July 29, 2010
Rovers sign Payne
Doncaster Rovers have signed midfielder Josh Payne on a six month contract after he impressed the Rovers management during pre-season games. He was released by West Ham in the summer after making three first team appearances for the Hammers, and also gained first team experience during loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers.
Sean O'Driscoll said of the signing: "We watched him two or three times when he was at West Ham and we just liked him. When he was released we asked him up here to train with us. We like his attitude and feel he could be a player we could develop."
July 29, 2010
Rovers consider Thomas deal
Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is considering offering defender Wayne Thomas a contract. Speaking on BBC Radio Sheffield, O'Driscoll said: "He has done everything which an experience defender should do. He looked strong. He has been in the Championship and in the Premiership and is a good character."
Thomas impressed in his first appearance in a Rovers shirt on Tuesday evening when Rovers faced West Bromwich Albion, and is expected to get another opportunity on Saturday, when Rovers face Sheffield Wednesday.
Thomas was one of a number of trialists to take part in the West Brom game as O'Driscoll continues to consider his options ahead of the new season.
July 29, 2010
Swans linked with move for Stock
Swansea City have been linked with a move for Rovers skipper Brian Stock, according to the press in Wales yesterday. New Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen his midfield, with Chelsea's Jack Cork also under consideration.
Stock has been a key part of Rovers' midfiield since he arrived from Preston North End, and we are sure that Sean O'Driscoll will be reluctant to entertain the possibility of losing his skipper. But, as the Western Mail point out, whilst Stock has had a £2 million price tag for previous enquiries, he now has just twelve months left on his Rovers contract, which means that Rovers run the risk of losing Stock for nothing at the end of the season unless they extend his contract soon.
Stock won many admirers on making his Wales debut against Russia last year, but injury greatly restricted the number of games he played last season. Even so, Rodgers is know to be an admirer, and he knows that Stock's range of passing would fit into the style that he wants to use at Swansea.
July 29, 2010
Rovers take on Doncaster Town in Twenty20 cricket
It was mentioned in last week's Doncaster Free Press that Doncaster Rovers would face Doncaster Town Cricket Club in a Twenty20 match this evening. We understand that the match is due to start at 5pm this afternoon at Doncaster Town's ground at the top of Bennetthorpe - but there has been no mention of the match on DROS since.
The article in the Free Press says that Billy Sharp, James Hayter, Lee Butler and Richard O'Kelly are amongst those due to play on the Rovers' side - and we would not be surprised if Mickey Walker was to turn up!
Admission for the game is £1 for adults, with children able to watch the match free of charge.
July 29, 2010
Supporters Club AGM
The Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club will be holding their Annual General Meeting in the Lakeside Bar at the Keepmoat Stadium this evening, with the meeting starting at 7:30pm.
We understand that Sean O'Driscoll will be attending the meeting, and will be answering supporters' questions after the AGM business has been completed.
July 28, 2010
Rovers 1 West Brom 0
Dean Shiels scored the only goal of the game after an hour's play, with his goal proving to be all that divided the two sides of last night's match. Rovers and West Bromwich Albion last met late on last season, on the day that the Baggies' promotion to the Premier League was confirmed. However, Rovers gained a revenge of sorts with a victory that put an end to West Brom's record of having won all of their pre-season games.
Perhaps West Brom ought to have been in front by the time Shiels scored, with former Owl Chris Brunt heading a great chance wide, but the goal, when it came, was worth waiting for, with Shiels producing a great finish to send the ball past keeper Dean Kiely to break the deadlock. Rovers had their first shot on goal inside the first minute, with Shiels heading over from a Coppinger cross and four minutes later, Coppinger fired straight at the keeper from the edge of the penalty area. Both sides made promising moves, but shots were restricted to relatively long range, although Shelton Martis did well to challenge Steven Reid, resulting in his shot blazing well wide. As always, when given the chance, Billy Sharp was threatening, with a 20 yard shot after half an hour's play going just wide of the right post. The closing minutes of the first half petered out and ended goalless.
West Brom could have gone in front five minutes after the restart when Sullival fluffed a clearance which went straight to Brunt, but the attempted chip shot went conveniently straight into Sullivan's arms. The deadlock was broken after an hour's play. Some good work by Billy Sharp began the move, with Shiels turning his defender before hitting a great shot just inside the post, giving the goalkeeper little chance of saving it.
Albion's only other real chance came six minutes from time in a goalmouth mellee, with several attempts at putting the ball home being blocked by the Rovers defence.
Rovers: (4-1-4-1): Sullivan; Dumbuya (Hird HT), Martis (Fairhurst 84), Lockwood (Thomas 52), O'Connor; Stock (C) (triallist 78); Coppinger (Hayter 52), Gillett (triallist 63), M Woods (triallist 79), Shiels (Payne 72); Sharp (Brooker 66). Subs not used: Clarke, G Woods, Kinsella.
West Brom (4-2-3-1): Kiely; Zuiverloon, Ibanez (Olsson HT), Tamas (Meite 67), Mattock; Mulumbu (R Reid 67), S Reid; Barnes, Morrison, Brunt (C); Miller (Haber 78). Subs not used: Carson (gk), Barnett, Thorne, Elford-Alliyu.
Goal: Shiels (60)
Attendance 3,055 (190 away fans)
July 28, 2010
Di Matteo - "I love playing against Doncaster"
West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo was pleased about his side's performance in yesterday's game at the Keepmoat Stadium, even though it ended in their first defeat of the summer campaign.
After the game he said: "It was a very good work-out. It was very interesting tonight. I love playing against Doncaster. They move the ball around nicely and very quickly and we're going to face a lot more of that next season. In terms of positives, I could see a few things tonight. We played a few players in different positions so I've learned about my players and my team tonight."
July 28, 2010
O'Driscoll wants Payne to sign
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is hoping that he will be able to persuade trialist midfielder Josh Payne to sign a short term deal with the club. Rovers are short of midfielders, with MarkWilson and John Oster currently sidelined, so Payne has the ideal opportunity to stake his claim for a first team place.
O'Driscoll said: "If we could do something short-term with Josh, then I think that we would. He has got options elsewhere and at the moment we are just waiting to see if we can agree something. With Johnny Oster out, getting a midfielder in is something of a priority. It makes Josh's situation a little more clear-cut; he has the opportunity to come in and play, rather than just being a squad member. That's in progress at the moment."
July 28, 2010
McCammon gets chance with Gills
After being cast out in the cold last season under previous manager Mark Stimson, former Rovers striker Mark McCammon received the biggest hint yet that he could be back in favour with new boss Andy Hessenthaler. Although McCammon has missed a number of pre-season games as he recovers from a summer ankle operation, he has been allocated the presitgious "number 9" shirt in Gillingham's squad, with the allocations being announced on Monday. Hessenthaler recently challenged McCammon to be "the main man" at the club, with the squad number allocation backing up that challenge.
McCammon only played around half of Gillingham's games last season, and spent a period on loan at Bradford City as Stimson attempted to offload him.
July 27, 2010
Rovers v West Bromwich Albion
Doncaster Rovers play their first home pre-season game of the summer this evening when they face West Bromwich Albion at the Keepmoat Stadium (kick-off 7:45pm). The match will be the first opportunity for most supporters to see new signing George Friend in action for Rovers - and possibly the long-awaited home debut of striker Steve Brooker. Of course, whilst he played at the club on loan last season, Billy Sharp will be making his first home appearance for the club since his £1.15 million transfer from Sheffield United in the summer.
Exactly what side Rovers will put out is rather uncertain, with a number of players sidelined due to injuries, but it gives Sean O'Driscoll the opportunity to check on the form of other players, as well as giving a number of trialists the chance to impress. Rovers returned home early from last week's tournament in Devon, citing a combination of injuries and the problems resulting from the reduction in the number of substitutes allowed, so it is hoped that a few days, along with the attention of the physio staff, will mean many have recovered sufficiently to play.
July 27, 2010
Ticket update v West Brom
Tickets for this evening's home game against West Bromwich Albion will continue to be on sale today until kick-off at the following prices:
Adults: £10
Concessions: (U18 & 60+)
Under-16s: £1
Please note that, as tickets sales for the game are extremely low, the club have decided that they will only open the East Stand and part of the West Stand. At close of business yesterday, ticket sales were approximately 1,400.
July 27, 2010
Hudson quits Nailers
Ex-Rovers midfielder Danny Hudson has resigned as joint manager at Evo-Stik League Division One (South) club Belper Town after landing a new job with HM Prison Service. The club have been advised that his availability will be "severely restricted" due to shift patterns for his new job, hence his desicion to quit.
Hudson is intending to register with the club as a player, but his involvement is likely to be on an 'emergency' basis only.
As a result Andy Carney, who was previously joint manager with Hudson, will be the sole first team manager, and will be supported by two assistants, Gary Middleton and former Rovers defender Mark Barnard.
Former Rotherham United and Doncaster Rovers midfielder Hudson, 31, joined Belper from Halifax Town in the summer of 2004. He became joint manager along with Carney in November 2006 following the resignation of (former Rovers striker) Ernie Moss.
July 27, 2010
Whitman puts Yellows in front
Former Rovers striker Tristram Whitman gave his new club, Hucknall Town, the lead in their latest pre-season game against Rainworth on Saturday. Whitman finished clinically after a low cross in from the left evaded the Rainworth defenders. A second Hucknall goal five minutes later won the match for the Yellows - as often happens in pre-season games, a large number of subsitututions followed at half time or during the second half, which disrupted the flow of the game.
Whitman followed manager Tommy Brookbanks, along with eight other players, in moving from Carlton Town to Hucknall Town during the summer.
July 26, 2010
Two on target
We've spotted two former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend. Firstly, former Rovers on-loan strriker Jonathan Forte struck in the first half for Scunthorpe United as they beat League One side Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at Glanford Park. Forte scored his third goal in two matches to boost his chances of being handed a first team place when the season starts in a fortnight's time.
Another who played for Rovers on loan was Ross McCormack. Ross scored for Cardiff City in their game at Notts County on Saturday, but the Championshp side still went down 2-1 to County, for who Lee Hughes, a one-time target for Rovers, scored both goals.
July 26, 2010
Kyle in talks with Kilmarnock
Ex-Rovers loan keeper Kyle Letheren has been playing for Kilmarnock in their South West Challenge Cup campaign in Devon for the last week whilst on trials at the club. The Scotsman now reports that Letheren is now in talks with the SPL club and is close to finalising a deal.
Letheren was brought to Rovers on loan from Barnsley during the 2008/09 season, but did not make a first team appearance during that time. He moved on to Plymouth in August 2009, but made no first team appearances for them either.
July 26, 2010
Bayo now trains with Lions
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has been training with Millwall for the last week as he strives to keep up his fitness levels. However, the news does not mean that he is about to return to one of his former clubs - he is merely keeping fit whilst keeping his options open as to which club he joins for next season.
Akinfenwa left Northampton Town in the summer after failing to sign a contract on offer from the Cobblers, and it is widely expected that he will be moving to Scotland , as he has been reported to have been talking to three Scottish Premier League clubs.
July 26, 2010
Player of the Season - #5
After counting down the majority of the positions in the "Player of the Season" over recent weeks, we now reach the top five places. Contained in the top five are two on-loan players - but will one of them be top of the list? All will be revealed in a few days' time, but in the meantime, we can confirm that defender James O'Connor has received sufficient votes to finish the season in fifth place. James received many praises for his performances at right back, but it was perhaps when being asked to deputise at centre back in matches following the injury to Jason Shackell where he gained even more credit for his assured form, meaning that Rovers, for a time, flirted with the dream of achieving a play-off place.
James received 7.38% of all votes cast during the season.
July 25, 2010
Now Shrews quit tournament
Shrewsbury Town quit the South West Challenge Cup yesterday, despite beating Havant & Waterlooville 2-1 to reach the final. Blackpool won the other semi-final against Leyton Orient. Shrewsbury's decision means that Havant & Waterlooville will take their place in the final.
The Joma South West Challenge Cup has been dogged by controversy after the FA insisted that, since it was an officially sanctioned competition, just three substitutes would be allowed. All managers had previously been under the impression that five substitutes would be allowed in each match, with many saying they would not have entered the tournament had they known otherwise. Blackpool and Rovers had flouted the rules by making two unannounced substitutions at half time, with the replacement players taking the shirts of those playing in the first half to evade detection by match officials.
Rovers had made the decision to quit the competition ahead of their second game, against Havant & Waterlooville, which they duly lost 5-0 to be eliminated at the group stage.
Former Rovers midfielder Kevin McIntyre limped off in the game after picking up an injury; he became the third of their squad to be injured since the matches began on Monday.
Turner said after the final whistle of yesterday's game: "What we have done is taken into consideration the preparation for the 7th of August and we have a number of injuries and niggles that are a concern. Matt Harrold was sent home as he's got a badly cut eye, Benjamin Van Den Broek was injured in the first game and Kevin McIntyre had a problem today. I wasn't prepared to take a chance and two games in two days would have been too much for the squad. The surfaces aren't conducive to playing good football and we need to be sensible about things at times and make tough decisions."
July 25, 2010
Youth team returns from touur
The Rovers youth team have returned from this year's Gothia Tipselit Trophy tournament, with manager Paul Wilson praising the players' efforts over the last week.
The Gothia Cup, held in Sweden, which Rovers also entered last years, pitches youth teams from all over Europe, with 24 teams taking part - twelve of them from Sweden.
Rovers began their week with a 4-0 win over Gefle, the goals coming from Grayson, Hoyle, Oldham and Mullen. Their second match, on Tuesday morning, ended in a 3-2 defeat against Halmstad; the Rovers goals coming from Ball and Grayson. Wednesday saw Rovers go down 1-0 to Djurgarden, whilst on Thursday, Rovers lost 3-2 against Helsingborg - the Doncaster goals came from Grayson and Ball.
The final match ended in victory. Whilst the match finished 1-1, Rovers won the resulting penalty shoot-out 6-5, with boss Paul Wilson saying after the game: "I'm absolutely delighted at the result. The lads deserved this for their efforts all week and it was nice to finish the trip in this fashion. We started well and totally dominated the second half and it was harsh on our lads to see the late goal disallowed."
July 25, 2010
Bird's art gallery gains accolade
Ex-Rovers player John Bird, who played for the club on 50 occasions between 1967 and 1971, was celebrating earllier this month when his "John Bird Art Studio" in Bawtry was accepted into the "Own Art" scheme, which is designed to make it affordable for everyone to own contemporary works of art.
Bird, whose studio in Dower House Square, said after the news: "The idea is members of the public can visit one of the selected galleries in person to choose a piece of contemporary art. They then apply for an Own Art loan to spread the cost of buying the piece. Once the application is approved the customer takes the work away with them immediately. The loan is then paid back interest-free over 10 monthly instalments. As well as helping people to buy original and limited edition art it is designed to help living artists to continue to produce their work."
John began his Football League career with Rovers, before going on to play for Preston North End, Newcastle United and Hartlepool United.
July 25, 2010
Poyet kept waiting over Kazenga move
Brighton manaer Gus Poyet is getting frustrated about being kept waiting over a decision as to whether Newcastle United will allow Kazenga LuaLua to move on loan to the Withdean Stadium this season. LuaLua made a big impact at the club in the latter stages of the 2009/10 season, and Poyet is keen to give the Newcastle youngster another go with Brighton.
However, he said: "It's not in our hands and we cannot finalise things so we need to keep waiting unfortunately."
Kazenga spent a few matches on loan at Doncaster Rovers at the end of the 2008/09 season, but Newcastle's relegation to the Championship that summer scuppered any hopes that Sean O'Driscoll had of extending that move further.
July 25, 2010
Schofield in no rush
Former Rover skipper John Schofield is enjoying his time as part of Cambridge United's coaching staff, but says that he is in no rush to finalise any arrangements with them.
Schofield, who left Cheltenham Town during the summer due to a shake-up in the coaching staff, told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "I've come with no timescale whatsoever. Myself and the manager have spoke on several occasions and it does seem quite positive so far."
"What we've said is 'let's get on with it and see where it takes us. At this stage of the season it's not about me, it's about making sure the players are fit and ready to go. I'm starting to tick the boxes I need to tick for myself and as long as that's happening, I'll be giving myself a good chance of staying here."
July 24, 2010
Oster and Chambers have ops
Two Doncaster Rovers players, James Chambers and John Oster, had operations on Thursday to resolve their ongoing injuries which have prevented them from taking part in any of the pre-season games so far this summer. Both have had knee injuries, with the club hoping that a period of rest over the summer would resolve the problem. As it is, the operations are said to have been a success.
The players are now entering a period of rehabilitaion under the direction of the physio staff, and both Chambers and Oster are expected to be out of action until the end of August.
July 24, 2010
Season ticket sales edge up
The Keepmoat Stadium website is now reporting that season ticket sales for the 2010/11 campaign have edged up to 5,586, which makes an increase of around 100 over the last ten days or so.
July 24, 2010
Miller's men up against the Blades
A former Rover we've not heard about for some time is Mark Miller, who is currently plying his trade as manager of Maltese club Hibernians.
Mark's side were chosen as opponetns for Sheffield United, who have been in Malta for a week's training camp, with Hibernians playing their football in the Maltese Premier League. The club are regulars in European competition, but have only made the second round on three occasions. They have played 60 European matches in all: 16 Champions Cup/League matches, 20 Uefa Cup matches, 14 Cup Winners' Cup matches and 10 Intertoto Cup matches.
Miller has been boss at Hibernians since 2008, after being in charge of Malta's Under-21 international squad.
He played for Doncaster Rovers in the 1983/84 season, starting 30 matches during his time at Belle Vue before leaving to join Darlington.
July 24, 2010
Tyrone joins the Stags
Ex-Doncaster Rovers midfielder Tyrone Thompson has joined Mansfield Town, taking boss David Holdsworth's new signings this summer to eight. Thompson was released by Torquay United this sumer at the end of his contract, and joins another former Rover, Steve Foster, at the club.
Thomspon is a former Sheffield United trainee, and has made over 200 first team appearances, both in the Football League and Conference. He has also played for Scarborough, Halifax Town, Crawley Town and Torquay United.
Boss David Holdsworth said: "I am sure both players will be very eager to player for Mansfield Town. They are both equipped with league experience and will certainly add the quality we require."
"Tyrone is very fit, an athlete. You have to be able to get box to box as a midfielder – and he brings that. He's a natural leader and everyone I speak to – including players, which is important – speaks very highly of him."
July 24, 2010
Harry signs for Oxford
Former Rovers loan defender Harry Worley has signed for League Two club Oxford United after impressing boss Chris Wilder on trials for the last couple of weeks. Worley, a 6ft 2ins defender, was released by Leicester City this summer and featured in Oxford's pre-season tour of Scotland.
On completing his move, Harry said: 'Oxford United wanted me and anybody in any job would get confidence from that. It is a nice area and a big club. Hopefully we can push on this season."
At 16 while a Stockport player Chelsea paid £150,000 for him.During his stay at Stamford Bridge he was loaned out to Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle then finally Leicester City. Upon his release he was he was snapped up by Leicester City in 2008. Leicester loaned him out to Luton Town and, last season, to Crewe Alexandra.
July 23, 2010
Rovers quit Devon tournament
Doncaster Rovers issued a statement yesterday to announce that they had withdrawn from the 2010 Joma South Wes Challenge Cup. They said that the squad had begun their journey back to Doncaster, even though there was still a chance that they had qualified for the semi-finals of the competition. As it was, Havant & Waterlooville beat Barnstaple 6-0 last night, which meant that Rovers were eliminated in any case, with Havant now playing Shrewsbury in the semi-final - Blackpool face Leyton Orient in the other semi-final.
Rovers have stated that the decision to withdraw came ahead of the 5-0 defeat against Havant & Waterlooville, which perhaps explains the poor performance against a club several rungs beneath them in the league structure.
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was angered by the reduction from five substitutes to three, apparently due to an insistence from the FA, whcih meant that his preparation for the new season was jeopardised. Rovers have also been badly affected by injuries and illness this summer, which, allied to the subsitutes' issue, meant that they were struggling to fill a full squad for each match. As that preparation was in peril, the Rovers management took the decision to pull out of the tournament.
The home games against West Bromwich Albion next Tuesday (July 27th) and Sheffield Wednesday next Saturday (July 31st) will go ahead as scheduled.
July 23, 2010
Offiong misses out on Toon clash
Ex-Rovers striker Richard Offiong is kicking his heels on the sidelines as he recovers from a hip injury which curtailed a loan spell at Swedish club Ostersunds FK at the end of last season.
Offiong had gone to Sweded to try and recover form and confidence after a disastrous first season at Carlisle United. Instead of producing performances to persuade Carlisle's management to select him this season, he is battling to gain full fitness in time for the start of the season.
The injury meant that he missed out on Carlisle's high-profile game against Newcastle United last weekend.
He told the Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette: "It's disappointing – I've still got a lot of friends there. Newcastle gave me a good grounding. I trained with some top pros, and learnt so much from them. It would have been nice to play, but hopefully, in the future, I'll get a chance again."
Of his injury situation, he continued: "It's been frustrating – I was only Ostersunds for two games. I scored two goals, and that was that. These things are sent to test you, and it's how you deal with them. You can't dwell on the past – you've got to be positive. It was hard, but I've got good people around me, and you have to keep your spirits high."
July 23, 2010
Taylor finally agrees new contract
Talks have gone on all summer, but Wrexham have finally confirmed that former Rovers striker Gareth Taylor has now agreed a new one year contract with the club. Slighly differing versions have come from both player and club over the summer, but the offer made to Taylor, which includes some coaching duties this season, has now been accepted.
Taylor started 23 league matches for Wrexham last season, scoring eight goals. It is the lastest of a long list of clubs in a career that dates back to 1990, when he was a youth team player at Southampton. Since then, he has played for Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Manchester City, Port Vale, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers, Doncaster Rovers and Carlisle United before signing for Wrexham in July 2009.
July 23, 2010
Thistle reject Sam
Inverness Caledonian Thistle boss Terry Butcher has released defender Sam Oji after a spell on loan at the club. He had been taking part in their pre-season preparations, but is now heading back south to England after Butcher ended the trials, opting to sign former St Mirren defender Chris Innes instead, and will continue to look at two other defenders before making a decision on them.
Sam has struggled to hold down a regular first team place since leaving Birmingham City, where he joined as a trainee in 2004. Whilst at Birmingham, he played for Doncaster Rovers (in the 2005/06 season), Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient on loan before joining Leyton Orient on a free transfer in January 2008. Sis months later, he was on his way to Hereford United. After just four games for the Bulls, he opted to join Ljungskile SK, who play in Sweden's Second Division, after a successful trial, but played only six games before leaving at the end of his short-term contract. After a trial with Tranmere Rovers, it looked like he was to join Turkish Super League club Diyabakispor - but injury ended his trial there. He returned to former club Leyton Orient for another trial, which ended with an apparently serious leg injury whilst playing for the reserves - he has been searching for a new club ever since.
July 23, 2010
Bangor European success as Morley strikes!
Former Rovers defender Dave Morley was the hero of Bangor last night after scoring the equalising goal in Bangor City's UEFA Europa League match against FC Honka of Finland. Bangor sprung a surprise by drawing the first leg in Finland 1-1, but they went behind in the second leg, with Morley's goal coming just six minutes from time. A frantic end to the game resulted in Chris Jones scoring Bangor's winner, which means that they will now face Portuguese side Maritimo in the next round.
July 22, 2010
Rovers 0 Havant & Waterlooville 5
The future of Rovers in this year's South West Challenge Cup competition is now all down to the outcome of this evening's game between Havant & Waterlooville and Barnstaple, with Havant only needing to avoid defeat to go through to the semi-finals and send Rovers home early. Last night's result which saw Rovers slump to a 5-0 defeat against their non-league opponents was completely unexpected - although the result is unlikely to concern Sean O'Driscoll all that much.
The Rovers boss was angered just ahead of the start of the competition when he found out that clubs would be limited to three substitutions for each game, instead of the previously indicated five. Blackpool resorted to devious means to get around the substitutions limit by switching two players at half time, but giving the substitutes the shirts of two who appeared before the break. In fact, we understand that Rovers also used such a tactic yesterday, with Brian Stock and James Coppinger appearing for the second half not wearing their own shirts, and Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner has also spoken out strongly against the substitutes rule. To be fair to the competition organisers, it seems the change in stance is down to intervention from the FA, which is perhaps why the 'unofficial substitutions' have not been penalised.
Shrews boss Turner said yesterday: "We were told categorically that we could use five subs, but at our first match were only allowed three. At this time of year we don't want some of our senior professionals playing a full 90 minutes. We're not alone. The other League teams involved are up in arms too."
Rovers were comprehensively beaten yesterday, although their ongoing injury problems are likely to have affected the contribution of some players. Sean O'Driscoll made several changes to the side for yesterday's game, as if he was using the opportunity to give all his available squad some match time. Whilst the result is a huge embarrassment, it is unlikely that O'Driscoll will dwell too long on the game, which means that his injury-hit squad will probably not now have to play a further two games over the weekend.
The biggest cheer of the evening from Rovers fans came midway through the second half when Steve Brooker got his first taste of match action after his long injury nightmare.
Rovers: Sullivan, Martis, Friend (Dumbuya), Hird, Clark, Grandison (Lockwood), Payne, Gillett (Stock), Shiels (Coppinger), Fairhurst, Sharp
July 22, 2010
Ameobi tries his luck
After turning out for Gateshead on trial last weekend, former Rovers striker Tomi Ameobi was included in the Whitley Bay squad for their game against Glossop North End on Saturday. He came on as a substitute for Bay in the 60th minute, with Whitley Bay using the game to check on a number of new signings and potential new recruits.
Ameobi signed for Rovers back in July 2008 after being released by Leeds United. He only made it on to the pitch for around 20 minutes, and was allowed out on loan to Grimsby during that season, which was followed by a longer loan at Mansfield Town for the second half of the season. Following his release, he joined Forest Green Rovers for last season, but was released by them in the summer.
July 22, 2010
Greer eyes captaincy at Seagulls
Former Rovers defender Gordon Greer, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, was handed the captain's armband for their pre-season game against Whitehawk last Tuesday. After the game, he said that he would be keen to keep the job - but no decision has yet been made by Albion boss Gus Poyet.
Speaking after the game, Greer said: "If it was offered to me I'd be delighted. I was captain at Swindon and had a fantastic year there last year. I'm just looking forward to getting started and meeting the other players."
Poyet commented:"We've been talking about it because it's not an easy decision. It's a very important one. Sometimes it's a very easy one because you have the right character or the right person to do it. We're going to wait until we've got the full squad."
Last season's captain, Adnrew Crofts, left to join Norwich City earlier in the summer.
July 22, 2010
Hawkins KO blow
He only joined Irish club Sporting Fingal ten days ago, but former Rovers defender Colin Hawkins has had an eventful time since moving back to his homeland. He had his car stolen in his first night back in Dublin, and now he looks likely to be sidelined for several weeks after breaking two ribs in Fingal's Europa League defeat against CS Maritimo in Madeira last Thursday night.
Hawkins had previouly said that he thought his run of bad luck had ended when he got his new opportunity at Sporting Fingal after missing all of last season with an Achilles injury - but maybe he needs to wait just a little longer for that to happen!
July 22, 2010
Player of the season
After a longer break tnan originally planned, we continue our countdown of the "Player of the Season" results from last season, which were compiled from every single vote cast in the "Man of the Match" polls throughout last season. We have now given you details of all players not to make the 'top ten' - we now reveal the players finishing in positions 6 to 10. The top five will be announced over the next few days - can anyone guess who your "Player of the Season" will be?
10 Brian Stock (3.87%)
9 Martin Woods (3.97%)
8 James Hayter (4.07%)
7 Neil Sullivan (4.97%)
6 James Coppinger (6.63%)
July 21, 2010
South West Cup update
Doncaster Rovers play their second match in the Joma South West Challenge Cup this evening when they play Havant & Waterlooville at Holsworthy FC's ground, with the match kicking off at 7:30pm. Rovers will be looking for a second win which will assure them of a place in the semi-final on Saturday.
Also in action this evening will be Accrington v Bideford (at Bideford FC) and Rushden & Diamonds v Ilfracombe (at Ilfracombe). Both of these matches kick off at 8pm.
Results from last night were:
Blackpool 2 Accrington Stanley 1
Eastleigh 1 Leyton Orient 2
Blackpool have attracted controversy whilst defeating Accrington Stanley last night. The competition rules state that only three substitutes are allowed in the competition (an FA insistence, apparently), yet Blackpool boss Ollie Holloway got around the problem by getting some players to switch shirts at half time! It seems the match officials missed Ollie's cunning plan, but the eagle eyed Sky Sports reporter spotted it!
It will be interesting to see if the competition organisers take any action against the Premier League new boys.
July 21, 2010
Penney ready to get back
Former Rovers boss Dave Penney is keen to get back into football management, following a few months out after being sacked as manager at Oldham Athletic.
He told the News and Star: “I’m just waiting for the merry-go-round to start again. I’ve had some time off, but now the players are back training and playing friendlies, I’m starting to get itchy feet. I want to get back into it as quickly as possible.”
In the same interview, he gave an interesting set of views on all of Carlisle's former Rovers players - Jason Price, Sean McDaid and Richard Offiong.
His views on Offiong, who has struggled to fit in at Carlisle after moving from Hamilton last summer, were very interesting.
He said: “Richard was frustrating. He has got all the equipment and tools that you would need to be a footballer, but Doncaster struggled to get the whole package on the pitch at once. He has pace to burn, is a good striker of a ball and a good side-foot finisher as well. But I didn’t get the best out of him. There is no doubt that he has all the ability. It is just a case of putting it all together.”
For the full interview, please click on Dave Penney's picture to the left.
July 21, 2010
Heffernan on target again
Paul Heffernan made his mark on Sheffield Wednesday's game at Darlington. He came on as a 61st minute substitute, and scored Wednesday's equaliser just two minutes later, when he took advantage of a defensive mistake to drill a shot into the back of the net. Darlington had gone in front early in the second half from the penalty spot.
July 21, 2010
Woods joins Brighouse
Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Andy Woods has joined Northern Counties East Premier Division club Brighouse Town, who also signed keeper Lee Ashforth on the same day.
Woods, who played for Doncaster Rovers for one season in the Conference, has also played for Halifax Town, Oldham Athletic, Barrow, Scarborough, Northwich Victoria, Cheter City, Farsley Celtic and Wakefield.
He played 33 games for Rovers during the 1998/99 season and has been an England semi-professional international.
July 21, 2010
The vuvuzela ban spreads
The number of clubs to ban the vuvuzela, which rose to prominence duirng the World Cup in South Africa, has continued to grow, with a number of Premier League and Football League clubs moving to ban them from their grounds this season. Top flight Tottenham Hotspur are the latest club where the horns will not be allowed in their stadium, apparently taking action after talks with the police and local authorities.
Arsenal have also banned them "to ensure the enjoyment and safety" of supporters.
Also banning the vuvuzela are Birmingham City, Everton, Fulham, West Ham United, Southampton, Portsmouth, Ipswich Town, Cardiff City and Leicester City, with Southampton stating: "The decision to ban them has been made in the interest of everyone's enjoyment. Vuvezelas may be part of the tradition of football matches played in South Africa, but they won't become a part of the game at St Mary's this season."
Birmingham City issued a statement that said: "An overwhelming majority of Blues supporters said they didn't want vuvuzelas to be allowed at St Andrews."
The horns have been heavily criticised by players and fans alike with many suggesting they are tuneless and block out singing and chanting.
Let us hope that a similar ban extends to the Keepmoat Stadium this season, with many fans already expressing the view that they should not be allowed.
July 21, 2010
Preston bus times
The Supporters Club have announced details of coaches arranged for the first league game of the season, which is at Preston North End on Saturday 7th August.
Departure times will be Retford 10:15am, Bawtry 10:20am, Harworth Pit Gates 10:20am, Rossington Styrrup 10:20am, Hare & Tortoise 10:35am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 10:45am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 11:00am.
Fares are £13 for adult members, OAPs £12 and Under-16s £11.
Fares for non-members are increased by £2 per category. However, you can join the Supporters Club on the day and qualify for the discounted fares.
To book a place on the coach, please contact Harry Bacon 01302 854626 Len South on 01302 817347 or Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154.
July 20, 2010
Barnstaple Town 1 Rovers 10
The gulf in the levels that these two clubs play at was highlighted last night when Rovers faced Barnstaple Town in their first group match of the 2010 Joma South West Challenge Cup.
The result was never really in doubt - Rovers opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Barnstaple put the ball into their own net following a great run down the right by Dumbuya. Goals followed from Shelton Martis (23), George Friend, Simon Gillett (35).
The introduction of record signing Billy Sharp at half time brought a hat-trick for Sharp within twelve minutes. Not the quickest hat-trick by any means (ask James Hayter!), but his contribution put any prospect of Barnstaple getting anything out of the game well and truly to bed. Sharp's first came from the penalty spot, the second heading home a Martin Woods cross, and the third was a tap-in after being set up by James Hayter. Hayter got Rovers' eighth, followed by another own goal, with Robbie Clark stabbing home Rovers' tenth goal in the dying minutes of the game.
Whilst Rovers may be upset at the late change in competition rules which limited them to three substitutes instead of the previously stated five, it looks like they are taking the competition seriously, and progress to the next round should be a relative formality.
Their next match comes on Wednesday evening when they play Havant & Waterlooville.
The rest of the results from last night in other group matches had no surprises.
Bideford 1 Kilmarnock 7
Truro City 1 Eastleigh 2
Ilfracombe Town 1 Shrewsbury Town 5
Barnstaple Town 1 Doncaster Rovers 10
Doncaster Rovers: Gary Woods; Mustapha Dumbuya, Sam Hird, Adam Lockwood, Shelton Martis (Billy Sharp, 45'), George Friend; Simon Gillett (Josh Payne, 45'), Martin Woods, Brian Stock (Robbie Clark, 80), James Coppinger; James Hayter
July 20, 2010
No, it's not a record!
Before you all start diving for the record books to see if last night's result at Barnstaple broke any records, relax- it didn't!
Rovers have hit double figures on a number of occasions in competitive matches - the latest coming just ten years ago when they beat Yorkshire Main 14-0 (away), with the Rovers goals coming from Ian Duerden (6), Robert Gill (2), Paul Green (2), Andy Watson , Colin Hawkins, Neil Campbell and Dean Walling.
Rovers also won 14-0 in their Yorkshire League match played on 5th November 1898 against Huddersfield - that time the goals were scored by Linward (3), Newsome (3), Oxspring (2), Gladwin, Hulley, Langton, Wright, Eggett, Hopkinson (og).
In the Midland Coutnies League, Rovers beat Grantham Rovers 13-1 on 29th April 1897 - but the record that everyone probably remembers is the Rovers' record victory in the Football League - a 10-0 home win against Darlington on 25th January 1964. Alick Jeffrey played in that game, but didn't get a single goal. The Rovers' scorers on that day were Alfie Hale (4), Colin Booth, Keith Ripley, Dennis Windross and Albert Broadbent.
July 20, 2010
Rovers take part in Masters tournament
Doncaster Rovers make their second appearance in the Yorkshire Masters this coming weekend, when they will be up against Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Barnsley, Hull City and Huddersfield Town to win the Selco Masters Cup, as well as a place in September's Grand Final.
The event takes place at the Sheffield Arena on Sunday, 25th January, with the matches starting at 6pm.
Barnsley won the heat last season, but Rovers will be well represented this year, with Lee Butler, Gary Brabin, Steve Gaughan, Russ Wilcox, Gareth Taylor, Mark Barnard, Chris Swailes and Leo Fortune-West comprising the Rovers squad.
The Doncaster Free Press are running a competition to win five family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) for the event. All you have to do is ask this question:
Q. Who won last year's Yorkshire Masters?
Send your entry, along with your name, address and telephone number, to Doncaster Free Press, Sportsdesk, Sunny Bar, Doncaster, DN1 1NB.
Alternatively, email your entry to peter.catt@doncastertoday.co.uk.
Closing date: midnight, July 21st.
Also taking part are former Rovers players Jon McCarthy & O'Neill Donaldson (Sheffield Wednesday), Neil Redfearn (Barnsley) and Duane Darby (Hull City).
July 20, 2010
Oxford give Harry a trial
Former Rovers loan defender Harry Worley is currently having trials at Blue Square Premier club Oxford United. He joined their squad on a tour of Scotland a few days ago and played in their first match against Dumbarton.
Worley is a free agent after being released by Leicester City at the end of last season. He was signed by Chelsea from Stockport County for £150,000 in 2005, but failed to make his mark in the Chelsea team, but went on to play first team football for Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle United, Leicester City, Luton Town and Crewe Alexandra.
July 20, 2010
Stelling predicts mid-table for Rovers
Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling predicts that Rovers will have to settle for a mid-table finish, according to an article in the Yorkshire Evening Post.
In an article which covers the fortunes of all Yorkshire clubs, he has this to say about the Rovers:
"As far as Doncaster Rovers are concerned, they do play lovely football. They had a great run at the end of last season and almost got into the play-offs, but I don't see them doing any better than that to be absolutely honest."
"I think Billy Sharp got a load of goals on loan last season and that's been their problem, finding a goalscorer. They haven't had someone who has been really prolific outside of Sharp.
"Mid-table is an achievement for them. It's not what the fans want to hear, but I think that would be a realistic achievement for them."
The full article can be found by clicking on the Sky Sports logo to the left.
July 20, 2010
Timlin rejects move
Ex-Rovers loanee Michael Timlin has rejected a number of moves this summer to stay at Swindon Town. Timlin elected to sign a new one year deal with Town in June, despite only playing eight times for the club in the 2009/10 campaign.
The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international told BBC Wiltshire: "I want people to know that I didn't end up staying because I had nothing else. I had other options to play first team football but I'm so happy here."
Timlin played three matches for Doncaster Rovers whilst on loan from Fulham in the 2005/06 season.
July 19, 2010
Injuries hit Rovers ahead of tournament
Sean O'Driscoll's preparations for the new season continue this week by taking his Rovers team to compete in the South West Cup in Devon, where they potentially play as many as four matches in a week.
They are being hampered by injuries to a number of players - John Oster is likely to have exploratory knee surgery later this week, James Chambers also is sidelined at the moment, James O'Connor pulled up before Saturday's game at Solihull with a knock to his ankle, and Mark Wilson has suffered a toe injury. Add to that the uncertain situation as far as Steve Brooker is concerned, and Rovers are up to five players missing this week. Dean Shiels has been suffering from a virus, but Rovers hope that he will recover sufficiently to travel down to take part in the games this week.
Brooker is still understood to be expected to take some part in this week's games, but he has not been involved in the three games played so far this summer.
July 19, 2010
Loan players travel down
We understand that two trialists, Josh Payne and Joel Grandison, are travelling down to Devon with the Rovers squad to play in the South West Cup. With Rovers suffering from a depleted squad at the moment, the matches will be the ideal opportunity for the two to show the Rovers management that they are worthy of a full contract.
Winger Grandison was released by Coventry City at the end of his contract this summer, with O'Driscoll commenting: "Joel has just been released from Coventry and he has been recommended and he is local to where we are, so it is worth having a look - but the downside is that it is difficult to bring three players in that know the way we do things but we have to do it."
As far as we are aware, Manchester City's Shaleum Logan will not be available this week as he is having pre-arranged trials at Sheffield United.
July 19, 2010
Change to cup rules frustrates Sean
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was keeping his fingers crossed that the Joma South West Challenge Cup organisers would relent and reverse a rule change concerning substitutes for this week's competition. With the Rovers squad rather depleted at the moment, O'Driscoll is keen that no more players pick up any knocks during the competition.
He said: "We've just been told that we can only use three subs, when we were originally told we would be able to use five."
"We'll have to play Monday, Wednesday and then possible Saturday and Sunday and at the minute, my squad is not big enough to cope with that and we'll just end up getting an injury or injuries. We need to either get more players in or speak to them and see if they can change the rules and allow five subs. We're disappointed because the correspondence we've had has said that we can change five players. When you have pre-season games, you want to try and use everybody. If we played four games in seven days in any other period of the season, then people would be saying what a difficult position it is; so why do it in pre-season I don't understand it. Hopefully, we will be able to get a couple of players in."
July 19, 2010
O'Driscoll pleased with performance
Sean O'Driscoll was pleased with the progress shown in Saturday's 1-0 win over Solihull Moors after being disappointed with the performance of many players during last week's game at Quorn.
He said: "You want improvement in every game and today the team were a little bit more settled as we didn't make as many changes - probably because we couldn't. The team was a bit more balanced and that makes a massive difference. We had a couple of players playing full ninety minutes, Billy (Sharp) and Brian (Stock) playing over an hour. It's probably not what we wanted, but we have one or two people out and people carrying knocks."
"Ideally we wouldn't have played anybody for over 45 minutes, but with Mark Wilson breaking his toe in training and then Jimmy O'Connor pulled up before the game with an ankle knock...pitches are hard and we don't want to take unnecessary risks. We're pleased that the performance improved but we don't want to start the season with a lengthy list seeing the physio."
July 19, 2010
Barnstaple Town v Rovers
The curtain goes up on this year's Joma South West Challenge Cup today, with four matches taking place at various locations throughout Devon. Today's fixtures are:
Bideford v Kilmarnock (at Bideford, KO 8pm)
Truro v Eastleigh (at Holsworthy, KO 7.30pm)
Ilfracombe v Shrewsbury (at Ilfracombe, KO 8pm)
Barnstaple v Doncaster (at Barnstaple, KO 8pm)
Rovers will next be in action on Wednesday evening, when they face Havant & Waterlooville, with the match played at Holsworthy FC's ground.
The semi-finals, should Rovers progress that far, will be played on Saturday, 24th July at Barnstaple and Elmore, with the final the following day at Bideford Town(3pm).
July 19, 2010
Wilson out for six weeks
Yesterday it was a stubbed toe, but today it has been confirmed that Mark Wilson has broken one of his toes in a training ground accident. It means that Wilson, who has only just signed a new contract at the club, will be missing for the next six weeks and looks certain to miss the opening matches of the new season.
This is a huge blow for Rovers, with Wilson being in good form in pre-season training.
Sean O'Driscoll explained: "Mark went to shoot in training and he caught the underside of Waide Fairhurst's boot. It was a bit sore and it didn't settle, so we had it x-rayed and unfortunately he has broken it. He has a fracture in his big toe and he is going back to see the specialist in Doncaster. We'd imagine it is going to be a minimum of at least six weeks. It's disappointing, especially for Mark who has looked really fit in pre-season.
July 19, 2010
Blayney expects to be busy
Ex-Rovers keeper Alan Blayney was the hero of Linfield's Champions League qualifying match against Norwegian club Rosenborg last Wednesday as the Irish champions held their formidable visitors to a goalless draw. However, he expects that Rosenbory will be going all-out for victory on Wednesday in the second leg, to ensure that they reach the next round.
Blayney told the Belfast Telegraph after the game: "Portadown and Linfield have shown what you can achieve through hard work and belief. We are coming up against top quality opposition at a time when we aren’t as sharp or as physically strong as we could be, but that doesn’t mean we are destined to lose. I think the boys put up a fantastic performance, and with a little luck I feel we can nick a goal and even progress to the next round. You have to set high targets and be positive. Rosenborg have a great pedigree, and when you consider the odds stacked against us, that has to go down as one of the best performances I have been involved in.”
“It’s obviously pleasing when I’ve done my bit, but the whole team deserves huge credit,” added Blayney. “In fact, I didn’t have a huge amount to do. I read the shot from Henriksen, managed to move early, and was able to claw it away."
July 18, 2010
Solihull Moors 0 Rovers 1
Doncaster Rovers registered a narrow 1-0 win yesterday afternoon against Solihull Moors, with a second half Billy Sharp goal all that eventually separated the two sides.
Facing Rovers in the match was former player Theo Streete, who holds the distinction of being the last player to score in a first team game at Belle Vue.
Rovers started off with a bit more purpose than in their previous game, at Quorn, with Fairhurst going close. New signing George Friend showed up well on the left, producing a number of good attacks down the left. Sharp looked bright, and was unfortunate not to give Rovers the lead in the 32nd minute, but his shot from the edge of the box was blocked by the keeper. Sharp had two more good chances before the break, but the first half ended goalless.
Rovers made six changes at the break, with keeper Gary Woods producing some good saves. Again, Sharp looked intent on getting a goal, and his endeavours were rewarded in the 70th minute. Dumbuya latched on to a poor back-header before passing the ball to Sharp, who had the simple task of side-footing the ball into an empty net..
Doncaster Rovers: first half: Neil Sullivan; Shalem Logan, Adam Lockwood, Shelton Martis, George Friend; Waide Fairhurst, Brian Stock, Robbie Clark, Martin Woods; Billy Sharp, James Hayter
Doncaster Rovers: second half: Gary Woods; Mustapha Dumbuya, Adam Lockwood, Sam Hird, George Friend; Joel Grandison, Brian Stock, Simon Gillett, Martin Woods; Billy Sharp, James Coppinger
Substitutions: Shelton Martis (for Friend, 75), Robbie Clark (for Woods, 75), Waide Fairhurst (for Sharp, 75), Richard O'Kelly (for Stock, 80)
July 18, 2010
Now Wilson has to sit on the sidelines
Sean O'Driscoll's preparations for next season were further hindered this week when Mark Wilson was forced to miss yesterday's game and the Quorn game after stubbing a toe in training.
Striker Steve Brooker continues to progress, but stayed in Doncaster instead of travelling to Warwick, and worked wih head physio John Dickens back at Cantley Park. However, it is expected that he will join the Rovers squad for their trip down to Devon, with the first match in the South West Cup coming tomorrow evening, when they play Barnstaple.
July 18, 2010
Tris gets the winner
Ex-Rovers striker Tristram Whitman scored the winner for Hucknall Town when they played Hucknall Rolls Leisure, who played in the Notts Senior League Senior Division. Whitman is one of a number of players to follow manager Tommy Brookbanks from Carlton Town to Hucknall during the summer - Hucknall had no less than 25 new players in action on the day, with the match played as part of a "fun day", with over 400 attending.
On Tuesday evening, Paul Heffernan scored his first two goals for Sheffield Wednesday in their 9-0 win over Hallam FC.
July 18, 2010
United hope to sign Fortune
Former Doncaster Rovers and Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune is in talks about joining SuperSport United, who play in the South Africa Premier Soccer League. Head coach Gavin Hunt has confirmed that they are hoping to sign the ex-South Africa international, who is expected to join them for training this week ahead of the new South African season.
He commented: "He is not here yet, but the door is open for us to sign him."
SuperSport are preparing for their CAF Confederations Cup clash against Lefath Union Sport de Rabat (FUS) of Morocco in Tshwane this weekend.
SuperSport United were formerly known as Pretoria City, but were bought by M-Net in 1994, who subsequently changed the club's name, and have one of the best football stadium in the country. They currently have a partnership with Tottenham Hotspur.
July 18, 2010
Cawthorne eyes promotion
Ex-Rovers defender Graham Cawthorne has set his players a bold target before embarking on the forthcoming season. Cawthorne is now manager at Loddiswell Athletic, who play in the South Devon Division One - and is optimistic that his players will experience Premier Division action in twelve months time.
They finished in fifth place in the table last season, just two points away from third-placed Staverton, who gained promotion.
Cawthorne began his career at Harworth FC before making his profesional debut for Grimsby Town. From there, he joined Doncaster Rovers, playing 33 games before his career was cut short by a knee injury. He did, however, score on his Rovers debut, in a 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town.
July 17, 2010
Solihull Moors v Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers travel to play Blue Square North club Solihull Moors this afternoon for the third of their pre-season games, with their manager demanding an improvement on the way they played during the week against Quorn, where they were held to a goalless draw.http://www.teamtalk.com/doncaster-rovers/6263023/O-Driscoll-demand-Donny-improvement
O'Driscoll said: "We just need to improve. Quorn made it difficult for us to break them down and we were a little bit impatient. We ended up giving the ball away; however they are impatient because their attitude is first class. I've said to the players that their attitude has been first class from the day they walked through the door for pre-season, so that needs to continue for the next ten months."
" Everything else we can work on. We may change a few things and give Billy Sharp some support up front. As we will have to do throughout the season, we need to chop and change and adapt to get the best out of the players. We are comfortable playing in various ways and this is just another step on a long treadmill of a season."
Rovers have been staying at Warwick University for the last few days, and make the short trip to Solihull this afternoon, where striker Waide Fairhurst spent time out on loan last season.
O'Driscoll will be taking all available players for this afternoon's game, although they will be missing a number of players who are still recovering from injury.
July 17, 2010
Tickets at Solihull
Tickets for this afternoon's match at Solihull Moors will be on sale at the turnstiles at Damson Park at £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for Under-16ss. The match kicks off at 3pm.
For those travelling to the match, join the M18 and head onto the M1 southbound. Leave the M1 at junction 23a and merge onto the A42. Continue on the A42 and join the M42. Leave the M42 at junction 5 and at the roundabout take the third exit onto the A41. At the next traffic lights, turn right onto Yew Tree Lane before bearing right onto Damson Parkway where you will see the ground.
July 17, 2010
Seagulls after Kazenga
Brighton boss Gus Poyet is still hopeful of signing former Rovers loan striker Kazenga LuaLua, just a week after signing ex-Rovers defender Gordon Greer. LuaLua spent a highly successful loan at the Withdean Stadium last season, and Poyet is keen to bring him to the south coast on a permanent basis.
He told the Argus: "We are still in the chase for LuaLua because we know how important he was for us and how many people in Brighton like him. Of course we want a striker and after that it will depend if somebody goes and we need to re-adjust."
July 17, 2010
Shackell gets skipper's job at Oakwell
Jason Shackell, who spent a highly successful few months on loan at Doncaster Rovers, has been appointed as Barnsley's new captain ahead of the 2010/11 season.
Shackell elected to join the Tykes ahead of competition from Rovers when they offered him a lucrative package whcih Rovers could not match.
Of hearing the news, Jason said: "I am delighted to have the captain's armband. To be given it anywhere is an honour but this is a club with a great tradition and I hope I will do that and the armband justice. I captained Norwich City while I was there but I am now a little older and wiser so hopefully I can take that on into next season. I am relishing this. It is a fresh start for me and one I am very much looking forward to. I am excited about it. There is a good squad here with a lot of very talented and experienced players. I cannot wait to work with them and work with the gaffer. I am raring to go".
July 17, 2010
Palace move away fans
Any supporters wishing to travel to Selhurst Park for Rovers' game there this season will find that they are watching the game from a different viewpoint to last season. Crystal Palace have moved the section of seats allocated to away supporters for the coming season, with Palace issuing the following statement:
" Following consultation with the Metropolitan Police the Board of Crystal Palace FC (2010) have agreed to move visiting supporters to the opposite end of The Arthur Wait Stand and they will occupy Blocks R to T, which allows Blocks U and V to be either away, home or in most cases empty. The main reason for the decision is on the grounds of health and safety and cost."
As you know our most vocal and colourful home supporters are located in Blocks A and B of the Holmesdale Road Stand and the proximity to the visiting supporters has caused the Police ongoing concern. "This has meant that the grading of games next season will be changed which will lead to an increase in policing and costs. In total the increase to Crystal Palace could be over £60,000 for the 2010/11 season alone."
" In order to not incur the increase in costs it has been recommended that we re-configure as described. This will mean home fans moving to occupy Blocks W to Y in The Arthur Wait Stand. We fully understand that this will not be ideal but we sincerely hope you understand that this decision has not been made lightly and is in the best interests of CPFC and its supporters."
July 17, 2010
Bayo trains with the O's
Ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is training with Leyton Orient at the moment whilst he considers contract offers from three Scottish Premier League clubs. Akinfenwa looked likely to move to SPL club Aberdeen earlier in the summer, but those negotiations appeared to have ended, with a future in the lower English leagues looking most likely.
However, a move to Pittodrie may now be back on the cards with this latest news.
Akinfenwa left Northampton Town at the end of last season after failing to sign a new contract on offer from the Cobblers.
July 16, 2010
Tomi on trial for Seahorses
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Tomi Ameobi has joined Blyth Spartans on trials as he looks to find a new club after being released by Forest Green Rovers this summer. Forest Green have had a large turnover of players and staff owing to an ongoing financial problem, with many of last season's squad also being released.
Ameobi, the younger brother of Newcastle striker Shola, took part in Gateshead's home game against Greenock Morton on Tuesday evening.
Former Rovers defender Chris Swailes has just joined Gateshead, whose nickname is The Seahorses, as player/assistant manager during the summer.
July 16, 2010
Butcher checks out Sam
Inverness Caledonian Thistle boss Terry Butcher has taken former Rovers loan defender Sam Oji on trials as he seeks to strengthen his defence for the forthcoming SPL season. Oji was one of five trialists due to play in Thistle's match against Clach last night.
Oji played for Rovers whilst on loan from Birmingham City. He also played on loan for Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient, but never made the first team at Birmingham. He began as a youth team player at Arsenal, and played a season for Hereford United. He featured briefly for Ljungskile SK, who play in the Swedish Second Division, last season and has since had trials with Tranmere Rovers and Leyton Orient, but is currently without a club.
Butcher said of Oji: “Sam is a big centre half who was with Arsenal as a youth and then Birmingham City. We do not have any cover at centre half and it is an area we have to strengthen for the new campaign.”
"I saw him play when I was manager at Motherwell, so he's not unknown to me. I was quite keen to bring him to Motherwell, but a deal never transpired for one reason or another. If you look at his career since leaving Arsenal, he's never really settled anywhere, while he's also had a few injury problems as well."
July 16, 2010
O'Driscoll disappointed with draw
Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll admitted that he was rather disappointed with the performance of his team during their goalless draw with Quorn. Part of the match was played in a torrential downpour, which did not help things, but his plans are being disrupted by the number of players still missing as they recover from injury. James Chambers, John Oster, Byron Webster and Steve Brooker missed the latest pre-season game, whilst Martin Woods made his first appearance after having surgery late last season on a groin injury.
After Wednesday's game, O'Driscoll said: "It's disappointing, but we have to accept it to some extent. We had four or five players missing, three trialists and the games are here to show us what we need to do and to see if we can strengthen and whether we can add players to the squad. We were a bit light with Richard and the goalkeeper coach coming on and you don't really want to do that. We're a Championship team and we shouldn't have to do that, but needs must. We know where we are and it is a long way to the start of the season. We need to improve and this was a good test - we may as well have them and see where we can do better."
July 16, 2010
Season ticket update
The Keepmoat Stadium website has updated its information as far as season tickets for the 2010/11 season are concerned. They are showing an increase of around 400 from the beginning of last month, meaning that a total of 5,424 is now being shown.
Prices increased from 1st June to the following prices:
Adults: Category A £480, Category B £420
Concessions: Category A £350, Category B £295
17-20's: Category A £220, Category B £170
12-16s: Category A £95, Category B £95
Under-11s: Category A £50, Category B £50.
Category C season tickets are being shown as being exactly the same as for Category B.
July 16, 2010
Gillett glad to be at Rovers
New Rovers midfielder Simon Gillett is most relieved to have his transfer from Southampton finalised after being denied the chance to turn a loan spell at the club turned in to a full transfer in January.
Gillett faces a tough challenge to win a place in the Rovers midfield this season, with the likes of Brian Stock, John Oster and Martin Woods also competing for the place along with Dean Shiels and Mark Wilson.
He explained to DROS: "The move has been going on for a while, but I am delighted to be back here and finally get the deal signed. There were bits and pieces which prevented me from coming back sooner; it wasn't one thing or the other, it was a bit of trouble down at Southampton's end - they didn't want me to go out on loan. At the end of the day, I was forced to sit it out which was a bit frustrating for me personally - because I wanted to be here. It's done now and I am really delighted."