Links
|
posted in Match Previews
Print
 by Paul Williams Is it really more than seven years since Copps’ unforgettable hat-trick against Southend United on a night on which the whole of the Keepmoat was rocking? I’ve still got that on a CD somewhere. We all remember what that led to, of course, so maybe it’s pointer that Rovers meet the Shrimpers for the first time since less than a week since they recorded a first-ever victory against Leeds at the Keepmoat. I’m sure Paul Dickov would love to rotate his squad a little in the midst of a busy run of matches but circumstances are conspiring against the Rovers manager. Paul Keegan is still absent, as is Danny N’Guessan, and they’ve been joined on the treatment table by Nathan Tyson, who could be out for a few weeks. Richard Chaplow is back in training, however, and could be fit enough for a place on the bench this Wednesday. Either Rob Jones or Gary Mackenzie will again partner Andy Butler at the heart of the defence but otherwise the line-up will be similar to the one that started Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Wigan and the Capital One Cup game against Leeds. Southend, who scrambled up via the play-offs last season, started off the new campaign with a creditable draw at Fleetwood but were never at the races when beaten 2-0 by Walsall in their first home game. They are supposedly better on the road and Brian Horton will able to give Phil Brown a rundown on what to expect given he was in the Rovers’ dug-out up until May. Performances have been good so far but chances need to be taken if Rovers are to stay on the heels of the early pace-setters. Tyson’s injury is a blow but the manager says he is no hurry to buy or loan a replacement, so let’s hope Curtis Main uses his absence as the incentive to show fans that he can produce the goods on a regular basis – three points please, just to settle the nerves. 
Over the summer the VSC have been in talks with the Barratt Homes development team about the Belle Vue development. Our aim is to ensure Belle Vue is remembered on the housing estate, and we have had several productive discussions surrounding street names, imagery use in the apartment block designs and potentially a monument/sculpture being commissioned. We have also been in contact with DMBC and the club who have been forward in offering their help if/when required.
We would like to reassure all Rovers supporters we are taking positive steps to ensure the former home of DRFC is never forgotten. If you have any ideas on how you think Belle Vue should be remembered, specifically in terms of a monument or sculpture, please share your ideas on the Viking Chat forum or email secretary@drfc-vsc.co.uk
posted in Match Previews
Print
 by Paul Williams I wish I had a flair for drama and an imagination like Bentley Bullet (see http://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=253472). ‘The camera’s shite on mine’ – classic! But let’s get away from Wembley tears, distressed wheelie bins and all thought that this week’s Carling Cup tie against Leeds United is anything but a distraction from the important business of making a decent start in League One. We’ve never beaten our west Yorkshire neighbours at the Keepmoat, but performances against Championship sides this pre-season suggest this latest encounter could be a bit closer than predecessors. Saturday’s draw with Bury was an inauspicious beginning to the season and one that highlighted obvious deficiencies. But this match gives Paul Dickov the opportunity to be a bit more adventurous in his team selection – surely a place can be found for Harry Middleton in the starting line-up - and the Sky money and the likelihood of a decent gate, thanks in part to those ever-popular Donny Whites, should pay for a couple of loan signings should circumstances dictate as the campaign progresses. At least there’ll be no Ross McCormack or Matt Smith to burst Rovers’ bubble this time. Our arch nemeses of recent years now ply their trade with Fulham, which is probably a cue for us to get the Londoners in round two should we progress against Uwe Rosler’s side. The German can’t have happy memories of the Keepmoat as his Brentford team lost here in our promotion side and he was in charge of Wigan (Sunday’s opponents) when the Latics lost 3-0 here in our last season in the Championship. It can’t be easy working for an owner like Massimo Cellino and, after an opening draw with Burnley, Rosler will feel a lot more secure when he’s got a first win under his belt. But you’d like to think that Rovers’ new-look defence have enough of a physical presence to cope with Leeds’ big-summer signing Chris Wood and this is cup football after all, when anything is possible. Time for a new hero to step forward in red and white and give the legacy of James Hayter a rest!
 The VSC Online Shop is now open! At present we've got 4 unique mugs for sale at £8 each (+ p&p) and over the coming weeks we'll be adding more unique Rovers products. All profits from the shop contribute directly to the Supporters Trust and help us work towards our Aims and Objectives. Visit http://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/shop today!
|
