunton Park after moving down from Hamilton Academical last summer for a £75,000 transfer fee, and has only started a handful of games for the Cumbrians. |
| May
19, 2010 |
Two
more pre-season games for Rovers |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers have confirmed two more pre-season games for the summer, bringing
the total of games arranged to four. They will face UniBond club Quorn on Wednesday,14th July whilst on a week's training at Warwick University. They will then play Notts County at Meadow Lane on Saturday, 17th July. The game at Warwick University will kick off at 7.30pm, whilst the Notts County game will start at 3pm. No ticket information for any of the four pre-season games have yet been confirmed. These two matches come on top of the games already announced at Askern Villa (7th July) and home game against West Bromwich Albion (27th July). |
| May
19, 2010 |
Collin
for Pompey? |
 |
Former
Rovers loan keeper Adam Collin is set for a stunning rise in his fortunes,
just twelve months after joining Carlisle United from non-league club
Workington Reds. During that time he has displaced first choice keper
Adam Pidgeley to the extent that Pidgeley has been released on a free
transfer by Carlisle this summer. Carlisle's local paper, the News and Star, have now reported that fallen Premier League club Portsmouth are lining up a shock move for Collin as they totally rebuild their side following relegation this summer. The south coast club will be hoping to sell virtually all their first team squad to reduce the wage bill, as well as bringing money into the club by way of transfer fees. They will certainly be looking for a new keeper, with first choice keeper David James one of the highest earners at the club, and therefore unlikely to stay for next season and said to be interesting Tottenham Hotspur.. Recognising Collin's contribution to Carlisle's success this season, they have recently given him an extension to his contract, meaning he is now signed to the Cumbrians until summer 2012, meaning Portsmouth, and other Championship clubs reported to be intereted in his services, will have to play a transfer fee to secure his signature. |
| May
19, 2010 |
Smith
interesting Gateshead |
 |
Gateshead
are monitoring the availability of Rovers goalkeeper Ben Smith, who has
been released at the end of his Doncaster contract. Smith is the son of
former Gateshead keeper Simon Smith and, with Gateshead set to go full-time
this season, the move to the Blue Square North club could progress in
the coming weeks. Gateshead are likely to make a number of changes to
their squad, with a number of players unwilling to change from part-time
status for next season. Gateshead only narrowly avoided relegation last
season, which led to manager Ian Bogie releasing a number of players,
including former Rovers defender Chris Swailes. |
| May
19, 2010 |
Griffith
agrees new Vale deal |
 |
Ex-Rovers
midfielder Anthony Griffith is one of four players at Port Vale to agree
to sign new contracts with the club. Griffith, who was named as their
"Player of the Year" this season, has signed a new two year
deal. On agreeing the new contract, Griffith said: "I feel overwhelmed to be signing for another two years and that all my hard work has paid off. I owe a lot to the manager who has played me every week rather than putting me in and out, which shatters a player's confidence. I'd also like to thank the fans who have been fantastic to me. I only wanted to play for Port Vale and for Micky Adams, who plays a style of football I love. Hopefully we can continue to progress." |
| May
18, 2010 |
Rovers
keep tabs on Sharp |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers are keeping a close interest in the future of Sheffield United
striker Billy Sharp, despite reports that a number of other clubs, including
Derby County, are also monitoring the situation. Sharp had a highly successful
season on loan at Rovers last season, and Rovers fans are eager to see
him turn out for the club again next season. Sharp is now into the last
year of his Sheffield United contract, and the Blades face the prospect
of him leaving on a free transfer next summer if the situation is not
resolved. They have been holding out to recoup the £2 million they paid Scunthorpe United, but that is likely to fall as his value falls due to the contract situation. Sean O'Driscoll told the Doncaster Star: "Billy is a Sheffield United player so it would be churlish for me to comment on what might happen. "The people we have spoken to about Billy have said that they are having meetings to try and find a way forward. Whatever happens will happen." O'Driscoll, who has at least half of his squad out of contract this summer, is aware that most of the remainder have only a further twelve months left on their deals. He said: "We've got a lot of players in the last year of their contract and if we want to keep them we'll have to do something." |
| May
18, 2010 |
Greer
off in Swindon play-off victory |
| |
Swindon
Town were celebrating last night after beating Charlton Athletic in a
dramatic penalty shoot-out at Valley Parade to go through to the League
One play-off final at Wembley on 29th May, where they will face Millwall
or Huddersfield Town, who play the second leg of their semi-final this
evening. They had to do it the hard way though, with former Rovers defender
Gordon Greer being sent off for a high tackle on Deon Burton during the
first half, although the numbers were evened up in the closing moments
of the 90 minutes as Miguel Llera was given a red card for a foul on Charlie
Austen. |
| May
18, 2010 |
Players
to report back in July |
| |
The
Doncaster Rovers squad will report back for pre-season training in the
first week of July but, as has been the case for the last couple of years,
they will also be coming back for several days training during one of
three designated weeks during the summer. Sean O'Driscoll told the Doncaster Star: "It will be down to the players which week they chose to come in depending on their holiday arrangements." All players have been given personal training schedules by the club, which they will be expected to adhere to. After reporting back for training in July, the squad are booked in to spend a week at Warwick University. |
| May
18, 2010 |
Stock
set for Wales start |
| |
It
looks highly likely that Brian Stock will be given a starting place in
the Wales side for their friendly fixture against Croatia on Sunday. Danny
Gabbidon and David Cotterill have now joined the absentee list for the
game, with Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Collinson, Joe Ledley, Joe
Allen and David Vaughan also sidelined. Two further players will not be
selected owing to their involvement in the Championship play-off final
at Wembley on 22nd May. Stock is expected to play in midfield alongside Premier League pair Simon Davies and Dave Edwards, with St Mirren midfielder Andy Dorman likely to complete the Welsh midfield unit. The trip to Croatia is Wales' penultimate friendly ahead of their 2012 European Championship qualifying opener in Montenegro in September. |
| May
18, 2010 |
Penney
denies Shrews link |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers boss Dave Penney has poured cold water on any prospect
of him being in the running for the managerial vacancy at League Two club
Shrewsbury Town. Graham Turner, currently the chairman/manager at Hereford
United, is the hot favourite for the vacancy, with Shrewsbury being one
of his former clubs. Others supposedly in the running for the post include Paul Ince, Jim Gannon, Paul Sturrock and Alan Knill, but Penney distanced himself from the job, saying: “I haven’t applied and I’m going away on holiday with my wife next week to think.” |
| May
18, 2010 |
McMahon
joins Rangers |
| |
Former
Doncaster Rovers youth player Sam McMahon has signed a two year contract
with Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers. The Leigh Journal has reported the deal which sees the 16-year old sign for Rangers after a successful trial at Ibrox. The move is a huge success for the youngster who was rejected by Bury, Blackpool and Rochdale before making a breakthrough at Doncaster Rovers, and moved on to Burnley FC, although he was again released by them last December, where he had been on the books since the age of nine. His mother, Lisa Power, said: “I think he has achieved, with hard work and determination, a dream that is beyond most people’s grasp. He never let his head drop or his determination falter and when he was having a really rough ride he never stopped forging ahead to achieve every young lad’s dream.” |
| May
17, 2010 |
Brabin's
new job |
 |
Ex-Rovers
midfielder Gary Brabin has been named as the new assistant manager at
Blue Square Premier club Luton Town as part of a shake-up of the backroom
staff after the club failed to win promotion back to the Football League.
Brabin had been acting as Chief Scout, and will retain these duties as
well as becoming Richard Money's assistant. The previous assistant manager,
Alan Neilsen, becomes "first team development manager". A statement at the club said: "Gary Brabin will continue to oversee the scouting of senior players and opposition for the first team, while his know-how of sports science, fitness and nutrition programmes will also be utilised throughout all levels of the club." Of the various back-room changes, managing director Gary Sweet said: "This is a very positive and defined restructure which provides greater scope for the specialist capabilities we have in our camp to enhance our overall performance and development. It further establishes us as a club keen to develop and look after its own talent. Whilst we felt we learned a lot from our first season in the Blue Square Premier, we are keen to ensure that we leave nothing to chance next season and these changes reflect our desire to improve." Luton have released eight players - five depart at the end of their contracts, with three, including ex-Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe, leaving at the end of their loan periods. |
| May
17, 2010 |
Ryan
- O'Driscoll has record budget |
 |
Rovers
chairman John Ryan has said that boss Sean O'Driscoll has the largest
budget in the club's history to work with this summer, with the hope that
the manager will be able to further strengthen the squad ahead of the
2010/11 season. With a large number of contracts due for renewal this
summer, there looks like being a significant change of players this summer,
and it looks like being a busy summer for the Rovers management. Ryan said: "The Board have given Sean and his team the largest budget that has ever been given to a Rovers manager by a significant amount. We will not pay wages that we feel are out of tune with the real world and put the Club in financial difficulties." Despite the record breaking amount at O'Driscoll's disposal, Rovers will still have to punch above their weight against much wealthier clubs in the division. This has been emphasised by Gareth Roberts leaving to join Derby for higher wages, whilst transfer target Jason Shackell was lured by higher wages on offer at Barnsley. We applaud Ryan's insistence on not compromising Rovers' financial stability in search of short-term gain, but it will again prove the need to have an astute manager in Sean O'Driscoll to gain the maximum from his squad next season. |
| May
17, 2010 |
Leeds
target Sharp |
| |
The
rumour-mill of who may be about to join newly promoted Leeds United started
last week, with a number of players linked with a move to Elland Road.
Much may depend on whether Simon Grayson can tempt top scorer Jermaine
Beckford to stay at the club now they can offer a higher level of football.
Beckford is available on a free transfer after allowing his contract to
run out, and Everton are expected to make a move this summer. Should Beckford leave, the Yorkshire Post understand that Swindon striker Billy Paynter and Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp are on the short-list, along with Scunthorpe's Gary Hooper. Last week also saw the Daily Mail report that Derby County are also after Sharp, who spent a highly successful year on loan at Doncaster Rovers - they report that the Blades are still valuing Sharp at £2 million. However, with Billy now entering the last year of his contract at Bramall Lane, his value is set to fall as he could potentially leave on a free transfer next summer. |
| May
17, 2010 |
Brooker
expects to be back for pre-season |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers striker Steve Brooker expects to be back in full training with
the rest of the squad during pre-season, with the hope of being back in
contention for a first team place at the start of next season. He has
endured an injury-hit 18 months at the club since joining from Bristol
City, during which time he has played just twenty minutes of football.
Since then, a number of ankle and Achilles tendon problems have plagued
him, but it now seems that the last operation has finally done the trick,
and he is hopeful of regaining full fitness. Rovers physio John Dicken told the Doncaster Star: "Steve's been out working on the training field since early last week and there haven't been any problems." Of the various operations he has had to endure since joining the club, Brooker said: "There was a psychological barrier there because after the two previous operations when I started to do some light running I knew that it wasn't right because I was still getting pain in my ankle and I was worried the same thing would happen again. Fortunately, they found something on both occasions which was causing the pain and dealt with it. Fingers crossed that the last operation has finally solved the problem. The plan is to gradually build my training up over the next few weeks and as well as taking advice from the physio's, I'll be guided by how I feel myself." "I'll be having a fortnight's family holiday next month but apart from that I'll be training throughout," he continued. "I'd come in every hour of the day during May and June if that meant I'd be okay to join in on the first day of pre-season training in early July, which is my aim." "It's been 18 months since I last kicked a ball and being a footballer I can't even start to tell you how frustrating that has been," he said. " I realise that kicking and passing a ball is something that I'm going to have to learn to do again, but hopefully it's not going to be a big problem and I'm just hoping that it all comes together. I think it will come; I don't think it ever leaves you. My target is to be in the frame for the first game of the season and if I am the rest will come." News of Brooker's potential return is very welcome news for Rovers fans, with Billy Sharp having returned to Sheffield United at the end of his loan, Paul Heffernan and Lewis Guy being released this summer, and James Hayter one of a number of players who is currently considering a new contract offer from the club. It leaves Brooker along with Waide Fairhurst, as the only contracted strikers at the club; we expect this positon to be one thta Sean O'Drisocll strives to strengthen during the summer break. |
| May
16, 2010 |
Gillett
released by Saints |
 |
Simon
Gillett, who played for Doncaster Rovers on loan from Southampton during
the last season, has been released by the Saints at the end of his contract.
He has only rarely been involved with the first team since Alan Pardew
took over as manager, so the move comes as no surprise. The Saints have
released 13 players as they look to strengthen their squad after failing
to reach the League One play-offs this season. In addition, two loan players
have returned to their parent clubs. The news may raise the chances of Gillett returning to Rovers for next season. His loan spell at the Keepmoat Stadium was highly successful, but he returned to Southampton in the New Year, despite initial indications that a full transfer was in the offing. Initially, it seemed that Rovers and Southampton had agreed terms - then stories arose that either Southampton were demanding a fee, or that personal terms with the player could not be agreed. As a result, Sean O'Driscoll's interest in the player waned, and he went for two further loan signings (Jay Emmanuel Thomas and Jordon Mutch) to bolster his midfield due to the absence of Brian Stock and Martin Woods. |
| May
16, 2010 |
Histon
clarify Lewer situation |
| |
The
confusion surrounding the future of former Rovers assistant manager Alan
Lewer at Histon FC was clarified by the club's Chief Executive Aleen Soraff
on Thursday. Lewer has been under the impression that he was still manager
at the club - but that was thrown into doubt when the club placed an advert
for the managerial vacancy on their official website. Lewer's contract with the club expired at the end of the season, but he had received indications that he would retain his job for next season. Soraff told BBC Radion Cambridgeshire: "Alan was told that we would be advertising for a new manager and that we would be inviting him to apply. It was always our intention to keep Alan until the end of the season and review the situation and he knew that. We as a board decided that the best way forward was to advertise the position, see who else would apply and consider Alan in that light. Alan wouldn't have been surprised to see the advert and it's up to him whether he decides to apply or not." The closing date for applications was Thursday, 13th March - the same day that Soraff made his statement - and it looks doubtful that Lewer will have submitted an application ahead of that date. Confusion seems to originate from discussions Lewer had with Tony Roach, who was chairman at the club before leaving in April. Histon hope to appoint a new maanger by the end of the month, with a new chairman also expected to be named within the same period. |
| May
16, 2010 |
Oster
hoping to stay |
| |
Rovers
midfielder John Oster is hoping that he will still be a Doncaster Rovers
player next season. The 31-year old was signed last summer on a short-term
contract, which was duly extended until the end of the season. He has
enjoyed a highly successful season, particularly when given a chance in
a more central midfield role during the absence of Martin Woods and Brian
Stock, during which time he put in a number of "Man of the Match"
performances. Oster told the Grimsby Telegraph (Grimsby are one of his former clubs): "It's been a good season for me. 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." |
| May
16, 2010 |
Gateshead
release nine |
| |
Blue
Square Premier club Gateshead have released nine players, including the
vastly experienced former Doncaster Rovers defender Chris Swailes, as
they look to rebuild their squad by preparing to go full-time status next
season. Swailes, now 39, was released by Hamilton Academical last summer,
but has gone on to feature in only around half of Gateshead's matches
this season and was transfer-listed by the club in February. In a career
that dates back to when he was signed as a trainee by Ipswich Town, he
has gone on to play for Peterborough United, Boston United, Birmingham
City, Guisborough Town, Doncaster Rovers, Ipswich Town (again), Bury,
Rotherham United and Oldham Athletic, before making his move to Hamilton
in 2007. Gateshead boss Ian Bogie explained: "We only stayed up on the last day of the season so it was obvious the squad needed freshening up. Switching to a full-time squad will be a huge benefit and I expect us to push on next season in what is a very competitive league." |