Doncaster Rovers v Gillingham Official Matchday Magazine 2019/20

THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE OF DONCASTER ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB 2019/20

vs GILLINGHAM

1879-2019

Saturday 3rd August 2019 KO: 3:00pm | £3.00

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

MAIN CLUB SPONSOR LNER ASSOCIATE CLUB SPONSOR Stoneacre Motor Group TECHNICAL KIT SUPPLIER Elite Pro Sports Chairman: David Blunt Major shareholders: Terry Bramall, David Blunt, Marion Watson, Gavin Baldwin Directors: Terry Bramall, David Blunt, Andy Watson, Gavin Baldwin Chief executive: Gavin Baldwin

05

08

16

19

FOOTBALL STAFF

Manager: Darren Moore Assistant manager: Jamie Smith Goalkeeping coach: Paul Gerrard Physiotherapist: Jonathan Chatfield Club doctor: Dr Tim Douglas

CLUB STAFF

Director of finance: Richard Poole Head of administration & football operations: Mary Lally Head of stadium & operations: Marie Hepburn Head groundsman: Andy Thompson Head of commercial: Jon Warburton 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: Dean Medcalf

03

CLUB DONCASTER FOUNDATION

Chair of trustees: Linda Tully Trustees: Gavin Baldwin, Nigel Brewster, Natalie Shaw, Allan Stewart, Rupert Suckling, John Wallbank Honorary ambassador: Stuart Highfield Interim chief executive: John Davis NCS programme manager: Jan Budtz

CLUB DONCASTER SPORTS COLLEGE Principal: Adi Turnpenny Deputy principals: Joe Burton, Ben Thompson

PROGRAMME

Contributors: Robbie Andrews, Clare Bailey, John Coyle, Jack Ireland, Paul Mayfield, Sophie Scargill, Jon Warburton, Alex Gibbings, Dan Breslin Photography: Phil Ryan, AH Pix, Heather King, Rex Features Design: Daniel Parker Amberley Court Associates www.aca-creative.co.uk

THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE OF D ONCASTER ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB 2019 /20

1879-2019

vs GILLINGHAM

Saturday 3rd August 2019 KO: 3:00pm | £3.00

27

40

05

Darren Moore

27

Open day gallery

07

Gavin Baldwin

28

Pre-season round-up

08

Feature interview

33

Commercial

12

Head to head

35

Supporters liaison officer

14

Four to watch

37

Supporters club

16

Shared five-a-side

39

On the road

17

Memorable matches

40

Club Doncaster Foundation

19

In the hot seat

43

League One stats

20

The academy

44

Fixtures and results

23

Junior Rovers

46

Rovers roll-call

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THE MANAGER

THE MANAGER

DARREN MOORE Good afternoon, it is a pleasure to be able to write my first programme notes as Doncaster Rovers manager. Today is a proud day for me and my family as I take charge of a competitive match for the first time.

I’d like to welcome Steve Evans, as well as the supporters, players and staff of Gillingham who have travelled up.

I have seen a real progression in my time back at the club, with the performance against Hull City last Saturday the best of our pre-season campaign. The lads have all worked hard every day in training and we will leave no stone unturned as we strive for the best possible season.

Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of reacquainting myself with supporters, and meeting some for the first time who were not around back in the nineties when I played at Belle Vue. I have been humbled by the warm reception, and would like to thank each and every one of you for welcoming me back to the club.

And how things have changed!

We all look back on Belle Vue with fond memories, but the structure

in place at Rovers now is almost incomprehensible for those of us connected with the club back in those days. The training ground at Cantley Park suits all our needs and it is a real help to have the U18s on the same site - our 16-year-olds get to see how the likes of Matty Blair and James Coppinger approach every day and, hopefully, pick up their good habits. The facilities here at the Keepmoat Stadium are also all on a par with any you will see in the Championship.

The biggest change at Rovers since my playing days is probably Club Doncaster and the sheer amount of community work that goes on behind the scenes. When the vacancy came up I researched what Club Doncaster was about and I was so excited about being a part of it - on my first day I went around the ground to introduce myself to everyone who works in all these roles and I look forward to getting to know them better over the coming months.

The most important thing for me, however, remains the couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon when the lads are out there in front of you. Over the coming season we will ask for your belief and backing, and at times your patience, but I promise you every single person connected to this club gives their all. With players, staff and supporters united together who knows where we could end up.

Enjoy the game.

05

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THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

GAVIN BALDWIN Good afternoon, and welcome back to the Keepmoat Stadium.

I would like to welcome the owners, supporters, players and staff of Gillingham who have made the trip to South Yorkshire today.

It has certainly been an interesting summer here at Rovers, but I am sure you will share my optimism for the season ahead. While we did not want to lose Grant McCann and no one will pretend that losing your manager just before pre-season is ideal, we were delighted when Darren Moore applied for the role and believe we have come out of the recruitment process in a stronger position than when we went into it.

Darren has already made his mark, bringing in Jamie Smith as assistant as well as some additions to the playing squad. We have been hard at work this week working to ensure the squad is ready for today’s game, and we’ve got a really dedicated team of staff both at the training ground and at the Keepmoat Stadium who work round the clock doing likewise.

Off the pitch we have had plenty going on this summer.

One of the most notable is the arrival of Doncaster Rovers Belles into the Club Doncaster family. It is a move which feels like a really good fit - the Belles are pioneers of the women’s game and arguably the most iconic name in this country. We believe that following

07 Darren Moore has brought in Jamie Smith as his assistant

the same model as the Dons, who are self-sustainable, will allow them the best chance of success in the coming months and years. We’re pleased we have been able to secure their long-term future.

We have entered into partnership with Elite Pro Sports to provide our kit for the coming seasons.

We are particularly pleased to be able to work with a Doncaster-based company, and the feedback we’ve received so far has been brilliant.

Enjoy the game.

"We have been hard at work this week working to ensure the squad is ready for today’s game, and we’ve got a really dedicated team of staff both at the training ground and at the Keepmoat Stadium who work round the clock doing likewise"

F E AT U R E I N T E R V I E W

08

F E AT U R E I N T E R V I E W

FEATURE:

JAMES COPPINGER In a sport where players and managers come and go, it is rare in the modern game that you will find somebody who stays at one club for the length of time James Coppinger has been a Rovers player.

09 As he heads into his 16th season in the red and white hoops, and after a summer of change in terms of personnel, he says the excitement levels are as high as ever heading into the new campaign.

“I think once that final pre-season game is out of the way then the overriding feeling is excitement and I can’t wait to get going,” he says.

“Everyone is looking forward to getting started and start playing competitive games, it’s going to be nine months of hard work and sacrifices.

“With what has happened over the summer with a few players leaving and the manager coming in, it’s a chance for us to re-group and go again.

“For us now it’s about starting again with the new manager on board, we’ve all got a fresh start and a point to prove.

“We’ve got some players still here that have been part of the past couple of seasons, they want to work hard and push on.”

After returning for pre-season training on June 27, the Rovers squad have had more than a month of having their fitness levels tested to get their bodies ready for another season in Sky Bet League One. Coppinger believes that while the summer months are important in preparing yourself, it is not until the competitive action gets underway that the majority of players really get into the swing of things.

F E AT U R E I N T E R V I E W

“There is nothing better as a player than having a busy schedule, when you’re playing on a Saturday and then the following Tuesday, that is what you want to be doing,” he says.

“You just have to be as ready as you can be for the first game, but I feel like if probably takes five or six games to get to your maximum.

“Personally at the start of the season the focus should be on building momentum, pre-season plays a big part but it isn’t until the league campaign comes around that you can get into the groove and find the level you need to be at.”

With a home game against Gillingham to get the 2019/20 campaign underway, the opportunity is there for Rovers to get off to the perfect start with three points.

A game at the Keepmoat Stadium is what all players at the club wanted to start off with according to Coppinger, who has enjoyed several opening day victories throughout his time at the club.

“It’s always nice to start off at home, being in front of our home fans will be a bonus and the form at the Keepmoat last season was really good,” he says.

“A win would get us off the mark nicely and we’re all hoping for a good crowd, there’s always a lot of excitement from the fans.

10

“Over the years we’ve had some really good wins on the first day, we want that to carry on against Gillingham but we know how tough it will be with the players they have recruited.

“Momentum is massive in football and you always want to get off to a good start, if you can get three points on the

COPPINGER

F E AT U R E I N T E R V I E W

opening day then it gives you something to build on.

“We did that last season away at Southend and that was massive for us, to be at home against Gillingham to kick things off is something to look forward to.”

With the competitiveness of the league increasing each year, most teams in the division will fancy their chances of mounting a serious push for promotion this season.

Rovers are one of those sides, with several players given the responsibility of stepping up and making a difference.

“The league is getting tougher and the teams are getting stronger every year, there are some big clubs coming down from the Championship but also some ambitious ones coming up from League Two as well,” says Coppinger.

“It will be difficult and we know that, the manager has just come in with fresh ideas and will make the squad stronger by the end of the window.

“We’ve lost players like Andy Butler and Tommy Rowe who are senior professionals and it’s difficult on and off the pitch to replace that, but that opens the door for other people.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond and the character that they will have to show throughout the season.”

After the appointment of Darren Moore

midway through July, Rovers have a manager who has a connection with the club given his time here as a player.

Coppinger has been impressed with his ideas on the training ground, and believes the team can improve on last season with the right additions.

“He’s had a look at the squad and will have his own ideas on where we need to strengthen and who he wants to bring in,” he adds.

“There is a lot of information that he has passed on to the players and he tries to get his ideas across on how he wants us to play with and without possession of the football.

“It is still early days and we’re still getting to know him like he is us, but it’s all been positive so far and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“You’re always hopeful that if we can strengthen in the right areas and the loan players are good enough to adapt to the pressures of league one football.

“Ben Sheaf has come in from Arsenal and looked really good, I feel like the promise he’s shown is impressive in a similar way to how Herbie Kane was last season.

“Hopefully that can be the case with some other players, and we can create an environment where they can come in and learn while developing as people and players.”

11

IN OPPOSITION

HEAD TO HEAD DONCASTER ROVERS v GILLINGHAM | COMPLETE RESULTS COMPETITION

Football League

League Cup

Grand Total

P

W

D

L

F

A

H

31

9

10

12

40

39 59

A

31

3

8

20

24

N

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

62

12

18

32

64

98

H

1

1

0

0

2

0

A

0

0

0

0

0

0

N

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

1

1

0

0

2

0

H

32

10

10

12

42

39

A

31

3

8

20

24

59

N

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

63

13

18

32

66

98

FOOTBALL LEAGUE - HOME LEVEL SEASON

12

DATE

OPPONENT

4

1959

15/04/1960

Gillingham

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS H

W

3

0

Leighton, Fernie (2)

4

1960

22/10/1960

Gillingham

H

L

2

3

Broadbent, Mordue

4

1961

16/12/1961

Gillingham

H

W

2

1

Larkin (2)

4

1962

15/09/1962

Gillingham

H

W

1

0

Booth

4

1963

12/10/1963

Gillingham

H

L

1

2

Robinson

3

1966

21/04/1967

Gillingham

H

L

2

3

Gilfillan, Lindsey (pen)

3

1969

14/03/1970

Gillingham

H

W

1

0

Briggs (pen)

3

1970

13/02/1971

Gillingham

H

D

2

2

Bird, Watson

4

1971

04/04/1972

Gillingham

H

D

1

1

Elwiss

4

1972

26/01/1973

Gillingham

H

L

0

1

4

1973

22/12/1973

Gillingham

H

L

1

2

Kitchen

3

1981

03/04/1982

Gillingham

H

D

1

1

Wigginton

3

1982

25/03/1983

Gillingham

H

L

0

2

3

1984

22/12/1984

Gillingham

H

L

0

1

3

1985

25/04/1986

Gillingham

H

L

2

3

Douglas, Dobbin

3

1986

07/11/1986

Gillingham

H

W

2

0

Russell, Woods

3

1987

03/10/1987

Gillingham

H

W

4

2

Gaynor, Miller, Kinsella, Stubbs

4

1989

26/08/1989

Gillingham

H

D

0

0

4

1990

03/11/1990

Gillingham

H

D

1

1

Rankine

4

1991

19/10/1991

Gillingham

H

D

1

1

Limber

4

1992

10/10/1992

Gillingham

H

W

1

0

Jeffrey

4

1993

03/01/1994

Gillingham

H

D

0

0

4

1994

07/02/1995

Gillingham

H

L

1

2

4

1995

08/04/1996

Gillingham

H

L

0

1

3

2005

18/02/2006

Gillingham

H

W

2

0

Wheater, McCormack (pen)

3

2006

09/09/2006

Gillingham

H

L

1

2

Clohessy (og)

3

2007

11/03/2008

Gillingham

H

W

2

1

Coppinger, Heffernan (pen)

3

2014

13/12/2014

Gillingham

H

L

1

2

Main (pen )

3

2015

16/01/2016

Gillingham

H

D

2

2

Stewart, Williams

3

2017

05/08/2017

Gillingham

H

D

0

0

3

2018

20/10/2018

Gillingham

H

D

3

3

Schofield

Marquis, Wilks, Taylor

IN OPPOSITION

FOOTBALL LEAGUE - AWAY LEVEL SEASON

DATE

OPPONENT

4

1959

18/04/1960

Gillingham

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS A

L

1

2

4

1960

11/03/1961

Gillingham

A

L

0

2

4

1961

19/08/1961

Gillingham

A

D

2

2

4

1962

01/05/1963

Gillingham

A

L

0

1

4

1963

22/02/1964

Gillingham

A

D

1

1

Hale

3

1966

13/05/1967

Gillingham

A

L

1

3

Warboys

3

1969

18/02/1970

Gillingham

A

L

1

2

Sheffield

3

1970

23/01/1971

Gillingham

A

W

1

0

Irvine

4

1971

02/10/1971

Gillingham

A

L

0

2

4

1972

08/09/1972

Gillingham

A

L

0

3

4

1973

29/09/1973

Gillingham

A

L

1

5

3

1981

14/11/1981

Gillingham

A

L

0

3

3

1982

13/11/1982

Gillingham

A

D

1

1

Austin

3

1984

11/05/1985

Gillingham

A

L

1

2

Harle

3

1985

30/11/1985

Gillingham

A

L

0

4

3

1986

04/04/1987

Gillingham

A

L

1

2

Russell

3

1987

27/02/1988

Gillingham

A

L

1

3

Rankine

4

1989

13/01/1990

Gillingham

A

L

1

3

Douglas

4

1990

11/05/1991

Gillingham

A

L

0

2

4

1991

01/02/1992

Gillingham

A

L

1

2

Ormsby

4

1992

27/02/1993

Gillingham

A

D

1

1

O'Connor (og)

4

1993

31/08/1993

Gillingham

A

D

0

0

4

1994

22/04/1995

Gillingham

A

L

2

4

4

1995

21/10/1995

Gillingham

A

L

0

4

3

2005

06/12/2005

Gillingham

A

L

0

1

3

2006

13/01/2007

Gillingham

A

W

2

0

Price, Stock

3

2007

06/11/2007

Gillingham

A

D

1

1

Hayter (pen)

3

2014

07/03/2015

Gillingham

A

D

1

1

Forrester

3

2015

05/09/2015

Gillingham

A

L

0

1

3

2017

07/04/2018

Gillingham

A

D

0

0

3

2018

29/12/2018

Gillingham

A

W

3

1

Walker R Broadbent, Veall

Kitchen

Norbury, Warren

Marquis, Wilks, Andrew

LEAGUE CUP - HOME ROUND SEASON 3

2005

DATE

OPPONENT

25/10/2005

Gillingham

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS H

W

2

0

Heffernan (2)

13

IN OPPOSITION

GILLINGHAM:

FOUR TO WATCH

14

JACK

BONHAM One of the Gills’ new summer recruits, Bonham penned a two-year contract on a free transfer from Brentford after his release.

He spent six years in London with the Brentford but after making two appearances and going out on loan to Arlesey Town, Carlisle United and Bristol Rovers he decided to make the move to Gillingham.

MAX

EHMER The German is no stranger to English football after joining QPR’s academy in 2003 at the age of 11 where he worked his way through each age group, captaining the groups through various stages. He failed to cement his place in their first team on a permanent basis, making just the one appearance.

Bonham won five caps for the Republic of Ireland U17 team in 2009 and 2010.

That one appearance came on September 28 2013, when he came on as a substitute for former captain Clint Hill during a 2-0 win against Middlesbrough.

Standing at 6 foot 4, he is a tall dominating figure in goal and his presence at Bristol Rovers last saw him keep 15 clean sheets across 40 matches, making him the fourth best goalkeeper in League One last year, behind James Shea, Adam Davies and Alex Cairns.

This was followed up by loan spells at Yeovil, Preston, Stevenage, Carlisle and Gillingham.

During his spell at Priestfield in 2014/15 he impressed so much during his 27 games that it earnt him a permanent move in July 2015 on a three-year deal.

Ady Pennock then named Ehmer club captain in January 2017 after being impressed by his attitude.

IN OPPOSITION

15

M AT T Y

MIKAEL

WILLOCK

NDJOLI

He started his career at Arsenal and worked his way through the youth ranks up until 2011 and he was released at the age of 15 where he went on to join Manchester United’s youth team, a year after his release from The Gunners.

Ndjoli joined on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth in June 2019 after spending last season on loan at Scottish Premier side Kilmarnock where his five goals across 31 games for the club helped them achieve European football for the upcoming season.

Willock struggled to make an impact in Manchester so after his contract expired at Old Trafford he was quickly snapped up by Gillingham. So he was recruited by new manager Steve Evans, with Willock putting pen to paper on a two-year contract with the club.

He is known as a defensive midfielder but can also be useful on the right of a midfield. Despite being born in London he has a citizenship in Montserrat.

The 20-year-old has spent time at four different academies across London with Tottenham, Watford, Brentford and Millwall before Eddie Howe gave him his first professional contract as he joined the club's U21 team on an initial oneyear deal.

He earnt of taste of being around Bournemouth’s first-team when Howe included him in the matchday squad to face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round. He was an unused substitute during that 3-0 defeat for the Cherries.

IN OPPOSITION

STUART NELSON Nelson had a playing career which started at FC Battledown, a youth club in Cheltenham close to where he was born in the small market town of Stroud.

He played for Cirencester College Football Academy team before moving to Millwall in 2000. His spell at the Den was cut after two years of failing to appear so he swapped London for South Yorkshire with a move up to Doncaster.

During his season at Belle Vue, Nelson appeared only twice in goal, spending most of his time as back-up to first-choice keeper Andy Warrington.

He then moved to Hucknall Town in the Northern Premier League where he played 20 games across the season which earnt him a £10,000 transfer to Brentford. In his first full season with the Bees he astonishingly kept 21 clean sheets, helping guide the team to the play-offs.

Spells at Leyton Orient, Norwich City, Aberdeen and Notts County followed, spanning over five-years before he signed for the Gills in 2012.

He made his debut against Bradford City in August 2012 and during that first season, Nelson won the League Two title and was runner-up for the Player of the Season award.

In November 2017 he made his 223rd competitive appearance for Gillingham which made him the third goalkeeper in the clubs history to appear so many times. Only Ron Hillyard and John Simpson played more. A month after reaching that accolade, Nelson’s contract was terminated and he left the club.

16

BARRY MILLER The 43-year-old started his career as an apprentice at Brentford, and went on to move to Wokingham and Farnborough Town.

That earned him the call-up to Gillingham, from where he was loaned to Woking in 2000 where he made 17 appearances which peaked interest from Rovers who were next to take the defender on loan.

During his loan at Rovers he played in four games and did enough to convince Steve Wignall to make the move permanent that summer. He spent the following three-years at Belle Vue, by the end Rovers were the club he ended up making the most appearance for.

Miller retired three years after his stint in South Yorkshire, following. spending two years on loan at Burton Albion from Leigh Genesis.

Miller remains in Doncaster and is a regular sight at Rovers’ Cantley Park training ground and the Keepmoat Stadium as club chaplain - also assisting groundstaff on matchdays.

JORDAN HOUGHTON One of Chelsea’s academy graduates and the Londoner got his first taste of the Football League when he was loaned out to Gillingham in 2015 for half of the season - making a good first impression after helping the Gills beat Sheffield United 4-0 in his debut. Manager Justin Edinburgh opted against extending Houghton’s loan in January 2017.

His signing at Rovers came for the opening

SHARED 5-A-SIDE day of the League Two 2016/17 season and made such a great impact on the team that he remained for a second campaign after winning promotion to League One under Darren Ferguson.

Gillingham and Rovers are set to meet Houghton once more this season as the midfielder is currently at MK Dons after joining Paul Tisdale’s side following his release from his boyhood Chelsea in 2018. Last season he played an instrumental part in helping the Dons finish third in League Two. LEO FORTUNE-WEST After travelling around non-league teams, Fortune-West got his break into the Football League with in the 1995/96 season. He proved his worth after scoring in each of his first three league appearances.

He finished as Gillingham’s top scorer with 15 strikes to his name from 45 games by the end of that season which played a pivotal role in the clubs promotion to the old Second Division.

The following season he struggled to replicate his prolific form and was subsequently loaned out to Leyton Orient in March 1997.

Spells at Lincoln City, Rotherham United and Cardiff City followed before his move to Doncaster in 2003 when Rovers were in the Third Division. He signed a two-year contract and scored 12 goals in 43 games during his debut season.

Fortune-West remains a familiar face in the town, living locally and having recently managed local NCEL Division One side Armthorpe Welfare.

MARK MCCAMMON The Barbados international started his career with Cambridge United in 1997 and appeared four times during his time there which was on a non-contract basis for two years. During his time there he oversaw the clubs promotion to the Second Division in 1999.

Premier League club Charlton Athletic snapped up the striker in March 1999 and h3played five games for the Addicks but was later loaned out to Swindon Town in 2000.

The following summer Brentford signed McCammon for £100,000 which got the club six goals from 33 games during his first season. Three years later he moved across London to Millwall before spending a year at Brighton.

2006 then saw him become a Rovers player following a successful trial period earning him a contract at the club. He was the first player to score on the Keepmoat Stadium pitch during its opening game against Huddersfield Town in January 2007.

He also featured in Rovers’ triumphant appearance at Wembley which saw them beat local rivals Leeds United 1-0 to earn promotion to the Championship for the first time in our history.

After then rejecting a new contract at the Keepmoat Stadium he joined League Two outfit Gillingham in 2008 on a three-year deal to replace the outgoing Delroy Facey. He netted five goals across 35 games in 2008/09 and was an unused substitute in the play-off final victory over Shrewsbury.

IN OPPOSITION

MEMORABLE MATCHES Last season’s meetings between Rovers and Gillingham were exciting affairs, with a total of 10 goals across the two fixtures.

From a Rovers viewpoint, the fact six were scored by us was beneficial as we claimed four points from the games.

The first meeting in October was a strange affair at the Keepmoat Stadium, with the Gills going 2-0 up through Barry Fuller and Tom Eaves.

John Marquis and Mallik Wilks levelled, but that fightback looked to be in vain as Max Ehmer struck two minutes from time.

But up popped substitute Paul Taylor to score his only goal for the club when he looped home another leveller.

The return fixture at Priestfield saw one of Rovers’ best away performances of the campaign, with Marquis scoring from inside the area to secure a 1-0 lead at the break.

Wills capitalised on a defensive error to make it 2-0 then Danny Andrew struck from long-range to all but secure the points, before Callum Reilly pulled one back with a couple of minutes to go.

This is the second time in three years this has been an opening-day fixture in Sky Bet League One - with a goalless draw here at the Keepmoat Stadium in August 2017 after Rovers returned to the third tier after a oneyear hiatus in League Two. The previous meeting here saw Rovers come from behind to claim a point in January 2016. The Gills went into the game sitting in the second automatic promotion place after a brilliant first half of the season, and they were in front inside the opening 10 minutes with Rory Donnelly grabbing the opener.

Rovers levelled when Cedric Evina’s hopeful ball forward was collected by Andy Williams, and he took a touch to take him away from Ehmer, with the Rovers man baring down one-on-one with Stuart Nelson.

The Gills keeper rushed out, but Williams was able to slot under the keeper and into acorner to bring Rovers level.

Williams and Evina both missed chances deep into the 10 minutes that were added on at the end of the game, but they were unable to snatch the three points at the death, but they would be more than happy to steal a point from a strong Gills side.

Historically the Gills hold the edge in this fixture, with a total of 32 wins from 63 fixtures but have not come out with a victory in any of the past five meetings.

17

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ROVERS MANAGERS

IN THE HOT SEAT:

DONCASTER ROVERS MANAGERS FROM 1920

DICK RAY (1923-1927) Following Rovers’ re-formation in 1920, they appointed one of the men behind the club’s revival, Arthur Porter, as secretary-manager for the 1920-21 season. Porter was an accountant, but although his role was mainly administrative, his passion for Rovers burned brightly: he was once warned by the local FA for remonstrating with a referee after a match at Boston.

For 1921-22, Rovers appointed a man with a solid football background in Harry Tufnell, who had won the FA Cup in 1912 as a member of the Barnsley team. He proved popular with supporters but less so with the directors who sacked him in March 1922 for reasons which remain unclear.

Arthur Porter took over the reins again and led Rovers to second place in the Midland League in 1922-23. However, following Rovers’ election to the Football League for 1923-24, the board wanted someone with experience at the sharp end of League football, so they chose 47-year-old Dick Ray. A native of Staffordshire, Ray had played full-back for several Football League clubs including Burslem Port Vale, Manchester City, Stockport County, Chesterfield and Leeds City. In 1919, he had been appointed interim manager of the newly formed Leeds United club and thereafter he had been in charge of United’s reserve side.

The move to Doncaster was a logical step for an ambitious manager.

Ray was given money by the board in order to strengthen the team, but everyone knew 1923-24 would be tough for Rovers, and

a start that saw them win only one of the first eight games showed just how hard things could be. Ray’s decision to move one of his new signings, Tom Keetley, to centreforward paid dividends, as did his signing of inside-forward Billy Poyntz from his old club, Leeds. Rovers ended up 1923-24 a respectable 9th, with Keetley and Poyntz notching 31 League goals between them.

SENIOR RECORD

Ray’s Rovers did not make the anticipated progress in 1924-25, but the manager revealed himself as a shrewd operator in the transfer market. Having sold the highly promising Sam Cowan and Bob Benzie to Manchester City in January 1925, he snapped up Jack Lambert, later to be a star at Arsenal, from Leeds United. He also acquired Tom Keetley’s three brothers, Harold, Joe and Frank, and obtained the services of that fine pair of full-backs, Joe Bowman and Jack Buckley. The highlight of the 1924-25 season was a FA Cup run, where Rovers managed a win over neighbours Rotherham County (3-2 at Millmoor) before succumbing to Norwich City in what would now be the Fourth Round Proper.

FIRST MATCH: 25th August 1923 v Wigan Borough (home) Drew 0-0.

Ray’s best season at Belle Vue was to be his last. In 1926-27 Rovers finished 8th in Division Three (North) with Tom Keetley hitting 36 goals at a ratio of a goal a game.

He scored four in a 7-0 demolition of Barrow in the final game of the season.

That was to be Dick Ray’s swansong, as in June 1927 the Leeds United manager’s job fell vacant and he returned to Elland Road.

He had done a sound job at Belle Vue, despite often having to sell star players like Cowan. Ray was Leeds manager for almost eight years, during which time they twice finished runners-up in Division. In 1935, he resigned as Leeds boss and later he had three rather unrewarding years in charge of Bradford City. Dick Ray died in Leeds in December 1952, aged 76.

LOST 64

John Coyle

LAST MATCH: 7th May 1927 v Barrow (home) Won 7-0.

PLAYED 176 WON 68 DREW 44

WINNING PERCENTAGE: 38.6%.

19

THE ACADEMY

20 EFL YOUTH ALLIANCE UNDER 18 NORTH EAST FIXTURES 2019/2020 DATE OPPOSITION AUGUST Sat 3 Grimsby Town Sat 10 Notts County Sat 17 Rotherham United Sat 31 Burton Albion SEPTEMBER Sat 7 Bradford City Sat 21 Mansfield Town Sat 28 Scunthorpe United OCTOBER Sat 12 Huddersfield Town NOVEMBER Sat 2 Lincoln City Sat 16 Chesterfield Sat 23 Bradford City Sat 30 Burton Albion DECEMBER Sat 14 Scunthorpe United JANUARY Sat 4 Mansfield Town Sat 25 Huddersfield Town FEBRUARY Sat 8 Chesterfield Sat 22 Lincoln City Sat 29 Grimsby Town MARCH Sat 7 Notts County Sat 14 Rotherham United

COMP SCORE GOALSCORERS H A H H

YA YA YA YA

A H A

YA YA YA

H

YA

P

GD PTS

1 BRADFORD

0

0

0

2 BURTON

0

0

0

3 CHESTERFIELD

0

0

0

4 DONCASTER

0

0

0

5 GRIMSBY

0

0

0

6 HUDDERSFIELD

0

0

0

7 LINCOLN

0

0

0

8 MANSFIELD

0

0

0

H A H A

YA YA YA YA

H

YA

A A

YA YA

H A A

YA YA YA

9 NOTTS COUNTY

0

0

0

10 ROTHERHAM

0

0

0

11 SCUNTHORPE

0

0

0

H A

YA YA

All home fixtures will be played at Cantley Park Training Ground

THE ACADEMY

Rovers U14s hosted a side from Arizona last Saturday when they welcomed SC del Sol to play a friendly at the Club Doncaster Sports Park.

The USA-based football club is one of the biggest in the state running more than 50 teams and catering for more than 800 male and female players aged 4-18.

Rovers welcomed U14 and U13 teams as part of SC del Sol’s tour of the UK and played two matches before attending the first team’s pre-season friendly against Hull City.

Head of Academy coaching Steve Welsh said: “It was great to be able to host two teams from SC del Sol on Saturday. It didn’t stop raining all morning but all four teams played to the best of their ability and there was some great football on display. It’s good for our developing players to be able to face opposition they wouldn’t usually face and play against teams from other countries who might have slightly different ways of doing things on the pitch.

“I’m really pleased we were able to organise for both teams to come and watch the first-team play against Hull City. It meant we were able to make the day a bit more special for our visitors.

“We organised a tour of the stadium and for the SC del Sol team to be flagbearers and take part in the half-time activities which they seemed to enjoy. We hope they had a wonderful time in Doncaster and we look forward to hosting them again in the future.”

21

EIG H PAY T MO M N AV ENT TH S AIL OP PR AB TIO EAD LE N

1879-2019

CATEGORY A SEATING

CATEGORY B SEATING

CATEGORY C SEATING

Adult

£399

Adult

£359

Adult

£339

Senior

£309

Senior

£259

Senior

£249

22-24 years

£299

22-24 years

£244

22-24 years

£214

18-21 years

£199

18-21 years

£159

18-21 years

£149

17 and Under

£30

17 and Under

£30

£30

CLUB DONCASTER FOUNDATION FAMILY STAND

POLYPIPE SOUTH STAND

ELLGIA NORTH STAND

DONASONIC EAST STAND

17 and Under

WEST STAND

Call 01302 762576 or click tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk * Terms and conditions apply

JUNIOR ROVERS

23

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our first league game of the season and a special welcome to our new manager Darren Moore. I hope you are all enjoying the summer, it has been very hot! Thank you for attending our open day last week and hope you enjoyed it has much as me. I have been busy with DDTV recently and even got dressed up like I was in I’m a Celebrity. We are back in action so make plenty of noise.

Enjoy the game!

Donny Dog

JAMES COPPINGER

JUNIOR ROVERS

MATCH MASCOTS JOSHUA DALES

Age: 11 Hobbies: Football, gaming and DRFC Favourite player: Danny Amos

Donny Dog

score prediction STEVIE KIRKLAND

Age: 11 Hobbies: Football and playing Fortnite Favourite player: James Coppinger

1-0

HARRY GUEST

26

Age: 7 Hobbies: Football, swimming and cycling Favourite player: Alfie May

Erik the Viking score prediction

NOAH HALL-WEIR

Age: 7 Hobbies: Football, swimming and reading Favourite player: James Coppinger

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: Charlie Alcock, Jaidie Beal, Harry Beardshall, Aoife Bell, Charlie Bennett, Luca Caruana, Henry Clark, James Clarke, Isaac Collins, Loreanne Creegan, Lucy Duggleby, James Etherington, Lucas Godley, Alfie Grundy, Oliver Grundy, Billy Hayes, Dylan Law, Jack Lister, Bonnie-Jo Lumley Help, Thomas Machin, Aiden Madden, Lacey Madden, Ruby Madden, Josh Meadows, Callum O’Shea, Aron Qadir, Alexander Shaw, Joseph Slater, Luke Stones, Thomas Wilson

2-1

Happy 65th birthday MICHAEL BELL Love and best wishes Guy, John, Nita, Adam & Ridley

PETER RAY Happy 75th birthday, Dad! Love Stephen, Liz and Jane xxx

GALLERY

OPEN DAY

27

M AT C H A C T I O N

PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP

28

M AT C H A C T I O N

PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP

29

P L AY E R S P O N S O R S H I P

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP MAIN

THE WHEATSHEAF, CIRENCESTER

MAIN

AVAILABLE

IN MEMORY OF TIM HOLT

AWAY HOME

RETFORD SUPPORTERS CLUB

02

AWAY HOME

AVAILABLE

04

MAIN

MAIN

AVAILABLE

IRENE HOLT

AWAY HOME

AVAILABLE

KIERAN SADLIER

BEN WHITEMAN

METRO ROD

IAN AND JOY MILLER

RETFORD SUPPORTERS CLUB

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

08

MAIN

RETFORD SUPPORTERS CLUB PAUL MAYFIELD

MAIN

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

MADGER GOMES AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

12

AWAY HOME

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

16

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

MAIN

IN MEMORY OF JILL MCGARRY FROM PAUL AND DAN

AWAY HOME

CODY PRIOR

MAIN

MATTY BLAIR

17

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

DANNY AMOS

MAIN

LOUIS JONES

13

LAUREN AND HOLLY BYTHEWAY

AWAY HOME

ALI CRAWFORD

11

AVAILABLE

MAIN

06

AWAY HOME

RETFORD SUPPORTERS CLUB

MAIN

07

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

05

BEN SHEAF

AWAY HOME

30

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

JOE WRIGHT

AVAILABLE

MAIN

03

RETFORD SUPPORTERS CLUB

MAIN

TOM ANDERSON

MAIN

REECE JAMES

NORTH BRANCH SUPPORTERS

AWAY HOME

DR ERSKINE

AWAY HOME

01

BRAD HALLIDAY

AWAY HOME

IAN LAWLOR

18

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

P L AY E R S P O N S O R S H I P

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPONSORING YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER CALL OUR COMMERCIAL TEAM ON 01302 764665

JACKIE FARRELL

20

AVAILABLE

MAIN

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

MAX WATTERS AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

22

MAIN

AVAILABLE

MAIN

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

SENY DIENG AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

24

MAIN

AVAILABLE

MAIN

DANIEL CALOW

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

JAMES COPPINGER

MAX PEARSON AND C&K DECORATORS

AVAILABLE

26

MAIN

AVAILABLE

MAIN

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

BRANDON HORTON

AWAY HOME

ANTHONY GREAVES

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

28

MAIN

AVAILABLE

MAIN

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

AVAILABLE

MAIN

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

30

AVAILABLE

DONNY DOG MAIN

AVAILABLE

DARREN MOORE AWAY HOME

29

MYRON GIBBONS

AWAY HOME

RIEVES BOOCOCK

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

27

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

RIAN McLEAN

25

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

ALEX KIWOMYA

23

AVAILABLE

MAIN

21

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

WILL LONGBOTTOM

MAIN

AWAY HOME

19

IN MEMORY OF CARL AKA CHOCO

AVAILABLE

AWAY HOME

SHANE BLANEY

MAIN

ALFIE MAY

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

31

DONCASTER ROVERS

OFFICIAL PARTNERS PLATINUM+

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER PD FABRICATION

BRONZE Atherton Godfrey Solicitors Bidfood Big On Bounce Brewster Pratap Copyprint Dunkin' Effective Heating Fleet Cars Direct Frenchgate Shopping Centre iPort Academy

Jenkinson Electrical Engineering Keyhole Creative Lakeside Village L&H Cairns Nuffield Health Pristine Commercial Cleaning Services Signum Facilities Management Taco Bells Venatu Visit Doncaster YESSS Electrical

COMMERCIAL

DONCASTER ROVERS

COMMERCIAL Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Keepmoat Stadium as we kick off the 2019/20 season with a bang!

We finished on such a high at the end of the last campaign and we cannot wait to emulate that this year under new manager Darren Moore.

It has been a whirlwind pre-season but the lads looked strong in the friendlies and look promising for our first game today against Gillingham.

The Gills finished mid table last year, but after summer signings will prove tough opposition for Darren Moore’s squad today.

We are delighted to welcome today’s match ball sponsor, Connie Heseltine with family and friends. The lovely Connie, who is a lifelong Rovers fan, is celebrating her 90th birthday today with us in hospitality, and is joined by nine friends and family in one of our executive suites.

We wish her a fantastic birthday and hope she has a special time celebrating today’s game.

Like Connie, you too can celebrate a special occasion with Club Doncaster, and let us do the hard work to make your day one to remember. If you are interested in celebrating with friends and family in our Jibba Jabba restaurant or in one of our executive suites, or looking to get involved with Club Doncaster on a commercial level through Official Partnerships or sponsorships, contact the team on 01302 764665 / commercial@clubdoncaster.co.uk.

"Like Connie, you too can celebrate a special occasion with Club Doncaster, and let us do the hard work to make your day one to remember"

33

SAFETY Three points is not the only priority today. Making sure everyone goes home safe is the most important result.

Over recent months we have been working closely with the police and the EFL to review security at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Now we are asking you to do your bit.

It is vital that everyone - players, staff and supporters - remains vigilant and reports any concerns to stewards or police.

Attacks might be rare, and the chance of you being caught up in one unlikely, but the message is ACT #ActionCountersTerrorism.

Rovers safety officer Sam Ramsden said:

"We want everyone to enjoy today’s game at the Keepmoat Stadium but if you see anything that causes you concern, tell a steward or staff member. Please do not worry that you might be wasting our time.

"The stewards are here to help keep us all safe so please be patient and cooperate with their instructions. When it comes to security it has to be a team effort and we are all players."

Here's a quick reminder of what you can do to help keep yourself and others safe: • Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks • Minimise what you carry, fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground

• Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away • If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999 • In an emergency, listen to the public address instructions and follow them • If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile • Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles • Once you are safe, follow the local police force on Twitter for updates To find out more, visit gov.uk/ACT or @TerrorismPolice

GAME CHANGER...

Together for Football is more than a motto.

It’s a mission. A mission to improve the quality of grassroots facilities across the country.

The Football Foundation is funded by the Premier League, The FA and Government.

To find out more about the Football Foundation visit footballfoundation.org.uk

SUPPORTERS LIAISON OFFICER

DONCASTER ROVERS

SUPPORTERS LIAISON OFFICER

35 Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and a warm welcome Keepmoat Stadium for our first game of the 2019/2020 season and a warm welcome to the visiting fans from Gillingham.

THANK YOU, SHEILA! Over the summer, my colleague, Sheila has stepped down as her position as an SLO at the club. Sheila has been a part of the team for the past three seasons and has been ever-present at home and away fixtures. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Sheila for all her hard work and dedication over the past few seasons. Sheila will still be attending games so I am sure you will still see her down at the Keepmoat Stadium.

VIDEO GUIDE Many of you who follow me on social media will have seen that two weeks ago I spent a day at the Keepmoat Stadium filming a video guide for both first-time visitors and away supporters. The video includes all the information that fans need for visiting the stadium such as where to buy tickets, information about Donny Dog’s

Kennel, the away fans family area, information about our quiet rooms and much more. I am looking forward to sharing the video with you all once it has been completed. I would like to say a big thank you to Hayley and Darren for all their hard work on the day and for helping put the video together.

ROCHDALE AND GRIMSBY Rovers have two away trips following today’s game - the first next Saturday against Rochdale and then on Tuesday August 13 we travel to Grimsby for our Carabao Cup tie. If you are travelling to either of these games you will be able to find all the information you need on my blog site. I hope to have the away guides up in the next few days, you will be able to access these via my social media accounts, the Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club website or visiting drfcslo.wordpress. com If you have any questions or require any assistance then please contact me on the usual SLO social media accounts, @SLO_DRFC on twitter, DRFC SLO on Facebook or email me at dean.medcalf@clubdoncaster. co.uk. I hope you all enjoy today’s game.

Rovers till I die Dean Medcalf Supporter liaison officer

proud sponsor

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SUPPORTERS CLUB

SUPPORTERS CLUB A big warm welcome to all supporters for the opening game in the 2019-2020 season, let’s hope it’s as exciting as last year. Welcome to all the supporters from Gillingham who have made the long trip up from Kent for today’s game, I hope they enjoy there day out with us and enjoy the Keepmoat Stadium experience.

We also welcome a new manager in Darren Moore, who played for us 22 years ago. His appointment has pleased the fans, and we look forward to having a successful season. We wish Grant McCann all the best at Hull City, and thank him for giving us a rollercoaster of a season last year.

Again this season we will be running coaches to all home and away games, the sheet with times and prices on are included in the programme but are subject to change. We have tried to keep the prices as low as we can but had to introduce a travel policy for under 16s who have to have a responsible adult travel with them. Fans who are 16-17-years-old need a consent form from their parents or guardians to travel. These can be downloaded from the Supporters Club website, on the bus or at the Supporters Club office based in the Club Doncaster Academy.

Our first away game is at Rochdale next Saturday, and coaches leave Retford 11.15am, Harworth 11.20am, Bawtry/Rossington 11.30am, Punches 11.35am, Infirmary 11.45am, Keepmoat Stadium inner ring 12noon. Fares are adult £16 and concessions (under 18 and over 60) £14. The coaches for Carabao Cup tie at Grimsby Town will leave Retford 4.30pm, Harworth 4.30pm/ Bawtry/Rossington 4.45pm, Punches 4.50pm, Infirmary 5pm and the Keepmoat Stadium at 5.15pm - fares are £15 adult and £13 concessions. For fans’ safety we will be picking up on the inner circle adjacent to Car Park 2 this season, so you can leave your car there. You can join the Supporters Club on the bus and get discount straight away, or join online or at Supporters shop located in the Club Doncaster Academy. The price is £7 adult and £5 concessions.

Call Paul on 07961727769 or Len on 01302 817347 for more details and bookings.

As always we will run the home match bus from Retford, Harworth and Rossington Styrupp and Labour club, times are 1pm (6pm) 1.20pm (6.20pm) and 1.30pm (6.30pm).

Times in brackets are night games, and there is no need to book.

Thanks to the fans and management from Rovers who attended the Main and North branch AGMs last week, both were well attended.

Enjoy the game. And get behind the team...

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.

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.

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

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 a Supporters Board which meets on a regular basis during the season to discuss a very broad range of topics.

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

Martin O'Hara

37

07:15

15:15

08:30

11:00

11:15

10:45

09:30

08:15

08:30

11:45

10:15

09:00

10:45

07:30

11:15

12:15

09:45

13:15

10:00

10:00

09:30

03/05/20 Blackpool

20/08/19 Bolton Wanderers

11/01/20 Bristol Rovers

28/03/20 Burton Albion

31/08/19 Bury

28/09/19 Coventry City

01/02/20 Fleetwood Town

15/02/20 Gillingham

14/09/19 Ipswich Town

10/04/20 Lincoln City

07/03/20 MK Dons

12/10/19 Oxford United

26/12/19 Peterborough United

04/01/20 Portsmouth

10/08/19 Rochdale

18/04/20 Rotherham United

22/02/20 Shrewsbury Town

22/10/19 Southend United

26/01/20 Sunderland

26/10/19 Tranmere Rovers

23/11/19 Wycombe Wanderers

13/08/19 Grimsby Town (CC1)

Home Bus Night

16:30

08:15

14/12/19 AFC Wimbledon

Home Bus Saturday

10:30

RETFORD

23/03/20 Accrington Stanley

DESTINATION

16:35

09:35

10:05

10:05

13:20

09:50

12:20

11:20

07:35

10:50

09:05

10:20

11:50

08:35

08:20

09:35

10:50

11:20

11:05

08:35

15:20

07:25

08:35

10:35

HAWTH

16:45

09:45

10:15

10:15

13:30

10:00

12:30

11:30

07:45

11:00

09:15

10:30

12:00

08:45

08:30

09:45

11:00

11:30

11:15

08:45

15:30

07:35

08:30

10:45

BAWTRY

16:45

09:45

10:15

10:15

13:30

10:00

12:30

11:30

07:45

11:00

09:15

10:30

12:00

08:45

08:30

09:45

11:00

11:30

11:15

08:45

15:30

07:35

08:30

10:45

16:50

09:50

10:20

10:20

13:35

10:05

12:35

11:35

07:50

11:10

09:20

10:40

12:05

08:50

08:40

09:50

11:10

11:35

11:20

08:50

15:35

07:40

08:50

10:50

PUNCHES

PICK UP POINT ROSS

17:05

10:00

10:30

10:30

13:50

10:15

12:45

11:45

08:00

11:15

09:30

10:45

12:15

09:00

08:50

10:00

11:15

11:45

11:30

09:00

15:40

07:45

08:45

10:55

DRI

17:10

10:05

10:35

10:35

13:55

10:25

12:50

11:50

08:05

11:20

09:35

10:50

12:20

09:05

08:45

10:05

11:20

11:50

11:35

09:05

15:55

07:50

08:50

11:00

WATERDALE

38

DATE

17:15

10:15

10:45

10:45

14:00

10:30

13:00

12:00

08:15

11:30

09:45

11:00

12:30

09:15

09:00

10:15

11:30

12:00

11:45

09:15

16:00

08:00

09:00

11:15

KEEP

£22.00

£15.00

£17.00

£23.00

£15.00

£10.00

£14.00

£26.00

£16.00

£21.00

£16.00

£13.00

£24.00

£24.00

£17.00

£16.00

£15.00

£14.00

£23.00

£15.00

£15.00

£24.00

£15.00

£26.00

£19.00

£21.00

£27.00

£19.00

£12.00

£18.00

£30.00

£20.00

£25.00

£20.00

£17.00

£28.00

£28.00

£21.00

£20.00

£19.00

£18.00

£27.00

£19.00

£19.00

£28.00

£19.00

£24.00

£17.00

£19.00

£25.00

£17.00

£11.00

£16.00

£28.00

£18.00

£23.00

£18.00

£15.00

£26.00

£26.00

£19.00

£18.00

£17.00

£16.00

£25.00

£17.00

£17.00

£26.00

£17.00

CONC

NON-MEMBERS ADULT

£15.00

£13.00

£17.00

£15.00

Contact P. Mayfield for details of fares

£24.00

£17.00

£19.00

£25.00

£17.00

£11.00

£16.00

£28.00

£18.00

£23.00

£18.00

£15.00

£26.00

£26.00

£19.00

£18.00

£17.00

£16.00

£25.00

£17.00

£17.00

£26.00

£17.00

CONC

MEMBERS ADULT

T R AV E L L I N G C O A C H T I M E S

SUPPORTERS CLUB

TRAVEL DETAILS

T R AV E L L I N G G U I D E

ON THE ROAD ROCHDALE Rovers travel across the Pennines to face Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena in Sky Bet League One on Saturday August 10.

Ground: Crown Oil Arena Capacity: 10, 249 Phone: 0844 826 1907 Postcode: OL11 5DR Travelling by car: Take the exit at Junction 20 from the M62, joining the A627(M) towards Rochdale. At the roundabout, take the third exit, carrying on the A627(M), before exiting on to A664 Edinburgh Way towards the A58 Rochdale. Continue straight onto B6452 Roch Valley Way, before turning right on to Pearl Street, where the ground is on the left.

Travelling by train: The nearest train station to the ground is Rochdale station, which is just under two miles from the Crown Oil Arena, and so it is advised to get a taxi or bus to avoid a long walk. Alternatively, the tram and bus could be a better option to get to the Crown Oil Arena. From Manchester Piccadilly, take Line C towards Bury, changing to a bus at Bury Interchange at Stand E, taking a bus to Mons Avenue, which is located less than a quarter of a mile from the ground.

BOLTON WANDERERS Rovers travel across the Pennines to face Bolton Wanderers at the University of Bolton Stadium in Sky Bet League One on Tuesday August 20.

Ground: University of Bolton Stadium Capacity: 28,723 Phone: 0844 871 2932 Postcode: BL6 6JW Travelling by car: Leave the M62 at junction 12, following signs for M61 (Bolton/Preston), stay on the M61 until junction 6 where you can see the ground as you come off the motorway.

Parking is available on site, with alternative options in the surrounding industrial parks and limited street parking.

Travelling by train: Regular trains run from Bolton’s main station to Horwich Parkway Railway Station, from here it is a short walk to the stadium.

39

C L U B D O N C A S T E R F O U N D AT I O N

FOUNDATION UPD Young people in Doncaster have been able to make the most of their time off school this summer thanks to the variety of programmes on offer by Club Doncaster Foundation.

The Foundation, who run programmes and sporting sessions throughout the schooling year, also give young people the chance to make the most of their summer, through two very different, very unique programmes.

The Expect Summer programme, run in partnership with innovation body Expect Youth, and the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme, have both impacted the lives of many young people in the last few years – something which the Foundation intends to carry on doing.

With both programmes having exceeded expectations during the 2017/18 season, which saw a total of more than 4,000 combined participants take part in the programmes, the staff over at the Foundation are already thinking of ways to make larger steps to improve summer activity opportunities in Doncaster.

40

2019’s Expect Summer programme is projected to achieve record results, with the aim of having an even greater impact on the local community, whilst introducing the young people to new skills and an experience that will leave a lasting impact on their summer.

The Foundation’s NCS team are also expecting to work with a high number of young people throughout the summer. In 2018, a total of 675 young people in Doncaster went away on the flagship programme, with a similar, if not larger, number expected to be achieved in 2019.

Club Doncaster Foundation, in partnership with Expect Youth, will be delivering a host of sporting activities to children across Doncaster during the summer holidays, labelled Expect Summer.

The programme will run until Friday August 30, making the summer months filled with exciting and entertaining activities for children all over Doncaster.

With the support of other organisations and groups from across Doncaster, Expect Summer is aiming to deliver more than 20 free activities for young people to choose from throughout the week.

Expect Summer coordinator and sport development officer for the Foundation, Mark Cooper, praised the impact and effectiveness of the Expect Summer programme.

He said: “The Expect Summer programme is a great way for young people to gain essential life skills and gain valuable experience moving forward.

“We have included a variety of bespoke activities aimed at developing new skills, whilst also giving young people the opportunity to continue positive activities throughout the summer holidays.

“Working alongside organisations in the local community adds massive value to the project, which in turn allows us to make a genuine impact in places around Doncaster.”

Head of Impact Doncaster, Jan Budtz, has seen a major increase in the amount of young people in Doncaster benefitting from the programme.

The former Rovers goalkeeper, who has been in charge of the NCS department at the Foundation since 2016, hopes 2019 will be the biggest programme the Foundation have ever delivered.

He said: “2018 is our biggest programme to date, but I feel like the 2019 programme can go on to achieve even greater success, as we plan to take away more than 650 young people.

“We have spent months prepping, planning and recruiting to make sure the summer programme is one to remember for these young people, so we’re so excited to see what they can go onto achieve during the three-week programme.

“The skills they will learn is something we pride ourselves on; not only do they get the chance to experience places they have probably never been to, but during the second two weeks they will have the chance to live independently, boost their CV and give back to the community through social action projects.”

C L U B D O N C A S T E R F O U N D AT I O N

DATE

41 Club Doncaster Foundation and Doncaster Rovers have been invited by Amnesty International UK to take part in an exciting new project to help refugees and people seeking asylum to feel welcome in the town of Doncaster.

The Football Welcomes Community Project is a three-year initiative to harness the power of the beautiful game to create more welcoming communities for refugees across the UK. The Foundation will continue to work closely with Doncaster Conversation Club United to help members of the community who have had to flee conflict and persecution develop a sense of belonging and purpose as they settle into their new life in the UK. Over the past couple of years, the Foundation’s health and wellbeing team have given asylum seekers the opportunity to take part in sport throughout Doncaster.

This includes invitations to matchdays, football sessions at Club Doncaster Academy o and opportunities to play on the Keepmoat Stadium turf alongside Rovers supporters and Fit Rovers members.

“Doncaster Rovers is at the heart of the community and has a unique ability to bring people together through a love of the beautiful game.

“Even if you don’t speak the same language, playing football together can give you a sense of belonging, on and off the pitch, and it can really help people who have fled conflict and persecution to settle into a new country and culture.

“We’re looking forward to working with the club, the Foundation and fans over the next three years to ensure that refugees and people seeking asylum feel welcome in Doncaster.”

As well as the mental and physical health benefits playing recreational football can bring, there will be opportunities for participants to attend English classes, volunteer, undertake refereeing or coaching training or join local grassroots sides, among other activities, including the potential to obtain FA coaching badges with the Foundation.

The Foundation is one of five football club foundations and county FAs across the UK taking part in the project, which is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Naomi Westland, Amnesty International UK’s Football Welcomes manager, said: “We’re really pleased to launch this new programme with Club Doncaster Foundation.

It is a new addition to Amnesty’s Football Welcomes initiative, which celebrates the contribution refugees make to the beautiful game and the positive role football plays in bringing people together.

“The response to the Football Welcomes weekends has been so positive that we wanted to create a year-round initiative for football clubs to help create more welcoming communities for refugees.

In April this year, the Foundation joined 177 clubs in the third annual Football Welcomes weekend, when DCC United were invited to take part in a football match at the Keepmoat Stadium.

DONNY’S BIRTHDAY BASH!

£95

G I B S ’ Y N N O D BIRTHDAY BASH!

£195

Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Total time: 2 hours

Party bags

Up to 10 children

Up to 10 children

Football cake

Football session and stadium tour

Football session and stadium tour Hot food

Free match ticket for birthday child + accompanying adult

Free match ticket for birthday child + accompanying adult

EXTRAS

DRFC Shirt £35.00 with name and number printed for an extra £15.

Football shirt cake of your choice personalised to the club of your choice £45.

Children £7 per head.

Parties of 15 or more children subject to £15 charge for additional coach.

TO BOOK

Call Club Doncaster on 01302 762562 or email cda@clubdoncaster.co.uk

Minimum of £50 deposit when making a booking and full amount must be payed before actual day of party.

L E A G U E O N E FA C T S & S TAT S

2019-20 SKY BET

LEAGUE ONE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

ACCRINGTON STANLEY AFC WIMBLEDON BLACKPOOL BRISTOL ROVERS BURTON ALBION COVENTRY CITY DONCASTER ROVERS FLEETWOOD TOWN GILLINGHAM IPSWICH TOWN LINCOLN CITY MILTON KEYNES DONS OXFORD UNITED PETERBOROUGH UNITED PORTSMOUTH ROCHDALE ROTHERHAM UNITED SHREWSBURY TOWN SOUTHEND UNITED SUNDERLAND TRANMERE ROVERS WYCOMBE WANDERERS BOLTON WANDERERS (-12) BURY (-12)

P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

W 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOP GOALSCORERS

F 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

GD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PTS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -12 -12

-

-

FORM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

-

FIXTURES & RESULTS SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST AFC Wimbledon v Rotherham United Blackpool v Bristol Rovers Burton Albion v Ipswich Town Bury P-P Milton Keynes Dons Coventry City v Southend United Doncaster Rovers v Gillingham Lincoln City v Accrington Stanley Peterborough United v Fleetwood Town Shrewsbury Town v Portsmouth Sunderland v Oxford United Tranmere Rovers v Rochdale Wycombe Wanderers v Bolton Wanderers

PLAYER

TEAM

GLS

James Collins

Luton Town

25

John Marquis

Doncaster Rovers

22

Lyle Taylor

Charlton Athletic

22

Tom Eaves

Gillingham

21

Ian Henderson

Rochdale

20

Freddie Ladapo

Fleetwood Town

18

Mallik Wilks

Doncaster Rovers

14 *2018/19 data

SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST Accrington Stanley v Bury Bolton Wanderers v Coventry City Bristol Rovers v Wycombe Wanderers Fleetwood Town v AFC Wimbledon Gillingham v Burton Albion Ipswich Town v Sunderland Milton Keynes Dons v Shrewsbury Town Oxford United v Peterborough United Portsmouth v Tranmere Rovers Rochdale v Doncaster Rovers Rotherham United v Lincoln City Southend United v Blackpool

-

43

F I X T U R E S & R E S U LT S

2019-20 ROVERS DATE

OPPOSITION

COMP

STATISTICS SCORE

AUGUST Sat 3

Gillingham

H

EFL1

15:00

Sat 10

Rochdale

A

EFL1

15:00

Tue 13

Grimsby Town

A

CC1

19:45

Sat 17

Fleetwood Town

H

EFL1

15:00

Tue 20

Bolton Wanderers

A

EFL1

20:00

Sat 24

Lincoln City

H

EFL1

12:30

Sat 31

Bury

A

EFL1

15:00

SEPTEMBER Tue 3

Lincoln City

H EFLTG

19:45

Sat 7

Rotherham United

H

EFL1

12:30

Sat 14

Ipswich Town

A

EFL1

15:00

Tue 17

Blackpool

H

EFL1

19:45

Sat 21

Peterborough United

H

EFL1

15:00

Sat 28

Coventry City

A

EFL1

15:00

OCTOBER

44

Sat 5

Portsmouth

H

EFL1

15:00

Tue 8

Rotherham United

A EFLTG

19:00

Sat 12

Oxford United

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 19

Bristol Rovers

H

EFL1

15:00

Tue 22

Southend United

A

EFL1

19:45

Sat 26

Tranmere Rovers

A

EFL1

15:00

Tue 29

Manchester United U21

H EFLTG

19:45

H

EFL1

15:00

NOVEMBER Sat 2

Burton Albion

w/e 8

FA Cup First Round

Sat 16

Shrewsbury Town

H

EFL1

15:00

Sat 23

Wycombe Wanderers

A

EFL1

15:00

w/e 29

FA Cup Second Round 15:00

DECEMBER Sat 7

Milton Keynes Dons

H

EFL1

Sat 14

AFC Wimbledon

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 21

Accrington Stanley

H

EFL1

15:00

Thu 26

Peterborough United

A

EFL1

15:00

Sun 29

Sunderland

H

EFL1

15:00

JANUARY 2020 Wed 1

Oxford United

H

EFL1

15:00

Sat 4

Portsmouth

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 11

Bristol Rovers

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 18

Coventry City

H

EFL1

15:00

Sat 25

Sunderland

A

EFL1

15:00

Tue 28

Southend United

H

EFL1

19:45

FEBRUARY Sat 1

Fleetwood Town

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 8

Rochdale

H

EFL1

15:00

Tue 11

Bolton Wanderers

H

EFL1

19:45

Sat 15

Gillingham

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 22

Shrewsbury Town

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 29

Wycombe Wanderers

H

EFL1

15:00

MARCH Sat 7

Milton Keynes Dons

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 14

AFC Wimbledon

H

EFL1

15:00

Sat 21

Accrington Stanley

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 28

Burton Albion

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 4

Tranmere Rovers

H

EFL1

15:00

Fri 10

Lincoln City

A

EFL1

15:00

H

EFL1

15:00

APRIL

Mon 13 Bury Sat 18

Rotherham United

A

EFL1

15:00

Sat 25

Ipswich Town

H

EFL1

15:00

Blackpool

A

EFL1

12:00

MAY Sun 3

ATT

AWAY POS

STARTING XI

F I X T U R E S & R E S U LT S

SUB 1

SUB 2

SUB 3

45

0

0

0

17 BLAIR, Matty

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

28 HORTON, Brandon

03 JAMES, Reece

13 JONES, Louis

23 KIWOMYA, Alex

01 LAWLOR, Ian

21 LONGBOTTOM, Will

0

0

0

05 WRIGHT, Joe

TOTALS

0

0

0

22 WATTERS, Max

0

0

07 SADLIER, Kieron

06 SHEAF, Ben

08 WHITEMAN, Ben

0

0

18 PRIOR, Cody

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

19 MAY, Alfie

25 McLEAN, Rian

0

0

0

0

HASANI, Lirak

-

0

0

02 HALLIDAY, Brad

0

0

12 GOMES, Madger

0

0

0

0

24 DIENG, Seny

30 GIBBONS, Myron

27 GREAVES, Anthony

0

0

0

26 COPPINGER, James

11 CRAWFORD, Ali

0

0

0

20 BLANEY, Shane

29 BOOCOCK, Rieves

0

0

04 ANDERSON, Tom

0

0

16 AMOS, Danny

SUB

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

GLS

SKY BET LEAGUE 1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

SUB

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

GLS

EMIRATES FA CUP

APPS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

SUB

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

GLS

CARABAO CUP APPS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

APPS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

SUB

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

GLS

EFL TROPHY

46

APPS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

SUB

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

GLS

2019-20 TOTAL APPS

76

88

0

0

8

0

0

44

3

105

6

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

29

553

0

2

128

38

4

7

9

0

0

11

3

0

50

8

0

10

0

0

1

2

0

0

0

0

0

13

72

2

0

20

2

3

SUB

2

12

0

0

3

0

0

20

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

69

0

0

11

4

0

GLS

CAREER TOTALS APPS

ROLL-CALL

2019-20 ROVERS

ROLL-CALL

18+ only. Begambleaware.org.

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

GILLINGHAM FC

MANAGER Darren Moore

MANAGER Steve Evans

Doncaster Rovers Football Club is determined to treat with equal consideration all supporters, regardless of 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 EFL) 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.

01 Ian LAWLOR

01 Jack BONHAM

02 Brad HALLIDAY

02 Lee HODSON

03 Reece JAMES

03 Bradley GARMSTON

04 Tom ANDERSON

04 Stuart O'KEEFE

05 Joe WRIGHT

05 Max EHMER

06 Ben SHEAF

06 Connor OGILVIE

07 Kieran SADLIER

07 Brandon HANLAN

08 Ben WHITEMAN

08 Matty WILLOCK

11 Ali CRAWFORD

09 Mikael MANDRON

12 Madger GOMES

10 Mikael NDJOLI

13 Louis JONES

11 Regan CHARLES-COOK

16 Danny AMOS

12 Barry FULLER

17 Matty BLAIR

14 Alfie JONES

18 Cody PRIOR

15 Elliott LIST

19 Alfie MAY

16 Ousseynou CISSE

20 Shane BLANEY

18 Mark BYRNE

21 Will LONGBOTTOM

19 Mark MARSHALL

22 Max WATTERS

20 Darren OLDAKER

23 Alex KIWOMYA

21 Joe WALSH

24 Seny DIENG

22 Josh REES

25 Rian McLEAN

23 Alex JAKUBIAK

26 James COPPINGER

25 Bradley STEVENSON

27 Anthony GREAVES

26 Henry WOODS

28 Brandon HORTON

27 Jack TUCKER

29 Rieves BOOCOCK

28 Roman CAMPBELL

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 stadium and prosecution. Anybody who appears to be under the age of 21 will be asked for ID. We appreciate supporters’ co-operation.

MATCHBALL SPONSOR

CONNIE HESELTINE

30 Myron GIBBONS

MATCH OFFICIALS

NEXT UP AT THE KEEPMOAT STADIUM

Referee - John Busby Assistant - Alix Pashley Assistant - Billy Smallwood Fourth official - Declan Bourne

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 and anonymous ‘safe text’ service to enable supporters to report their concerns quickly and easily by text message.

FLEETWOOD TOWN Saturday 17th August KO: 3.00pm Sky Bet League One

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.