October 15, 2009

Smith goes out on loan

Rovers goalkeeper Ben Smith has agreed to go to Morecambe on a month's loan. Morecambe have been hit by news that first choice keeper Barry Roche will be out for at least a month due to a knee injury. Whilst he is yet to have a full scan on the injury, the Shrimpers expect him to be out for between four and six weeks - hence the move for goalkeeping cover. Roche was last seasons' "Player of the Year" and was ever present in the Morecambe side since joining from Chesterfield in the summer of 2008 until his injury forced him to miss Saturday's trip to Aldershot.
Smith's move will give him valuable first team match experience, with Rovers still having Gary Woods as goalkeeping cover whilst Smith is at Morecambe.

October 15, 2009

Gillett keen to extend stay

Speaking ahead of potentially making his Rovers debut against Barnsley on Saturday, loan signing Simon Gillett has said that he would be interested in signing for Doncaster on a permanent basis, should the occasion arise.
He said: "It's something I'd like to do if things go well and if the club want me to stay I'd be very happy to do that. I didn't start the season looking to come out on loan, I thought I'd have a chance to play at Southampton after playing a few times last season. But things change in football. There were a few clubs interested but Doncaster were by far the best choice. I'm a central midfielder so I like to get stuck in, break up play and get on the ball. I'm told Doncaster are a really good footballing side and I hope to fit in quite nicely."
With Mark Wilson, Brian Stock, Quinton Fortune and John Oster all absent from the Rovers midfield on Saturday, it looks almost certain that Gillett will be handed his Rovers debut this weekend.

October 15, 2009

Vokes set for Rovers move?

Wolves striker Sam Vokes could be set for a loan move to Doncaster Rovers to get first team match practice - but Rovers face competition from Derby County for his services. Derby lost on-loan Everton striker James Vaughan with a cartilage injury and are keen to bolster their strike force.
Rovers continue to be linked with the Wolves player, who has only started one game for Wolves this season - a Carling Cup game against Swindon - with most of his appearances being as a late substitute.

October 15, 2009

Green still a month away from return

Derby County's former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Paul Green looks likely to spend the next month on the sidelines as he struggles to recover from a broken foot. Nigel Clough, the Derby manager, had been hoping that Green would be fit to return after the international break, but medical advice suggests that hope will be dashed.
Clough said: "Greenie has seen the consultant again and he's not 100 per cent happy to let him start running in the next week or two. So he's going to be at least four weeks, which is the biggest blow."
Green recently underwent a second operation on the foot he broke in March. He had a longer screw inserted into the fracture and it was hoped the 26-year-old could be fit before the end of the month.

October 15, 2009

Woods named as skipper

Martin Woods has been named as the new Doncaster Rovers captain, and is looking forward to the added responsibility. With Brian Stock and Adam Lockwood injured, Woods was given the captain's armband for the last match against Sheffield United, and seems to have impressed Sean O'Driscoll with his performance in that game.
Woods said: "The Gaffer pulled me aside last Friday and told me that he wanted me to be captain. I was very happy; it was something that was quite alien to myself. There are quite a few things that you are required to do before games and it's something that you need to get used to. However, I quite enjoyed it against Sheffield United and it gives you that added responsibility. I am really enjoying the challenge."

October 14, 2009

Rovers continue the search

Doncaster Rovers are to continue their search to bolster their depleted squad with more loan signings, despite having signed Southampton midfielder Simon Gillett on a two month loan this week.
Rovers' Director of Football, Mickey Walker, said: "We are always looking. We are always keeping an eye open for who might be out there. It's part and parcel of what we do. You've got to have a list of options at your disposal so, if the opportunity does arise, you can move quickly and you know the people you are bringing in are going to be the right ones."

October 14, 2009

O'Driscoll - no apologies for changing style

Sean O'Driscoll is making no excuses for Rovers adopting a more efficient style of play this season. The continuing injury crisis has forced the Rovers boss into making several changes to his side this season and, along with the high-profile departures of Matt Mills and Richie Wellens during the summer, the side is substantially different to last season.
O'Driscoll said: "We've been having to almost build another team. We're not a club that can go out and spend fortunes so it always takes a little bit more time. We have to nurture this side through. The international break has come at quite a good time because it gives us time to assess exactly where we are."

October 14, 2009

Plymouth tickets go on sale

Tickets for the away game at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, 7th November will go on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office tomorrow.
Rovers have received an initial allocation of 498 tickets for the fixture.
They will be available to season ticket holders until Monday, 26th October, when they will also go on sale to members and Alliance members, with any remaining tickets going on general sale on Monday, 2nd November.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults £24
Senior Citizens £16
Under 23s (18-22) £16
Under 18s £7
Family ticket (1 adult & 1 child) £26 (limited availability)
Ambulant disabled pay the relevant price, with the carer admitted free of charge.
Wheelchair disabled supporters should contact Plymouth Argyle direct on 0845 338 7232.

October 14, 2009

McCormack on the way back

Former Doncaster Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack is heading towards a return to Cardiff's side as he steps up his recovery from a hamstring injury which has kept him out of the side for almost two months. He played 75 minutes of Cardiff's reserve team game against Bristol Rovers last week, with no apparent after effects.
Cardiff boss Dave Jones said: "Ross is fit and raring to go. Now it's a matter of building up his power and match-fitness."

October 13, 2009

Rovers sign Gillett on loan

Doncaster Rovers signed Southampton midfielder Simon Gillett on a two-month loan yesterday to boost the injury hit club's midfield. He is expected to be included in the squad for Saturday's home game against Barnsley, with Brian Stock, Mark Wilson, John Oster and Quinton Fortune all unavailable for the match.
Gillett, aged 23, is a product of Southampton's youth academy, and spent some time at loan with Bournemouth during Sean O'Driscoll's time at the club. However, he has struggled to win a first team place since the arrival of Alan Pardew as manager. It looked as though he would hold down a regular first team place at the beginning of last season, but he was injured for a substantial part of the season, although he did return to the side for the last to matches of last season.
Described as a "compact but tenacious" player, Southampton's profile says that he makes up for his lack of height with "lower body strength, work rate and undoubted ability on the ball".
He has been allocated squad number 31 at Rovers.

October 13, 2009

Lockwood waits for results

Rovers defender Adam Lockwood will learn this week whether he needs surgery on his foot injury after breaking two bones in his foot during the home match against Swansea City. An initial X-ray failed to show the breaks, which were later revealed by an MRI scan. Lockwood had a further CT scan which should determine whether surgery will be needed - there is also the possibility that he has suffered some ligament damage.
Rovers are down to minimal numbers in central defence at the moment, with Byron Webster also set to be absent from the side for a month with an elbow injury.

October 13, 2009

Youth team 2 York City 3

The Rovers youth side lost their home game in the Football League Puma Youth Alliance North-East on Saturday.
The result sees the Rovers side in 10th place in their league table, with 8 points from 8 games.
No further details are currently available.
Their next fixture is away against Bradford City on Saturday, 17th October.

October 13, 2009

Stock has check-up

Brian Stock visited his surgeon in hospital yesterday to check on his progress so that he can begin the next phase of his rehabilition from surgery on his ankle.
Stock is still on crutches, and it it still anticipated that it will be three months before he can do any running - and four months before he can resume training with the rest of the squad.
The results of his visit to hospital may mean that the above timetable can be revised.

October 12, 2009

Rovers Belles gunned down

Doncaster Rovers Belles were on the receiving end of an outstanding performance from reigning champions Arsenal yesterday afternoon. Somehow playing only their second league match of the season, Arsenal hit eight goals past Rovers Belles, with six different scorers - Gemma Davison (2), Kim Little (2), Faye White, Rachel Yankey, Helen Lander and Jennifer Beattie.
The result leaves the Belles in 8th place, with 8 points from 7 games, whilst Arsenal are in 10th place, with 6 points from their two games.
Doncaster Rovers Belles: Nicola Hobbs, Emily Simpkins, Claire Utley, Natasha Staniland, Vanessa Leat, Tori Williams, Vicky Exley, Rachel Williams, Presh Hamilton, Emma Johnson, Liz Hansen.
Substitutes: Sarah Owen (for Simpkins), Millie Bright (for Hansen), Naomi Chadwich (for R Williams)

October 12, 2009

Brabin after Rovers job

Former Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin has expressed an interest in the managerial vacancy at Tranmere Rovers, following the sacking of John Barnes last Friday.
Named as the Blue Square Premier League boss of 2008/09, Brabin has been out of work since leaving Cambridge United in the summer after guiding the club to the promotion play-off final at Wembley.
Brabin believes that he is the right man to revive Tranmere's season, saying “The Tranmere job is certainly one I would be interested in. I am really keen on it, I have been out of work for three or four months now and it has been frustrating. But I do not want to be desperate and be taking jobs for the sake of it. I want to get a job that has got ambition and certainly Tranmere is a big club. They are not in a great position at the moment but I certainly have confidence in my own ability that I would be able to get them out of the position they are in and there are some good players at the club."

October 12, 2009

Worley out for six weeks

Harry Worley, who played for Doncaster Rovers whilst on loan from Chelsea, will miss the next six weeks after sustaining an ankle injury whilst training with Crewe Alexandra. The 20 year old central defender is on a season-long loan from Leicester City and has made 11 appearances for them so far this season.
Caretaker manger Dario Gradi said: "He landed on John Brayford's foot in training, and his ankle went up like a balloon. I don't expect to see him back for around six weeks."

October 12, 2009

O'Driscoll checks out loans

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is expected to dip into the loan market this week as he seeks to bolster his injury hit squad ahead of Saturday's away game at Barnsley. Following last weekend's match against Sheffield United, a number of players reported to the treatment room to add to an already lengthy injury list, with Mark Wilson limping off in the first half, and defender Byron Webster set to miss the next month after needing a pain killing injection to complete the match after picking up an elbow injury.
In addition, John Oster and Quinton Fortune will miss Saturday's match as they complete three match bans.
As O'Driscoll conceded: "The international break has possibly come at the best time for us. If we'd had a game tomorrow we'd be struggling to put a team out capable of getting something out of it in this division."
He continued: "We've talked to people already regarding loan signings - in fact we have been making inquiries for some time, but I don't think anything will happen until after the international break. When it comes to Premier League clubs they can't sign players on loan themselves so they have to see if everybody comes back fit before they can talk about letting players go out on loan. That's the response we've been getting, so it looks like a case of wait and see."
Players currently out of action due to injury are: Mark Wilson (calf), Byron Webster (elbow), Adam Lockwood (foot), Brian Stock (ankle), Sean McDaid (knee) and Steve Brooker (ankle).
Quinton Fortune (knee), James Coppinger (calf), James Hayter (dead leg), Dean Shiels (ankle), Gareth Roberts (foot) and John Spicer (knee) have all received treatement since the last match, but are expected to be fit enough to be considered for selection on Saturday.

October 11, 2009

Around the goals

We begin this week's review of former Rovers players scoring goals in League Two, where Adebayo Akinfenwa scored Northampton Town's equaliser in their 2-2 draw at Bury.
In the Blue Square Premier, Jason Walker, on trials here at Doncaster in pre-season, scored for Barrow as they won 1-0 at Crawley Town, which lifts them up to the relative safetly of 17th place.
Former Rovers midfielder Jimmy Kelly - now apparently known as James - opened the scoring for Colwyn Bay in the UniBond League First Division (North) in their 3-1 win at Harrogate Railway.
There were two ex-Rovers players scoring goals in the UniBond First Division (South). Tristram Whitman scored Carlton Town's first goal in their 3-0 win at Loughborough Dynamo, and Neil Grayson scored again for Glapwell as they won 2-1 at Stamford.

October 11, 2009

McGuire's new club

Former Doncaster Rovers central defender Phil McGuire has found a new club after a knee injury forced him to quit Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the end of last season. He has signed for Highland League club Formartine FC, a small club based north of Aberdeen - playing for £30 per week with a £10 win bonus!
McGuire was looking for a club for this season - but he needed somewhere that he could leave "at the drop of a hat" as he eyes up a new opportunity playing in the MLS in the United States.
McGuire explained: "They probably think I will be swanning about in the Highland League all Big-time Charlie like I own the place. Well nothing could be further from the truth, believe me. For a while now I have been looking beyond Scottish football, towards the States. I've got a few things in the pipeline for next year but I need to play somewhere that will let me leave at the drop of a hat. You think someone in the SPL or First Division will pay me a full-time wage then let me disappear? No chance. So I've signed for Formartine. Thirty quid a week, ten pound bonus. It's hardly glamorous wages but right now I'm trying to think about more than money."
"I've been full-time my entire life but coming here has opened my eyes. To juggle their jobs, families, training and playing is incredible. It shows how much the game means to them. It's refreshing."
It clearly isn't going to be easy for McGuire at his new club - Formartine were stunned yesterday by a late goal that consigned them to a 3-2 defeat at home to Huntly in the Aberdeenshire Shield after holding a two goal lead.

October 11, 2009

Webster out for a month

Rovers central defender Byron Webster looks as though he will miss the next month with an elbow injury sustained in the local derby against Sheffield United last weekend. He came off second best in an off the ball clash with Darius Henderson, resulting in his elbow ligaments coming away from the bone, which will take around a month to heal. It is particularly unfortunate for Webster as he had impressed in his few first team opportunities, especially since fellow defender Adam Lockwood also faces a month's layoff with a foot injury.

October 11, 2009

Darren gets tour of Middlesbrough!

Doncaster Free Press journalist and Rovers supporter Darren Burke had to pay for comments he made in an article on the Rovers' official website ahead of the away game at Middlesbrough, after slating the town in his article.
Writing on the offiical site, he described Middlesbrough as "a smog and grime-encrusted industrial town" which "doesn't seem to score too highly in the picturesque stakes".
Even though Rovers pulled the article once they had realised the offence it may cause, the damage had been done, with Boro's head of communications, Dave Allan, leaving the club and Darren in no doubt over the offence.
Last week saw Darren visit Middlesbrough for two days to be shown that Middlesbrough is not like he portrayed.
Darren told the Middlesbrough Gazette: “I have had an excellent couple of days. I have been treated like royalty. It has been a real eye-opener. I take back what I said. I have seen a very different Middlesbrough.”
Middlesbrough's tourist campaign manager, Claire Wordsworth, hosted the visit, and said: “It’s great people are more prepared than ever to stick up for our great town and Darren was left in no doubt about how they felt. He did the decent thing and offered to make amends, asking to come and visit the town and find what really makes Middlesbrough tick.”

October 11, 2009

Darren and Andy go back to school

Ex-Rovers stars Andy Warrington and Darren Moore have gone back to school this week - they are in a group of over twenty professional footballers at Rotherham United and Barnsley who have enrolled on a construction "taster" course at Doncaster College for a ten week course organised through the Professional Footballers' Association.
The footballers will learn the basics about bricklaying, plumbing, health and safety, electrical engineering, plastering and joinery.
Other Barnsley players on the course include Luke Steele, Michael Coulson, Martin Devaney, Andy Gray, Bobby Hassell, Iain Hume, Rob Kozluk, David Preece and Onome Sodje. Rotherham United players on the course include Andy Warrington, Jamie Annerson, Stephen Brogan, Drewe Broughton, Michael Cummins, Kevin Ellison, Jamie Green, David Haggerty, Marc Joseph, Mark Lynch, Andy Nicholas, Ian Sharps, Jason Taylor, Ryan Taylor and Dale Tonge.
Paul Davies, the college's assistant director of the academy of advanced technologies, said: "The lads have been brilliant, they're paying attention and their skills are coming on."

October 10, 2009

Coppinger back for Oakwell clash

James Coppinger looks likely to return to the Rovers side for next Saturday's trip to Barnsley after missing the last couple of matches with a calf injury. Coppinger had a scan which has not shown up any serious problem. Rovers physio John Dickens explained: "It's good news in that he's not got a bad tear. He's just got a strain so we are hoping that he'll be fit for the next game."

October 10, 2009

Coaches to Newcastle

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Newcastle United on Saturday, 24th October. They will leave Retford at 10am, Bawtry 10.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 10.05am, Rossington Styrrup 10.15am, Hare & Tortoise 10.20am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 10.30am and the Keepmoat Stadium, Car Park 1 at 10.45am.
The fares are:
Members: £13.00, OAP's £12.00, U16's £11.00
Non-Members £15.00, OAP's £14.00, U16's £13.00
To book a place on the coach, please phone Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154). The Supporters Club have asked everyone to book as possible so that they can book enough coaches.

October 10, 2009

Offiong told to improve

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Richard Offiong has been told that he will have to raise his performance levels if he is to keep his first team place and justify the £75,000 transfer fee that Carlisle United paid Hamilton Academicals in the summer.
Offiong has struggled to adapt to life at Carlisle and is yet to score a goal - he again failed to score on Tuesday evening in Carlisle's 4-2 win over Macclesfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Boss Greg Abbott commented of Offiong's performance: "It's not good enough, he's got to improve. We haven't got time to nurture him, on the pitch he's got to do his work. He's got to get on the end of things."
However, Offiong's arrival seems to have spurred Carlisle's other strikers into life, so maybe his arrival has had a benefit, as there is more competition for a place in the side - but it looks as though Scott Dobie and Joe Anyinsah will retain their places for Carlisle's home match against Norwich City in League One this afternoon.

October 10, 2009

Rigo's season is over

Ex-Rover Adriano Rigoglioso's season looks to be over after making just four starts for new club Grays Athletic. A serious knee injury has ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, with Grays now negotiating a settlement to terminate his contract. He joined Grays in August 2009 from Forest Green Rovers, where he had made over 50 appearances during a two year stay.
During his two and a half years at Rovers, Rigoglioso made just seven league starts, with a further 22 substitute appearances, with his time in Yorkshire coming to an end in March 2006 when he returned to Morecambe.

October 9, 2009

Roberts forced to quit

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Steve Roberts has been forced to retire from professional football after struggling to overcome a back injury suffered ten months ago. Walsall boss Chris Hutchings has confirmed that Roberts has been allowed to leave the club by mutual consent as the player feels he cannot recover full fitness. He said: "Stephen feels that he can't get back to where he was and as a result has decided to call it a day. It's a shame because he made good progress during the summer, but has suffered a couple of relapses since then. It's disappointing but we have to respect his wishes; as a former Wales International it is frustrating for him that he can't reach the high standards that he sets himself. We wish him well for the future."
Roberts was understandably upset at having to make the decision, commenting to Walsall's official site: "I'm devastated. It's not a nice decision to have to make. I've had problems with my back every day. It wasn't improving, even with rest, and I was fighting a losing battle. I'd done quite well to come back for pre-season, play with the rest of the lads and I was ahead of schedule, but I don't want to just sit there and take my wages. I couldn't get back to a level of performance professional football demands, but you've got to think about the whole package. After it first happened I couldn't move an inch because I was in that much pain."
Steve played 85 first team matches for Doncaster Rovers between 2005 and 2008 after arriving from Wrexham, for who he played well over 150 games. He was known as a cultured central defender who played a key part in Rovers' rise up the divisons during those years.
We wish him and his family well for the future.

October 9, 2009

Muirhead moves to Linnets

Former Rovers loanee Ben Muirhead has completed his transfer to UniBond Premier Division club King's Lynn from Farsley Celtic following talks last week. The 26 year old, who has been blighted by injury in the last couple of seasons, had a knee operation in the summer and appears to have quickly regained full fitness and form.
The Doncaster-born winger has also played for Bradford City, Rochdale and Alfreton Town.

October 9, 2009

Rovers Belles drawn away in quarter finals

Doncaster Rovers Belles face a tough tie in the quarter finals of the FA Tesco Women's Premier League Cup which was drawn earlier this week. They travel to ace Everton, who won the trophy in 2008 and remain the only club outside of London to have lifted the trophy for 15 years. The tie will be played on Sunday, 1st November.
The full draw is:
Leeds Carnegie v Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea v Bristol Academy
Arsenal v Keynsham Town
Everton v Doncaster Rovers Belles

October 9, 2009

O'Driscoll praises Shackell

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has praised the contribution of Jason Shackell since he arrived at the club on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in Augsut. He has made eight appearances for Rovers, winning numerous Man of the Match awards during that time.
O'Driscoll said: "He's been terrific ever since he came in. We got him on loan. He's got fantastic attributes about his game. He's come in and really adds something to the side. Sometimes loan signings don't work out for you, but Jason has been terrific."
The good form of Shackell in the Rovers side seems to be even more important in the next couple of months, with injuries to Adam Lockwood and Byron Webster meaning that Rovers currently have just Shackell and Sam Hird as fit central defenders.

October 9, 2009

Martin moves on

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Martin Kearney has completed a transfer from Staveley Miners Welfare to Belper Town, who play in the UniBond First Division (South). Kearney joins another former Rover at the club - defender Mark Barnard, who played for Rovers between 1999 and 2001.
Martin made just one appearance for Rovers in the first team - a 2-1 home defeat against Telford United on 5th May 2001.

October 8, 2009

Heffs after loan move

Doncaster Rovers striker Paul Heffernan is after a loan move in a bid to play regular first team football. Heffernan has been frustrated that he has not been playing regularly this season, despite an impressive Rovers career record that has seen him score 54 goals in 105 starts. He has only started two games so far this season, with Sean O'Driscoll preferring James Hayter and Billy Sharp at the moment.
Heffernan's contract expires at the end of the season.
His agent, Clive Hart, has confirmed that he has spoken to Sean O'Driscoll about a move away from the Keepmoat Stadium. He told Sky Sports: "I have spoken to Sean about a possible loan move for Paul. Sean understands Paul's situation and we are working to try and find a compromise. Paul wants to be playing regular first-team football and he feels a loan move offers him the best chance of getting that. We will see what offers come in and then decide what to do."
Last season, Heffernan was economically used in the period up to Christmas, but his return to the team coincided with a resurgence in form of Rovers, with the club climbing up from bottom of the table to a comfortable mid-table finish.

October 8, 2009

Shiels banned for running red light

Rovers striker Dean Shiels was banned from driving for six months and fined £160 yesterday afer admitting that he drove through a red light in Edinburgh last year. The driving ban comes for picking up three points which takes him over 12 penalty points in total, when a ban automatically applies. Teh court also ordered him to retake his driving test before he will be allowed to drive again.
The incident happened in July last year, shortly before his move to Rovers was sealed, when his convertible Mercedes went through a red traffic light near Hibernian's stadium. He was issued with a fixed penalty ticket, but did not pay it - he initially denied driving throught he red light, claiming his girlfriend might have been driving the car. However, he admitted the charge before JPs in Edinburgh yesterday.
His defence lawyer said: "He has no particular recollection of the incident. It was simply an error on his part for which he apologises. He is now playing for Doncaster Rovers and certainly has earnings with which he could pay a fine.Unfortunately he will lose his licence as a new driver and will have to resit his test, so again that is further punishment and a reminder that he must take greater care in future."
Shiels apologised to the court before getting a lift back to Doncaster with his father and girlfriend, who also attended the court hearing.

October 8, 2009

Loan players update

Rovers' young midfielder Robbie Clark, on loan at Boston United, finally got his full debut on Monday evening when they travelled to Buxton for a match in the UniBond Premier League, Clark played for 67 minutes before being substituted. Until now, Clark has had to make do with a place on the bench, but seems to have done well, with their match report including his 30 yard drive in the first half which went just wide of the Buxton goal.
On the opposition side was former Rovers defender Scott Maxfield.
Charles Fisher, who is currently on loan at Brigg Town, has been a regular in the side and has been playing well as Brigg's form has improved of late, with a rise up the UniBond First Division (South) to 11th place.

October 8, 2009

Mixed fortunes for youth sides

Doncaster Rovers' School of Excellence sides had mixed fortunes last weekend when they played Grimsby Town.
The Under-14s went down 4-1, but the Under-9s benefitted from playing on the Astroturf pitch at Cantley Park. Their Grimsby opponents were unused to playing on the surface and needed time to adjust to the different bounce of the ball, but Rovers were clear winners.
The Rovers Under-10s were also victorious, winning their match 3-1 in windy conditions, and the Under-12s won 4-1, scoring three late goals to seal victory. The Under-13s match ended in a 3-3 draw - but the Under-15s game was abandoned with 20 minutes remaining after Grimsby striker Ryan Moore collided with the Rovers goalkeeper whilst putting the ball into the net. Moore was taken to hospital with a neck injury, but we are glad to learn that he has since recovered.
Finally, the Under-16s drew their match 1-1, with the Rovers equaliser coming just before half time.

October 8, 2009

Mayor under fire for free tickets

Doncaster's Mayor, Peter Davies, was under fire last week after acceptings gifts and hospitality worth more than £650 since taking office. The mayor had complimentary days at three race meetings at Doncaster Racecourse, a rugby match and Doncaster Rovers' League Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Davies insisted that all visits were treated as work and insisted "I am not a freeloader".
He continued: "I was invited by Doncaster Rovers to go along and support the club so I accepted. I wouldn't have gone otherwise - I don't like football and I didn't enjoy it. The same applies to Doncaster Rugby Union Club - I do follow rugby but I'm a Thornensians man so I would never normally go to a Knights game."
"The racing is slightly different, but again I was invited along in my official capacity and they were working visits. On both days I left the racecourse just after lunch, which I would not have done if I was there for pleasure."

October 7, 2009

Match review

There have been mixed fortunes for former Rovers players in games over the last few days.
Graeme Lee made his return to action last night for Notts County in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round match at another of his former clubs, Bradford City. Lee was shown a second yellow card of the evening in the 66th minute to leave County with nine men for the rest of the match - not only that, but Bradford City came from behind to win the match 3-2 on penalties.
Better news for Neil Grayson, who still keeps on scoring despite the passage of the years. Last night he scored twice for Glapwell in their 3-2 victory at Grantham Town in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy.
Former Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney was in fine form for Linfield in their 1-1 home draw with Derry City at the weekend. A superb first half penalty save proved to be a turning point in the game and saved his teammates on further occasions during the game, with the performance earning him the "man of the match" award.
Finally, former Rovers striker Steve Burton scored for Worksop Town in their 2-1 win at Guiseley on Saturday, which lifts the Tigers up to 12th in the UniBond Premier Division.

October 7, 2009

Donny reach quarter finals

Doncaster Rovers Belles reached the quarter finals of the Women's Premier League Cup on Sunday, thanks to a 3-1 victory over Leicester City. The Doncaster goals were scored by Liz Hansen, Vicky Exley and Rachel Williams.
The Rovers Belles will be joined in the quarter finals by Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Keynsham, Leeds Carnegie, Everton and Chelsea, with Bristol and Reading still to play their match to determine which one will reach the last eight.

October 7, 2009

Southall in charge at Margate

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Nevill Southall has been appointed as caretaker manager at Ryman Premier League side Margate following the resignation of former Wales boss Terry Yorath. Southall took charge of Margate for the first time as they drew 0-0 with Hornchurch. They then followed that up on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Kingstonian, which lifts Southall's men up to 13th place in the table.

October 7, 2009

Ex-Rover has plans for soccer centre

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Alun Armstrong has plans to transform the now-vacant Kenmore factory in Crook into an indoor soccer centre to give a much needed facility to he area.
Armstrong, who played six matches for Rovers - five of them as substitute - during the 2005/06 season, hails from Gateshead and now runs coaching sessions in the district.
Armstrong says that an agreement for the building has been agreed with the former factory's owners, and is just waiting for the lease to be signed. The £250,000 centre will feature a seven-a-side pitch and four five-a-side pitches as well as a cafe and viewing area. Up to ten jobs will be created, with Armstrong running all of his coaching sessions from the centre.
Once the lease has been sorted out, they just have to wait for confirmation of planning permission from the county council.

October 6, 2009

Tim appointed Chester assistant manager

Former Doncaster Rovers left back Tim Ryan was been appointed assistant manager at Blue Square club Chester City this morning. He will assist new boss Jim Harvey, who was formerly manager at Forest Green Rovers.
Ryan earlier spoke of his desire to move in to management once his playing days are over.
He said: "I'd love to stop playing as I enjoy being on the side line. I enjoy coaching and it's something I want to do in the future. Whether now is the time I don't know. But if I'm playing Saturday and not managing I'll give my all as captain."
Harvey began his managerial career at Morecambe in 1994 and stayed until 2006, when he moved to Forest Green. He faces a huge challenge of guiding Chester to safety - they were hit with a huge 25 point penalty for financial reasons surrounding the club going into administration.

October 6, 2009

Youth Team 1 Morecambe 0

Doncaster Rovers' youth side won their Football League Youth Alliance Cup match against Morecambe at Cantley Park on Saturday morning, thanks to a second half goal by Blake. Morecambe had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half, with Rovers finding it hard to break out of their own half, but despite a few narrow escapes, Rovers survived until the break without conceding, mainly because Morecambe kept over-hitting the ball.
The winning goal came in the 85th minute when a poor kick by Morecambe's goalkeeper landed at the feet of Blake, who calmly chipped the keeper from twenty yards to score.
Rovers: Bradshaw, Radcliffe, Towler, Blake, Nodder, Jones, Clark Adams, Oldham, Hoyle, Grayson, Stirland
Substitutes: Mullen (for Clark Adams, 77), Adkins (for Grayson, 88), Wakefield, Biggs

October 6, 2009

Mulligan in Kiwis squad

Ex-Rovers defender Dave Mulligan has been included in New Zealand's squad for their crucial World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain on October 10th, with the return leg due to be played in New Zealand four days later. Mulligan is one of six Wellington Phoenix players included in the 19-man squad for the match.

October 6, 2009

Voting results

Midfielder Martin Woods was votes as the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" vote for his performance against Sheffield United on Saturday. Votes were recived for nine players, with those receiving the most votes being as follows:
1 Martin Woods (36.1%)
2 Jason Shackell (19.4%)
3= James Hayter, Byron Webster, Neil Sullivan (8.3% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part in the voting. The next poll is not for a while - the next match is a week on Saturday, when Rovers travel to Barnsley.

October 5, 2009

Rovers players' commitment 'first class'

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has praised the effort put in by the players this season, even though he concedes that they are struggling to reach the form shown last season.
He said: "The biggest challenge is to turn the draws into wins. We played better last season, but have to remember we lost two key players in the summer and have others out injured at the moment. The good thing about this bunch of players is that they are totally honest and know we need to improve."
"In terms of their attitude and commitment they are first class and, if things aren't going well, they are prepared to roll up their sleeves and get on with the job."

October 5, 2009

Match abandoned due to injury to former Rover

Last weekend, Halstead Town's game at Fakenham Town in the Ridgeons First Division was abandoned by a "sickening injury" to former Doncaster Rovers defender Erdem Artun. The match was abandoned after just 22 minutes when Artun suffered a double fracture of both bones in his right forearm in a challenge which left him writhing in agony and could not be moved, despite the attention of medical staff from both clubs. An ambulance was called, but it took over an hour to arrive before he was eventually taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.
The delay meant that the referee had little choice but to abandon the game.
Artun, 25, missed most of last season after suffering a serious knee injury at the beginning of the season, was kept in hospital on Saturday night and was due to have an operation on his arm last Sunday.
Halstead manager Jody Brown said: “It's devastating for everyone and especially Erdem. I don't think it was intentional but I thought it was a reckless challenge. Their player didn't go out to harm Erdem but it should have been a red card. I had a very good view of it because it happened right in front of the dugout. I spoke to their player afterwards and he told me he didn't intend to hurt Erdem but I think he went over the top with the challenge."
“Erdem's spirits are quite good considering; they're better than they could have been. We're fortunate to have him at Halstead because he's an exceptional young player. I hope that the operation was a success and that there are no complications.”

October 5, 2009

Ben set for Linnets?

Former Rovers loan midfielder Ben Muirhead has been in talks with King's Lynn after his current club, Farsley Celtic, accepted an offer made by the UniBond Premier League side.
King's Lynn boss Carl Heggs commented: "He is the right age and he has a lot of know-how. He is very, very quick and he will give us some extra pace on the left."
The player was due to travel down to hold talks this week - but the move had not gone through by Saturday, as we notice that he turned out for Farsley Celtic in their 3-0 win over Hyde United.

October 4, 2009

Sheffield United 1 Rovers 1

Doncaster Rovers had to settle for a point at Bramall Lane after taking the lead on the stroke of half time, thanks to a goal from James Hayter, who slotted the ball home from a pass fron Dean Shiels.
Rovers made a number of changes to their side, with James O'Connor, Jason Shackell and Byron Webster coming into the side, with Adam Lockwood missing out due to the foot injury picked up during Tuesday's game against Swansea. Gareth Roberts had to settle for a place on the bench - he was surprisingly joined by Stuart Elliott, who was making an appearance in the first team squad for the first time this season.
The match was held up for a few minutes in the first half when Byron Webster required treatment for an elbow injury, which seemed to leave him in some discomfort and required a pain killing injection and strapping for him to continue. Rovers' injury situation was made even worse when Mark Wilson limped off in the 38th minute, meaning the international break probably comes at an ideal time for the Rovers medical staff, who now have a fortnight to get a number of players fit.
Neil Sullivan did well to deny Darius Henderson after the break as Sheffield United pressed forward in search of the equaliser, which finally came in the 58th minutes when Cresswell headed home from a cross by Little. Despite continual pressure in the closing stages of the game, the Rovers defence held firm for a draw - their eighth stalemate out of eleven games so far this season!

October 4, 2009

Goals review

We begin this week's review of former Rovers players scoring goals in the FA Cup. It was Second Round Qualifying day yesterday, and ex-Rovers right back Ryan Kirby scored Boreham Wood's second goal - but they still went down to a 4-2 home defeat against Wealdstone.
In League One, Darren Byfield scored for Walsall in the 33rd minute of their home game against Carlisle, which ended 2-2 - the result keeps the Saddlers in midtable, in 11th place with 14 points.
Finally, one from last Sunday which we've only just spotted - former youth team player Liam Nelthorpe scored one of Edlington Royals' goals in their 4-0 win over Auckley in the Premier Division of the Doncaster Sunday Alliance.

January 8, 2008

What the managers said

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell was pleased with the performance of his sice, despite being frustrated that the Blades could not find a winning goal yesterday.
He said: "Overall I can't complain. We've done most of the things we asked. The debutants all did well. I think we've signed 12 or 13 players now and at times we do look a bit disjointed. But we dominated and they didn't pose us many problems. So I'm pleased with that. We're sitting sixth after 11 games so that school report is 'doing okay, but could do better'."
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll commented: 'We have had a lot of draws this season. I'm disappointed because I thought we could have done better. We have a lot of players out through injury and we are not the team we were."

January 8, 2008

Injury update

The international break probably could not have come at a better time for Rovers, with more injury concerns cropping up after yesterday's draw at Sheffield United.
Midfielder Mark Wilson limped out of the game in the 38th minute with a calf injury to add to the news that Adam Lockwood may miss up to three months with a broken metatarsal bone in his foot.
Skipper Brian Stock is out for three months as he recovers from surgery on his ankle, and James Coppinger seems to be having an ongoing problem with a calf strain, although the fortnight's break ought to do much to resolve that problem
Defender Byron Webster played all of yesterday's game, but needed a pain-killing injection after hyper-extending his elbow in the first half.
Add to that the longer term injury victims Steve Brooker and Sean McDaid, and the Rovers squad is substantially down in numbers - and John Oster and Quinton Fortune still have another match to miss due to a three match ban for being sent off at Scunthorpe last weekend.
McDaid is hoping to resume full training in the next week or so after completing his rehabilitation at Lilleshall, but will be still some weeks off a playing return after missing well over a year due to his knee injury.
As O'Driscoll commented on the injury situation: "Every manager in the Football League wants to add to his pool, but whether you can get the quality you want or afford what you want. We're a team with average gates of 8,000 so we're not going to spend millions of pounds on new players. I wish we could, but we can't. But it could be imperative now I've got one or two more injuries. The international break's come at a good time for us, so we'll get a clearer picture of where we are. Ideally we'd love to, but whether it's possible I'm not sure."

October 3, 2009

Sheffield United v Rovers

Sean O'Driscoll will have to wait until the last minute before naming his side to face Sheffield United this afternoon, with a number of players having treatment for injuries.
James Coppinger faces a late fitness test on a calf injury, which has forced him to miss matches recently. Defender Adam Lockwood has a metatarsal injury and could require a pre-match pain-killing injection in his foot to enable him to play - although on-loan defender Jason Shackell has resumed training this week after missing the Scunthorpe and Swansea matches and should be available for selection.
Rovers will definitely be without Billy Sharp, with O'Driscoll electing not to select Sharp against his parent club, even though there is nothing in the loan agreement to stop him playing. The decision means that it is likely that Paul Heffernan will be given a chance to start the game this afternoon after having to settle for a place on the bench in recent matches.
O'Driscoll said: "There was nothing contractually preventing us from playing Billy and technically we could put him on the team sheet, but I don't think that would be fair on Sheffield United. They are obviously doing us a favour by loaning him out to us in the first place. I spoke to Kevin (Blades boss Blackwell) and it would be wrong for us to do it and I think it would be wrong for the player to play. Being without Billy is a blow to us because he's been playing well, but we've got plenty of options. James Hayter and Paul Heffernan are both fit again. Lewis Guy is back and Waide Fairhurst has gone from being a young player to somebody who is fighting for a starting place."
Rovers will also be without John Oster and Quinton Fortune, who are serving the second game of a three match ban after both were sent off at Scunthorpe last Saturday.

October 3, 2009

Sheffield United team news

Sheffield United will be without striker Jamie Ward (hamstring) and defender Gary Naysmith for this afternoon's match against Doncaster Rovers, whilst Matt Killgallon (ankle) is also a major doubt. However, Keith Treacy's knee injury, which he suffered against Swansea City last Saturday, is not as bad as first feared, and he may be fit to play this afternoon.
Also missing will be longer term absentees Jamie Ward, Lee Williamson, Gary Speed, Derek Geary and Paddy Kenny.
Sheffield United go into the match defending an unbeaten record at Bramall Lane, although Rovers will be hoping for a repeat of last season's result, which saw Rovers come away with a 1-0 victory.

October 3, 2009

Today's match officials

The match officials for this afternoon's away game against Sheffield United have been confirmed as:
Referee: Lee Probert
Assistant referees: Andy Newbold & Mick McDonough
Fourth Official: David Webb

October 3, 2009

Voting results

A little later than usual, caused by our technical problems of this week, we bring you the results of our "Man of the Match" voting for the home goalless draw against Swansea City on Tuesday. Opinion on the winner was split, with a total of ten players receiving nominations, with a fairly even spread of votes amongst them. However, the winner was clear, and coincided with the match sponsors decicion on Tuesday, with Martin Woods coming home well ahead of the rest, with around 30% of the vote. Those players receiving the most votes were as follows:
1 Martin Woods (30.55%
2 Neil Sullivan (13.89%)
3 Billy Sharp & Adam Lockwood (11.11% each)
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to place a vote this week. The next poll will open following this afternoon's away game at Sheffield United.

October 3, 2009

Mixed results for Rovers Belles

Doncaster Rovers Belles had a disappointing start to this week's matches as they went down to a 2-0 defeat at Millwall Lionesses last Sunday. Rovers Belles were hoping to bounce back after losing against Leeds Carnegie the previous week, but went a goal down midway through the first half before conceding a second after the break to continue Millwall's unbeaten home record.
However, fortunes improved in the midweek matches, as the Rovers Belles moved up into fifth place with a 4-2 away victory at Nottingham Forest. Three goals in the first 14 minutes saw Doncaster take control of the match, with Vanessa Leat, Vicky Exley and Kasia Lipka getting the goals. Forest pulled one back in the 41st minute, only for Doncaster's three goal margin to be restored within sixty seconds, with Liz Hansen scoring the goal.

October 2, 2009

Brabin linked with two clubs

Former Rovers skipper Gary Brabin has been named as a front-runner for the vacancies at both Luton Town and Chester City.
Luton boss Mick Harford left the club yesterday "by mutual consent" after the club found itself struggling to keep place with the automatic promotion places. They are currently in 8th place with 22 points from 13 games, five points away from second placed Kettering Town and 13 adrift of leaders Oxford United.
The local press in Luton are quoting Brabin as favourite for the job at 7/1, ahead of Kettering's Mark Cooper (8/10, caretaker boss Alan Neilson (9/1) and ex-Forest Green boss Jim Harvey (10/1).
Brabin has also been linked with the managerial vacancy at Chester City, who sacked their manager after Tuesday's home defeat against Forest Green Rovers. Chester is one of Brabin's former clubs and is friends with owner Stephen Vaughan, who is now searching for Chester's 11th manager during his eight year ownership of the club.
Brabin is currently out of work, having left Cambridge United in the summer, but would face a huge challenge at the Deva Stadium, who were hit by a 25 point deduction due to going into administration, and are still on -14 points, 24 points adrift of safety, with only two victories so far this season.
On the Chester vacancy, Brabin gave little away yesterday, saying:“There’s not much I can say because I’ve only just seen the news on Sky Sports this morning. I’m out of work at the moment so I’m weighing up my options. Obviously I’ve got to be interested in all jobs that come up and, given my connections with Chester, I was always going to get my name linked. But the manager has only just gone through the door so it’s a bit too soon for me to say anything more.”

October 2, 2009

Sheffield United ticket info

Tickets for tomorrow afternoon's match at Sheffield United remain on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium until 3pm this afternoon. The Keepmoat Stadium web site reports that Rovers supporters have bought 1,989 tickets out of the 2,986 allocation.
Tickets remain on general sale at the following prices:
Adults £26
Senior Citizens/U18s/Students (with NUS card) £16
U16s £8
All disabled tickets are now sold out.

October 2, 2009

Newcastle ticket update

October 2, 2009

Sharp in Team of the Week

Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp has been named in the Coca Cola Championship "Team of the Week" for his performance against his former club, Scunthorpe United, last Saturday The team is voted on by a panel from the Press Association, with the full Championship team being:
Paul Rachubka (Blackpool), Chris Gunter (Nottm Forest), Jose Fonte (Crystal Palace), Sean St.Ledger (Middlesbrough), Dean Moxey (Derby), Etienne Esajas (Sheff Wed), Kevin Nolan (Newcastle), Richard Chaplow (Preston), Billy Sharp (Doncaster), Leon Best (Coventry)

September 29, 2009

Rovers 0 Swansea City 0

Some matches are highly entertaining goalless draws, full of incident, goal scoring chances and silky skills. And some are not. This evening's match at the Keepmoat Stadium was certainly in the 'not' category, with the vast majority of passes going astray and Rovers failing to land any serious shots on target. The closest Rovers came to scoring came within seconds of the restart after half time when John Spicer charged through to graze the outside of the post. For all that, Rovers could have been three or four goals down in the first quarter of an hour, with Neil Sullivan pulling off a couple of good saves to deny Swansea - and a couple of incredible misses by Swansea's Gorka Pintado, who managed not to make contact with a couple of low crosses in from their right wing. After that, the match was bogged down in midfield, with neither side able to carve out any good chances, with the Rovers strikers forced to feed on scraps of chances.
Rovers have now drawn seven out of their ten matches played, with Swansea having drawn five to date and find themselves in 17th place, just five points ahead of bottom placed Plymouth and Ipswich.

October 1, 2009

We are back!

We would like to apologise to all visitors to this site, who will have found that it has been unavailable since Monday morning. This has been caused by a number of problems with our web hosting company, who moved the site to a new server and managed to reduce the bandwidth available by a factor of 100 in the process - hence the notice many of you will have seen yesterday.
Most of the issues have now been resolved - but a final technical issue will be attended to next Thursday (8th October), during which time there may be a short break in availability. We have made advance alternative arrangements for that period, so you should not be inconvenienced.
May we thank you all for continuing to visit this site in ever increasing numbers and apologise once again for the lack of updates during that time.
The "Man of the Match" feature, which should have opened on Tuesday evening, will run for its usual 48 hours from this morning, with the results being confirmed on Saturday morning.
The match and appearances statistics will be updated later today.

October 1, 2009

Ryan takes charge

Former Rovers defender Tim Ryan will take charge of Chester City's first team for their away game at Hayes & Yeading on Saturday, following the departure of manager Mick Wadsworth, who left the club afer Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat against Forest Green Rovers.
Ryan returned to Chester during the summer after a couple of years playing for Darlington. He takes charge of the side along with physio Billy Gerrard until Chester make a decision over who will succeed Wadsworth.
Chester City are a huge 24 points adrift of safety in the Blue Square Premier following various points deductions due to the financial problems at the club in recent months. They started with a 25 point penalty and have won just twice in their 13 league games this season.

October 1, 2009

Retford Branch AGM

The Retford Branch of the Supporters Club are holding their Annual General Meeting at the Retford United Social Club on Leverton Road, Retford this evening at 7.30pm. All fans are welcome to attend, whether Supporters Club members or not. There will be a free buffet available, with Richard O'Kelly and Dave Morris also in attendance.

October 1, 2009

Around the goals

There's just one former Rovers player who was on the score sheet for last night's matches. Jack Lester scored for Chesterfield in the 54th minute of their home game against Grimsby Town, with the Spireites going on to win 3-1. The win puts them into 11th place in League Two.

October 1, 2009

Billy wins the voting

A little belatedly, due to our techincal problems, we reveal the results of the "Man of the Match" for Saturday's away game against Scunthorpe United. New loan signing Billy Sharp, playing against his old club, won the vote ahead of midfielder Martin Woods.
The players receiving the most votes were:
1 Billy Sharp (40.0%)
2 Martin Woods (31.43%)
3= James Chambers & James Coppinger (8.57% each)
We thank everyone for taking the trouble to place their vote. The voting for Tuesday's match against Swansea will continue until 7am on Saturday.