Opposing views: Doncaster Rovers
Ahead of our first away game of the season, we take a look at the views and opinions of a fan of our opponents Doncaster Rovers.
1. How do you expect your team to do this season?
That’s a tricky question considering our team’s been assembled in less than a fortnight, but due to the fact a few of this squad were in our Championship winning team of ’12 and some shrewd additions from Paul Dickov, I’d say I’m ‘cautiously optimistic’. I’d say play-offs would still be a successful season, so that’s my prediction.
2. Who should we watch out for?
Our main man is without doubt Harry Forrester. He was injured for almost the entire season last year, and he’s even admitted on his own Twitter feed that he ‘owes us a good season’…
Our main man is without doubt Harry Forrester. He was injured for almost the entire season last year, and he’s even admitted on his own Twitter feed that he ‘owes us a good season’. He’s looked very sharp in pre season, and in our first few games. But the likes of Coppinger, Tyson, Main and Robinson all offer considerable threat going forward.
3. What are your thoughts on your manager and his signings this season?
In my opinion, Paul Dickov has done wonders throwing this team together in such a short space of time, after the failed Louis Tomlinson/John Ryan takeover saga. The players he’s brought in seem to be gelling quite well. He sometimes shows a little naivety tactically, but his passion is second to none, and I think this will be his big season for us.
4. What are your thoughts on your board and off-field club activities?
To be honest it’s all left a nasty taste, but hopefully it’s all behind us and we can move forward as one for the good of the club…
I’m sure most of your fans will have heard about the drama of our summer. The attempted takeover by former chairman John Ryan (a legend at the club for all he did after the previous owner almost sent us under) and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction failed after a Crowdfunder scheme failed to meet its target and then the duo failed the FA ‘Fit and proper’ test. Cue lots of arguments among fans and mud slinging from both sides. To be honest it’s all left a nasty taste, but hopefully it’s all behind us and we can move forward as one for the good of the club.
5. Which one Vale player would you take past or present to add value to your squad?
Looking at your current squad, Tom Pope obviously jumps out as a threat for you (even if he has played for Roth****m), but I’ve seen you’ve also signed Michael Brown. He’s a player I’ve admired for many a year and would love him in our squad
6. How do you expect Vale to do this season?
I fancy you to sneak into the play-offs.
7. What is your team’s most memorable game with Vale?
3rd September 2006, 2pm kick-off at Vale Park, I believe the game was on Sky . We’d just got rid of Dave Penney (who’d taken us from the Conf to League One in two seasons) as manager, and Micky Walker was Caretaker. We were one down with two minutes left, and won 2-1 with two goals from Paul Heffernan. Trust me, that type of thing doesn’t happen often to Donny!!
8. A score prediction?
3-1 to Donny. Tyson, Main, Forrester for us and a Brown thunderbolt for you.