Injuries force Rovers hand in pre-season postponement.
The Club can confirm that Saturday’s proposed fixture against Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough Stadium has been called off.
This is due to a number of unexpected injuries suffered by four first team squad members against Newcastle United last night.
Injuries to Joe Wright, Harry Middleton, Craig Alcock and Joey McCormick, as well as four other previous injuries have left manager Darren Ferguson struggling to field a full strength side with limited fully fit outfield players currently at his disposal.
Meanwhile, the Rovers Youth Team continues to participate in the annual Gothia Cup, Sweden, and will return on Monday.
Early signs are good for the majority of the injured players and Darren Ferguson is positive that they will be fit for the first game of the season away at Accrington Stanley, however he confirmed that they would not be fit to play in Saturday’s friendly.
We would like to place on record our sincere apologies to fans who have made travel arrangements for the fixture and we have had extended dialogue with Supporters Clubs.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but unfortunately is a football decision due to circumstances beyond our control. We believe this is a decision we need to take to risk no further injuries to our players,” said first team manager Darren Ferguson.
“Having worked with and taken advice from our medical team we are confident that we will be ready to go for the 6th August away at Accrington.
“We would like to apologise to supporters for any inconvenience caused but by taking this carefully considered step, we are protecting ourselves and giving ourselves the best possible chance to prepare correctly for the forthcoming season and achieve our aims.
“We hope that the players make a full and speedy recovery; we wish them well.”
We have offered Kidderminster the opportunity to play in a pre-season friendly this time next year ahead of the 2017/18 season and everyone at Doncaster Rovers would like to wish The Harriers the best of luck for the forthcoming season.
We can confirm that Tuesday night’s friendly against York City will go ahead at Bootham Crescent, as will Friday’s Open Day which starts at 9.30am and offers fans both young and old the chance to watch an open training session at the Keepmoat.