Should have added Alcock till the end of September, I missed that. There is news circulating that one of his loanees could be Jordan Houghton from Chelsea, an England Under 20's midfielder.

Conor Grant has also signed a season long loan at Ipswich in the Championship for the coming season.

Newyankee: When you reach our age life splits into two contrasting streams. There is the good stuff, holidays, grandchildren and doing what you enjoy and then there’s health and in my case (with only minor problems of my own) it’s probably more about my own anguish trying to understand what friends are going through when in several cases they have problems akin to yours. All I know is that the ability to offer comfort in the form of words doesn’t get easier however many times you attempt to provide it, but nevertheless sympathetic words, however hackneyed, are heartfelt and I’m not the sort who concludes “I don’t know what to say to him/her”.

Quite apart from your continuing loyalty to the Rovers’ cause, I suspect that your commitment to your family and friends is a strong one and, reading between the lines, you play a significant part in the lives of the people and the community you live in. You are a doer, a motivator and make a difference.

It is lame to say you don’t deserve this, but we all know that good people often get the rawest deal, but one thing I have learned in recent years is that character is a real factor in fighting illness and surviving, keeping going and remaining optimistic. That sums up the Newyankee that I know.

As for the date at Accrington, I've said my piece in the DPL thread.

Donaldo, many thanks for your wonderful and touching thoughts about what our friend, NewYankee, is going through. I was trying to think about what to say, but I do not think I could add much to what you have said, or even say it as well as you did. My wife and I are one year older than NY, but so far we are lucky not to have had any serious medical problems.

NY, you know Pauline and my thoughts and prayers are with you, and we know you are fighting it as well as anyone could. I'll send you a email tomorrow.

Thank you both, you know I will fight to the end.

Great opening thread for the season NY and as always best wishes on the treatment and your health

Sat here since I first read your thread Yankee. Just can't find a way of putting down what I want to say but, I think you'll know what I mean. Of to see us play our first game in this division for many a year. Yet 90% of my years growing up watching the Rovers play, this was our division. I believe sometimes in life you have to take a step back to go forward. This is our time to step back as a club, rebuild, then go forward on our way back to the championship. Is it to much to hope for, well it all starts tomorrow. That's why we love football. You nevet know whats around the corner ..............
Come on you ZIGGERS.

By all accounts out of the 1500 tickets weve been allocated 1200 have gone already leaving 300 for pay on the day! A great following and hopefully a great day out! Roll on the 9.50am train

As always a great opening thread from Newyankee.
You are an inspiration to everybody who contributes or reads these threads.Your up front honesty with your battle with cancer brings tears to my eyes, but I admire your continued positive mental attitude which shines through with every thread you send.
Hang in there friend , as we saw last night with Newcastle just because your the bookies favourites it does not wash with the other teams in your division.
This is going to be another roller coaster of a season, just like the last few we have endured.
Belle Vue Zigger, like you I am back in the division where it all started for me.It feels like catching up with an old friend.Rough and ready football non of your poncy Premiership rubbish.
I believe we will get promotion this season lets hope it not on the last day of the season as per usual.
Keep the Faith, the only way is up.

Good luck chaps

Two new midfielders signed on loan, Jordan Houghton from Chelsea and Niall Mason from Villa.

Correction, Mason is a defender.

Come on Rovers

Just watched Rangers v Hamilton, Remi Matthews played well in goal for Hamilton and Forrester came on and created a great goal for Waghorn. Forrester added the spark to Rangers. Gary Woods, sub keeper for Accies.

Todays team.

Etheridge

Lund, Butler, Mason, Houghton.

Blair, Calder, Coppinger, Rowe.

Marquis and Williams.

Subs. Garrett, Evina, Marosi, Middleton, Beestin,

Wright and Mandeville.


Come on you Reds.

Penalty r Rovers, Accrington keeper s down Blair.

Williams takes the keeper saves, Williams misses again. Rebound missed again.

Accrington score Bocco, through the legs of Etheridge, 1-0 to the home side.

Williams volleys wide of Chapman's goal from 25 yards.

Anyone out there?????

GGGGGOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL, Tommy Rowe scores for an equalizer. 1-1.

Afternoon NY, hope you're well.
Welcome to another 9 months of pain & torture that is Donny Rovers!
Got a good feeling this season, hope that's not a bad thing!
Bad start there, 1 down within 8 mins of the season starting, however we responded well & quickly!

Good save by Chapman from a Butler header from a Copps corner. Butler should have scored.

Hello DR4Ever.

Accrington score again Pearson from 20 yards and goes through Etheridge. 2-1 to the home side.

We should be well in front but we are down 2-1 at the moment.

Rovers keeper Etheridge having a shocker back at Accrington.