The squad, end of season report

[Filo]

Neil Sullivan

Looking his years now and maybe it`s time he looked at going into coaching, still the best keeper on the books and in the absence of any new keeper coming in may be worth another 12 months.

Gary Woods

Still young and plenty of room for improvement, needs to improve his kicking and his command of the area, still understudy material

James O Connor

An up and down season for Jimmy, been a rock at centre half at times this season when we`ve needed him there, right back is still his best position for me

Mustapha Dumbya

A breakthrough season for Muzzy, played consistently well when he`s played, injuries disrupted his season, one of the few shining lights this term.

Shelton Martis

A bit of an enigma is Shelton, when he`s good, he`s good, when he`s bad he`s embarrassingly bad, one of those that seems to play once or twice and then he`s injured for a few games!

Wayne Thomas

Another who`s season has been blighted with injury, not the quickest centre half, but he`s a commanding figure in the air and a natural organiser and leader, needs some one quick alongside him to cover his lak of pace.

Sam Hird

Not your typical centre half, has no physical prescence and relies on his footballing brain, can`t cope with the power house centre forwards in the championship, time for him to move on I think

Denis Souza

An emergency signing when we had no fit centre halfs, not good enough and should be on the plane back to Brazil by now

Adam Lockwood

Another one that should be shown the door, gives 100% every time but injuries have taken their toll, would be a good signing for any League 1 club

Byron Webster

Another  centre half in the not good enough category and should be released

George Friend

A nothing but average left back, but has been a revelation at centre half and thats where his future position lies, show the same improvement next season and we may well have £1M bids coming in for him, needs a right side centre back with pace to compliment him

James Chambers

Another whose season has been destroyed by injury, had major knee surgery and will we see the best of him again? Doubtful in my view and maybe time to say goodbye

Martin Woods

Another blighted by injury, when fit can be a great asset to our midfield, hopefully his injury nightmares are nearly over

James Coppinger

Consistent performer, but still needs to add more goals to his came, unplayable when on form

John Oster

A big disappointment this season after being one of the outstanding performers last season, needs to up his game next season to earn a new contract!

Brian Stock

Another that seems to spend more time in the treatment room than on the pitch and with his current injury problems looks like his best days are behind him, we need to find his replacement this close season

Simon Gillet

A busy player and 100%er and hopefully can kick on next season, probably our only commited tackler in midfield

Mark Wilson

The boo boys scapegoat, but even I1ve got to admit he`s not good enough for the championship anymore

Dean Shiels

Had his chances but never made the breakthrough to be a constant member of our midfield, time to seek pastures new!

Paul Keegan

Looks like he`s got something, likes a tackle but always looked overweight when he played

Ryan Burge

No comment, not seen enough of him!

Wade Fairhurst

Looks like he`s not going to get a chance here, sent out on lone when we had no strikers, so time for him to move on

James Hayter

Will run all day and provides a link between midfield and the lone striker

Steve Brooker

Great strike against the Foxes and showed us what might have been, but we can`t carry him any longer, time to go!

Billy Sharp

Best Striker at the club and well worth the transfer fee paid for him, needs a consistent partner to share the goal burden!

[RedJ]

Does anybody else find it somewhat depressing that we were treated to the delights of Dennis Souza?

[Chrisd_123]

Disagree entirely on Lockwood. Before he got injured he was our most consistant defender and is a 100 times better than Thomas.

[coventryrover]

Does anybody else find it somewhat depressing that we were treated to the delights of Dennis Souza?

SOD panicked regarding the strength of our central defence; hence Thomas, Souza and Martis.


We have Lockwood, Webster, Thomas, Souza, Martis, Hird, Friend and JOC who can play central defence.  I think all but the last three mentioned should be concerned about their rovers future

[RedJ]

He must've had a fcuking heart attack when he went in for Souza..

[Wellred]

Agree with that Filo, makes a change for someone to post something written without the rose tinted specs on.

[mushRTID]

Time to get better than Sully im afraid. From where I was sat, goals 1 and 2 could/should have been saved. Its happened too many times this year. A top goalkeeper is vital in this league, we havent had one this year unfortunately.

In defence, get rid of Souza, Thomas and Webster as its obvious they are not good enough. If we could move Chambers on and sign Joe mills id be happy with that. I would personally keep both Hird and Lockwood. Do not sign Kilgallon, one incredibly expensive mistake that one.


In midfield I would try to move Shiels and Wilson on. Complete waste of space, the pair of them. Keegan I am 50/50 on, maybe an extra body to add to the squad and as he has only just arrived here there may be more to come. Burge might as well go, he is not going to be used. A fit Martin Woods is missed immensely, hopefully he is fit for the new season.

Up front, Fairhurst and Brooker can go. Obvious reasons for Brooker, shame but no sentiment in football. Fairhurst is a shame but SOD is obviously not a fan.

A lot of work to do in my opinion, good luck SOD.

[Filo]

Time to get better than Sully im afraid. From where I was sat, goals 1 and 2 could/should have been saved. Its happened too many times this year. A top goalkeeper is vital in this league, we havent had one this year unfortunately.

In defence, get rid of Souza, Thomas and Webster as its obvious they are not good enough. If we could move Chambers on and sign Joe mills id be happy with that. I would personally keep both Hird and Lockwood. Do not sign Kilgallon, one incredibly expensive mistake that one.


In midfield I would try to move Shiels and Wilson on. Complete waste of space, the pair of them. Keegan I am 50/50 on, maybe an extra body to add to the squad and as he has only just arrived here there may be more to come. Burge might as well go, he is not going to be used. A fit Martin Woods is missed immensely, hopefully he is fit for the new season.

Up front, Fairhurst and Brooker can go. Obvious reasons for Brooker, shame but no sentiment in football. Fairhurst is a shame but SOD is obviously not a fan.

A lot of work to do in my opinion, good luck SOD.

I like Mills and think he gives us something at left back, he gets up and down pretty well, my only concern is his frequent injuries for such a young lad

[RedJ]

Yeah but who hasn't been injured this season at some point? often more than once?

[Kenny_Senior]

FWIW, here's my analysis of the players from this season.

Neil Sullivan

Reactions are getting slower and he's making more errors than ever before. There are other goalkeepers out there who could do a better job.

Gary Woods

Young and can improve, but needs to improve. Very inconsistent. Sometimes great, sometimes shambolic. Not ready for the first team at the moment.

James O Connor

Strange season, but he's still been a decent performer. His versatility helps, but he should not be our answer to the centre half problem.

Mustapha Dumbya

Another good performer this season, very attacking, though defensively he is still sometimes naive and needs to improve that aspect of his game. Overall though, not a bad season.

Shelton Martis

Lacks consistency and his unorthodox style of defending makes him something of a liability when he has a bad game. His strong physique helps him out at times, but there are better players out there who we could realistically bring to replace him. The unfortunate thing though is that this donkey still has two more seasons with us.

Wayne Thomas

Injury-hit season, though Thomas lacks pace and composure at times and is a strikers dream. Has had a few good appearances, but by and large he is nowhere near good enough.

Sam Hird

Half decent, but gets caught out a little too often. Out of contract, though personally I'd keep him as he is less of a liability than others in the same position.

Denis Souza

Why did we sign him? Another donkey defender who is prone to errors, erratic performances and being far too unorthodox. Not good enough at all.

Adam Lockwood

Decent enough defender when he's played, but he's been injured far too often. He lacks pace and when he gets fit again, it's questionable whether he'll either get into the team or be quick enough. Time to say goodbye.

Byron Webster

Always injured and a defender who clearly hasn't lived up to the tag of being the next \"Matt Mills\". Out of contract, so should be released.

George Friend

Half-decent left back, but someone who has excelled at centre back. Should be rewarded with a new contract as he has been one of the shining lights of an otherwise pathetic season defensively. Decent on the ball, calm, collected and composed at centre half. Very good.

James Chambers

Injury hit season, but a player I would give a new contract to as he has been up to standard previously and this is the first time anyone has really began to question him. Needs to get fit for pre-season.

Martin Woods

Tenacious, battling, okay, but his season has been destroyed by injury. He won't have hit the standards he set himself at the start of the season, but age is also on his side.

James Coppinger

Superb at times, like the home game against Norwich, and relatively consistent. Copps is another one of those few players who has had a genuinely good season despite everything.

John Oster

Disappointing season after a solid campaign last year, but another player who can still find the class when he is required to. Lacks some consistency at times.

Brian Stock

Great servant, but his best days are behind him. Injuries have taken their toll and can we afford to pay in excess of £5,000 p/w for someone who doesn't play?

Simon Gillet

Tenacious, battling, hungry and someone who will get stuck in. Injuries have hampered his progress, but there's enough potential for Gillett to go on and become a key player in the months ahead.

Mark Wilson

A player the manager really apprecaites, and one who I think still has something to offer next season as a utility/back-up player. Worth keeping for that reason.

Dean Shiels

Glimpses of class but by and large he has been distinctly average and we have better players in the same position within our ranks. One who could hapilly leave tomorrow.

Paul Keegan

Looked good when he played, but then injuries scuppered his season. Worth another contract IMO as a back-up player. Very competative in his few appearances.

Ryan Burge

The new Josh Payne? It's hard to comment having barely seen him and it's strange we've let him go to Oxford just weeks after we signed him.

Waide Fairhurst

A player who has looked tenacious and ready to battle when given chances in the past, but his chances are now becoming fewer and far between. Ultimately, he probably isnt good enough for this level.

James Hayter

A good solid player who puts a shift in and works hard. Not had a bad season on the whole, just needs to score a few more goals.

Steve Brooker

He's had injury problems ever since he joined Bristol City years ago and is totally unreliable. This season he's failed to improve and it's time for him to go.

Billy Sharp

A player who has been badly missed when injured this season, but one who was probably out of our league when we signed him. His predatory instincts make him a threat to any defence at this level - and possibly above.

[BRMC_rover]

FWIW, here's my analysis of the players from this season.


James Chambers

Injury hit season, but a player I would give a new contract to as he has been up to standard previously and this is the first time anyone has really began to question him. Needs to get fit for pre-season.

Absolutely spot on Kenny. My feelings the same on Chambo. He's a class footballer at this level. He's proved it with us and other clubs before at this level and his injury record normally isnt as terrible as this terms.  Others that have been on the sidelines as much this season as well pointing more towards a problem in the training schedule or the pitch. He deserves a new contract.

Rose tinted specs aside, he's always one I hear away fans commenting on how good his game was, defensively and going forward.

Shiels is the only one that frustrates me of those I think should go. We all know that he is easily capable of a brilliant season. Problem is, you start hi in his best position just behind the striker, and you may as well have 10 men for 60 mins, then he does something good. Same when he comes on as a sub, ineffective and takes a while to get going. He needs to have a good run of games and get goals and build a bit of confidence. Something to make him start getting involved more, wanting the ball etc. If we could give him another year and loan him out for 3 months, it may pay off.

[Jonathan]

Good thread this one, I agree with most of the analysis from the two that have done the full squad run down so far. Here's my honest opinion:

Neil Sullivan

He's been exceptional for the club, nothing but good memories of his time here and now is the time to move on with those memories in place.

Gary Woods

Lots of promise for a young keeper, glad he's on a contract but at this stage he is too young to be first choice for a Championship club that will come under so much pressure. We need to add a first choice keeper and allow Woods time to develop.

James O Connor

Quality and versatile, but he is not a long term centre half. He should start next season as first choice right back.

Mustapha Dumbya

Done really well. Still a lot to learn but lots of promise. Useful squad member at full back and in a more attacking role I would imagine.

Shelton Martis

Always said I think he has all the components of a decent defender but struggles to put them all together in the same game. There seems to be a mistake in him every time he plays and we can't afford that. If he can't find that confidence or consistency then it's hard to see him as a first choice centre back. We need someone more solid and reliable.

Wayne Thomas

Shouts a lot, so could be seen as a leader. Aside from that he's far too slow, rash and not good enough.

Sam Hird

Steady, versatile, local, good for the squad. The only out of contract player I would consider giving a new deal to.

Denis Souza

Flip a coin to see if he's better or worse than Thomas. In any case, not good enough.

Adam Lockwood

Never lets anyone down, great professional, saddens me to say but he is probably not a Championship player. If we're being ruthless (which we need to be) then his ambitions would be better played out playing for a League One team than warming our bench. Was not a guaranteed starter in our League One team.

Byron Webster

Not lived up to promise. Might have been alright but we'll never know. Another one to go.

George Friend

Excellent at centre back. Next season could be a big one for him as first choice centre half (alongside a new parter). Has everything in his game to excel in that position, and can offer emergency cover at left back too.

James Chambers

Rarely lets anyone down when he plays. If he was fit he should stay, but can we afford to gamble a wage on that? Probably not.

Martin Woods

Physically stronger than most of our other midfielders. Offers balance to the team with his left foot. We've missed him perhaps more than we may have expected and will be a boost to have him back in contention next season.

James Coppinger

Still one of our most important players. Has been more consistent this season, taken on more responsibility and will once again be a key player for us next season assuming we reject any bids for him.

John Oster

Has missed having quality players around him at times. Still one of the most influential players in almost every game and very important to us. Inconsistent at times but that could be said of most of our players, expect him to be an important player again next season.

Brian Stock

Injury record makes for disappointing reading given that he is up there with the very best when fit. Needs time to recover and just got to hope he can come back as strong as we know he can be. Vitally important to us, if he's out for a long time then he needs replacing.

Simon Gillet

Disappointing ti miss him for so long through injury, other than that a promising first full season. You know what you'll get from him in every game, which makes a refreshing change. Adds a bit of bite which we really need.

Mark Wilson

Clearly got a great attitude and a good role model, but ineffective most of the time on the pitch. Simply doesn't do enough to warrant a regular place.

Dean Shiels

Has the ability to change a game but frustratingly inconsistent. May have used up all his chances. If we could get Mason full time then he would have to be out of the door.

Paul Keegan

Looked good in some games (especially Burnley when he did a job on Eagles). For that reason I think he could be useful, and he's better than Wilson, but injury makes it a risk now.

Ryan Burge

Impossible to comment, and if he's not going to play then no point keeping him.

Waide Fairhurst

Decent but not Championship level. Time for him to go elsewhere and get his career going.

James Hayter

Never lets anyone down. Versatile, intelligent, hard working and an important member of the squad.

Steve Brooker

What a shame, could have been exceptional but injuries have proved too much. Hope he can overcome that somewhere else.

Billy Sharp

Briliant goalscorer, allround player and driving force. If he can stay fit he will score more than 20 which is good going for any player at any club. Vital part of next season's team.

[southwestexile]

so what has it been?  the physio?  the pitch?  both?

whatever it is, we certainly need some close season analysis because I can't handle another season like that - we even started breaking the loanees FFS!

[DonnyNoel]

I'd agree with most of the thoughts on this thread, some very sensible and mature points.

Of those \"at risk\" I'd keep Hird due to age and versatility and possibly one of Keegan or Wilson. Neither overly inspire me but I'm aware that if we get rid of absolutely everyone out of contract we're putting pressure on ourselves to get both quality and quantity in. Plus if we get Stock and Woods fit for a full season I have no objections to Wilson or Keegan as 10 game squad players.

Shiels has disappointed. Reminds me of Spicer, comes in full of energy and forward thinking and a bit different to the SOD type cautious players, does well for a season then never kicked on. If you stand still you go backwards. I'd certainly take Mason over him.

Given how expensive the top L1 players are now we need to scour that Bosman list. Big summer ahead.

On the keeper front, I think its a couple of years too soon for Woods to be #1. I understand the \"can't get experience without playing\" line but as Jonathan says, its a big ask for one so young to step into what could be a messy breach next season.

[DonnyEl]

what people have got to remember is that both mark wilson and dean shiels both have a year to run on their contracts, so we can't exactly get rid of them

[bedale rover]

wouldnt it be nice to be in the same situation as boro where we have some promising youngsters coming through to replace the obvious dead wood in the first team  or even to get the odd game when the inevitable injuries strike! :cry:

[stockyboy]

We need to have a summer clear out for everything involved with the playing side to DRFC in my opinion:

1) The pitch, come in for a lot of criticism over last few years and has caused us a lot of problems. Needs digging up and needs a new decent surface relaying.

2) Physio, need better fitness and physio staff, one's who can help the players get stronger through mid-season and when they get injured through the season can do a decent job of getting them back quicker and stronger then this year.

3) Youth coaches, we need to bring the youth through the ranks, and I mean good youth potentials, not the one's we've had for the past few years. Every time I hear about them, they have lost, played poorly and/or aren't good enough for league 2 clubs. We need better coaches and better scouts to find the future of our club.

4) Releasing the dead wood, get rid of them who SOD doesn't like, isn't good enough and are injury prone (with the exception of Brian Stock). This will get rid of the players who aren't good enough and give us more money for a bigger budget for players.

[GM-MarkB]

We need to have a summer clear out for everything involved with the playing side to DRFC in my opinion:

1) The pitch, come in for a lot of criticism over last few years and has caused us a lot of problems. Needs digging up and needs a new decent surface relaying.

2) Physio, need better fitness and physio staff, one's who can help the players get stronger through mid-season and when they get injured through the season can do a decent job of getting them back quicker and stronger then this year.

3) Youth coaches, we need to bring the youth through the ranks, and I mean good youth potentials, not the one's we've had for the past few years. Every time I hear about them, they have lost, played poorly and/or aren't good enough for league 2 clubs. We need better coaches and better scouts to find the future of our club.

4) Releasing the dead wood, get rid of them who SOD doesn't like, isn't good enough and are injury prone (with the exception of Brian Stock). This will get rid of the players who aren't good enough and give us more money for a bigger budget for players.

The pitch has been dug up the last 2 off seasons and 're-grown'. It is not turf that is laid, it's grass interwoven with artificial strands that help hold the surface together and is grown from scratch over the Summer months. Hence you've never seen the pitch cut up like a lot of other sufaces. However, in order to get the drainage it does, it's grown on top of a very compacted sand base (Mr Thompson will correct me if i'm wrong) which unfortunately has the side effect of making it 'firm' to say the least.

[DRFCSouth]

Sully - time to go after too many errors. Your heart is in your mouth watching him a lot of the time. A great servant but time to go.

Woods - would still be my number two, bringing in someone with more experience, such as Joe Murphy.

Dumbuya - showed a meteoric rise thise season in performance levels. Just needs to be kept fit.

O'Connor - for me, Mr reliable. Would prefer him at right back.

Chambers - Watched him a lot last season. Quality player at times and works well with a wide man on overlaps etc. Blighted this season with injury, unfortunately for us.

Webster - has never been trusted, even when we have had injuries. He is probably a lower league player at best.

Hird - good squad player, worth holding onto. Can be used in a variety of positions as well.

Souza - get rid.

Thomas - injury prone. You have a feeling he could be good, but its not often enough and is he really much better than players like Locky? I don't think so.

Martis - as pre previous posts. When he's good he's good. When he's bad he looks like a conference player.

Copps - great season and without him, we'd probably be knackered.

Stock - injury prone. Not quite had the effect on games as in previous seasons.

Wilson - good squad player in my opinion.

Oster - we need to gee him up again. Can open up defences with his eye for a pass. Can still cut it at this level easily as well.

Shiels - has never lived up to the promise but a decent squad player.

Gillett - squad player only in my eyes if everyone is fit. Slots in seamlessly when needed.

Hayter - grafter up front but would only be a squad player if we could get another good forward in.

Sharp - don't need to elaborate on what he brings us.

By the way, is it really worth us having a youth programme? Do we ever bring anyone through?

[Gibbo123]

completly agree with every single analysis!

in regards to out of contract players, i feel chambers deserves another con tract due to past performances and hopefully we will get him back fit asap!!!id get rid of thomas, souza, webster. not seen enough of burge.

sully as we know has already been offered.

and i believe mr hird has been offerd a new 2year contract and whos to say him and friend could not forge a great partnership like the hird/mills era!!!!!

other players such as wilson and shiels (mentioned in earlier posts) still have a year left on their contracts!

[herouk87]

No mentions of any loanee's from anyone

SOD's done well this year in the loan market i feel. Never going to compete with past successes of Billy and JET with this years crop but Mason looks like a gret prospect. Heally and Killa were good in limited appearances and Moussa has been one of our better players this year IMO.

I was most impressed by Jason Euell. Always moving into great positions but could do with another striker up front to exploit space..if only Lewis Guy ws available (On a serious note....Fairhurst could have been used here)

If only Souza, Thomas and our other 6 CB's were loanees eh!

[ravenrover]

No mentions of any loanee's from anyone

SOD's done well this year in the loan market i feel. Never going to compete with past successes of Billy and JET with this years crop but Mason looks like a gret prospect. Heally and Killa were good in limited appearances and Moussa has been one of our better players this year IMO.

I was most impressed by Jason Euell. Always moving into great positions but could do with another striker up front to exploit space..if only Lewis Guy ws available (On a serious note....Fairhurst could have been used here)

If only Souza, Thomas and our other 6 CB's were loanees eh!

Sorry but you are on a different planet to me, \"Moussa one of our better players\" I do not see what this player gives us that others that are already on the books don't, can't tackle, poor control, terrible shooting, not a lot of effort could fit any number of our squad players.
Fairhurst....don't get me started, runs about like a blue arse fly with no end product.
JMHO

[benaldo]

I thought Moussa was one of the better players this season. He caused as many problems to opposition teams as Coppinger in my opinion. At least he shoots at goal, which is much, much more than certain midfield players we all could mention! The team needs a big shake up from the season just gone, god knows how it's going to happen with a, probably, tiny transfer budget? Even if Sharp goes for £2.5 million what will that buy the club that will add more value to the team on the pitch than he does? I predict either the board get their large cheque books out, or the football world sees sense and does something about the players wages, or we are going to find next season a very difficult affair.

Euell looked a great player still, but he's ancient.

Mason didn't light any fires in my opinion.

And a Hird/Friend centre back partnership next season as the \"First choice\" pairing, will, in my opinion, condemn Rovers to Division one football the season after. SOD knows that, which is why Hird didn't play much when SOD had other options.

I honestly think Oster is starting to show his age. That, or he's starting to look not bothered about his football. Shame.

Woods is not really anyones idea of a first choice championship keeper at the moment.

God knows what is going to happen, but for the first time in at least 10 years, I'm slightly concerned for the league status of the club next season. I've never been so worried that Rovers have reached their peak financially and in terms of league position. I wouldn't expect the board to bankroll the team like they do, but the crazy wages that top players demand mean that our tiny support can't produce the income needed to get top players...so we have less than top players (generally) and don't look up anymore, we look down. We'll see if the directors are willing to take a gamble and fork out some more of their own cash....or not. If not, I can see Rovers scrapping for survival right from the start of the season, which is exciting in one respect, but totally alien to the club for the past decade! Bizarre times ahead, that's for sure.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

for the first time in at least 10 years, I'm slightly concerned for the league status of the club next season

If only we could have said that in the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's. It was par for the course.

Our dream turned to reality and it's only this season that we woke up ! Hells bells, we're still in the Championship and we could have still been in the Conference !!

We're still coming across fixtures that would never be seen on the pools. Doncaster Rovers v West Ham United. Think about it chaps, why should we be worried ?

[RedJ]

for the first time in at least 10 years, I'm slightly concerned for the league status of the club next season

If only we could have said that in the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's. It was par for the course.

Our dream turned to reality and it's only this season that we woke up ! Hells bells, we're still in the Championship and we could have still been in the Conference !!

We're still coming across fixtures that would never be seen on the pools. Doncaster Rovers v West Ham United. Think about it chaps, why should we be worried ?

I was thinking about this the other week. What would supporting Doncaster Rovers be like at this point in time if not for John Ryan? I'd imagine we'd still be going places like Wimbledon and York for big away games.

[Barmby Rover]

We need to have a summer clear out for everything involved with the playing side to DRFC in my opinion:

1) The pitch, come in for a lot of criticism over last few years and has caused us a lot of problems. Needs digging up and needs a new decent surface relaying.

2) Physio, need better fitness and physio staff, one's who can help the players get stronger through mid-season and when they get injured through the season can do a decent job of getting them back quicker and stronger then this year.

3) Youth coaches, we need to bring the youth through the ranks, and I mean good youth potentials, not the one's we've had for the past few years. Every time I hear about them, they have lost, played poorly and/or aren't good enough for league 2 clubs. We need better coaches and better scouts to find the future of our club.

4) Releasing the dead wood, get rid of them who SOD doesn't like, isn't good enough and are injury prone (with the exception of Brian Stock). This will get rid of the players who aren't good enough and give us more money for a bigger budget for players.

The pitch has been dug up the last 2 off seasons and 're-grown'. It is not turf that is laid, it's grass interwoven with artificial strands that help hold the surface together and is grown from scratch over the Summer months. Hence you've never seen the pitch cut up like a lot of other sufaces. However, in order to get the drainage it does, it's grown on top of a very compacted sand base (Mr Thompson will correct me if i'm wrong) which unfortunately has the side effect of making it 'firm' to say the least.

This is the most vital part of the close season priorities for Rovers, without a more forgiving surface we are going to have a consistant rate of attrition which we can't afford. We can cope with players who are not the best in the league with the way SOD organises them ( that is if they stick to the plan of course!) What we can't cope with is the loss of the key players with terrific skill as in Copps/Stock/Billy etc whch back up the rest and provide the \"inspiration\". It all comes down to the purchase of the Stadium Management Company by the board so we can tailor the damn thing to DRFC.

[benaldo]

We need to have a summer clear out for everything involved with the playing side to DRFC in my opinion:

1) The pitch, come in for a lot of criticism over last few years and has caused us a lot of problems. Needs digging up and needs a new decent surface relaying.

2) Physio, need better fitness and physio staff, one's who can help the players get stronger through mid-season and when they get injured through the season can do a decent job of getting them back quicker and stronger then this year.

3) Youth coaches, we need to bring the youth through the ranks, and I mean good youth potentials, not the one's we've had for the past few years. Every time I hear about them, they have lost, played poorly and/or aren't good enough for league 2 clubs. We need better coaches and better scouts to find the future of our club.

4) Releasing the dead wood, get rid of them who SOD doesn't like, isn't good enough and are injury prone (with the exception of Brian Stock). This will get rid of the players who aren't good enough and give us more money for a bigger budget for players.

The pitch has been dug up the last 2 off seasons and 're-grown'. It is not turf that is laid, it's grass interwoven with artificial strands that help hold the surface together and is grown from scratch over the Summer months. Hence you've never seen the pitch cut up like a lot of other sufaces. However, in order to get the drainage it does, it's grown on top of a very compacted sand base (Mr Thompson will correct me if i'm wrong) which unfortunately has the side effect of making it 'firm' to say the least.

This is the most vital part of the close season priorities for Rovers, without a more forgiving surface we are going to have a consistant rate of attrition which we can't afford. We can cope with players who are not the best in the league with the way SOD organises them ( that is if they stick to the plan of course!) What we can't cope with is the loss of the key players with terrific skill as in Copps/Stock/Billy etc whch back up the rest and provide the \"inspiration\". It all comes down to the purchase of the Stadium Management Company by the board so we can tailor the damn thing to DRFC.

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How is buying the stadium going to improve the results?? And before you go on about the pitch, don't forget that Spurs, Man Utd, Man C, and many others have exactly the same type/manufacture of pitch as the keepmoat, and they don't appear to have had a major injury crisis this season do they? I'm sure teh injury answer lies elsewhere and not with the keepmoat pitch. After all, only 11 players out of the squad have, at any one time, been running around on it for only an hour and a half every two weeks!! It's not the pitch......