Doncaster Rovers v Scunthorpe United Matchday Magazine

THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE / SEASON 2017/18 / ISSUE 5 / £3

DONCASTER ROVERS v SCUNTHORPE UNITED Sky Bet League One Sunday September 17, 2017 3pm kick-off

JAMES COPPINGER THINKING POSITIVE

YOUR SATURDAY MORNING, SORTED

JEFF’S, RUINED

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Main club sponsor Virgin Trains Associate club sponsor Stoneacre Motor Group Technical kit supplier FBT Europe Chairman David Blunt Major shareholders Terry Bramall, David Blunt, family of Dick Watson Directors Terry Bramall, David Blunt, Andy Watson, Gavin Baldwin Club director Stuart Highfield Chief executive Gavin Baldwin Commercial director Jim Lord FOOTBALL STAFF Manager Darren Ferguson Assistant manager Gavin Strachan Goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard Fitness coach Ben Rome Physiotherapist Joe Sharp Club doctor Dr Tim Douglas CLUB STAFF Head of administration & football operations Mary Lally Head of stadium & operations Marie Hepburn Head groundsman Jim Davison Director of finance Richard Poole Head of commercial affairs Andrew Whitham Lottery manager Ken Porter Ticket manager Tracy Bawden Head of marketing & communications Shaun Lockwood Media manager Luke Thornhill Marketing manager Mark Hughesman Supporter liaison officers Craig Gleadhall, Dean Medcalf, Shelia Lynch CLUB DONCASTER FOUNDATION Chair of trustees Linda Tully Trustees Gavin Baldwin, Nigel Brewster, Allan Stewart, Rupert Suckling, John Wallbank Executive director Jim Lord Head of Foundation John Davis NCS programme manager Jan Budtz CLUB DONCASTER SPORTS COLLEGE Principal Adi Turnpenny Deputy principals Joe Burton, Ben Thompson PROGRAMME Contributors Clare Bailey, Robbie Andrews, John Coyle, Ryan Daly, Alex Gibbings, Sophie Scargill, Paul Mayfield, Nicola Moran Photography Phil Ryan, AH Pix, Stephen Connor, Heather King, Rex Features, Rob Terrace Design Sandile Somhedlwana, Hannah Moore Print Pinders of Sheffield

CONTENTS 05

DARREN FERGUSON

07

GAVIN BALDWIN

08

JAMES COPPINGER

16 OPPOSITION 29

JUNIOR ROVERS

34 COMMERCIAL 42

SUPPORTERS

Club Doncaster and Doncaster Rovers treats discriminatory anti-social behaviour seriously and wants to ensure the enjoyment of the match for all. If you experience anti-social behaviour close to you, please report it to the nearest steward or police officer. We also offer an anonymous ‘safe text’ service to enable supporters to report their concerns quickly and easily by text message. Please send a text with your location and the location of the offence – e.g. block, row, seat - to 07825012850 with one of the following: FOUL (language & behaviour) SMOKE (smoking in the stadium) RACISM (racist chanting & shouting) STAND (standing up) HPH (homophobic chanting) DRINK (drinking alcohol in view of the pitch) PYRO (use of or intended use of any pyrotechnic or smoke bomb) Each message costs one standard text at your local rate.

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A word from the manager

Darren Ferguson Good afternoon, and welcome back to the Keepmoat Stadium for this afternoon’s game against Scunthorpe United. I would like to welcome Graham Alexander, as well as the supporters, players and staff of the visitors. They are a well-organised side with plenty of experience, and we know they will be tough opponents today.

We come into the game on the back of two disappointing results. The players put in a disciplined performance at Rochdale on Tuesday night, and we were all gutted to come away having lost the match.

We certainly felt that was a game we did not deserve to lose. I thought it was an even first-half and we looked pretty comfortable once we went ahead, but a stunning goal to equalise got them back into the game.

We have a tight-knit group of players who are giving everything for the club and as a club we need to keep our belief - and if we keep working hard wins will come.

We need to keep showing a determination and perserverance to turn results our way: those are the two key words to turn results into wins.

Today’s game will be competitive and closely contested, which could work well for us.

Your support this season has been fantastic and has been noticed by myself, the players and everyone at the club. Your backing can make a real difference today.

Enjoy the game.

I felt there was a real determination from our players, and felt for them as they did not deserve the way the game ended.

We don’t feel like we deserved to lose the past two games and, in fairness, the players have shown great determination to try and get positive results.

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W AT C H A F I L M

K N I R D A H AV E

READ A BOOK S W O C T A M A E R D Y A D OUT THE WINDOW

(Maybe they’re daydreaming back at

you. Deep!)

Thoughts of the chief executive

Gavin Baldwin Good afternoon. I’d like to welcome the owners, supporters, players and staff of Scunthorpe United who have made the short trip down the M180 and wish them a safe journey home.

It has been a frustrating couple of weeks for us on the pitch. We opened September with a really good performance against Peterborough United, but just could not find a way through against a side who had won every game prior to that - it was a very credible performance and result.

Those of you at Rochdale on Tuesday will have shared the gut-wrenching disappointment of the final few minutes - but, as Darren Ferguson said after the match, there was a real determination shown by the players which will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.

I’d like to thank everyone who joined the owners, Darren and myself in the Legends’ Club on Monday for our latest Meet The Owners. There are always questions which make us think and analyse the way we do certain things and lead to improvements.

It was also clear that we are really progressing as an organisation, with the chairman David Blunt pointing out just how secure we now are financially.

Some of the statistics we shared with those present also show just how much success we are having across Club Doncaster making a real difference to the young people in our communities.

The Club Doncaster Sports College has enjoyed a 100 per cent pass rate, while the Club Doncaster Foundation are experiencing incredible success with their NCS and Fit Rovers programmes.

The Expect Youth service, based at the Keepmoat Stadium and run as a joint partnership with DMBC, has provided activities for 42,000 young people across the borough in the past six months.

These things provide a legacy we can be truly proud of.

Our commercial guys also pulled a few strings to get an extra Virgin Trains East Coast service put on this Wednesday evening allowing more fans to get to the Emirates Stadium and back. With the DNA Card discount it was possible to get to London and back for just £33.

I’d like to wish you a safe journey if you are travelling down to Arsenal or Plymouth for our next two games. Our fans certainly clock up the miles and your support is greatly appreciated.

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08

#26

JAMES ­COPPINGER James Coppinger leads by example in all walks of life, whether it be representing Doncaster Rovers on the pitch, or teaching young players how to deal with the pressures of playing the game at a high level.

which helps players in the same situation.

It’s all about consistency for me, playing more than 40 games a season shows that my performance levels have been good, it’s important that you play at a good level in each game.

Coppinger’s life outside of football “There is a common theme that players do involves being part owner of ProMindset, a well for a handful of games and then drop company set up with Terry Gormley, a man out of the professional game. It’s not the who helped the Rovers captain re-discover technical part of the game they struggle his appetite of being a with, it’s the mental side professional footballer as that’s the biggest prior to his move to part of football.”

There is a theme that South Yorkshire. players drop out of the game. It’s not the technical The midfielder is now into “Speaking to him was his 14th season with the part they struggle with, the turning point in all club and believes that it’s the mental side aspects of life for me, I the positive mood from got to a stage where I was everyone involved is one struggling and the support of the main reasons for and knowledge I got from Terry was him staying loyal for so long. massive,” he says.

“When I came to the club it was on the “Dave Penney sorted that out for me and back of two promotions and they matched I work with Terry now, we have our own my ambition, I wanted to progress my company together called ProMindset career and I managed to do that,” he says.

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“The feelgood factor around the club hasn’t changed throughout the years, we’re on the back of another promotion and the club has gone from strength to strength in the time that I’ve been here.

“I’m happy where I am and I’ve never felt the need for a change, I was playing Championship football in my 30’s with this club, there were offers on the table but I never had any desire to leave.”

against the Iron while wearing a Rovers shirt, and he has some good memories of playing against them.

“These are always the games that you look forward to, the fans enjoy it and it’s always had an edge to it over the years,” he says.

“A couple of games stand out for me, we won on Boxing Day a few years ago and then I remember Billy Sharp scoring his With the likes of Matt Mills, Richie Wellens first goal for us at Glanford Park as well. and Billy Sharp impressing at Rovers before leaving for spells elsewhere, it “Different games stick in the mind for would have been easy for Coppinger to be certain reasons but it’s always a game tempted for a move elsewhere.

I want to be involved in given the recent history between the two clubs.

But that is something which has never appealed to the 36-year-old, who has no “The manager gets across to the players regrets over remaining at the Keepmoat how much these games mean to the fans Stadium for as long as he has. and how important it is that we perform well because we know Scunthorpe will “The managers that I’ve worked under come here and make it hard for us.” and the staff that have been here have always supported me, as have the fans, Another team Coppinger has had a so that’s one of the main reasons why I’ve battle with in the past is Arsenal, who stayed,” he says.

Rovers will play this coming Wednesday in the Carabao Cup third round tie at the “I feel like I’m a big part of the club, I Emirates Stadium. lived in Doncaster for 10 years so I know what it means to everybody involved for He was involved the last time the two the club to do well. The grass isn’t always sides met in 2006, and despite not having greener, the likes of Matt Mills and Billy played a midweek game all season, is Sharp have done really well on the back looking for revenge after Arsene Wenger’s of having good spells here, but I’ve got side knocked Rovers out on penalties no complaints with how my career has at the quarter-final stage of the same panned out.” competition 11-years-ago.

Today’s game against Scunthorpe will be the 13th time Coppinger has come up

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“It’s a cup final for us, we’ll be going there wary of the quality they’ve got but

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS at the same time we will be massive underdogs so we have nothing to lose,” says Coppinger.

To continue the interview with Copps we asked him a few short fire questions about more quirky topics.

“The lads have done well in the two rounds so far and to get Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium is great for everyone at the club, testing ourselves against the best in the country is what it’s all about.

OR

“The run when we played Arsenal the last time was great, we beat some good sides at Belle Vue. I think Arsenal had booked a flight back after 90 minutes and we took them to extra time.

“It’s important not to focus fully on that game though as we’ve got some tough tests before that, our main focus is the league, but it’s nice to have that distraction and I’ll be ready if the manager puts me in the team.”

OR

Rovers are unbeaten at home in three league outings so far this campaign.

“We’ve had a solid start, we’d have obviously liked to turn a couple of the draws into wins but we’ve had the chances on the day so we take heart from that,” Coppinger adds.

“We only had a year out of this division so not much has changed in that sense, there is a lot of quality and we’re all aware of what the league is all about. The manager has led by example, he and his staff work tirelessly and that filters down throughout the team, based on how we performed last season it shows you how strong we are mentally.”

OR

OR

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JOHN MARQUIS NEWS

Prostate Cancer UK is the official charity partner of the EFL. Their “Man of Men” logo sits proudly in the squad numbers of every one of our player’s shirts. It also adorns the lapels of football managers and pundits across the land. And is worn proudly by football fans like Kevin Webber and Lloyd Pinder.

Prostate Cancer UK’s Man of Men represents the one man who dies every 45 minutes in the UK from the disease, the volunteers and supporters who raise money to beat the disease, and it represents the men and their families living with prostate cancer.

Meet Kevin and Lloyd, two inspirational men, who are doing everything they can to raise money and awareness to fight the most common cancer in men. “We should all stop being afraid of what could go wrong. And instead focus our thoughts

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and energies on what could go right,” says Kevin Webber, 51, a Wimbledon fan and father of three living with prostate cancer.

“Dealing with death is harder when you know what you are going to lose,” says Lloyd Pinder, 46, a Sunderland AFC fan, father of two, living with incurable prostate cancer.

They both joined Jeff Stelling on his March for Men, and like Jeff, wear their Prostate Cancer UK badge with pride.

You can too. Text BADGE to 70004 to donate £5 to help stop prostate cancer being a killer (and get your own Prostate Cancer UK badge to wear with pride).* *Text costs £5 plus network charge.

Prostate Cancer UK receives 100 per cent of your donation. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 0800 082 1616. Charity No 1005541.

Text BADGE to 70004 to donate ÂŁ5 to stop prostate cancer being a killer and get a badge to wear with pride like every player in the EFL this season.

Join the fight prostatecanceruk.org/football Text costs ÂŁ5 plus network charge. Prostate Cancer UK receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payers permission. Customer care 0800 082 1616.

Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number: 02653887.

TRIBUTE: JOHN OGSTON John, or “Tubby” as he was known throughout his career, was a son of Aberdeen and began his football career with his local non-league side Banks O’ Dee. In 1957 they won the Scottish Junior Cup, and within months he had joined Aberdeen as a part-time pro. His path to the Dons’ first team looked to be a thorny one as he was behind a full Scottish international and an Under 23 international that were higher in the pecking order for the goalkeeper’s shirt at Pittodrie. Injuries to those players eventually provided an opportunity and John made his league debut against Rangers in December 1958.

John did his national service when he was based in Southampton with the Royal Engineers. During this period, he was a non-playing member of the full Scotland squad that played in the 1962 World Cup qualifiers against Ireland (twice) and Czechoslovakia. Now a full-time pro, he returned to Aberdeen and became a fixture between the posts and did not miss a league game for four seasons between 1961–65, and only lost his place to the young Bobby Clark, who would go on to make a number of appearances for Scotland at the top level.

With the thought of reserve team football an unappealing one after five years at Aberdeen, John joined Liverpool in September 1965 as cover for Tommy Lawrence. Displacing Lawrence was to

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prove a thankless task, and John was limited to just one league appearance in three years at Anfield, this being a 3-1 home win over Newcastle United in April 1967. When Liverpool signed Ray Clemence it was clear that John’s Anfield days were numbered, and he jumped at the chance to join Doncaster Rovers on a season-long loan in August 1968.

Rovers used three different goalkeepers in the opening three league fixtures of the 1968/69 season. John made his league debut in the third game which resulted in a 4-3 win against Scunthorpe.

Rovers won the Fourth Division title that season and Ogston made 31 League appearances as well as playing in the FA Cup against his former club Liverpool at Anfield, a game Rovers lost 2-0.

When Liverpool opted to release John at the end of that season, the Rovers wasted no time in making his loan signing a permanent one. The arrival of Glen Johnson in June, 1970 saw him lose his first team place and he was limited to just one league appearance that season, thus his stay at Doncaster was over after 70 league games.

John went back to his native Aberdeen where he worked in the fish market whilst playing non-league football in the Highland League .

Paul Gilligan and John Coyle

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HEAD TO HEAD

COMPLETE RESULT TABLE COMPETITON FOOTBALL LEAGUE

FA CUP

LEAGUE CUP

EFL Trophy GRAND TOTAL

P W D L F A H 29 14 7 8 55 32 A 29 9 12 8 40 36 N 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 58 23 19 16 95 68 H 1 0 0 1 2 3 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 N 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 1 0 0 1 2 3 H 2 1 0 1 4 2 A 1 0 1 0 1 1 N 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 3 1 1 1 5 3 H 2 1 1 0 1 0 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 N 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0

64 25 21 18 103 74 17

AWAY TEAM SCUNTHORPE UNITED

TOP STOPPER Experienced keeper Gilks is probably best known for his time with Blackpool, being a part of the Seasiders’ squad that reached the Premier League.

He signed for the Iron this summer following half a season with Wigan Athletic.

Starting out with hometown team Rochdale, Gilks made close to 200 appearances for the Dale, before finding his way to Bloomfield Road.

With Blackpool, he established himself as number one, and helped them to reach the Premier League in 2010, via the Championship play-offs, and also earned three international caps with Scotland during his time with the Tangerines.

Spells with Burnley and Rangers followed, before Gilks found himself at Glanford Park, penning a two-year deal.

MATT GILKS

1

MIDFIELD MAESTRO Versatile midfielder Morris is another Iron man to have made the switch from Bradford City to Glanford Park, as he signed last summer and made a great start to life with Scunthorpe.

Despite starting out with Blackburn Rovers, Morris spent most of his time away from Ewood Park, being sent out on five loan spells, and it was his two with Fleetwood that were his most successful.

He then spent a season with Bradford City before joining the Iron in 2016.

In his first campaign with United, Morris scored 20 goals and assisted 17, earning himself two League One Player of the Month awards, and was named in both the EFL and PFA Team of the Year.

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JOSH MORRIS

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DEFENSIVE ROCK Captain McArdle signed for the Iron this summer, following a successful spell with Sky Bet League One rivals Bradford City.

RORY McARDLE

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It was with the Bantams that McArdle had his most fruitful spell as a professional, being a part of the famous Bradford side that reached the League Cup final in 2013, before scoring to earn them promotion via the League Two play-off final later that year.

McArdle maintained his position in the Bantams’ side after making the step up a division, and last season was a key player for them, as they lost out to Millwall in the League One play-off final in May. He signed a three-year deal at Glanford Park this summer, and was named captain by Graham Alexander for this season.

DEADLY STRIKER Irishman Madden is now in his fifth season with the Iron, after signing from Yeovil Town in January 2014.

PADDY MADDEN

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Madden signed for Carlisle United in 2011, after spending the first part of his career in his native Ireland, but it was a loan spell with Yeovil Town that kick-started his career in England.

Nine goals in 15 league games earned Madden a permanent move to Somerset, and followed that up with a further seven goals as he helped the Glovers to reach the Championship, as he scored in the League One play-off final at Wembley in 2013.

Madden arrived at Glanford Park half way through the following season, and, while it took him a month to score his first goal, he quickly found his feet, and he recently became the Iron’s tenth-highest all-time goal scorer with his goals away at Plymouth Argyle.

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JOINT FIVE-A-SIDE GOALKEEPER SAM JOHNSTONE

Sam got his first taste of first-team football with Scunthorpe, joining them on loan from Manchester United in September 2011. He made his debut for Alan Knill’s men in a 1-1 stalemate with Sheffield United, and went on to make 12 appearances for the men from North Lincolnshire. His career has been epitomised by loan moves, and he moved to Rovers in January 2014 following an injury to Ross Turnbull.

He returned to the Keepmoat Stadium in October that year. He is still at Old Trafford, but has also been sent out to Oldham, Walsall, Yeovil, Preston and Aston Villa – the latter is where he is currently plying his trade.

DEFENDERS Rob JONES

The North-East born defender is an iconic figure at Rovers having been a key part of the side in the memorable title-sealing win at Bre––tford. He signed for Rovers in July 2012, moving from Sheffield Wednesday, and spent almost four years at the club. He also contributed on the coaching side under Brian Flynn and was caretaker boss after Paul Dickov’s departure. His time at Scunthorpe was less happy as the Iron were relegated from the Championship, but he had been

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a regular as Nigel Adkins’ men battled gamely against the drop. He was most recently found at Hartlepool United, but left them this summer after their relegation out of the EFL.

Andy BUTLER Andy is a Doncaster lad through and through, but was picked up by the Iron rather than his hometown club. He broke into the team under Brian Laws in late 2003, and predictable scored his first goal for the club against Rovers in February 2004. His first season in professional football was a baptism of fire as the Iron only just held on to their Football League status, but a year later he was celebrating his first promotion. More than 150 appearances later, and having featured in the Championship for Scunthorpe, he moved to Huddersfield on a Bosman transfer in the summer of 2008. Four profitable years at Walsall were followed by a move to Sheffield United then Rovers - initially on loan, before a permanent switch in October 2014. He has been a regular in the side, and his work off the pitch saw him named PFA Community Player of the Season for 2016/17.

went on to make 268 appearances before a move to Scunthorpe in 1985. He had five seasons with the Iron, famously scoring the last goal at the Old Showground before the 1988 move to Glanford Park.

STRIKER Billy SHARP

An iconic figure at both clubs, Scunthorpe paid a fee of around ÂŁ100,000 to take the highly-rated youngster from Sheffield United in the summer of 2005. He hit form at Glanford Park, forming a deadly partnership with Andy Keogh which effectively fired the Iron to the 2006 League One title. His goalscoring pedigree earned him a ÂŁ2million move back to the Blades two years later. He moved to Rovers on loan in 2009, before making it permanent a year later. He was MIDFIELDER reunited with his former Steve Iron boss LISTER Nigel Steve racked up well over 400 Adkins at appearances in professional football, Southampton almost exclusively at the Iron and before another Rovers. The Doncaster-born man came loan back to through the ranks at his hometown club, Rovers and spells at impressing Billy Bremner enough to break Leeds and another into the first-team at the end of the 1978- return to his beloved 79 season. He established himself and Sheffield United.

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MY WEEK: FITNESS COACHES Ben Rome and Daniel Solts talk us through the steps they take to keep Rovers’ players as fit as possible MONDAY We have a meeting with the fitness and medical staff, and go through the plan for the week as well as any injuries picked up during Saturday’s game. We discuss any players that might need to come out of training or have their training levels altered. We then have a full staff meeting with the management. Dan looks at the players’ wellness scores - they fill in sheets when they come in about how they slept, if they are tired and their mood.

It’s a bit of a conversation starter, if there is a trend wth a few players with muscle tightness or fatigue we can alter the training accordingly. We also do hydration tests on three players at random.

Mondays tend to have a video meeting with the squad, before we do an activation session with the players - those who played on Saturday then tend to have a more gentle session, while those who didn’t have a catch-up session. They also do pilates before lunch TUESDAY If there is not a midweek game then the full squad trains in what tends to be an overload day so it will be more demanding. We are looking at the physical aspects of training, monitoring the heart and distances covered as well

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as accelarations and decelerations. After lunch, everyone will go to the gym where focus is on development of the lower body. The players have individual programmes or are buddied up.

WEDNESDAY Occasionally if there is an injured player coming close to fitness we would be in, but traditionally this is a full day off for everybody as a recovery day.

THURSDAY This tends to be a day focused on the upcoming game, so the intensity drops off a lite bit. The manager introduces meetings with video clips of the opposition to focus on what we are going to do on the technical side of things. After lunch the players will come back into the gym for sessions more focused on their upper bodies and cores.

FRIDAY We tend to have similar sessions as the day before. They are short and sharp, with small-sided games which gets high-intensity running in without the fatigue.

The afternoon is about recovery for the players, so they either go home or to a swimming pool. If we’re away on the Saturday we have to factor in the travelling time.

MATCHDAY 12.30pm: Our arrival at the ground depends on whether Joe Wright, who we car pool with, has turned up on time. If he has turned up on time then we report to the ground at about 12.30pm.

12.45pm: We start by setting up the ice towels and ice baths, as well as the pre and post game drinks. We make sure the energy gels and NutritionX supplements are out.

1pm: The players start arriving.

Everyone has different routines, some like to do a lot in our warm-up room before going out onto the grass while some like to keep themselves to themselves.

For those that want it, we do stretching and mobility work.

2.20pm: We go out onto the pitch and spend half an hour warming up with the players. The players have a couple of minutes to themselves for some gentle strides or to get a feel of the ball. We get them all in together for some back mobility work, squats and lunges before a lined warm-up to raise the heart-rate to get their bodies ready for the game.

2.35pm: The players do a passing drill, before the starting XI do some small-sided sessons.

The back three or four go with

the assistant Gavin Strachan to do some defensive work and the forwards are with the goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard for some finishing.

2.50pm: The players are back in the dressing room, so we help Steve the kitman get all the equipment back in, and make sure there are enough drinks in the dugout.

3.45pm: Dan stays in the dressing room making sure the players get hydrated properly and handing out ice towels if it’s hot. Ben stays out with the subs, doing a little passing drill then some speed, agility and quickness work.

5pm: Dan makes sure the players have a recovery drink then takes the starting XI for a comprehensive cool down on the pitch for 5-10 minutes.

Ben takes players who haven’t played for a running drill, trying to replicate some of the high intensity metres they would have got had they played.

SUNDAY There are recovery protocols for the players, which we like them to do at home as we believe it should be a family day. Ideally they can get into a swimming pool for a session as that is very beneficial for recovery purposes.

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YOUTH TEAM FIXTURES YOUTH ALLIANCE LEAGUE Sat Aug 5 Grimsby Town Sat Aug 12 Bradford City Sat Aug 26 Bury (YL Cup) Sat Sep 2 Sat Sep 9 Sat Sep 16 Sat Sep 23 Sat Sep 30

Scunthorpe L1-2 Mansfield Town D 0-0 Cup group match 2 Oldham Athletic Chesterfield

Sat Oct 7 Sat Oct 14 Sat Oct 28

Cup group match 3 Hartlepool United Notts County

Sat Nov 4 Sat Nov 11 Sat Nov 18

Cup group match 4 Rotherham United Lincoln City

CENTRAL LEAGUE Tues Sept 5 Bradford City L 1-2 Tues Sept 19 Rotherham 2pm Wed Oct 4 Port Vale 2pm Tues Oct 10 Walsall (CL Cup) 2pm Tues Nov 7 Hartlepool 2pm Tues Nov 14 Port Vale (CL Cup) 1pm Tues Dec 12 Walsall 2pm Tues Jan 9 Morecambe 1pm Tues Jan 16 Bradford City 2pm Tues Jan 23 Port Vale 1pm Tues Jan 30 Mansfield Town 1pm Tues Feb 6 Rotherham 2pm Tues Feb 27 York City 1pm Tues Mar 20 Grimsby Town 2pm Tues Mar 27 Walsall 1pm Tues April 10 Morecambe 1pm

Sat Dec 2 Sat Dec 9 Sat Dec 16

Burton Albion Cup area quarter- finals York City

Bold denotes home fixture All Youth Allaince fixtures are 11am kick-off unless stated

Sat Jan 6 Sat Jan 13 Sat Jan 20 Sat Jan 27

Mansfield Town Cup area semi-finals Scunthorpe United Chesterfield

Sat Feb 3 Sat Feb 10 Sat Feb 24

Cup area final Oldham Athletic Notts County

Sat Mar 3 Sat Mar 17 Sat Mar 24

Hartlepool United Lincoln City Rotherham United

Sat Apr 7 Sat Apr 14 Sat Apr 21 Sat Apr 28

York City Burton Albion Grimsby Town Bradford City

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L 0-3 L1-2 L 0-4

Words from the Academy manager

KIERAN SCARFF I would like to take this opportunity to welcome two new full-time members of staff.

Tony Mee has stepped into the role of lead youth development phase coach.

Tony will be responsible for all football matters in the U13s-U16s age groups. His experience of academy football and player development will certainly support our vision of producing more players through our academy programme.

Tony Cook has joined us as head of academy coaching. Tony has nearly 20 years’ experience working full-time in academy football, mainly with Nottingham Forest and more recently with Coventry City. The role of head of coaching is focused mainly on supporting the development of our coaches in line with our coaching and playing philosophy. This is a vitally important role. I know Tony

will play a massive part in supporting not only the development of our coaches but consequently our players and the programme as a whole.

It was great to see the gaffer watching the U9s-U12s train earlier this week.

This is something he does on a regular basis and is another example of his drive to support the development of the whole club in a sustainable manner.

I know the coaches, players and parents really value his input and the genuine interest he shows.

Good luck to the gaffer, the staff and players ahead of today’s game.

Paul Stancliffe was pleased with the effort his team put in to earn a point against Mansfield Town U18s on Saturday. Neither side managed to break the deadlock, but given the Stags are the defending champions Stancliffe was happy with the performance.

He said: “When you come to places like this you know you’re in for a tough battle.

They’re not going to give you much time on the ball so you have to work hard to get your rewards and we did. We’re really pleased it’s a clean sheet. We’ve worked hard and as a team effort it was brilliant and and they put you under a lot of pressure, but thought we created the better chances.”

Rovers’ best chance of the first half came when Myron Gibbons broke through Mansfield’s defence only to pull the trigger from 30 yards out and the ball went over the bar – much to Mansfield’s relief. Gibbons was one of two players who returned from injury, along with Rilwan Olaosun.

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TEN YEARS AGO: DONCASTER ROVERS IN SEASON 2007-08. Part 4 Rovers did not return to action after the defeat at Northampton until Sunday September 16 2007, by which time other results had seen them drop into the bottom four. The home game with Crewe Alexandra was put back a day due to the St Leger on the Saturday.

Manager Sean O’Driscoll reverted to a four-man defence, so Gordon Greer dropped out and with Mark McCammon injured, Paul Heffernan and Lewis Guy both started the game.

Rovers dominated the early proceedings but struggled to get past visiting goalkeeper Ben Williams, who made a fine save from Brian Stock.

Any fears of a repeat of the frustration at Northampton were dispelled on 31 minutes when Heffernan latched onto a pass from Richie Wellens, lobbed the advancing Williams and carried on to force the ball home.

Early in the second half defender Danny Woodards turned Guy’s centre into his own goal and Rovers ended up convincing 2-0 winners.

There was further good news, with J. J. Price (right) making a brief substitute appearance, his first outing since Apri 1l following an Achilles injury.

Rovers’ next assignment was a trickylooking trip to Southend United the following Saturday. With the back three

26

in place again it was James Hayter’s turn to make way for Greer, while James Coppinger made a return to the bench after injury.

In an action-packed first half the home side took the lead through Barrett after 25 minutes only for Gareth Roberts to equalise three minutes later, the leftback firing a free-kick through a poorlyconstructed defensive wall.

Roberts then helped Rovers to a half-time lead, sending Guy clear. His shot was blocked by the Southend goalkeeper but the ball rebounded back onto Guy and from there into the unguarded net.

Southend had obviously been given a stiff team-talk at the break because they dominated for 15 minutes in what was to be the decisive phase of the game. After 49 minutes a cross was headed down by Harrold for McCormack to make it 2-2.

Then just before the hour Matt Mills was adjudged to have fouled Leon Clarke in the area. The striker picked himself up and scored from the spot.

Rovers sent on Hayter, Coppinger and Sean McDaid and the latter almost equalised, firing just wide after Mark Wilson’s shot had been blocked. But Rovers returned empty handed from another away trip.

Away from the action on the pitch there was a change in the Boardroom with Dick

Watson being named vice-chairman in place of Jim Beresford. Watson and Terry Bramall had become involved in Rovers around a year earlier at the invitation of chairman John Ryan and this was the first sign of the pair’s growing influence behind the scenes.

Rovers rounded off September’s programme with the visit of Cheltenham Town on Saturday 29.

A 2-0 victory lifted Rovers into 13th place and, while they had enjoyed successive home wins. their away form remained a cause forconcern.

Any thoughts that the Keepmoat Stadium was now a fortress were soon to be dispelled.

John Coyle

Hayter returned for Greer in a side that had a very attacking look to it.

Again, Rovers dominated and took the lead after 18 minutes when Stock’s pass found Guy who rounded goalkeeper Higgs to score from a narrow angle.

Rovers suffered a blow when Gareth Roberts was forced off at the interval, McDaid taking his place, but after 58 minutes they doubled their lead.

Guy forced a fine save from Higgs and from the resulting corner Stock’s flag-kick was headed in powerfully

by Mills.

27

NEWS

Jordan Houghton is pleased to be back in Doncaster after his return on loan from Chelsea on deadline day.

omen looking at the results when I went, but I’m a football fan and I wanted to be in with the atmosphere.

Houghton spent most of last season with Rovers, helping them to earn promotion back to Sky Bet League One, before a knee injury against Luton Town in February cut short his time in South Yorkshire.

“It was a good experience to be sat with them, and one of the main factors of me coming back was the fans. They’ve shown me a lot of support and they made it clear that they wanted me back.”

“From a human being’s point of view, to have all the support from all these people that don’t know you personally, it is nice to see and looking through all the messages from fans,” Houghton said.

“I didn’t really expect to get all the reception from the fans when I sat in the stands, I might not have been the best

28

Houghton was also grateful for all the messages and support from his teammates and the Rovers staff, too “It was a long recovery and I really enjoyed my time here, and so I was more than grateful for the opportunity to come back, it was difficult, I might have missed a few games at the start but I’m here now and I’m ready,” he added.

Hello everyone, Welcome to our game against Scunthorpe United and thank you all for joining us today. I was recently invited to a birthday party at Cast (theatre) and I had lots of fun. I was even given a slice of cake! I am pleased you are all enjoying my kennel. Enjoy your trip to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and fingers crossed I will see you there!

Let’s make lots of noise today and it’s a shame my friend Scunny Bunny was not able to make it.

Enjoy the game!

Donny DOg

Cast Birthday Bash

Gracie my new friend

In my kennel

29

30

31

Today’s Mascots

Miles Chandler

Age: 9 Hobbies: Playing football and Xbox Favourite Player: Alfie May

Joshua Fisher

Age: 9 Hobbies: Football (playing, watching and talking about it) Favourite Player: James Coppinger

Happy Birthday Gracie May Andrew Morgarose Askham Bradley Barnes Ryan Boddy Lee Bucknell Joshua Cockett Eve Creegan Luke Crossley Daniel Curtis Harry De-St-Aubin Erin Elder Elliot Fraser Nathan French Amy Frost Harry Frost Oliver Frost Logan Galloway Ryan Gladders Frankie Goward Adam Grady

Alyssa Hampson Luke Hampson Molly Humphreys Toby Hunt Tyler McInnes Nathan Murphy Connor Nicholls Isaac Ogley Jack Ploughwright Jack Price Charley-Rose Reynolds Erin Rowe Olivia Sarson Tyler Sherwin Lucie Smith Noah Taylor Davoy Thomas Lewis Utley Bailey Willard Theo Woodhouse

Lost your friends or family? If you become separated just find your nearest steward – they are the people wearing the bright orange jacket – and they will help you find them!

32

Harvey Bissell

Age: 9 Hobbies: Football uis & Ian Lawlor Favourite Player: John Marq

Donny’s Score Prediction Erik’s Score Prediction

3-2

2-1

MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE

Doncaster Rovers offer match day experiences open to local sports clubs and children’s groups to experience life behind the scenes on a match day. For just £250, the package incudes: ∙ 10 x junior and 2 x adult tickets ∙ stadium tour, inc. changing rooms ∙ training session ∙ photo and write up in the programme plus five complimentary copies ∙ pre-match activity such as flag bearers or high five line up ∙ half-time activity such as penalties v Donny Dog or play on the pitch. ∙ discounted adult tickets available as part of package We also offer mascot and escort a player packages for children aged 5-13. Here,

you can meet the players pre match in the changing rooms, experience a VIP mini stadium tour, have your picture in the programme and walk out with a first team Rovers player! Prices start at £30 per child.

So whether you are celebrating a birthday, a recent team success or would just like a great value day out with lots of fun, contact Nicola on 01302 764665 or email nicola.moran@clubdoncaster.co.uk.

33

OFFICIAL PARTNERS OF DONCASTER ROVERS Platinum+ Partners

Platinum Partners

partners Gold Partners

Silver Partners

HSR Law Solicitors

Eric Twigg Foods

The Horse Bit Shop

John Mee Construction

8Point8

Bronze Partners Moirae Creative Agency Signum Facilities Management CopyPrint Bawtry Home Cinema

Doncaster Cables Fast Fit Car + Commercial Andrew Isaacs Solicitors Atherton Godfrey Solicitors

John Hill Associate Keid Consulting YESSS Electrical Bidfood CAST

Dickies Workwear Frenchgate Fleet Direct Taskmaster Jenkinson Electrical

COMMERCIAL Welcome to today’s game against Scunthorpe United. We welcome Graham Alexander, his team, staff and fans to what looks like a promising local derby.

The Iron face a Rovers side, still yet to beaten at home in the League this season and will want to maintain their position in the playoff places with three points today.

Rovers, however, will have other ideas and with the return of midfielder Jordan Houghton and an all round strengthened side, a win looks very promising.

Let’s get behind the whole team today and hope to be celebrating after 90 minutes.

We are joined today by match sponsor HSR Law, a Doncaster-based solicitors firm that strives for excellence in all areas of work to provide clear advice, tangible results and the best possible customer service.

Joe Wright collected his Man of the Match award from Legends’ Club member Tony Merryweather after the Peterborough game

HSR Law’s solicitors have provided legal advice to generations of clients and businesses in the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire regions for more than 150 years.

Today the firm has established itself as a leading law firm with a reputation for fast, thorough and efficient work.

We are now taking bookings for the Shrewsbury game on Tuesday September 26, 7.45pm KO. For just £50 per head plus VAT, you can enjoy the game from the best seats in the house after enjoying a three course meal, drinks reception, complimentary programmes and team sheets.

To book, please call 01302 764665 or email commercial@clubdoncaster.co.uk.

Our matchball sponsors Pinders are pictured here with Tommy Rowe at the Peterborough match

Virgin Trains were our match sponsor at the Peterborough game and chose Tommy Rowe as their Man of the Match.

35

PLAYER SPONSORS

IAN LAWLOR

CRAIG ALCOCK

GOALKEEPER

DANNY ANDREW

DEFENDER

Sponsored by

DEFENDER

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

PETER AND NICK VUCKOVIC

Home

Home

In Memory of Tim Holl

01

Away

02

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Home

Home

The Farrell Family

05

Away

DEFENDER

Sponsored by Home

DRFC Supporters Club - Main Branch

06

NIALL MASON

RODNEY KONGOLO

Away

DRFC Supporters Club - North Branch

JOHN MARQUIS

MIDFIELDER

MIDFIELDER

Away ANDREW BUTLER

Sewa Singh

April Thomas

07

03

Away

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

Away

Retford Supporters Club

MATHIEU BAUDRY

LUKE McCULLOUGH

04

Home

South Kirkby Post Office

STRIKER

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Home

Home

Home

Away

08

Away

The Farrell Family

Michael King

09

ANDY WILLIAMS

TOMMY ROWE

BEN WHITEMAN

STRIKER

MIDFIELDER

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Away

Sponsored by

TIBERIUS BATCHELOR AND

ROSSINGTON HALL Home

Home

Retford Supporters Club

10

Away

South Kirkby Post Office

11

GOALKEEPER

DEFENDER

Sponsored by

Home

DRFC Supporters Club - Main Branch

Dr Erskine

Irene Holt

Away

14

Steven Bell True Potential Wealth Management

Away

JOE WRIGHT

Home

Home Away

12

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

13

Away

Home

LIAM MANDEVILLE STRIKER

MARKO MAROSI

2

DRFC Supporters Club - Main Branch

15

Away

MATTY BLAIR

JORDAN HOUGHTON

17

Richard Royston

20

ALFIE BEESTIN

Home

23

ISSAM BEN KHEMIS MIDFIELDER

Home

21

In Memory of Carl AKA Choco

Away JAMES COPPINGER MIDFIELDER

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

THE WHEATSHEAF CIRENCESTER

Daniel Calow

Home

Home

Away

Away

South Kirby Post Office

Max Pearson

26

REECE FIELDING

Goodnight Sleeptight Beds

TYLER WALKER

DEFENDER

DEFENDER

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Home

Home

Home

Keith McGlone

27

Johnson Environmental Consultants

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored by

22

Sponsored by

ALEX KIWOMYA

MIDFIELDER

Away

STRIKER

Donny Gnome On Tour - Paul Mayfield

Away

Away

WILL LONGBOTTOM

Home

Home

Donny Gnome On Tour - Paul Mayfield

18

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Jackie Farrell

Away

Home

DEFENDER

STRIKER

19

In Memory of Jill McGarry from Paul and Dan

TYLER GARRATT

ALFIE MAY

Away

Sponsored by

Home

Home Away

DEFENDER

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

16

HARRY TOFFOLO

MIDFIELDER

MIDFIELDER

Away

LOUIS JONES GOALKEEPER

Sponsored by

Pegler Yorkshire

29

Away

DARREN FERGUSON MANAGER

32

Away

DONNY DOG MASCOT

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Home

Home

Away

Away

STADIUM STARS DAY NURSERY

Home

33

Away

3

NEWS

The Doncaster Chamber have rewarded their staff with DNA Cards as the new scheme from Club Doncaster comes into its own.

The exciting new DNA Card offers great deals from a wide range of local and national firms. Staff at the Chamber will now have access to these fantastic discounts.

Dan Fell, chief executive of the Chamber, said: “Signing up our staff to the DNA Card is a perfect fit for us, as we are all about working with local businesses.

“We’ve worked with Club Doncaster for many years, and it is brilliant to see them partnering with other local companies to drive this project which brings real benefits for local people and businesses.”

Jim Lord, commercial director of Club Doncaster, said: “This is a real sign of

38

the DNA Card maturing. We now have thousands of DNA Cards in circulation and we are building lasting relationships with local businesses to ensure we get the best deals for our users.

“I’ve been delighted with the work done by our team to build relationships, and hope that now the Chamber staff can see them first hand they can help us to develop the card further and assist in our work as we look to provide more great deals.”

DNA Card deals include 25 per cent off any advance bookings with Virgin Train East Coast and discounts off major brands such as Costa, Starbucks, iTunes, Amazon and several leading supermarket chains.

Businesses looking to sign up their staff to take advantage of the benefits of being a DNA Card member should contact our DNA Card co-ordinator Lauren Wright at lauren.wright@clubdoncaster.co.uk.

T

DNACARD STACKED WITH HUNDREDS OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL DISCOUNTS INCLUDING SAVE UPTO 53% ON ADMISSION

SAVE 10%

SAVE UP TO 10% AT THE OFFICIAL APPLE STORY

SAVE 13%

25% OFF IN THE CROWN HOTEL RESTAURANT

SAVE 10%

SAVE 10% IN CLUB DONCASTER SHOP

FREE FIRSTDAY TRAVEL PASS

SAVE 9% WITH A GIFT CARD

SAVE 10% ON STANDARD BED & BREAKFAST

25% OFF ADVANCED FARES

To register your card and to view your discounts please visit mydnabenefits.co.uk All discounts are subject to change and terms and conditions

LOTTERY RESULTS – WK 38 All Rovers Alliance members are automatically entered into the weekly lottery, this week the following members have won prizes through their Rovers Alliance numbers.

Rovers Alliance Lottery winners 9693 Michael Black £500 9648 Bethany Epton £25 9281 David Ross £25 9184 Barry Raw Cheswold Meal Voucher 9329 Patricia Lister two complimentary match tickets 9409 Keith Medcalf Sun Inn Meal

Two £50 winners 0924 G King 7203 I Barron

Hexthorpe Doncaster

Four £25 winners 0655 S Milner Doncaster 5209 J Smith Balby 9648 B Epton Carcroft 9281 D Ross Arksey

Sponsored prize winners 6416 D Beevers Canal Tavern meal 9184 B Raw Cheswold meal 6991 M Stokes Corner Pin meal 4127 G Ward Hatfields meal 7164 I Barron Trades & Labour Club

meal The Rovers Alliance costs just £2.25 per 8514 J Bingham Eagle & Child meal week and comes packed with numerous 4318 B Lovell Ship Inn meal benefits, not only do members get entry 2985 G Birks Med @ The Market meal into the weekly lottery draw but they 2751 C Wilmot Angel Inn meal are also entered into the annual Super 9409 L Medcalf Sun Inn meal Jackpot Draw (with a guaranteed prize of 6355 S Copitt White Swan meal £10,000) and numerous draws for money 1106 R Meachen Priority Salon voucher can’t buy prizes. Other fantastic benefits 5317 M Bucknall Grove Inn meal include 5% discount on season tickets and 6861 J Dewsnap Coleman’s Pizzeria 10% off all corporate hospitality packages. & Steak House meal 2170 D Schofield Woodfield Farm meal For more information about the benefits 6981 M Stokes Blacksmith’s Arm meal of joining Rovers Alliance, please e-mail 3469 B Hickson Vintage Bar meal reception@clubdoncaster.co.uk 9329 P Lister two complimentary match tickets Several other Rovers fans were also winners this week through their £1 lottery membership, the full list of winners is as follows: Winning Number – 9693 M Black, Doncaster, wins £500 Next week’s top prize £500

40

Win tickets

The EFL logo is the UK registered trade mark of The Football League Limited trading as the EFL/ English Football League. Also contains EFL copyright material. All rights reserved. The Carabao name and logo are registered trade marks of Carabao Tawandang Co Ltd. All rights reserved.

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

42

The latest from the

Communications team

Monday’s Meet The Owners event provided the latest opportunity for Rovers supporters to gain an insight into the running of the club.

This is the second Meet The Owners since I joined the club, and we learnt from our coverage of the previous event – which was hopefully reflected in our video coverage. Not only was this, hopefully, the most professional-looking video of such an event, but we had it available on our YouTube channel shortly after 9am the following morning.

If you have not seen the video and would want to, then check it out at YouTube. com/DoncasterRoversofficial.

I did get my first question, which was to explain that as a club we paid tribute to Bill Green in our last home programme and John Ogston is remembered today - I’d like to thank John Coyle and Paul Gilligan for their help with words on both former Rovers players.

iFollow Rovers continues to excite and frustrate us as a media team – I made three phone calls inside 10 minutes to our providers Neulion from Sixfields last Saturday when I realised those expecting to listen to our commentary were instead getting Preston v Barnsley.

I also spent much of the first-half at Rochdale trying to get Neulion to switch the feeds as we were getting the home commentary and the Dale subsribers were getting ours.

Let me assure you it is as frustrating for me as it is for you listening.

We will always act as soon as we see any issues on matchdays, but the quickest way of ensuring someone at Neulion is aware of the problem remains the live chat tool on the club website or by emailing ifollow@efl.com.

Luke Thornhill Club Doncaster media manager

43

SUPPORTERS Official Supporters Club A good afternoon, and a big welcome to the Keepmoat Stadium for our league one encounter with our close rivals Scunthorpe United. We hope their fans have had an incident free journey along the M180, they will certainly bring a good following and have been in very good form of late.

I always enjoy this fixture, having worked in Scunny for 27 years, and always enjoyed the banter – and, if we beat them, my dear friend Brian Cocking, God-bless him, used to hoist the Rovers flag above the Sauce Company, for passing motorists on the A18. And besides the result let’s hope they enjoy the “Keepmoat experience”. Let’s hope it’s a classic game.

I hope everyone who wants one has managed to get a ticket for the visit to the Emirates Stadium, it will be a massive thing for all the Rovers fans travelling, with the tickets at only £10 and £5 we should take take in excess of 4,000, All coaches will leave car park 2 at 1pm, if you are bringing your car down to the ground, please come early, and park in car park 3, or car share if possible. Please remember NO ALCOHOL is allowed on any of the coaches. The Supporters Club will be selling coach tickets at today’s game outside the Belle Vue Bar. For more details call me on 07961727769.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Retford Branch AGM and we had more than 55 people on the boat trip down the River

44

Don last weekend. The next away game is at Plymouth next Saturday, hopefully we have got day coaches going, and a mini weekender, followed by Bradford City on September 30 – bus fares and times are listed in the programme for the season, you can join the supporters club on the away coaches and automatically get your reduced travel on the day.

Our North Branch also run coaches to most away games from Carcroft, Adwick, and points along the A19 , a good active branch, it makes it much easier to travel if you live that way on call 07780316923 for more information.

We also run coaches for certain games from the Sprotborough are, and travel club have pick up’s in the Hatfield area.

Don’t forget we DO run a Bus to all home games from Retford to the Keepmoat, stopping at Harworth, Rossington and along the main route down Bawtry Road so put your hand up to stop us.

You can join the Supporters Club on the away coaches or at the Supporters Club shop which is situated in the Club Doncaster Academy before home matches, you can also book on the coaches or call Paul on 07961727769, or you can download a form at doncasterrovers-supportersclub.com If you need any old programmes, the Supporters Club shop has a vast variety stretching over the past 40 years.

Rovers till we die Paul Mayfield

Viking Supporters Co-Operative Football is the national game, and football supporters are the lifeblood of the game.

While many privately owned football clubs are well run, ours included, there are numerous examples over the years where this model of ownership has failed the supporters of that club, and has led to a number of clubs becoming either partly or fully owned by those supporters.

Recently the Minister Of Sport set up the Expert Working Group with the intention of looking at ways to improve engagement and dialogue between clubs and fans, and therefore to improve transparency and trust.

discuss a very broad range of topics. It is early days for this new Board, but so far the signs are very encouraging in that nothing has been held back and the trust between club and supporters is evident.

As the meetings progress we hope to be able to announce the progress that has been made.

Suffice to say that DRFC have not only met the new requirements but have exceeded them in both frequency and content, and that is something we can once again be proud of.

IRWT Martin O’Hara

The detailed recommendations from the EWG led to the government instructing the Football League and the Premier League to enter into structured dialogue with those supporters, and especially with the supporters trust at that club.

The EFL issued a new league rule informing clubs of the minimum requirement for meeting with supporters and the kind of topics that should be included. That new rule came into force for the 2016/17 season.

As you may be aware the club hold two Meet The Owners events each year which meet the criteria set down by the EFL. On top of that the club have initiated a Supporters Board which meets on a monthly basis during the season to

45

AWAY TRAVEL

Rovers travel to North London to face Premier League giants Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday September 20.

Ground: Emirates Stadium Capacity: 60,432 (all seated) Phone: 0207 619 5003 Postcode: N5 1BU Travelling by car: From the A1, join the Barnet By-Pass and continue onto North Circular Road. Keep right to continue on Falloden Way, then continue onto Lyttelton Road, then Aylmer Road. Turn left onto Sandridge Street, then left again onto Jackson Road. Turn right onto Lowman Road then right onto A103 Hornsey Road, and the ground is on the left.

Travelling by train: The nearest tube station to the Emirates Stadium is Arsenal station, which is located less than a quarter of a mile from the ground.

46

Rovers travel to the South West to face Plymouth Argyle in Sky Bet League One on Saturday September 23.

Ground: Home Park Capacity: 16,388 (all seated) Phone: 01752 562561 Postcode: PL2 3DQ Travelling by car: From the A38 Devon Expressway, leave to join the A386 slip road to the A374, and then at the roundabout take the second exit.

Merge on to A386 Outland Road, before turning left on to Mayflower Drive, then take another left and the ground is on the right.

Travelling by train: The nearest train station to Home Park is Plymouth station, which is located just over a mile from the ground. There are bus services that travel close to Home Park from the station.

DATE

OPPONENT

RET

HAW 4.35PM

4.45PM

BAWTRY

ROSS 4.45PM

4.50PM

MILL/C

DRI 5.00PM

5.05PM

WATER/D

KEEP 5.15PM

8.45AM

8.45AM

8.50AM

9.00AM 9.05AM

9.15AM

£15.00 £22.00

CON

Wigan Athletic

Oxford United

Bristol Rovers

21/11/17

09/12/17

23/12/17

4.30PM

3.35PM 3.45PM

8.15AM

28/04/18

MK Dons

£23.00

Gillingham

9.05AM 9.15 AM

14/04/18

8.50AM 9.00 AM

8.40 AM 8.50 AM 8.55AM

9.00 AM

1.00PM

6.00PM

Home Bus Sat

Home Bus Night

6.20PM

1.20PM -

6.30PM

1.30PM

6.35PM

1.35PM

-

-

-

-

Oldham Athletic 11.15 AM 11.20AM 11.30AM 11.30AM 11.35AM 11.45AM 11.50AM

6.45PM

1.45PM

NOON

10.00 AM 10.05 AM 10.15 AM 10.15 AM 10.20 AM 10.30 AM 10.35AM 10.45 AM

8.15 AM 8.25 AM 8.35 AM 8.35 AM

£15.00

£15.00

£22.00

9.45 AM 9:50 AM 10.00AM 10.00 AM 10.05 AM 10.15 AM 10.25AM 10.30 AM £15.00

8.30 AM 8.35 AM 8.45 AM 8.45 AM

07/04/18

£18.00

£26.00

Blackpool

4.15 PM

30/03/18

4.05PM

7.50 AM 8.00 AM 8.05AM

3.45 PM 3.50PM 4.00PM

Southend United

3.30PM 3.35 PM 3.45 PM

7.30 AM 7.35 AM 7.45 AM 7.45 AM

9.45 AM 9.50 AM 10.10 AM 10.10AM 10.15AM 10.20 AM 10.25AM 10.30 AM £16.00

12.50PM 13.00 PM £11.00

£15.00

Rotherham United 12.15 PM 12.25PM 12.35PM 12.35 PM 12.40 PM 12.45PM 12.50PM 13.00 PM £11.00

Walsall

13/02/18

£16.00 £20.00

9.15 AM £23.00

9.45 AM

3.50PM 4.00 PM 9.35AM

10/03/18

Portsmouth

03/02/18

£15.00

24/02/18

Scunthorpe Utd

Shrewsbury Town

06/01/18

20/01/18

£13.00

9.50 AM 10.00 AM 10.05AM 10.15AM £16.00

9.05 AM 9.15 AM 9.15 AM 9.20 AM 9.30 AM

3.20 PM 3.30 PM 3.30 PM

NOON

£29.00

9.15 AM £22.00

11.20AM 11.30AM

9.05AM

8.30 AM 8.35 AM 8.45 AM 8.45 AM 8.50 AM 9.00 AM 9.05AM

9.00AM

3.15PM

9.30 AM 9.35 AM 9.45 AM 9.45 AM

10.45 AM 11.05AM 11.00AM 11.00AM 11.10AM 11.15AM

8.30 AM 8.35 AM 8.45 AM 8.45 AM 8.50 AM 9.00 AM

11.15 AM 11.30 AM 11.20 AM 11.30 AM 11.35 AM 1 1.45 AM 11.50AM

7.15 AM

4.35PM 4.45 PM

12.15 PM 12.25PM 12.35PM 12.35 PM 12.40 PM 12.45PM

Fleetwood Town

18/11/17

4.20PM

10.45 AM 10.50AM 11.00AM 11.00AM 11.10AM 11.15AM 11.20AM 11.30AM

Bury

28/10/17

4.15 PM

6.30AM 6.40 AM 6.45 AM 6.45 AM 6.55 AM 7.00 AM 7.05AM

4.00PM 4.05 PM 4.15 PM

01/01/18 Peterborough Utd

Bradford City

Charlton Athletic

30/09/17

14/10/17

Rochdale

Plymouth Argyle

12/09/17

23/09/17

£18.00

ADULT

£20.00 £17.00

£17.00

£24.00

£17.00

£25.00

£12.00

£20.00

£28.00

£18.00

£12.00

£17.00

£25.00

£22.00

£18.00

£18.00

£17.00

£24.00

£15.00

£31.00

£14.00 £17.00

£14.00

£20.00

£14.00

£21.00

£10.00

£16.00

£24.00

£15.00

£10.00

£14.00

£21.00

£18.00

£15.00

£15.00

£14.00

£20.00

£12.00

£27.00

£14.00

£18.00

£24.00

£16.00

£16.00

£22.00

£16.00

£24.00

£13.00

£18.00

£26.00

£17.00

£13.00

£18.00

£23.00

£20.00

£17.00

£17.00

£16.00

£22.00

£14.00

£29.00

£16.00

£17.00

£22.00

£16.00

£17.00

CON

NON-MEMBERS

£14.00 £17.00

£15.00

£15.00

8.30AM 8.35AM

£16.00

ADULT

£12.00 £15.00

AFC Wimbledon

Blackburn Rovers 10.20 AM 10.25AM 10.30AM 10.30AM 10.40AM 10.45AM 10.50AM 11.00AM

4.30PM

09/09/17 Northampton Town 10.15 AM 10.20AM 10.30AM 10.30AM 10.35AM 10.45AM 10.50AM 11.00AM

26/08/17

12/08/17

08/08/17 Brad City EFL Cup

MEMBERS

SUPPORTERS COACH DEPARTURE TIMES

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CLUB DONCASTER FOUNDATION

Matty Blair has congratulated the Fit Rovers team on their latest exceptional results.

Course four also lost 53cm from their waist circumference, bringing the grand total to 532.26cm.

He was there to oversee the halfway point of the programme, which acts as a chance to review all the stats up until that point.

Scott Copeland, programme leader, said: “Every single person has their own story and reasons for attending Fit Rovers – and the incredible weight loss they have achieved is not where the transformation ends.

As well as losing weight, the course also produced an impressive 91 per cent attendance retention and increased their physical activity by 27 hours and 30 minutes.

Matty said: “It was a real breath of fresh air to see the group so engaged and willing on a cold Thursday night.

“All 16 members that completed the course showed an increase in their wellbeing as measured by the WHO 5 wellbeing index, 13 of these were deemed significant improvements.

“They should be proud of their achievements, hopefully they take this as motivation to continue the hard work.”

“Other changes include increased consumption of fruit and veg, increased exercise levels and an increase in self-confidence.’’

The results bring the grand total loss to 52st 9lb over all four courses – and, with the current course only at the half-way point, it is expected the participants will enhance these further.

For more information about Fit Rovers or to book onto the next course, contact our team on fitrovers@ clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk or call 01302 764663.

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CLUB DONCASTER SPORTS COLLEGE

Eleven former students from Club Doncaster Sports College are now in full time employment at Club Doncaster – enough workers to make a football team.

Now working as a NCS co-ordinator, Danny Herring was one of the first to progress through the college along with women and girls co-ordinator Heather King.

From full-time work to apprenticeships, each of the 11 employees have taken a different path in their career from coaching to finance but all progressed through the college.

Principal Adi Turnpenny is delighted with the close link the college has with the different departments at Club Doncaster.

Other staff that have enjoyed employment with Club Doncaster Foundation are apprentice coaches Josh Bucknell, Josh Gelder, Ben Waters, Jordan Sheridan, Brad McFadden, Joe Firbank and Cycle to Health apprentice Thomas Cooper. Club Doncaster also employed apprentices, Max Lucas obtaining his in finance while Jamie Southern is now an apprentice groundsman.

He said: “It’s brilliant to see our ex pupils thriving in the work place, each one has progressed from the classroom into fulltime work or an apprenticeship so it’s great to see their hard work paying off.”

For more information about the courses delivered at Club Doncaster Sports College, visit their website at http://www. clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk/sportscollege/ or call the team on 01302 764663.

K I N D LY S U P P O R T E D B Y F I R S T

CLUB DONCASTER FOUNDATION PROUD PARTNERS

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CLUB DONCASTER Richard Horne was left disappointed after the Dons were beaten 28-24 by Newcastle Thunder in their final home game of 2017.

back of a penalty they managed to get near our line and went over under the sticks.”

The result means the Dons must now equal the results of Keighley and Newcastle when they face Toronto in order to guarantee a Kingstone Press League One play-off spot.

The Dons were in front until the 68th minute at the Keepmoat Stadium before being pegged back, and the head coach believes their decision making cost them the game.

Horne said: “We started the game strong and looked threatening, but a couple of errors and penalties let them back into the game and they gained a healthy lead.

He added: “They scored some really soft tries, we missed too many tackles early in the game and that allowed them to get in good positions.

“We worked so hard to draw level just before half time which the boys deserve credit for, but in the second half we weren’t consistent enough to win.

“We need to learn to make the right decisions under fatigue as we aren’t doing that. This was a game that was always going to define our season and we’ve come up short again, I’ll have a good look at it and see where we’re going wrong.”

“They were always within a score of us which is a dangerous place to be, off the

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DONCASTER ROVERS BELLES Season tickets for the 2017/18 FA WSL 2 campaign are now on sale.

Adult: £40 (£32 for Spring Series season ticket holders)

Your season ticket gives you access to all nine FA WSL 2 home games in the competition’s inaugural winter season, plus any and all home cup games in both the Women’s FA Cup and the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup.

Concession (ages 16 or under; 65 and over): £10 (£8 for Spring Series season ticket holders)

The Belles are offering an early bird scheme on all season tickets purchased

by Friday September 15 , plus a 20 per cent discount for anyone on record as having purchased a season ticket for the 2017 FA WSL Spring Series.

Tickets are available online or through the Club Doncaster Box Office on 01302 762576, option 1. Early bird prices are as follows:

Family (2x adults and 2x children aged 16 or under): £85 (£68 for Spring Series season ticket holders) All purchases are subject to a £1.50 service charge.

Belles will open their 2017/18 FA WSL 2 campaign with a trip to London Bees. on September 24.

Their first home game will come on October 1, with Millwall visiting the Keepmoat Stadium.

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FIXTURES / RESULTS Date

Opp

K/O

Comp Score Att

AUGUST Sat 05 Tue 08 Sat 12 Sat 19 Tue 22 Sat 26 Tues 29

Gillingham Bradford City Blackburn Rovers Blackpool Hull City AFC Wimbledon Grimsby Town

3.00PM 7.45PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 7:45PM 3.00PM 7.45PM

EFL1 EFLC EFL1 EFL1 EFLC EFL1 CT

SEPTEMBER Sat 02 Peterborough United Sat 09 Northampton Town Tue 12 Rochdale Sun 17 Scunthorpe United Wed 20 Arsenal Sat 23 Plymouth Argyle Tue 26 Shrewsbury Town Sat 30 Bradford City

3.00PM 3.00PM 7.45PM 3.00PM 7.45PM 3.00PM 7:45PM 3:00PM

EFL1 0-0 8,877 1,696 8 Lawlor EFL1 1-0 5,843 736 16 Lawlor EFL1 2-1 2,371 16 Lawlor EFL1 EFLC EFL1 EFL1 EFL1

OCTOBER Tue 03 Sunderland U21 Sat 07 Southend United Sat 14 Charlton Athletic Tue 17 Portsmouth Sat 21 Walsall Sat 28 Bury Tue 31 Scunthorpe United

7.30PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 7.45PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 7:30PM

CT

EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 CT

NOVEMBER Sat 11 Rotherham United Sat 18 Fleetwood Town Tue 21 Wigan Athletic Sat 25 MK Dons

3.00PM 3.00PM 7.45PM 3.00PM

EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1

DECEMBER Sat 09 Oxford United Sat 16 Oldham Athletic Sat 23 Bristol Rovers Tue 26 Northampton Town Fri 29 Rochdale

3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 7.45pm

EFL1 EFL1 EFL1

EFL1 EFL1

JANUARY Mon 01 Peterborough United Sat 06 Scunthorpe United Sat 13 Plymouth Argyle Sat 20 Shrewsbury Town Sat 27 Bristol Rovers

3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM

EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1

FEBRUARY Sat 03 Portsmouth Sat 10 Charlton Athletic Tue 13 Walsall Sat 17 Fleetwood Town Sat 24 Rotherham United

3.00PM 3.00PM 7.45PM 3.00PM 3.00PM

EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1

MARCH Sat 03 Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24 Fri 30

Bury Southend United Bradford City Blackburn Rovers Blackpool

3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM

EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1

APRIL Mon 02 Sat 07 Sat 14 Sat 21 Sat 28

AFC Wimbledon Gillingham MK Dons Oxford United Oldham Athletic

3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM

EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1 EFL1

Wigan Athletic

5.30PM EFL1

MAY Sat 05

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0-0 D 2-3 W 1-3 W 3-3 D 2-0 W 2-0 L 1-1 D

Away

7,512 568 3,175 388 12,223 7,558 432 7,139 2,179 4,144 561 862 319

Pos 13 - 6 8 - 12 -

Lawlor Lawlor Lawlor Lawlor Marosi Lawlor Marosi

Mason Andrew Wright Butler Blair Mason Andrew Wright Garratt Garratt Mason Andrew Wright Butler Blair Mason Andrew Wright Butler Blair Alcock Andrew Wright Blair Ben Khemis Mason Andrew Wright Butler Blair Alcock Garratt Wright Butler Ben Khemis Mason Garratt Wright Butler Blair Garratt Butler Wright Toffolo Blair Mason Garratt Wright Butler Ben Khemis

1st Sub

Whiteman Coppinger Rowe Mandeville Marquis Marosi Whiteman1 Kongolo1 Rowe May1 Marquis Marosi Whiteman Coppinger1 Rowe Mandeville Marquis1 Marosi Whiteman Coppinger Rowe Mandeville Marquis1 Marosi 1 1 Whiteman Kongolo Rowe May Marquis Lawlor Whiteman Coppinger Rowe May Marquis Marosi Middleton Kongolo Beestin Mandeville Williams1 Ogley

2nd Sub

3rd Sub

Alcock Garratt Kongolo Beestin Longbottom May Alcock Fielding Prior Beestin Fletcher Longbottom Alcock Garratt Ben Khemis Kongolo May1 Williams Alcock Garratt Ben Khemis Kongolo May1 Williams Butler Garratt Mason Beestin Mandeville Williams Alcock Garratt Ben Khemis Kongolo Mandeville Williams Mason Prior Townrow Fletcher Scattergood Longbottom

Whiteman Coppinger Rowe May Marquis Marosi Alcock Toffolo Ben Khemis Houghton Mandeville Williams Whiteman Kongolo Rowe Mandeville Marquis Marosi Alcock Mason Coppinger Houghton May Williams Whiteman Coppinger Houghton Williams Marquis1 Marosi Alcock Toggolo Blair Kongolo May Mandeville

Since 2000, the Football Foundation has been transforming grassroots facilities across the country thanks to the generous investment provided by the Premier League, The FA and the Government via Sport England.

39,160 The total area of every all-weather pitch the Football Foundation has funded is equivalent to NEW YORK’S CENTRAL PARK!

If every all-weather and natural grass pitch the Football Foundation funded was laid back-to-back, it would stretch from London’s BIG BEN TO CALAIS!

x351 www.footballfoundation.org.uk Charity No: 1079309 Company No: 3876305

If every changing room the Football Foundation ever funded was combined, 39,160 players would be able to change simultaneously!

If every goalpost the Football Foundation funded were stacked on top of each other, it would create a structure equivalent to the height of 351 WEMBLEY STADIUMS!

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Appearances & Goals As of 12/09/2017

EFL EFL Trophy

Carabao Cup

Career totals 2017/18

Rovers total

App Sub Goals App Sub Goals App Sub Goals App Sub Gls App Sub Gls

ALCOCK, Craig 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 54 7 0 ANDREW, Danny 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 BAUDRY, Mathieu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 6 5 BEESTIN, Alfie 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 6 4 1 BEN KHEMIS, Issam 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 BLAIR, Matty 6 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 1 0 55 1 3 BUTLER, Andy 7 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 9 0 0 139 1 10 COPPINGER, James 6 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 477 62 61 FIELDING, Reece 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 FLETCHER, Jacob 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 GARRATT, Tyler 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 5 1 0 10 3 0 JONES, Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 KIWOMYA, Alex 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 KONGOLO, Rodney 1 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 4 5 1 4 5 1 LAWLOR, Ian 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 8 0 0 27 0 0 LONGBOTTOM, WIll 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 7 1 MANDEVILLE, Liam 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 0 21 26 11 MAROSI, Marko 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 33 4 0 MARQUIS, John 7 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 9 0 3 57 0 29 MASON, Niall 6 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 7 2 0 48 3 0 MAY, Alfie 2 5 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 4 5 4 13 12 7 McCULLOUGH, Luke 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 92 6 1 MIDDLETON, Harry 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 45 34 0 OGLEY, Declan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 PRIOR, Cody 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ROWE, Tommy 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 8 0 1 64 1 17 WALKER, Tyler 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 WHITEMAN, Ben 7 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 9 0 1 9 0 1 WILLIAMS, Andy 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 3 1 76 21 29 WRIGHT, Joe 7 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 10 0 0 33 4 0

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The perfect delivery, right to your feet Same day delivery and you choose the hour.

We’ll deliver whenever you need it, wherever you need it.

Some heavier products have a 7 working day lead time. We’ll always contact you by text or phone to confirm your delivery day. See website for full details.

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Order by phone 0330 123 4123

Same day & choose your hour delivery

REFEREE David WEBB ASSISTANT REFEREES

MANAGER Darren FERGUSON

MANAGER Graham ALEXANDER

DONCASTER ROVERS 01 Ian LAWLOR (GK) 02 Craig ALCOCK 03 Danny ANDREW 04 Luke McCULLOUGH 05 Mathieu BAUDRY 06 Andy BUTLER 07 Rodney KONGOLO 08 Niall MASON 09 John MARQUIS 10 Tommy ROWE 11 Andy WILLIAMS 12 Ben WHITEMAN 13 Marko MAROSI (GK) 14 Liam MANDEVILLE 15 Joe WRIGHT 16 Jordan HOUGHTON 17 Matty BLAIR 19 Alfie MAY 20 Tyler GARRATT 21 Will LONGBOTTOM 22 Alfie BEESTIN 23 Alex KIWOMYA 25 Mitchell LUND 26 James COPPINGER 27 Issam BEN KHEMIS 29 Reece FIELDING 30 Jacob FLETCHER 31 Tyler WALKER 32 Cody PRIOR 33 Louis JONES (GK)

SCUNTHORPE UNITED 01 Matt GILKS (GK) 02 Jordan CLARKE 03 Conor TOWNSEND 05 Murray WALLACE 06 Funso OJO 07 Luke WILLIAMS 08 Sam MANTOM 09 Paddy MADDEN 10 Kevin VAN VEEN 11 Josh MORRIS 12 Neal BISHOP 13 Jonathon MARGETTS 14 Tom HOPPER 16 Hakeeb ADELAKUN 17 Lee NOVAK 18 Devonte REDMOND 19 Duane HOLMES 20 Charlie GOODE 21 Cameron BURGESS 22 Levi SUTTON 23 Rory MCARDLE 29 Kyle WOOTTON 31 Rory WATSON (GK)

Declan FORD Graeme FYVIE FOURTH OFFICIAL Paul HODSKINSON IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE TO ENTER THE PITCH OR PERIMETER TRACK. ANYONE DOING SO WILL FACE ARREST AND A BAN FROM WATCHING FOOTBALL ANTI DISCRIMINATION POLICY Doncaster Rovers Football Club is determined to treat with equal consideration all supporters, regardlessof Gender, Race or Ethnic origin, Religious Belief, Age, Sexual Orientation, Disability, or any other unjustifiable reason. The club, in association with its governing bodies (the FA and the Football League) and all footballing authorities, is determined to eradicate racism in football by ensuring that no barriers exist to anyone playing/enjoying the national game, whatever their ethnic background. To this end, Doncaster Rovers Football Club will not tolerate any form of racism amongst spectators. Anyone found to be culpable of displaying any form of racist behaviour will be removed from the stadium immediately.

RESPECT THE LAW Supporters are reminded that the Keepmoat Stadium is a strictly NO SMOKING venue. It is an offence to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol for anybody under the age of 18. Anybody caught doing so will face ejection from the stavdium and prosecution. Anybody who appears to be under the age of 21 will be asked for ID. We appreciate supporters’ co-operation.

MATCH SPONSOR

Next Up

Arsenal (A) Carabao Cup Emirates Stadium Tuesday September 20 2017 // 7.45pm

Plymouth Argyle (A) Sky Bet League One Home Park Saturday September 23 2017 // kick-off 3pm