Yet Another Unofficial Rovers Site!

Rovers Club News & Views:

This section carries news of continuing relevance, otherwise visit the archive.

Rovers see off Gills in Carling Cup

Rovers’ record close-season signing, striker, Paul Heffernan doubled his season goal tally with two late goals to secure Rovers’ a place in the League Cup 4th Round and put an end to Gillingham’s cup campaign.

After dispatching Premiership side Manchester City in a 3-0 penalty shoot-out in the last round, Rovers seemed to be heading for another extra-time stint with an inability to put away copious chances. To misquote lifelong Rovers fan, Rovers Jenny, “It seemed that the players wanted to walk the ball over the line holding hands”, as countless chances in front of goal were squandered with over-elaborate positional passing on the edge of the box. Somebody simply had to take responsibility in front of goal. That person was Paul Heffernan, who came on in the 73rd minute to replace the injured Neil Roberts.

Rovers had tormented the Gillingham left flank all evening and it was a characteristic cross from the excellent Simon Marples in the 84th minute which allowed a well positioned header from Heffernan to beat keeper Bullock. However, it took a crucial duck from strike partner Lewis Guy to ensure the ball actually crossed the line.

Earlier Sean Thornton came close to breaking the stalemate with a well-flighted free kick from 30-yards which had dipped in the swirling wind conditions to narrowly shave the post.

Gillingham had a number of goal attempts frustrated by Rovers penalty-hero from the last round, keeper Budtz who coped better than Bullock with the treacherous squally conditions.

It was all over for Gillingham when a through ball from Guy released Heffernan to double his tally in the 89th minute.

Team boss Dave Penney was ecstatic to see Rovers go into the 4th round for the first time in 30 years, “"I'm obviously pleased to go through to the last 16. It's a long time since this football club were there”.

Meanwhile a dejected Gills boss, lamented his depleted squad, "I feel sorry for the players. They worked really hard and it's frustrating because I looked on their bench and they had Paul Heffernan and Sean Thornton and then looked on ours and we had five kids."

Carling Man of the Match, Michael McIndoe looked forward to the next round, “Hopefully we can secure an away draw against the likes of Chelsea in the next round, the fans deserve a fabulous away day at a big club”.

It is 30 years since Rovers made the last eight in this competition bowing out at White Hart Lane.

(Wed 26/10/2005)

Pic: McIndoe

Ryan hints at City re-match as Stadium opener

Rovers' chairman, John Ryan, still in ebullient mood after last Wednesday's remarkable penalty shoot-out win over Manchester City, has hinted that he favours a City rematch as a stadium opener.

With the ink not yet dry on the new stadium contract and lease, after last Monday's signing, Ryan, also City fan, extended the invitation before the Carling Cup game. Rovers hope to be in the new Black Bank Stadium by December 2006.

"I asked City to open our new ground in a special friendly and they agreed but that was before Wednesday's kick-off. I just hope they haven't changed their minds," explained Ryan.

Of course there were no divided loyalties during the match. Knocking City out, and collecting £150K in the process has boosted the club's fortunes and contrasts with the sorry state that Ryan inherited when he took over in 1998. It has been a long hard road from Conference to League 1. "We've got to just enjoy this moment. It makes up for all the days when I've wondered why on earth I became chairman here," said Ryan

(Mon 26/09/2005)

Pic: Ryan

Rovers hope to cash-in on Carling Cup run

After dumping Manchester City out in the last round, Rovers came back down to earth with news of a 3rd round home tie against League One strugglers Gillingham. The draw was made ahead of the Saturday's league game at Barnsley, with Phil Thompson drawing Rovers' ball 12 as the first one out of the bag, live on Sky TV.

Rovers fans waited with baited breath to see if they could expect the likes of holders Chelsea, or Man Utd, or even Arsenal at Belle Vue in October, but greeted the realisation that it would be ultra non-glamorous Gillingham with mixed emotions. Another premiership club, while being lucrative, would end Rovers League Cup exploits for this season.

However, dumping Gillingham out at Belle Vue is definitely on the cards and would set Rovers well on their way to emulating their 1975 famous cup run when they reached the quarter-finals, bowing out to Spurs at White Hart Lane. Collecting hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process.

Disappointment soon evaporated with the Barnsley game to look forward to. A 2-0 victory against an indisciplined, even reckless Barnsley side, who finished with 9-men after two red cards from Uriah Rennie, restord Rovers fans to good cheer.

The victory capped an incredible 8 days which saw Rovers collect 3 points from high-flying Scunthorpe, the signing of the £34m new stadium contract, cup success over Manchester City, and more than doubling Rovers points tally to 12.

The win over Barnsley brings the tally to 3 wins, and 9 goals for with 1 against. 1 red card to 4. Expect this to improve in the LDV tie at Oakwell in a few weeks.

(Mon 26/09/2005)

Pic: Budtz

Budtz repays £25K investment with Carling Cup Exploits

Rovers knocked out Manchester City last Wednesday after forcing the tie at Belle Vue into extra-time. It took a penalty shoot-out to divide the teams and set Rovers up with a 3rd round home tie against Gillingham in October.

Goal-keeping sensation Jan Budtz played a large part in that success, with £150K already in the bank from the City game, the initial investment in fees for Budtz has been returned manifold.

Budtz came on in extra-time to replace the magnificent Andy Warrington, stretchered off with a broken leg, to save a curling strike from Darius Vassell.

Tipping that 20-yard shot round the post moments from the final whistle kept Rovers in the game and set the scene for a gripping penalty shoot-out.

Ironically Warrington had conceded from Vassell's penalty in the first period of extra-time before Michael McIndoe had equalised from the spot just two minutes from the end of extra-time. It was Vassell who hoped to repeat his feat against Budtz in the shoot-out but his powerful shot hit the bar.

With McIndoe enjoying equal success with his second penalty of the match, Vassell tried to restore shoot-out parity but missed. Coppinger and Heffernan did the business for Rovers, but Budtz became a hero on his English debut by saving from Sibierski and Dunne.

Rovers had been keeping an eye on Budtz while he was playing for a little known Danish side, FC Nordsjaelland. Although Budtz eventually joined on a free transfer, chairman John Ryan had to pay an agency fee of £25K to secure his services. Ryan regarded this as a sound investment, "You have to think laterally when you're in charge of a club like Doncaster and we realised we weren't going to get a good enough keeper to fit our budget in England, so we turned our attention to small Danish teams and our agent found Jan for us", he explained.

Budtz, who has already been described as the next Peter Schmeical for his exploits against City, and who got to show what he can do in front of a national audience as the game was televised on Sky, remained unfazed by the occasion, "I've made saves like that in a Danish Cup shoot-out before," he explained. "It's a good situation for a keeper because there is no pressure and you can't lose. No one blames the keeper and it meant that I had no fear."

Team boss Dave Penney was confident during the shoot-out. "He has a good success ratio with penalties in training", said Penney.

Penney described the feelings in the town, "I know Stuart Pearce really intended to try and win the Carling Cup and he showed us great respect by fielding a very strong team, so it's great for the fans and the whole town. The buzz here is just out of this world."

Buzz for sure, but Budtz may be hard to hold onto, with the agent already warning that premiership clubs will be knocking on the door with million pound cheques come January's transfer window.

(Sun 25/09/2005)

Pic:Jan Budtz

"Greatest Day as a Rovers Fan" - Andy Liney

Today I had the pleasure of signing on behalf of Doncaster Rovers, documents that secure our future as a football club. These included the stadium construction contract, our lease, and the agreement for the £2 million grant from the Football Foundation. As has been widely leaked, Mowlem will be the main stadium contractor, and will commence site work on 12 October, with a contractual obligation to deliver the stadium on 11 December 2006.

At a subsequent press conference and photo shoot at the Mansion House, Mayor Martin Winter spoke of the importance of the project as part of the master plan for improving the town, and stressed that he had delivered on his election promise.

John Ryan said that it was the most important victory ever for Rovers, and would remove the artificial ceiling to progress that Belle Vue represented. Without the stadium, Rovers would have had no future, but we could now look forward to a fabulous new home suited to Championship football, and enhanced income streams that would help deliver that dream.

For the doubters among Rovers' fans, and there were quite a few out there, rest assured that this contract is now binding and irrevocable. This means that the construction contract is secure, the funds are totally committed, and we are guaranteed our place in the new ground. Although there have been some cost savings to bring the original scheme back within budget (mainly a simplification and lowering of the roof, and flattening of the sides from a full oval shape) the stadium will still be a fully enclosed bowl and incorporate 15,700 seats with top class views and maximum specification seating accommodation guaranteeing excellent leg room.

We will also benefit from an 800 square metre supporters' bar, a 250 cover restaurant, and concourse facilities including bars, betting kiosks, and food outlets, as well as a gymnasium and martial arts centre. The £32 million sports complex will also include two external full-size floodlit grass pitches, eight floodlit all-weather 5-a-side pitches, and two floodlit all-weather 7-a-side pitches. The second mini-stadium will include a stand with seating for 500, and have full athletics facilities including a six lane running track with eight-lane straights.

There will also be parking for 1,040 cars (including 40 disabled places), a landscaped public open space leading down to the lake, and a grass tiered amphitheatre. A visual display of the new design, including a site plan, 3-D image, elevations, and floor plans, will be viewable in the Viking Supporters' Bar before and after Wednesday's match against Manchester City, and all fans are welcome to come and feast their eyes on our new home.

For a permanent memento, why not also purchase a programme for the match, which will include an article about the new stadium and some of the same images. The clock is now well and truly ticking, and December 2006 is going to bring us all the best Christmas present we've ever had!

(Mon 19/09/2005)

Pic:Andy Liney

Penney not at Odds with Players - Ryan

Rovers, with just one league win in seven games, have made their worst start to a season since 1998/99, their first season in the Conference. After a commendable away draw at Bristol City on the opening day of the season, Rovers failed to build up a winning momentum by squandering a 1-0 home lead against relegation candidates, MK Dons. The next game saw them mugged at home by last season’s play-off finalists Hartlepool, going down to a solitary goal against the run of play.

Having lost only two games at home all of last season, Rovers, still without a home win this campaign, have lost successive games at Belle Vue against Huddersfield and latterly Blackpool. The problem it seems is an inability to score goals. With just 4 from 7 games.

This has left a large body of fans somewhat dejected, especially as Rovers broke their transfer record twice in the close season for acknowledged goal getter Paul Heffernan, and former Premiership midfielder, Sean Thornton from Sunderland. Manager Dave Penney has come under some criticism from sections of the home crowd

However, club chairman John Ryan, who has bankrolled the recent spending spree is fully behind Penney. Dismissing reports of dissension on the training ground, Ryan is confident that Penney will turn things around, “With Scunthorpe currently top, the table is upside down at the moment, with Bristol City and Nottingham Forest joining Rovers at the wrong end”, said Ryan, “I asked Dave if he could swap his squad for any in League 1 would he” mused Ryan, “pointing to his players during training he told me he has the best squad in this division”.

With two promotions in recent years Ryan is backing Penney to turn things round, and there is a body of supporters who have equal faith. The odds for the title have lengthened to 40/1 from 25/1 but expect a large away following at Colchester on Saturday in support of Penney and for those odds to shorten.

(Thu 08/09/2005)

Pic: Ryan

Rovers smash transfer record with Thornton

Rovers today unveiled a double signing in their latest boost to their "Going4it!" campaign to bring Championship football to the town. At £175,000 the capture of Sunderland midfielder Sean Thornton, breaks their transfer record for the second time this close-season. Just a matter of weeks ago Rovers paid £125,000 for Bristol City striker Paul Heffernan.

Also joining the Club is out of contract Scottish defender, Phillip McGuire, from Aberdeen.

John Ryan said, "This shows our determination to Go4it! this season by making this the best squad that Rovers have ever had. Sean and Phillip are the type of quality players we are looking to bring in and they won't be the last"

Former Tranmere player, Thornton became a first-team regular under Mick McCarthy, featuring in the First Division last season, although an ankle injury before Christmas ruled him out for three months. Sean has played for Ireland from under-15 to under-21 level and has recently been on stand-by for the senior squad.

McGuire made over 130 appearances for the Aberdeen since joining them in 1997. 5' 10" Glasgow born Phil will strengthen the defence ahead of this campaign and will bring further experience to the squad. He said, "Doncaster are an ambitious club who have fantastic training facilities and a new stadium on the way". The 25-year-old central defender is believed to have shunned around 15 clubs to join Rovers.

Rovers have also been linked to McGuire's Aberdeen team-mate, Finnish ace Markus Heikkinen. The Finn had been in talks with Greek giants Olympiakos, while he also attracted interest from Germany. However, he is now set to hold talks with Doncaster about a move to England.

(Mon 11/07/2005)

Pic: Ryan

Roberts make early return to Racecourse Ground

Rovers’ close season signing, Stephen Roberts, will make an early return to the Racecourse Ground for the first round Carling Cup tie against former club, Wrexham. Roberts was signed from Wrexham in the close season following their relegation to League 2.

The Racecourse Ground holds special significance to both Roberts brothers, with Neil having joined from Wrexham via Bradford early last season. Newly-wed Stephen made a recent return there with bride in train to celebrate a guard of honour laid on by his former teammates. Both League 1 games last season, which saw the Roberts brothers pitted against each other, ended in 0-0 stalemates.

The tie is scheduled for Wednesday, 24th August, and will mean an early return to Wales, with Rovers having faced League 1 new boys, Swansea on the Saturday preceding. Rovers will then face a third successive away game on the following Saturday at Port Vale.

(Tue 28/06/2005)

Pic: Roberts S

Rovers end lean streak

Winger, Michael Mcindoe, returned from a rumour provoking absence in some style today at promotion hopefuls, Tranmere Rovers. It took just 3 minutes for McIndoe to score from a rare header to put Rovers 1-0 up. Just 2 minutes later striker Gregg Blundell doubled Rovers' lead and gave Tranmere a mountain to climb.

Dadi struck back on 11 minutes for the home side abut soon after was sent off for an elbow into the face of John Doolan. Hall made it 2 apiece at half-time and it was beginning to look like a re-run of the Blackpool fixture which saw 10 men hold Rovers to a draw.

However, Rovers maintained the pressure from the off in the second half and before long Ravenhill restored the lead to Rovers, Roberts made sure 9 minutes from time as the game ended 4-2 to Rovers. This was their first win in 6 games and with Brentford only able to secure a point against Peterborough, and Bournemouth losing at home to MK Dons, Rovers improved their outside chances of a play-off place. Odds are that Penney and the squad will rue their 11 dropped points in March.

(Mon 28/03/2005)

Pic: McIndoe

Rovers fail to land Feeney

Rovers appear to have failed in a bid to land Northern Ireland international Warren Feeney. A club record bid of £150K, later increased to £175K after Feeney's hattrick last Saturday, had looked likely to land Stockport's top goalscorer. Rovers team boss Dave Penney concedes that the deal looks to be dead in the water at this stage, adding that he will not seek alternative options if he fails to land Feeney.

"It looks like the deal is dead, to be honest,'' said Penney. ''I got a phone call last week saying our bid was the highest and they were looking to do something on Monday, but now they've come back and said the bid's not high enough. "If we don't get Feeney then I won't do anything before deadline day, it's as simple as that."

Update: Chairman John Ryan has admitted his frustration at missing out on the former Leeds trainee. Ryan claimed he had agreed a £175,000 with Stockport owner Brian Kennedy. "I was not prepared to put this club into financial problems by trying to match the player's agent's demands," he told Doncaster's website.

(Thu 24/03/2005)

Pic: Ryan

Rovers out-muscled by unsung Owls

It had been over 50 years in the waiting, and finally last Sunday Doncaster Rovers made their first league trip to Hillsborough in an eagerly awaited South Yorkshire derby. Rovers' boss, Dave Penney described how much the players wanted to avenge the 4-0 drubbing last December at Belle Vue.

For the Rovers fans there was an even greater incentive. Now was the time to give the Wednesdayites an object lesson in support. They were due to witness the visitation of the best away-supported club in the Football League. Doncaster Rovers were in-town. This was Wednesday's Cup Final after-all!

The omens preceding the game were mixed however. Ticket sales were selling well and the initial allocation of 5,000 in the Leppings Lane end were quickly snapped up. Another 1,000 were later sold. At the same time it was clear that South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield Branch seemed determined to practise their crowd control contingency plans on the unsuspecting Doncaster public, conveniently overlooking the fact that Rovers have the best away record in the whole of English football. That is according to the official statistics.

Supporters planned to marshal 20 or so coaches at Belle Vue at noon on the Sunday, with the Rovers Return Social Club open for business and a cash windfall. But the boys in blue put the kybosh on that. The coaches and fans were to be searched for alcohol with the threat that coaches would be turned back if any was found. Coaches were also delayed by marshalling procedures on the approach to Hillsborough. Chaos and confusion reigned, as expected.

All was well by the kick-off, but it was apparent that Hillsborough had seen better days, and if Rovers fans wanted to enjoy a big-game atmosphere, it was going to up to them to generate it. Whinging Wednesday fans are "world-famous" in these parts, and the days of the Hillsborough Roar are long past. Rovers had missed the bus, on that score. Wednesday were famous once, but as the red and white hordes were quick to remind them, they're not famous anymore! It would take an FA Cup semi-final to see a packed house at Hillsborough, and that's not likely these days.

The visit of Doncaster Rovers managed to entice another few thousand Wednesdayites to the game, and those in Red and White swelled the attendance to a season record of 28,712, some seven thousand above their average. But it had to be said that Hull's KC stadium provided a better home atmosphere recently.

In the stands the Owls were out-sung for the entire duration of the game by the Rovers faithful, who certainly had something to cheer with the standard of football from their team. The Wednesday tactics matched the mood of their fans, ungenerous and cynical. Wednesday are a big, dour outfit and they are going to muscle their way to the play-offs. It's not fair and it's not pretty. In the end, a couple of goals sealed the 3 points for Wednesday. They will not catch Luton or Hull City, but you would think from the crowd reaction, they had won the cup. Yes indeed, their game against Donny WAS their cup-final.

(Sun 13/03/2005)

Pic: Penney

Penney in For Guy

Newcastle youngster Lewis Guy has signed for Rovers after impressing on trial. The 19-year-old showed enough during a two-week trial at Belle Vue for Rovers team boss Dave Penney to hand him an 18-month deal. The England Under-20 international has not had a look-in at St James' Park and believed it would be better to go in search of regular action elsewhere.

Guy will now be in contention to face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday, and is delighted with the move. "I am really pleased to have won a contract with Doncaster," Guy told Stellar Group's website. "There is a great set-up here at the club and everyone has made me feel very welcome since I arrived here. "I now have the chance to prove to everyone, myself included, that I am good enough to score goals in the Football League and I intend to do just that."

(Thu 03/03/2005)

Pic: Penney

All eyes on Sunday for Wednesday!

Doncaster Rovers fans, still reeling from the disappointment of their 2nd round FA Cup exit at the hands of Conference crisis club Exeter City, are focussing on their upcoming League 1 home game against the "fallen giants" of Yorkshire football, Sheffield Wednesday.

It is over 50 years since the two clubs met in a league fixture so excitement is high in both camps. At the end of the 1997/98 season Wednesday were in the Premiership, and Rovers were facing the drop to the Conference after the club was criminally dismantled by disgraced so-called benefactor Ken Richardson.

Since that time the tables have most definitely turned and with their two back-to-back promotions, including last seasons Nationwide 3 Championship, Rovers are now acclaimed as the most successful team in Yorkshire this century. Belle Vue will be "full to the rafters" notwithstanding that two ends are uncovered, and the game is certain to live up to its full potential as a South Yorkshire derby.

There will be mixed emotions however as it is expected that Rovers Legend, "Sir" Francis Tierney will feature in the pre-match period to say farewell to Rovers fans on his injury-driven premature retirement from the game at the age of 29. Sir Fran launched Rovers' recent revival with his extra-time golden goal in the promotion play-off final at Stoke which restored Rovers to League status. He will be sure of an emotional send-off.

(Thu 16/12/2004)

Pic: Tierney

FA Cup: Rovers to face Exeter in 2nd Round

Rovers have been drawn at away to non-League Exeter City in the second round of the FA Cup. After yesteray's tough away tie at Southern Premier side and Exeter's near neighbours, Tiverton Town, where Rovers emerged 3-1 eventual winners, their reward is a return to Devon in December.

Having already dispatched current Championship leaders Ipwich Town in the Carling Cup, before going out 2-0 to Nottingham Forest, Rovers are hopeful if progressing to the third round and drawing a Premiership outfit.

Last season Rovers went out 1-0 to Scarbrough in the first round who went on to entertain Chelsea at the McCain Stadium.

Rovers' former Exeter favourite Jamie Coppinger will relish a return to his old stomping ground. Exeter are currently 13th in the Conference.

(Sun 14/11/2004)

Pic: FA Cup

Rovers list Mulligan

Rovers have put defender Dave Mulligan on the transfer list, saying he is "surplus to requirements". The New Zealand international has made nine league and three cup appearances this season but is no longer part of team boss Dave Penney's plans.

A club spokesman said: "We feel we don't want him here. He has not been in the side and we can't keep 30 players in the squad happy. "We have a big squad and he is surplus to requirements."

Rovers have also confirmed they have made a formal complaint to the Football League about the performance of referee Chris Foy during their 2-1 defeat at Hartlepool at the weekend.

(Mon 08/11/2004)

Pic: Mulligan

McIndoe returns to form

Most fans would agree that for all his goals, left winger Michael McIndoe’s early form this season has not matched that which saw him power Rovers to Championship glory last campaign. The defences in League 1 have been a bit more clued up than those in the old Nationwide 3.

As a result fans voting in the YAURS! Man of the Match feature had placed McIndoe at 11th, way behind the new starlet and right wing sensation Jamie Coppinger. At the end of September McIndoe was 156 points behind top spot in the Leaderboard he dominated last season. Then Rovers were looking a little unbalanced, with no real threat on the right, although Marples and Mulligan would occasionally penetrate to satisfactory effect.

This season the reverse was true, but it took the pairing of Coppinger and Marples for Rovers to be effective on the right.

However, October saw McIndoe return to form, and in some style. He has become Rovers’ leading goal scorer with 8 goals to his credit, putting last season’s Golden Boot, Gregg Blundell to shame. The fans have responded by voting McIndoe YAURS! Player of the Month for October and by amassing 147 points he has propelled himself into 4th spot, while Coppinger has slumped to third place.

It is no coincidence that Rovers’ league position has improved from 17th in League 1 to 11th on the back of “Super Mac’s return to form.

Paul Green has taken over top spot and it is no surprise that scouts from Everton were present scoping out both Green and McIndoe at last Saturday’s home win over Barry Fry’s Peterborough.

(Mon 01/11/2004)

Pic: McIndoe

125 Club Shirts Launched

Limited edition shirt for 125 Club members Rovers have released the first pictures of the front of the limited edition "125 Club" shirts, available only to 125 Club members. On the reverse of the shirt the words "Member, Rovers 125 Club" will be emblazoned in colours appropriate to the level of membership, ie. Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

In addition to being able to purchase the exclusive members' shirt, 125 Club members each receive a numbered medal in a padded case and a numbered certificate. Members also have first pick of seats in the new stadium.

The 125 club, a YAURS!' initiative, was launched to commemorate our 125th. anniversary this year, and also to give fans a way to help the club financially.

Members can demonstrate that support with exclusive memorabilia. Membership starts at £25, and the exclusive shirts are then available at £35. All funds raised will be used to strengthen Rovers for the next 125 years!

(Mon 01/11/2004)

Pic:125 club Shirt

Black Cat Ingham joins Rovers

Sunderland's 4th choice keeper Michael Ingham is set to join Rovers on a month's loan. The burly 24 year old has slipped down the pecking order at The Stadium of Light and Black Cats manager, Mick McCarthy has agreed an initial month with Rovers boss, Dave Penney.

It is true to say that Penney has shown some exasperation at the number of goals Rovers have been shipping from set pieces, both home and away. And while fans may have high regard for ever present keeper Andy Warrington as a shot stopper, they do concede that he needs to be more assertive in the box.

Ingham will more than likely start for Rovers in tomorrow night's LDV clash at Hereford, and if he succeeds in winning a first team place, expect a season long loan, much in the vein of Chris Brown's stay for Rovers last season.

(Mon 01/11/2004)

Pic: Warrington

FA Cup: Rovers to face Tivvy Town in 1st Round

Rovers have been drawn at away to non-League Tiverton Town in the first round of the FA Cup. The tie to be played on Novermber 13th.

Last season Rovers went out 1-0 to Scarbrough in the first round who went on to entertain Chelsea at the McCain Stadium.

(Sat 30/10/2004)

Pic: FA Cup

McGrath back with Rovers

Rovers winger John McGrath has ended his loan spell with League Two club Shrewsbury Town. The 24-year-old arrived at Gay Meadow as cover for the injured Sam Aiston, but his return from injury has made McGrath surplus to requirements with The Shrews.

The news will come as a blow to the Irishman, who looked set for a longer stay with the Shropshire-based outfit, but the player will now return to Dave Penney's side. However, the resignation of manager Jimmy Quinn as Shrewsbury boss changed the situation during McGrath's loan spell.

Meanwhile, Doncaster striker Leo Fortune-West will have an operation this week to clean up some damage to his knee, while defender Mark Albrighton will see a specialist after a recurrence of a knee injury.

(Mon 01/11/2004)

Pic: McGrath

Forest escape Cup expulsion

Nottingham Forest have been told they will not be thrown out of the Carling Cup for naming an ineligible player amongst their substitutes. Brian Cash was on the bench for Forest but did not come on, but has already played in the competition whilst on loan at Rochdale.

Forest admitted their mistake to the Football League, but have been assured that they will not face expulsion from the competition. Forest beat Doncaster Rovers 2-0 on the night, and are due to face Premiership Fulham at home in a potentially lucrative fourth round tie. The League has launched an enquiry into a 'technical breach of the rules' but chief executive Mark Arthur confirmed that the punishment

(Fri 29/10/2004)

Rovers succumb to Forest

Rovers bowed out of the Carling Cup after failing to take their chances against a steady Forest side. Forest had two chances and took them, emerging 2-0 winners.

Rovers' team boss Dave Penney said he had no complaints about the team's effort despite their Cup exit. He said: "I thought Forest were the better side. They looked very dangerous in the final third of the field and, in truth, we didn't really look like breaking them down.

"We gave it a good go but, from my point of view, I was very disappointed with the two goals we gave away.

"It was just a shame we couldn't have got a result after beating Ipswich in the last round, but there was a difference in quality out there and the scoreline was fair enough."

(Wed 27/10/2004)

Pic:Penney

Rovers seek Cup revenge over Forest

Rovers entertain Nottingham Forest in the Carling Cup, their first meeting for seven years. The last time that these two clubs met was in a League Cup tie when Forest recorded a 10-1 aggregate victory over Rovers, notching a flurry of goals in their 8-0 triumph at Belle Vue in the first leg. Such a score-line is unlikely this time around, as Rovers will be playing with great self-confidence, having obtained their third round place by disposing of Championship high flyers Ipswich.

Forest manager Joe Kinnear reckoned that his side had managed to turn their season around, having taken four points from their visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers and a trip to Sheffield United, but they had a setback on Saturday with a 3-2 defeat at Preston.

Forest are currently flirting with relegation, having taken just 13 points from 15 games. Conversely, Rovers are unbeaten in three league games and the home advantage on Tuesday is likely to prove significant. Kinnear will not have the option of fielding the suspended Paul Evans or Gareth Taylor, who is currently joint top scorer in the cup. There is also doubt over Andy Reid who picked up a minor knee injury which forced him to sit out Forest's last match.

(Tue 26/10/2004)

West future at Belle Vue - Penney

Rovers' team boss, Dave Penney moved quickly to dispel rumours that talismanic striker, Leo Fortune-West is staying at Belle Vue after two clubs expressed interest. Both Bristol Rovers and former club Rotherham had become interested in Fortune-West after Rovers brought in Wigan striker Neil Roberts. Despite having a number of attacking options now at his disposal, Penney insists that he wants to keep the giant striker at the club.

"We have brought in Neil and people who have put two and two together and decided that Leo is surplus to requirements," said Penney. "But that simply isn't true. He is still part of my plans and he has a part to play here. "He gives us an option up front as does Gregg and Neil."

(Thu 14/10/2004)

Pic:West

Rovers steal Roberts away

Rovers have agreed a fee with Wigan Athletic for striker Neil Roberts. The Wales international is currently on loan at Bradford City but may now seal a permanent switch to their League One rivals. Wigan have accepted an undisclosed fee for the 26-year-old, who will meet Rovers team boss Dave Penney on Wednesday afternoon to discuss personal terms.

Roberts joined Bradford on loan in mid-September and has netted once in four appearances for the club, after failing to force his way past Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington at Wigan. His impending switch to Belle Vue has left Bantams manager Colin Todd disappointed as he has been unable to arrange a deal of his own for Roberts.

"Paul Jewell spoke with me on Tuesday and advised that Doncaster were interested and that the lad was going for talks," said Todd.

"It was agreed, however, that nothing would be signed until such time as I was also able to speak with Neil in view of the fact that he has said how much he enjoyed being here with us and would be keen to sign if a deal could be worked out. "Paul and myself heard no more from either player or agent on Tuesday. "I am sure the agent has had his own interests at heart in this matter more than the player's as he knew we would not be able to stump up such a large transfer fee. "I would at least liked to have been able to try and sort something out with Wigan and Neil."

(Wed 06/10/2004)

Mickey stalks Henderson

Rovers are looking to bring Gillingham's out of favour striker, DariusHenderson to Belle Vue, but Donny assistant manager Mickey Walker concedes it will be the striker's decision to make. "I know he is a local lad but that will not be a big factor and I know that Gillingham can accept all the offers, but it will be up to the lad as to where he goes,"

Henderson has been farmed out on loan with Rovers' League 1 rivals, Swindon Town who have also indicated their interest in Henderson for a permament deal. The County Ground side agreed a deal with The Gills, but after lengthy discussions over personal terms with Henderson and his agent, the striker has turned down Swindon's first offer.

(Mon 24/09/2004)

Pic:Walker

Stadium Update

As a result of the approval granted by full Council in September 2003 Rovers were already guaranteed a good stadium, but, as Bruce Forsyth might say, "on the turn of the card" we stood to win the star prize. Mayor Martin Winter boldly chose to turn that card, and, with the Council's agreement on 6 September 2004 to increase the expenditure by £12 million, we have now landed the magnificent stadium you see on these pages.

The enlarged complex will now house not only a 20,000 capacity sized stadium bowl, initially fitted for 15,000 seats, but also a separate floodlit pitch with its own 500 capacity mini-stand, surrounded by

a six-lane athletics track and full athletics facilities, a floodlit full-size artificial pitch, two floodlit seven-a-side pitches, and eight floodlit five-a-side pitches. There will be changing facilities for all the external activities, parking for 1,040 cars, and a green public open space leading down to the lake and extending to ten acres.

The stadium itself will be a fully-enclosed structure under a "floating" one-piece roof which curves in three dimensions and will be of stunning architectural appearance. The East Stand will face the lake, and be four stories high, incorporating a 260 cover restaurant (expandable to 350 using adjoining rooms), twenty executive boxes, directors' box, and a variety of other hospitality facilities. The restaurant will be open to the public seven days a week and have dual aspect views overlooking both the lake and the pitch. The West Stand will house all the players' facilities, media suites, press box, and TV gantry, together with the tunnel and dug-outs. It will also incorporate a 500 capacity supporters' bar. The South Stand will be a home end, and will incorporate a large club retail area, the club offices, and ticket office. The North Stand will house away fans, with flexible options on the size of away accommodation, and also a gymnasium, open to the public, as well as variety of educational and other facilities. There will be 150 disabled places located throughout all viewing areas. As well as the externally accessible bars and kiosks, in the concourse areas there will bars, betting shops, and food outlets throughout the stadium, as well as generous toilet provision.

The pitch will be Dresso Grassmaster, or equivalent, which means it will have a below surface 20mm warp and weft thread to reinforce the pitch and prevent divotting, incorporating 3% of artificial grass to further reinforce the playing surface, and allow for the planned multiple uses. The basic pitch will be 100m x 68m, with 3m margins and 10m "touchdowns", which will also allow expansion to full UEFA size if required (for when Rovers get into Europe!). The pitch will be oriented north-south for optimum sunlight access to the pitch, and the leading edges of the roof will be translucent to allow further daylight. The "floating" roof will enhance pitch ventilation, which will also be assisted by adjustable louvers in every corner at ground floor level. The pitch will be irrigated by computerised automatic underground pop-up sprinklers. Floodlights will be located on the leading edges of the stands, so there will be no pylons. There will be electronic scoreboards in two opposite diagonal corners of the stadium.

The basic stadium cost will be £17.6 million, and, with the addition of other major provisions including £6.5 million for community elements, £3.14 million for infrastructure, and £1.25 million for athletics facilities, the whole complex will cost £32 million, inclusive of a £2 million grant form the Football Foundation. The cost per seat (a standard criterion in stadia) will be £1,160 which is equal to, or higher than, any stadium recently constructed, and gives an indication of the quality of building we are now getting. Every seat will be 460mm wide, and the leg room will be comparable to the new Wembley. Every view will match the best standard (C=90) and be totally unobstructed. Construction will commence early next year and the stadium will ready for occupancy before the start of the 2006 season.

STADIUM FACTS

Distance from Belle Vue: 2km
Stadium Complex Cost: £32 million (including £2m FSF grant)
Architects: ACP Ltd.
Completion date: April 2006
Capacity: 15,000/20,000
Cost per seat: £1,160
Location: Lakeside
Name: Not decided
Pitch size: 100m x 68m
Supporters' Bar: 500 capacity

(Sat 18/09/2004)

Pic: Black Bank Stadium

Green's £1m Price Tag

Rovers have insisted that they would be looking for £1 million before selling midfield star Paul Green. Graeme Souness was in the crowd for Rovers' win over Walsall and although is not known for definite who the new Newcastle boss was watching - he left soon after Green was taken off. Rovers have now moved to quell speculation regarding their midfielder's future.

"At the end of the day it would be down to the chairman," said manager Dave Penney. "But I think I'm safe in saying he wouldn't listen to anything less than that - and that would only be the starting price. "Neither of us would want him to go but we couldn't stand in his way if the club was right for him and the fee was right for Doncaster Rovers. "But this is all completely hypothetical because there have been no inquiries about him

and we don't even know who Graeme Souness was looking at - it might have been a Walsall player."

(Fri 10/09/2004)

Pic:Green

Stadium plans boosted to 20,000 all-seater

Rovers' plans for their new stadium have been boosted after they received permission to have provision for a capacity of 20,000.

Rovers will relocate from their current Belle Vue home to a £32 million lakeside sports complex within two years.

The initial plans for the new stadium were based on a capacity of 10,000 but Rovers could now be looking at double that figure. The council have approved recently submitted proposals to alter the intended capacity to 15,000 following the success of Dave Penney's Doncaster on the pitch during the past two seasons.

But there will also be provision for 5,000 extra seats to be added to the stadium if it proves to be necessary. Even with the change from a 10,000 to a 15,000-seater venue, Rovers still expect the stadium to be completed on schedule in March 2006.

(Thu 19/08/2004)

Pic: Black Bank Stadium

Stadium plans boosted

The stadium, which is still on target for completion in March 2006 despite these changes to the plans, will now have a capacity in excess of 15,000 seats. It will be constructed so as to be readily expandable if and when required to a 20,000 capacity under the existing roof, without major additional cost or disruption.

This will be achieved by leaving some spaces within the arena walled off and retained as large mid-tier concourses. The additional concrete and steel terracing for additional seats can then be constructed in these spaces with minimal inconvenience to operations.

The stadium will be built within a parkland setting leaving a 10 acre public open space between it and the lake. The stadium will be a magnificent iconic structure, fully enclosed, and under a "floating" curved roof over the whole building for maximum aesthetic impact. The main east and west stands will have upward curving roofs to both increase their size and increase their appearance. Players' changing rooms, etc., club offices, and press/TV facilities will be in the west stand, while the bigger two-tier east stand (which will have attractive views over the parkland and the lake) will contain the main hospitality, restaurant, executive box facilities.

The restaurant will be double-aspect, with views both over the pitch and the lake. Facilities will be fully comprehensive, including concourse bars, betting kiosks, etc, as well as 24/7 restaurants and bars. For fans, there will be a 500 capacity sports bar. The complex will include a second full-size grass pitch, complete with mini-stand and athletics track, plus other athletics facilities, as well as eight five-a-side pitches and two full-size artificial pitches. Changing rooms, etc, for the external pitches will be incorporated in one corner of the main stadium building.

In putting this bold proposal to his colleagues, Mayor Martin Winter has demonstrated his commitment to the sporting public of Doncaster, and, of course to the user clubs, as well as the ambition of the town to develop first class facilities for its residents.

(Wed 14/07/2004)

Pic: Stadium

Pages Count

02588