September 15, 2009

West Brom v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers may be forced into making changes to their side for this evening's away game at West Bromwich Albion. James Hayter and James Coppinger wree both substituted on Saturday at Reading with groin injuries, and are both rated as only 50/50 to play tonight. The news may well give Billy Sharp his first start for the club since joining from Sheffield United, with Dene Shiels likely to get a chance if Coppinger fails to make it. Apart from that, Paul Heffernan will still be absent as he recovers from a groin injury, whilst Steve Brooker and Sean McDaid continue their long absences.
West Bromwich Albion go into the game in second place behind leaders Newcastle United and have no new injury concerns following the weekend's game against Plymouth Argyle. Luke Moore (ankle) , James Morrison (heel) Neil Clement (knee) and Ishmael Miller (knee) all remain on the sidelines, whilst new signing Gonzalo Jara, a Chilean international, will be unavailable as he awaits a visa.
Baggies boss, Roberto Di Matteo, said of the match tonight: “They have had a better start this season and they play a certain way which will make the game different to the Plymouth Argyle game. They pass it around well. To be honest, Sean O’Driscoll has done a good job. He sticks to his philosophy and its paid off for him. If they stay up then they are doing it a different way and with a bit of style. They have a good footballing philosophy – he’s done well."

September 15, 2009

Match officials

The match officials for tonight's away game at West Bromwich Albion have been confirmed as being:
Referee: K.K. Wright
Assistant referees: M. Heywood & K. Johnson
Fourth official: R. Fletcher

September 15, 2009

Voting results v Reading

We experienced one of the most one-sided votes in the eight years of the "Man of the Match" feature for Saturday's away game at Reading. Only three players received nominations - no reflection on the number of people voting, just the dominance of Neil Sullivan on the proceedings at the Madjeski Stadium. Sullivan gained nearly 90% of the votes cast, with only Jason Shackell and Brian Stock also being recognised for their contribution.
The votes were as follows:
1 Neil Sullivan (88.37%)
2 Jason Shackell (6.98%)
3 Brian Stock (4.65%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. The next poll will open following this evening's away game at West Bromwich Albion.

September 15, 2009

Rovers Belles through to the next round

Doncaster Rovers Belles registered a comfortable 5-0 victory over Leeds City Vixens to reach the second round of the Premier League Cup on Sunday. The Rovers Belles were 3-0 up by half time, with goals by Emily Simpkins, Vicky Exley and Vanessa Leat. Exley added her second of the afternoon after the break, with Millie Bright finishing off the scoring.

September 14, 2009

Youth Team 1 Scunthorpe 1

After a goalless first half which was evenly contested between the two sides at Cantley Park yesterday morning, Rovers took the lead in the 62nd minute through Hoyle following an attack down the left wing. The equaliser for Scunthorpe came in the 77th minute when the defence was harried into making a mistake, with the ball being tapped home from close range. The match finished level despite both sides trying hard to score the winning goal - a fair result overall.
Rovers: Bradshaw, Towler, Turner, Thompson, Nodder, Jones, Grayson, Blake, Hoyle, Moxam, Oldham
Substitutes: Betts, Radcliffe, Clark, Adams, Biggs

September 14, 2009

Jos move completed

Jos van Nieuwstadt's transfer to Dutch club Cambuur has been completed after discussions with the player were held last week. Van Nieuwstadt has signed a contract for the rest of the season; he was free to move after being released by Doncaster Rovers in late August.

September 14, 2009

West Brom ticket information

Tickets for tomorrow's away game at West Bromwich Albion are still on general sale at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office, who report that 661 of the 1,488 allocation have been sold. Please note that tickets will remain on sale until midday on Tuesday, 15th September.
Ticket prices are:
Adults £23, Senior Citizens (60+) £14, Young Persons (16-18) £14, Students (21 & under, with NUS card) £14, Under 16s £1
Ambulant/wheelchair disabled & carer £11 (limited availability)

September 14, 2009

FA in spotlight again over voting flaws

The Daily Mail has reported that the FA are again facing questions as to how they administer their own elections. They faced calls for their in-house lawyer to be sacked following his criticised handling of the election between Rovers chairman John Ryan and Barry Taylor of Barnsley for a place on the regional FA council. That election had to be re-run over irregularities in the way votes had been collected.
Now, the Daily Mail have reported that another complaint has been received, with Isthmian League diretor Roger Reed complaining about the way the vote was conducted which saw Reed lose to Wycombe chairman Ivor Beeks.
Reed said: 'I'm angry that Maclean won't tell me any numbers involved in either ballot when this is supposed to be an open process. The secrecy just makes one suspicious about what went on, especially on the back of the controversy surrounding the previous council vote.'

September 12, 2009

Reading 0 Rovers 0

Despite the signing of striker Billy Sharp since the last game against Cardiff City, Sean O'Driscoll kept faith with the side that played so well in that game, rather than tinker with a winning formula. Sharp got the chance for a late cameo appearance along with Lewis Guy for the final fifteen minutes of the game, but before that, Rovers had to be grateful to goalkeeper Neil Sullivan for pulling off a number of great saves to deny Reading their first home win of the season. But at least it was a point gained against a club that Rovers gained nothing from last season, which is progress, especially when O'Driscoll said "to play below our best and get a point was a plus".
The "Man of the Match" voting is now open. If you would like to take part, please click on the logo to the left.

September 13, 2009

Youth Team 1 Scunthorpe 1

After a goalless first half which was evenly contested between the two sides at Cantley Park yesterday morning, Rovers took the lead in the 62nd minute following an attack down the left wing. The equaliser for Scunthorpe came in the 77th minute when the defence was harried into making a mistake, with the ball being tapped home from close range.
We regret that no details of the Rovers side or scorer are currently available as the only report available is from Scunthorpe.

September 13, 2009

Around the goals

We begin our review of former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend in the Championship, where Jonathan Forte scored one of Scunthorpe's four goals as they beat Crystal Palace 4-0, with Palace still yet to win at home this season. Palace didn't help their own cause though, when they missed a penalty late on.
Also in the Championship, former Rovers loan defender Sheton Martis scored West Bromwich Albion's first goal in their 3-1 win over Plymouth - a win that puts West Brom top of the table, a point ahead of Middlesbrough, and puts Plymouth deep in relegation trouble with just two points from their opening six games.
In League One, Darren Byfield scored his first goal on the stroke of half time for Walsall since returning to the club for a second stint late last month. Walsall went on to win 3-2 at Tranmere Rovers.
Dropping into the Blue Square Premier, Gregg Blundell opened his Chester City account when he scored from the penalty spot in added time at the end of the first half; the match at Eastbourne Borough ended 1-1. Mansfield Town went 2-0 up at home to Stevenage Borough, but Chris Beardsley signalled the fightback an astonishing eight minutes into added on time at the end of the first half when he scored to send Borough in 2-1 down. Two further goals for his club in the second half gave Stevenage a 3-2 away win, although Mansfield had to play half of the match a man short. Ex-Rover Mark Albrighton replaced Beardsley ten minutes from the end of the game.
Finally, in the Blue Square North, ex-Rovers midfielder Warren Peyton scored a fifth minute goal for Stalybridge Celtic in their 2-2 draw against top club Droylsden.

September 13, 2009

What the managers said

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was quick to play down the saves made by Neil Sullivan during yesterday's goalless draw at Reading. He said:"Those saves will get the headlines, but they were there for him to save. They were all saves you would expect him to make."
O'Driscoll continued: "We played Reading twice last season and got nothing out of them, so to play below our best and get a point was a plus. Reading play a counter-attacking system and we countered that but we couldn't get our own passing game going. A few of the boys were going down with cramp at the end. The pitch was hard, a bit like ours, and it was very hot. At the end I thought it might come down to a free kick or a corner and we are not set up very well for them."
However, Reading boss Brendan Rodgers praised Sullivan more than his Rovers counterpart, saying: "His save from Rasiak's first strike was fantastic."
He added: "I am pleased with the clean sheet but in the second half I thought we were more likely to win. Sean changed his formation three times during the game, starting 4-3-3, changing to a diamond formation and in the second-half going 2-3-3-2. Our players had to adapt because you can't just keep running around or else spaces open up. The international break was both good and bad for us. We had won 3-1 at Barnsley so wanted to keep that going, but on the other hand the break gave us a chance to bed our new signings in."

September 13, 2009

Coaches to West Brom

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday. They will leave Retford at 3.15pm, Bawtry 3.30pm, Harworth Pit Gates 3.10pm, Rossington Styrrup 3.20pm, Hare & Tortoise 3.35pm, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 3.45pm and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 4pm.
The fares are:
Members £13.00, OAP's £11.00, U16's £9.00
Non-Members £15.00, OAP's £13.00, U16's £11.00
To book a place, please contact: Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347), Paul Mayfield (01427 880154).

September 12, 2009

Reading v Rovers

Rovers resume their Championship campaign this afternoon after last weekend's international break as they travel down south to face Reading. They will be up against defender Matt Mills, who moved from Rovers to Reading in the summer, but Rovers are also likely to name loan striker Billy Sharp in their lineup for the first time since he signed on loan just minutes before the transfer window closed.
Rovers will be missing long-term injured players Steve Brooker and Sean McDaid, with striker Paul Heffernan also missing due to a groin injury that is likely to keep him out for a further week. James O'Connor has resumed training and comes into contention for today's game, and skipper Brian Stock came back from his game for Wales unscathed, and will take up his familiar place in the Rovers midfield.
Rovers face a Reading side that has won just once so far this season. New boss Brendan Rodgers was also busy ahead of the transfer deadline, and three players - Shaun Cummings, Brian Howard and Darren O'Dea - are set to make their Royals debuts this afternoon. O'Dea may have to settle for a place on the bench, as Rodgers is likely to select ex-Rover Mills ahead of him.
Chris Armstrong (knee) and Jobi McAnuff (back) remain absent, whilst skipper Ivar Ingimarsson is close to a return after a knee operation. He played two reserve team games this week and could feature this afternoon.
Rovers will be playing in their red and white hooped shirts for this afternoon's game.

September 12, 2009

Today's match officials

The match officials for Rovers' away game at Reading have been confirmed as:
Referee: P.N. Gibbs
Assistant referees: S.P. Rubery & L. Swabey
Fourth offiical: S. Creighton

September 12, 2009

Sam has another go

Former Rovers loan defender Sam Oji is having another attempt to impress Leyton Orient. He featured in the O's reserve team game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday. However, it didn't go totally according to plan for the ex-Birmingham City man - he was stretchered off with a leg injury midway through the first half, and the O's ended up losing 9-2!
Oji last played for Leyton Orient two seasons ago, when he made 15 appearances for the club.

September 12, 2009

Norbury quits

Former Rovers striker Micky Norbury, who has been assistant manager at UniBond League Division One (South) club Goole AFC, resigned on Tuesday night along with boss Nigel Danby following their 6-4 home defeat against Brigg Town in the UniBond League Presidents Cup match, which saw Goole throw away a three goal leade. Goole have had a mixed start to the season, and are in 16th place with five points from their opening six games. The club have struggled with financial problems for the last year, which has limited the ability of Danby and Norbury to bring in new players.

September 12, 2009

Rovers boss praises Stock

Sean O'Driscoll has praised the conduct of skipper Brian Stock, who made his debut for Wales against Russia last week. O'Driscoll and his assistant, Richard O'Kelly, travelled down to the Millennium Stadium to watch the game, after which he said: "He looked as if he was born to play international football. He looked the part and did really well. His performance certainly warranted him getting his chance. He took it really well and I reckon that he will be in the squad for Wales' next international in Finland next month."
"Brian showed his commitment by being straight back in here yesterday morning. We didn't really expect that straight after a tough international the night before. He clearly wanted to turn his attention and his focus on the next job in hand, the game at Reading."

September 11, 2009

Neil gets job at Man City

Former Rovers striker Neil Roberts has landed a plum job at moneybags Manchester City, where he to join the coaching staff to head a new project which will nurture young footballers from Abu-Dhabi.
Roberts has been at Welsh Premier League club Rhyl for just over a year and played a major part in their title win last season. In a successful campaign, he was also voted as second in the "Player of the Season" at Rhyl - he was behind fellow former Rover, midfielder Gareth Owen. He had a prolific time at the Welsh club, scoring 20 goals in 31 appearances last season, but has been limited to two games this season due to injury.
Roberts commented: “I’ll be working with a number of 15 and 16-year-olds, not just assisting with their football development but also their education and basically being their chaperone during their time over here. I’m very sorry to be leaving Rhyl, I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time at the club, but this was too good an opportunity to miss. Obviously I’d like to think that I’ll still have a good relationship with Rhyl FC and especially the fans who have been so good to me during my time at the club. At the start of last season I gave up full-time football to play for Rhyl and they made that transition very easy for me.”

September 11, 2009

Treatment room update

The seemingly never ending list of injuries at Doncaster Rovers does finally seem to be getting much shorter - but two familiar faces can still be found in John Dickens' treatment room.
Steve Brooker has had surgery on his Achilles tendon and is in a walking boot for another three weeks, after which he will start his rehabilitation to gain full mobility in his ankle before stepping up his training.
Sean McDaid has been at Lilleshall for the last two weeks as part of his recovery from a knee injury, with Rovers hoping that he will be able to join in full training in roughly two weeks time. In the meantime, he will be working on strengthening the knee and to regain all mobility in the joint.
Defender James O'Connor has now regained full fitness and has been taking part in training with the rest of the squad. He is expected to be pushing for a place in the squad for tomorrow's game at Reading.
However, striker Paul Heffernan will miss tomorrow's game as he is suffering from a groin strain. He is expected to resume training the week after next.

September 11, 2009

Rovers win award

Doncaster Rovers have been awarded the "Performance of the Week" for their defeat of high-flying Cardiff City a couple of Saturday's ago. The award was made by the League Managers' Association, whose panel comprises Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry. Rovers went into an early two goal lead and gave the Welshmen very few opportunities to salvage anything from the game.

September 11, 2009

Danny is the SPL Player of the Month

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Danny Cadamarteri has been named as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Player of the Month for August. He made the headlines by scoring two goals on his debut in Dundee United's 2-0 win over Hearts last month and has received the praise of his manager, Craig Levin, who said: "I’m really chuffed for him because he has been brilliant. Three goals have been a great return and his all round game has been excellent as well. Just to round it all off, he is also great to have around the place and has been a big help to young players.”

September 10, 2009

Stock makes international debut

Brian Stock became the latest Doncaster Rovers player to play international football, although he is only the second to have represented Wales whilst being on the books at Rovers. He became only the second Rovers player to represent Wales at full international level whilst at the club, the other was Eddie Perry way back in the 1930`s.
Following the withdrawal of Jason Koumas, Stock was given a starting role as a holding player in the Welsh midfield, and went on to play the whole match. Whilst the Welsh were disappointed about the result, a 3-1 home defeat against Russie, Stock gained much praise for his debut performance, with the likes of Gary Speed suggesting that he could go on to become a regular in John Toshack's side.
The result means the end to any remaining mathematical possibility that Wales could qualify for the World Cup finals.

September 10, 2009

Norman Curtis 1924 - 2009

Norman Curtis, who was manager at Doncaster Rovers for the 1960/61 season, died on Monday, just two days before his 85th birthday, after a long illness. Much of his playing career was spent at Sheffield Wednesday, where he stayed for ten years and made his name as a hard tackling defender. However, in 1960 he moved to Doncaster to become player/manager at Belle Vue, with the club having slumped into Division Four. He missed just two games as a player in that season, with Rovers winning 19 matches and drawing 7 in his first season at the club, enabling a midtable finish.
We would like to offer our condolences to his friends and family at this sad time.

September 10, 2009

Vokes set for Rovers loan move?

Young Wolves' striker Sam Vokes is reported to be set for a loan move after he has struggled to find a place in the Wanderers first team line-up. Sky Sports have reported that Rovers are interested in loaning the player, with developments likely to take place this week upon his return from international duty with Wales. However, fellow Championship clubs Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Derby County are also reported to be monitoring developments.
Perhaps Rovers may hold the upper hand, with Vokes having previously worked with Sean O'Driscoll at Bournemouth - and with relations good between Rovers and Wolves, along with Jason Shackell already enjoying his loan at Rovers, it is a strong possibility that Vokes may be Doncaster bound.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy commented: "We'll see what happens when everyone gets back from the international duty. But Sam really needs to play some football. For him to develop and for us to benefit he has to play regularly."

September 10, 2009

Bantams check out Tomi

Bradford City are the latest club to offer former Rovers striker Tomi Ameobi a trial as he continues to search for a new club after being released by Sean O'Driscoll at the end of last season. Ameobi played for Bradford City's reserves in their 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United's reserves on Tuesday, along with two other trialists.

September 9, 2009

Shackell can get better

Rovers' on-loan defender Jason Shackell can improve during his spell at Doncaster Rovers, according to boss Sean O'Driscoll, despite impressing management and fans during his time at the club.
However, O'Driscoll concedes that there is no chance that Rovers will be able to sign the Wolves defender, but agents may flock to the Keepmoat Stadium as his reputation grows.
In an interview with the Doncaster Star, O'Driscoll said: "I think that he's got a lot of good attributes in his game but I also think that he's got one or two things that he needs to work on. They are probably the things that Wolves boss Mick McCarthy sees in him and that's why he feels that he can't play him in his side. Jason is prepared to work on things to improve his game and he responds to positive criticism really well."
"With him being here until January, it gives us the chance to try to mould him into a better player. We can take our time with him whereas Wolves probably wouldn't do that because he's not part of their first-team squad."
"There are a lot of good things about him, and being left-footed is one. He has fitted in well with us but I think that there is more to come and I think that he feels that as well. There is no way that we can afford to sign Jason and what will probably happen is that Wolves will take stock of the situation in January."

September 9, 2009

Youth team lose

The youth team lost 2-0 against Lincoln City on Saturday. No further details are available at the moment.

September 9, 2009

Rovers youngster joins Brigg

Young Rovers defender Charles Fisher has joined UniBond First Division (South) club Brigg Town on loan until 8th December. Fisher signed his first professional contract at Rovers during the summer after impressing in the youth team last season, but has yet to feature in the match day squad this season. The move will allow Fisher to gain some first team match experience, enabling him to press for a place in the first team squad upon his return.

September 9, 2009

Stock's big chance

Rovers skipper Brian Stock is in with a chance of winning his first full cap for Wales this evening - but may well have to settle for a place on the bench as they face Russia in a World Cup qualifying match.
Stock had to pull out of the Welsh squad on the last couple of occasions that he was selected due to his ongoing back injury last season, and feared that his chance may have gone. Stock said: "I did fear that I would never get into the international team as there were times I pulled out of Wales duty then played for Doncaster a week later, but international break gave me a chance to rest my back."
"To not be able to give my all for Wales was disappointing. I came into Wales camp a couple of times and they saw the situation with my back. To have the operation and get back has been a major achievement. I feel much better as I was really struggling last season and it was affecting my game. To win my first Wales cap would be another chapter in my football career and a great achievement that my grandmother would have been proud of."
If Stock plays, he will become the second player to be capped by Wales whilst a Doncaster Rovers player - Eddie Perry was capped three times whilst a Rovers player during the 1937/38 season, against Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

September 8, 2009

Brabin after Lincoln job

Former Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin seems to be in with a good chance of the manager's job at League Two club Lincoln City.
Brabin has been linked with the post after Peter Jackson was sacked following a poor start to the season, with vice-chairman Bob Dorrian commenting: "Gary Brabin's exactly the type of manager we're interested in."
Lincoln have apparently had over fifty applications for the job, but Dorrian hinted that the club are looking to appoint: "a young up-and-coming manager who wants to make a name for himself but doesn't necessarily have to have Football League experience. We're looking for someone who will take the club by the scruff of the neck and bring it success."
Brabin is currently looking for a new club after being controversially sacked by Cambridge United this summer, despite leading the club to the Blue Square Premier play-off final in his first season at the U's.
The former Rovers skipper commented: "I've always said that I would like to manage in the Football League. I only became aware the Lincoln job was available when I returned from Spain to find a couple of texts telling me that Peter had obviously left the club. During my playing career I had a loan spell at Sincil Bank and I enjoyed it immensely and I've always looked out for Lincoln's results. So is it a job that appeals to me? Of course it is. It is a job that holds massive appeal because they are an ambitious club and they are certainly geared up to go places."

September 8, 2009

Reading ticket information

Tickets for Saturday's away game at Reading are still on sale from the ticket office at the Keepmoat Stadium. Rovers received an allocation of 1,040, with the stadium web site reporting that 437 have been sold. Tickets are now on general sale - but there are lower prices available to season ticket holders and membership holders. Prices rise still further on match day.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Season ticket holders & Membership holders:
Adults £22.50, Senior Citizens (over 65) £16.50, Young People (17-21) £16.50, 16 & under £5.75
General sale:
Adults £24.60, Senior Citizens (over 65) £18.50, Young People (17-21) £18.50, 16 & under £6.75
Match day prices:
Adults £26.50, Senior Citizens (over 65) £20.50, Young People (17-21) £20.50, 16 & under £15.50
Disabled supporters pay the relevant price, but their carer, if required, is admitted free of charge. There are only limited spaces for disabled supporters requiring space for a wheelchair.

September 8, 2009

Sharp keen to get back on track

New loan signing Billy Sharp is keen to get his career back on track after suffering a frustrating time at Sheffield United since signing for the Bramall Lane club two years ago.
He told the Doncaster Star: "I've been missing playing and I'm eager to get back. It was frustrating towards the back end of last season when I didn't get any games when I came back from injury. I worked hard and I thought that I could get back into the team for this season, but it wasn't to be. I felt that I needed a new challenge and I'm looking forward to getting it here."
"I've seen the team play a few times and they are a good footballing side. They get the ball down and pass it and they are full of energy and they create a lot of chances. Hopefully their style of football will suit my game. That's why I came here."
Sharp seemed a little evasive when asked questions about further into the future - more particularly, would he want to stay at Rovers or return to Sheffield United. He commented: "I want to get playing football again on a regular basis and we'll see what happens from there."

September 7, 2009

Jos signs on

Jos van Nieuwstadt, who had his contract with Doncaster Rovers cancelled by mutual agreement just before the transfer window closed, has signed for Dutch club SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden. He returned to Holland on Thursday, with a new contract being signed on Friday - as his contract was cancelled, van Nieuwstadt was a free agent and was able to sign for another club after the transfer deadline.
Cambuur are Jos's third Dutch club - he previously played for Willem II and Excelsior before leaving to join Rovers, where he played 16 league games (7 of those from the substitutes bench) in the 2008/09 season.

September 7, 2009

Rovers Belles win first match

Doncaster Rovers Belles won their first match of the new FA Tesco Premier League season on Sunday when they won their away game at Birmingham City 1-0. The Doncaster goal was scored by Liz Hansen after twelve minutes play. The win puts them in 6th place in the table with five points from their opening three games - most other clubs have played a game more.
The Doncaster Rovers Belles side for Sunday's game was: Hobbs, Weston, Staniland, Utley, Simpkins, Exley, R.Williams, V.Williams, Hamilton, Owen, Hanse. Substitutes: Leat, Lipka, Bright, Chadwick, Collie.

September 7, 2009

Goals check

It may not have been the fairy-tale ending to the week, but despite losing Saturday's game, Farsley Celtic's manager Neil Parsley was glad to have gone through the experience - just because it meant the club had survived.
Parsley, sort of an ex-Rover after sitting on the bench once during the time Rovers were in the Conference, saw his side go down to a 2-1 home defeat to Stalybridge Celtic - not bad considering the club's administrator had closed the club down on Friday afternoon, only for a late reprieve just short of 5pm.
Former Rovers midfielder Ben Muirhead scored the Farsley goal shortly before half time.
The only other former Rovers player scoring goals this weekend that we could find was Steve Brodie, who scored the only goal of the game for Witton Albion in their game at Lincoln United in the UniBond Division One (South). His goal after five minutes' play was enough for Albion to gain all the points, which lifts them to ninth in the table.

September 7, 2009

Travel to Reading

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Reading on Saturday. They will leave Retford at 8.00am, Bawtry 8.15am, Harworth Pit Gates 8.05am, Rossington Styrrup 8.15am, Hare & Tortoise 8.20am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.30am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 8.45am.
Fares are: Members £20.00, OAP's £18.00, U16's £16.00
Non-Members £22.00, OAP's £20.00, U16's £18.00
To book a place on the coach, contact Harry Bacon (01302 854626), Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (01427 880154).
The North Branch of the Supporters Club are also running a coach to the game. They will leave The Stick, Carcroft at 8.00am, Skellow Grange 8.05am, Askern Co-op 8.10am, Swinger Woodlands 8.20am, Don Valley High School 8.25am and the Sun Inn at 8.30am.
For details of farea and to book please phone 07780 316923

September 5, 2009

Muirhead joins as Celtic get last minute reprieve

Former Rovers midfielder Ben Muirhead made his debut for Farsley Celtic last weekend and put in two superb performances in three days which means that in just six matches, Celtic have now overcome a ten point deficit which was given due to the club going into administration. It was expected that Muirhead would be out of action for much longer as he recovered from a serious ankle operation, but he has recovered well ahead of the anticipated schedule.
Farsley's Simeon Bambrook, one of two senior players acting as assistant to boss Neil Parlsey, said: "The latest new face is Ben Muirhead and he gave us such a threat on the left last Monday. He has come back from a very serious ankle injury and to do as well as he did in his first game last Saturday was brilliant. He also played the full 90 minutes at Ilkeston two days later on the Bank Holiday Monday. He looks like making a complete comeback from the surgery he had and his early form is very promising. That is good for him and good for the club as he will be a great addition to the playing staff.”
Whilst Muirhead's addition to the squad was welcome, yesterday it all looked to be for nothing, with the club's administrators issuing a statement that the club had gone out of business when potential buyers withdrew their offer, and that this weekend's match against Stalybridge Celtic had been cancelled.
However, at 5pm yesterday, Celtic's president, John Palmer, made a fresh bid for the club which means that the club is saved in the short term, with Palmer now believing he has the necessary time to complete his bid to buy the club back.

September 5, 2009

Williamson to Pompey

Just ahead of the transfer deadline, another player with Rovers connections moved clubs. Mike Williamson moved from Watford to Portsmouth for a fee reported to be around £3 million, with Williamson signing a four year contract. He signed for Rovers on loan from Southampton for a month in March 2004 as defensive cover, but failed to make a first team appearance. Since then, he has moved to Wycombe, initially on loan before a full transfer in May 2005, before joining Watford in January 2009. He made 21 appearances for Watford, including playing against Rovers in the opening game of this season.

September 5, 2009

Byfield rejoins Walsall

After being released by Dave Penney at Oldham Athletic just a few days ahead of the closure of the transfer window, former Rovers striker Darren Byfield has rejoined Walsall on a five month contract. The 32-year old striker joins the Saddlers for the second time, having played 92 games in a three year period before joining Rotherham United.
Byfield, who signed for Walsall last Friday, said of the move: "I can't stop smiling, I'm really glad to be back and always knew that I'd return here. I just need to get games under my belt and then the Walsall fans will see the best of me."

September 5, 2009

Heffs eyes new Rovers deal

He might be frustrated at not being included in the starting line-up on a regular basis this season, but Rovers striker Paul Heffernan is happy at Rovers and is keen to extend his stay past the end his contract, which only runs until the end of this season.
Mysteriously for Heffernan, Sean O'Driscoll's team selection bears a marked similarity to last season, when he was hardly given a chance until Christmas - which just happened to coincide with the massive revival in form as Rovers surged from bottom of the table to finish comfortably in midtable.
Will the same happen again this season? Paul is hoping that his return to the side will come earlier than last season. He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I wasn't playing last year and then at Christmas I came into the team and did well. Hopefully I can continue to do that and we can push on but hopefully it won't take until Christmas to get going again."
Heffernan is now in his fifth season at Rovers, having joined from Bristol City in summer 2005.
Of the future, he said: "I am only contracted here until the end of this season so I just want to get my head down and see what happens. If things are going well I would definitely be up for staying for a couple more years. I love it here at Doncaster and since I have come to the club it has been on an upward curve. What with winning the trophy and getting promoted, I have had four good years here. I am very happy and hopefully I can have a few more successful years at the club."

September 4, 2009

Quid a kid for Ipswich game

Tickets for children for the home game against Ipswich Town on Saturday, 19th September can be bought for just £1 - as long as one adult ticket is bought per three child's ticktts. The offer is also available to existing season ticket holders, but please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are now on general sale at the following prices:
Category A: Adults £23, Concessions £17, Juniors (12-16) £17, 11's & under £10
Category B: Adults £20, Concessions £14, Juniors (12-16) £13, 11's & under £5.
No update on the number of tickets sold for this fixture are now available - it appears that details of the number of tickets sold for all home matches have been removed from the Keepmoat Stadium website.

September 4, 2009

O'Connor near return

Rovers' right back James O'Connor says that he will be close to a first team return by the time Rovers play their next match, away at Reading on Saturday, 12th September. O'Connor is currently out of action with a medial knee ligament injury, and told the Doncaster Star: "It has been niggling me since the summer to be honest.It's my kicking leg and I was having a bit of trouble when I was striking the ball. It was frustrating because I reported back for pre-season training, champing at the bit. I couldn't wait and I felt really strong in the first two or three weeks. I then had a stomach muscle problem and I only played two pre-season games."
"I was on the bench in the opening Championship game at Watford. I played in the Carling Cup game at Notts County but I could tell that it wasn't right and I haven't played since. I went for a scan and it showed a little tear in my ligament. I wore a brace for a week to stabilise the joint. I've since been working some cardio vascular work in the gym, and working out on the bike, so I'm not too worried about my actual fitness and once the knee is okay then I should be ready to go."

September 4, 2009

Stock called up for Wales

Midfielder Brian Stock has been selected for the Wales squad to play a World Cup Qualifying match against Russia in Cardiff next Wedneday. Stock was called up to the Welsh squad twice last season, but was an unused substitute on both occasions. He was selected for additional matches last term, but had to withdraw due to his ongoing back injury.
However, following his successful back operation during the summer, he has regained full fitness and has been in good form this season, thus persuading Wales boss John Toshack to select him again.
The match against Russia is to be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Wednesday, 9th September, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

September 3, 2009

O'Kelly on Sharp transfer

Rovers assistant manager Richard O'Kelly believes that new loan signing Billy Sharp will fit in perfectly to the way that Rovers play. Rovers agreed a loan deal for the 23-year old on transfer deadline day and have been reported to have made a number of enquiries since the end of last season.
Sharp, who made his name at Scunthorpe, where he bagged 56 goals in two years, has had a lean time since moving to Sheffield United, and will be hoping that his loan move will mark a resurgence in his career.
O'Kelly said of the move: "He is one of those players we've looked at ever since he was at Scunthorpe. We've envied the side (Sheffield United) that he plays for because he's a natural goalscorer. When he played at Scunthorpe he had the ability to play up front in a pair; he could also play on this own. Everything about the boy fits in with the way we play and how we do things, and we are really pleased to have got him for the season."

September 3, 2009

Sharp - the new Rovers number 5!!

Loan striker Billy Sharp looks to have been allocated the number five shirt for the rest of this season. Whilst no announcement has been made, Sharp appears on the Rovers squad list on DROS against squad number 5, with young midfielder Jack Wilson inheriting Craig Nelthorpe's number 27 shirt.
Whilst Sharp's squad number allocation may be a little surprising, his preferred options of 9 and 24 are already allocated. With Adam Lockwood, a defender, number 11, it shows that the number allocation is not always indicative of the position of that player!

September 3, 2009

Rovers hold fire on Slovakian striker

Doncaster Rovers are not to take their interest in their mystery Slovakian striker any further following a practice game against Leeds United earlier this week. Rovers have refused to name him, although it has been reported elsewhere, including Sky Sports, that it is Pavol Jurco from MFK Kosice.
Richard O'Kelly commented: "He did OK. He did some good things and he has got a good touch and a good football awareness.But we have decided not to take it any further at this stage, though we'll continue to monitor him."

September 3, 2009

van Nieuwstadt goes back home

Defender Jos van Nieuwstadt looks as though he is about to go back home to Holland to sign for Cambuur Leeuwarden, who play in the Eerste Divisie - the Dutch equivalent of the Championship. Jos was released by Doncaster Rovers just 24 hours before the transfer deadline to enable him to find another club.
The player is due to have talks with Cambuur on Friday after returning to Holland today.

September 3, 2009

McGrath on target as Brewers bow out

Burton Albion bowed out of this year's Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday night, despite former Rovers midfielder John McGrath being on the scoresheet for Albion. Burton's defence was ruthlessly exposed by a rampant Chesterfield attack, who plundered five goals at the Pirelli Stadium to earn a place in the second round.

September 2, 2009

Team of the week

Doncaster Rovers defender Gareth Roberts has been named in the latest "Team of the Week" by the Press Association for his performance in the match against Cardiff City. The Bluebirds went into the match as leaders of the Championship, but were hit by two early goals as Rovers dominated the first half. Whilst Cardiff applied considerable pressure after the break, Roberts and his fellow defenders held firm and Rovers achieved a comfortable victory.
The full Championship "Team of the Week" is: Paul Rachubka (Blackpool), Peter Ramage (Queens Park Rangers), Alex Pearce (Reading), Alan Tate (Swansea City), Gareth Roberts (Doncaster Rovers), Ross Wallace (Preston North End), Jake Livermore (Derby County), Adel Taarabet (Queens Park Rangers), Radoslaw Majewski (Nottingham Forest), Noel Hunt (Reading), Roman Bednar (West Bromwich Albion).

September 2, 2009

Penney lets Gilbert go

Dave Penney, now manager at Oldham Athletic, has agreed to let former Rovers loan left back Peter Gilbert leave the League One club. Gilbert has started all of Oldham's opening six games, but he was only on a week to week contract. The 26 year old defender wanted to try and secure a more permanent deal before the transfer window shut, which was not likely in the near future at Oldham.
Penney commented: "Pete wanted to get some stability and we could only offer him a week-to-week contract. Pete's been honest with us and he doesn't want to stay on a short-term deal and so we've agreed to part ways. I would like to thank Pete for his excellent work ethic and professionalism whilst with the club and wish him all the best for the coming season."

September 2, 2009

McCammon fires Gills through

Mark McCammon became Gillingham's hero when he fired home the decisive penalty in their match against Colchester United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last night. The match ended 1-1 and went to penatlies - and after Colchester missed one penalty and had another saved, it came down to McCammon to take the Gills' last kick of five. Despite his attempt being described as a "nervous penalty", he was successful and ensured a 4-3 shoot-out success which sees Gillingham progress through to the second round.

September 1, 2009

Sharp signs for the Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have signed Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp on loan for the rest of the season. The deal was rushed through just minutes before the 5pm deadline as Rovers sought to boost their firepower which has seen the club score only four goals in the league so far this season. Sharp made his name as a prolific striker at Scunthorpe United, scoring 56 goals in his two season stay at the club, but has found goals hard to come by at Sheffield United, where he scored just eight times in two seasons, starting only 37 league games in that time.
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell said: "The deal was rushed through close to 5pm. Billy is a terrific lad, things haven't quite worked out but hopefully he will go there and score some goals and get his confidence back up."

September 1, 2009

Shackell extends Rovers stay

Jason Shackell has extended his loan stay at Doncaster Rovers until January following a highly successful first few matches for the club, winning the "Man of the Match" award for his performance in the last home game against Cardiff City.
The 25-year old has formed a great partnership with Adam Lockwood in the middle of the Rovers defence, and will be a welcome addition to the Rovers defence as they look to consolidate their position in the Championship.

September 1, 2009

Another Wilson for the Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that they have signed young midfielder Jack Wilson on a short term contract. Wilson recently left Scottish Premier League side Hibernian, where he had been since being in the youth team. Known as an energetic midfielder with an eye for goal, he has been training with Rovers for the last week and was recommended to Rovers by Celtic boss Tony Mowbray when Sean O'Driscoll was up watching a Celtic reserve team game.
Wilson has been allocated the number 27 shirt at Rovers.

September 1, 2009

O'Driscoll won't waste money

With the transfer deadline closing at 5pm this afternoon, all eyes will be scouring the various news outlets to check on player movement in and out of Doncaster Rovers. Sean O'Driscoll has more or less admitted that there will be transfer activity today - but the jury is out on which players will be involved.
O'Driscoll said after Saturday's win against Cardiff City: "I think one of our Achilles' heels was that we don't finish chances. But the quality we are after we can't afford. We don't want to buying players who are no better than what we have got because that would just be wasting money. But something might happen before Tuesday. If we could bring someone in then we would."
Speculation continues to surround whether skipper Brian Stock will move to Reading, whilst reports also suggest that Hibernian striker Colin Nish may join, although the player is also reportedly talking to Scunthorpe United about a £200,000 move.

September 1, 2009

Killen set for Rovers?

Sky Sports are reporting that Doncaster Rovres are interested in signing Celtic striker Chris Killen, who has fallen down the pecking order at Celtic following the arrival of Tony Mowbray as manaager, and is seeking a move in search of regular first team football.
The 27-year old striker had a good pre-season, but has struggled to hold down a regular first team place after arriving at Celtic Park from Hibernian in 2007. He has started just two league games for Celtic, but has made 22 appearances as substitute, and went to Norwich City for a month on loan last season.
However, a number of other Championship sides are reported to have shown an interest in the palyer, but reportedly Doncaster are hopeful of success in their approach.

September 1, 2009

Voting results

Eight players received votes in the latest "Man of the Match" poll, although three players shared more than 80% of all votes cast.
On-loan defender Jason Shackell was the clear winner, gaining almost half of all votes cast - the players receiving mos votes are:
1 Jason Shackell (48.44%)
2 John Oster (18.75%)
3 James Hayter (17.19%)
4 Adam Lockwood (7.81%)
Thank you to everyone who took part in the poll - the next voting will not be for a while due to the international break, and will be for the away game at Reading on Saturday, 12th September.

September 1, 2009

Belles still seeking success

Doncaster Rovers Belles are still waiting for their first League win of the new season after throwing away a 2-0 lead at home to Watford on Sunday. Rovers Belles went ahead with goals from Sarah Owen and Precious Hamilton in the first half, but goals by Kate Longhurst (46) and Annie Barratt (71) meant that each side had to settle for a point.

September 1, 2009

Youngsters are called up

Two members of the Rovers youth team received international call-ups last week. Richard Caine will report to the Welsh Under-16 training camp, and Aaron Busby has been asked to join the England Under-16 goalkeeping training camp.