After last Saturday's game against MK Dons was called off due to a flooded pitch, we enter the festive season more relaxed and raring to go.
Tomorrow, we travel to Boundary Park to face Oldham, in the League this time. We recently played them twice, at home in the League, where we won
1-0 thanks to Dave Cotterill's goal, and we then travelled to Oldham for the second round of the FA Cup. With a depleted squad, we lost the game 3-1 after Robbie Blake had given us an early lead.
Oldham equalised through Reece Wabara and the took the lead with a goal from Matt Derbyshire which was very clearly offside. This took the staem out of Rovers and Derbyshire added a second for a 3-1 win to the Latics.
On the back of the Cup win Latics manager Paul Dickov feels they have a good chance of a win. He says that League One this season is much more open, and, on their day, any team can beat any other team. " Rovers are at the top, and rightly so, because they have a lot of good players" said Dickov, " I know they have not won for four matches but before that they went on a fantastic run".
In an interview on player, Dean Saunders confirmed that James Coppinger would be back from his loan spell at Forest. It is understood that he has been training with the Rovers for the past two weeks. Iain Hume looks to be staying on loan to the end of the season, which means he will miss the next game at Preston.
The owners have also given permission to offer extended deals to Andy Griffin and Sammy Clingan as well as providing funds for two or three arrivals which Dean is looking to bring in to strengthen the squad and provide cover for injuries or suspension, but also competition for places. There are rumours that Richie Wellans is one player Dean could be interested in bringing back, it is only rumour, nothing factual. We do need to strengthen the midfield so it could be a move worth making.
Dean said he was very grateful to JR, DW and TB for the opportunity to go for promotion back to the Championship. Last weeks big defeat for Tranmere at Swindon was most welcome as it could mean a really big game when the Blades visit the Keepmoat on New Years day, especially if we have good results at Oldham and Preston.
Rovers should have a full squad to choose from as both Martin Woods and Dave Syers should be fit and Dave Cotterill has recovered from his stomach bug. Oldham on th other hand will be without Robbie Simpson who is suspended following his dismissal during last week's 4-1 loss at Yeovil.
Another blow for Oldham is that Matt Derbyshire has retuned to Forest and also West Ham loanee Cristian Montano is doubtful with a thigh injury.
Finally, a very happy remainder of Christmas to all Rovers and Latics supporters.
Oldham v Rovers Dec 26th K.O. 3 pm.
posted on 26/12/12
some luck again
posted on 26/12/12
That's not Welsh xond.
posted on 26/12/12
Merrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry Christmas
posted on 26/12/12
Syers. Good lad.
Alex - looks like you may get your wish mate.
posted on 26/12/12
Well played lads.
Awesome pressie!
posted on 26/12/12
We needed that result and we maintain our position in the league.
I really don't know how Deano does it with the resources he has at his disposal but he does!!
We should get a stronger squad in January to ensure a top 6 finish.
posted on 26/12/12
xon - the Husband negative substitution came off then. His shot was saved leading up to Syers goal.
posted on 26/12/12
Just a little gap opening up from the top four now.
Bring on the Preston.
posted on 26/12/12
Yes Hound, and we are doing it the wrong way round. losing more at home and winning away. If we can pick up the home form and maintain the away we will walk away with promotion.
I think Bennett could be on his way to bring in money in the window and I would also look to letting Paynter go out on loan and brin g in another striker, maybe Derbyshire from Forest. I think there is a good chance that Wellens could come back as I am assuming they havn't got near to what Clingan wants, so his wages will be available.
All in all, we seem to have a squad, which with a few additions including Copps looks like being quality. Where I think things will be different is that a lot of them won't be good enough for the Championship, but have not been signed on long deals. We'll be able to get rid and replace rather than keep and bring in more, thus increasing the wage bill.
posted on 26/12/12
SOD has been sacked at Forest. I know L666s aren't very good but getting sacked because they only won 4-2!!!!!