Manager: Sean O'Driscoll
Odds to win: 50/1
2007-2008:
Position: 3rd (League One) W:23 D:11 L:12 F:65 A:41 Points: 80
Top Scorer: James Hayter/Paul Heffernan/Jason Price (7)
FA Cup: First Round
League Cup: Second Round
Yellows: 49 Reds: 3
Results against Reds (N/A)
2008-2009:
Name:Andy ( a.k.a One John Ryan)
Club: Doncaster Rovers
Level of Interest: Season ticket holder
How has pre-season gone for you?
Pretty well. Good solid win over Newcastle the highlight, the defeat to Bolton a lowlight, but things do seem to be good.
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
I am. Byfield will give us good goal scoring experience in this league, Elliot's another who'll score goals down the left. Mills was superb for us last season and is a top signing at his fee. O Driscoll's filled the gaps and added quality to improve the squad, which pleases me.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
Stave off relegation and we'll be happy. I think a 14th-18th placed finish is possible but avoiding relegation is the aim.
Which player has past his sell by date?
Tough one this as we're a youngish squad. I guess the obvious choice is Gareth Taylor who's got no pace. Luckily his game is about the link up so he should still play a cameo role at times.
Have you got the right manager in charge?
Definitely. O Driscoll is the perfect man to fight relegation with a small budget. He makes shrewd signings and his passing style will certainly help us this season.
What advice would you give him?
Be positive. We play far better when we attack and negative football only brings negative results.
Who do you see as your key player?
Unlike many teams I would say we don't rely on one player. I think we'd say Richie Wellens is key in midfield as he is a top class all round player.
Who would you most like to beat this season?
Barnsley for me. Can't beat a good derby win and I'd love to see us keep our good recent record against them. After that, well the 2 Sheffield teams and the arrogance of Nottingham Forest.
Where will you finish?
Stick my neck out and say 18th which I'll be more than happy with.
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?
Hard to tell. They've been average in pre season and I do think they look a little weak up front. I feel they paid a tad too much for Hume and scoring goals could be the problem. Much relies on Howard to chip in again and if he can keep his form of last season then they should finish in the lower mid table area. It'll be a tough season and I reckon they'll be about the same area as Rovers in the table, simply because I worry about their goal scoring.
Name:
Leanne Kelly
Club:
Doncaster Rovers
Level of Interest:
Every game!
How has pre-season gone for you?
I don't really make judgements on what happens in pre-season games as it is nothing like the real thing. Most of the games were dreadful, beating Newcastle was a plus but a lot of the friendlies have just been games with local clubs & the second team so you can't really judge those.
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
Yes the majority of the signings are good. It's good to see Matt Mills back in a Rovers shirt as I think a few of the fans were worried that he wasn't going to sign for us. I think we could still do with a defender & maybe a keeper to keep Sullivan on his toes but I wouldn't like them to go panic buying like last season.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
Realistically we need to stay up, even if it means doing so by goal difference. We've had a lot of success in recent years but I don't think anyone expected us to be where we are today so to stay in the Championship would be fantastic.
Which player has past his sell by date?
I'd say Lewis Guy. He just doesn't cut it with the rest of the strikers we have in our team. No disrespect to the man because I think he would shine in a League Two team but he isn't good enough for us.
Have you got the right manager in charge?
I believe so, although I will admit that there have been times when I have thought otherwise.
What advice would you give him?
Keep the players chins up. If they expect to get a hammering each week then they will. If you have faith in them & make them believe then things might be different.
Who do you see as your key player?
Richie Wellens. I think most fans, myself included, thought he would go elsewhere pre-season which would have been a massive blow.
Who would you most like to beat this season?
Sheffield Wednesday, United, Barnsley, there's so many local derbys to pick from. If we beat any of them I will be happy!
Where will you finish?
Realistically the bottom half of the table. If we stay out of the relegation drop then things could be different next season!
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?
I think you will be about par with ourselves judging from last season. Bottom half of the table I'm afraid!