Levski Sofia 1-3 Ludogorets Razgrad (2017)

Levski Sofia 1-3 Ludogorets Razgrad
Tuesday 16th May 2017

Bulgarian First League

During the course of my football travels I've made some extremely spontaneous decisions but few compare to this random trip nearly 2,000 miles across Europe to live in Bulgaria for a week.

At the time I'd just relocated back to Doncaster, had paid the deposit for a new flat and was waiting to confirm a moving in date until, however, a speculative glance on SkyScanner revealed Wizz Air were offering stupidly cheap flights (£35 return - Monday to Friday) from Donny Airport to Sofia!

Being a budget savvy person and not due to start my new job until the end of the month, that search was followed by another for hostel prices and it didn't take very long to realise that spending a week in Bulgaria could, in theory, be cheaper than paying a week's rent for a flat in Doncaster.

It just so happened that a round of First League fixtures were happening in this particular week with both Levski Sofia and CSKA Sofia scheduled to be at home on consecutive days.

Some might say it was destiny and, before anyone could blink - the moving in date had been arranged for a week later, the flights were booked and I was hammering my computer keyboard a bit more to find out exactly what Bulgaria was like as a country.

Although the Brexit farce meant the exchange rate wasn't the best (£1 = 2.36 Bulgarian Lev) it was still ridiculously cheap for absolutely EVERYTHING in Sofia. 

The hostel I'd booked cost less than £5 per night and included breakfast, a 45-minute taxi-ride in rush-hour traffic cost just £5, whilst a ticket to watch Levski Sofia worked out at about £1.20. Food, drink and local transport in the city was also stupidly priced compared to back home; an extra-large pizza in a restaurant accompanied by drinks being roughly £6.

If that wasn't already good enough, the temperatures were also constantly above 25 degrees too!

Of course, the primary reason for my visit was to watch football and upon entering Stadion Georgi Asparuhov, it came as no surprise to see it was a typical old-fashioned ground with a huge circular bowl, towering floodlights and completely open to the elements with no roof in place (not that one was actually needed anyway).

The mostly turquoise coloured seats were quirky, if nothing else, but they were sparsely populated - even in this era prior to social distancing being a global phenomenon, everyone could have comfortably had a dozen or so seats for themselves!

Unsurprisingly, Ludogorets (who by coincidence I'd already seen in action twice in the 2016/17 season - away to Basel and then on a snowy night in Copenhagen), pretty much wiped the floor against their more illustrious counterparts to emerge as quite comfortable 3-1 winners.

Marcelinho put them ahead on 21 minutes and Wanderson Cristaldo Farias (what a name!) very quickly made it 2-0 to provoke discontent and grumbles from the Levski fans who'd been bothered enough to turn up. David Jablonsky pulled one back on the half-hour mark, but another strike from Wanderson ensured the three points were going back to Razgrad.

Levski's 'ultras' were silent for most of the night before bringing the flares out as darkness fell during the second half, whilst there were several derogatory chants aimed at the opposition who are perceived as a non-entity, empty shell of a club who've just bought their way to several league titles.

At the time of writing, Ludogorets have just clinched their 10th successive championship but they're still some way behind Levski's haul of 26 crowns. 

CSKA Sofia remain as Bulgaria's most decorated club having been champions on 31 occasions although just four of those have come in the last 25 years.

Youth Team review (2020/21)

With details of the Doncaster Rovers academy retained list now in the public domain, these are some reflections on what has been the most challenging and unpredictable season for any crop of scholars since the club's academy was reformed in the mid-2000s.

It was a campaign of vast change and sometimes frustration, though it was completely overshadowed by everyone having to adapt to various challenges - the majority of which came about as direct consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In action against Notts County in October.

A SEASON OF CHANGE

New surroundings, forced to play behind-closed-doors and with new ideas on the training ground to get used to, this campaign will forever be remembered as one like no other.

Separated from the first team squad and forced into their own 'bubble' at the Keepmoat Stadium due to stringent EFL protocols, the 2020/21 scholars weren't afforded the opportunity to train alongside the club's senior pros or even be in the same environment on a daily basis - something which would have been unimaginable in the pre-pandemic world! Furthermore, the lads weren't able to stay in digs with local families (as would usually be the case) thus resulting in mammoth journeys for those who lived outside the local area just to get into training sessions.

The majority of fixtures were also played on synthetic 4G surfaces - representing another small but hugely significant change from what was the usual when almost every game was on grass.

When long-serving boss Paul Stancliffe retired at Christmas, it paved the way for Gary McSheffrey (previously assistant) to take charge and implement his ideas/philosophies on the team. Several players who have since penned scholarships for the next two years gained invaluable early experience as they were included more frequently in matchday squads as the campaign grew old.

At one point it even seemed as if the season as a whole might be suspended (as it happened, just the FA Youth Cup was delayed for a two-month period). When the various trials, tribulations and changes of this extraordinarily difficult period are accumulated and considered at length, the lads deserve a significant degree of respect just for being able to plough through with so much energy and enthusiasm.

SUCCESS IN THE CUP

The season's best highlight occurred in the FA Youth Cup when Hull City (perceived to be stronger opponents owing to their Category Two status) were beaten 3-2 at the Kcom Stadium with Luca Nelson (2) and Owan Derrett grabbing the goals and Ben Bottomley saving a penalty.

That meeting was different in just about every way imaginable to the previous round where the lads were required to show guts and guile in order to overcome Coventry Sphinx - winning 2-1 in damp, tough and horrible foggy conditions in Warwickshire.

Despite taking the lead in the long-delayed Third Round tie at Peterborough through Liam Ravenhill's spot-kick, the Youth Cup journey continued no further as Posh (including several players who have since either been rewarded with professional contracts), battled back to emerge as 2-1 victors.

Nevertheless, the lads put up a valiant effort that day on what was an absolutely shocking playing surface and they can take pride in the fact that it's the furthest a Rovers team has progressed in the competition since the 2014/15 season.

The FA Youth Cup journey came to an end at Peterborough (Photo: Peterborough United).

STRUGGLES IN THE LEAGUE

Despite being title winners in 2019/20, it soon became apparent that a successful defence of the EFL Youth Alliance crown (eventually won by Notts County) would be unlikely.

Indifferent performances coupled with some long-term injuries in some key areas ultimately resulted in a 9th position finish out of 10 teams in the division. The season's first clean-sheet wasn't kept until a goalless encounter at Lincoln City in April whilst at the other end of the pitch too many opportunities went begging in too many games - the team failing to score on no fewer than seven separate occasions!

Although goals were spread out quite well across the team, no player registered double figures in competitive action - something which was in stark contrast to the previous year when both Junior Smith and Jack Watson were highly prolific. Defensively, the lack of stability at centre-back (mainly caused as a result injuries) meant over a dozen different partnerships or trio's were tried - something which again contrasts greatly compared to the title-winning team where Ben Blythe and Nathan Dimou were almost ever-present and formed a formidable partnership.

In spite of the frustrations, the season did have some notable high points.

A last-gasp comeback win away to Notts County on Halloween provided one happy moment and four goals were put past Huddersfield Town, Rotherham United and Bradford City in comfortable victories on home soil. The most eye-catching and impressive result of the campaign occurred in February when Burton Albion (who later knocked Southampton out of the FA Youth Cup) were hammered 5-1 at St George's Park.

For the rare good moments, however, there were simply too many low points and although results aren't everything when it comes to youth football, the next crop of scholars will be hoping they're on the right end of scorelines a lot more frequently.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

As was widely publicised at the time, Ethan Bojang became one of a small batch of Doncaster Rovers players to feature in an international tournament when he represented Gambia at the U20 African Nations Cup in Mauritania earlier this year.

Ethan Bojang (left) in action for Gambia (Photo: Unknown).

The midfielder, who was the eldest member in the squad, helped the Scorpions reach the Semi-Final stage where they were eliminated by eventual champions Gambia.

Other players in the squad also caught the eye of international selectors too during the season. Fellow second-year scholar Liam Ravenhill featured in a couple of Northern Ireland U21 squads and also a training camp whilst the Welsh selectors were present at a handful of fixtures to keep tabs on the progress of first-year right-back/wide man Tom Henson.

Soon to be new scholar Alex Fletcher is also eligible to represent Scotland and has previously attended a training camp in Largs for his respective age group.

OFFERED CONTRACTS

As reported by the club yesterday, Ben Bottomley and Liam Ravenhill are the two players who've been offered professional contracts for next season.

Ravenhill's name will already be known to most supporters having made his professional debut live on television in the FA Cup clash at FC United of Manchester, before following that up with a start against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Goalkeeper Bottomley has yet to make his senior bow but was included on the substitute's bench for the first team towards the tail end of the campaign.

Both players flickered between the first and youth 'bubbles' at different times with the lions share of Bottomley's appearances in youth action occuring before Christmas, whereas Ravenhill was a prominent figure from February onwards.

SAYING GOODBYE

Seven players have been released following completion of their two-year scholarships. In no particular order, they are Owan Derrett, Charlie Bell, Ethan Bojang, Luca Nelson, Max Jemson, Josh Clemitson and Lewis Cunningham.

All seven played varying roles and the likelihood is that some lads would have earned contracts had it not been for the absence of an Under 23s set-up at the club.

Charlie Bell and Ethan Bojang are amongst two players leaving the club this summer.

Amongst the released players, the two stand-out performers over the past 12 months were Lewis Cunningham and Charlie Bell.

Cunningham - a calm, composed and vocal left-back who is good on the ball and stood in as captain on a handful of occasions, weighed in with various assists and at one stage was in a rich vein of form whereby he was both scoring and setting up goals with ease.

Bell was energy, commitment, heart and passion personified - not afraid to tackle when it was necessary and demonstrating countless times his many positive attributes. Determined, level-headed, popular and highly-regarded amongst his peers, a switch to right-back from midfield in the New Year coincided with some solid individual displays and he remained a near ever-present in the team thereafter.

THE FIRST-YEAR CROP

In no particular order, the eight scholars who have reached the midway point of their scholarships are Tavonga Kuleya, Tom Henson, Luke Chadwick, Corie Cole, Alex Wolny, Dan Wilds, Will Hollings and Michael Nesbitt.

Undoubtedly the best performer amongst them was Tom Henson.

The right-sided player possesses an abundance of energy and began the campaign at right-back before being pushed on into a more attacking role early in the New Year. Very comfortable in possession, he impressed many with his performances and although he didn't get on the score-sheet, his driving runs caused opponents several problems - none more so than deep into injury-time at Notts County when his gliding, quick and direct footwork led to Alex Wolny heading home a dramatic late winner.

Wolny, an extremely powerful forward whose hold up play is excellent, finished as joint-top goalscorer and is a handful for even the meanest of defences at Youth Alliance level. A born leader who strives to achieve high standards, the forward will now be hoping to add more goals to his game next year.

A special mention also has to be given to Bobby Faulkner, previously with Rossington Main, who performed admirably at centre-back when he came on what turned out to be an extended trial in the latter stages of the season. An old-fashioned type of defender who thrives on responsibilities, the 16-year-old slotted in with effortless ease - starting in the FA Youth Cup game at Peterborough United and then scoring his only goal to date in the red and white hoops against Mansfield Town a week later.

THE PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Securing seven votes from his team-mates, Tom Henson was the clear and deserved winner when the scholars were polled for the 'Players' Player Of The Season' vote.

Charlie Bell and Lewis Cunningham were joint runners-up in the same vote - receiving four votes apiece, with Liam Ravenhill and Ben Bottomley also receiving a vote each.

Players' Player Of The Season Tom Henson wins a header against Lincoln City.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

12 Sep: Scunthorpe (a) L 0-1

19 Sep: Lincoln (H) L 0-1

03 Oct: Huddersfield (a) W 2-1

28 Oct: Preston (H) D 2-2 (YAC)

31 Oct: Notts Co (a) W 2-1

04 Nov: Coventry Spx (a) W 2-1 (FAYC)

10 Nov: Burton (H) L 1-2

18 Nov: Hull City (a) W 3-2 (FAYC)

21 Nov: Rotherham (a) L 2-3

24 Nov: Grimsby (a) D 1-1

02 Dec: Bolton (a) L 0-1 (YAC)

12 Dec: Huddersfield (H) W 4-1

09 Jan: Scunthorpe (H) L 2-4

23 Jan: Bradford (H) L 3-4

30 Jan: Grimsby (H) L 0-1

06 Feb: Lincoln (a) W 2-1

12 Feb: Burton (a) W 5-1

20 Feb: Rotherham (H) W 4-2

06 Mar: Notts Co (H) L 2-4

13 Mar: Mansfield (a) L 0-1

19 Mar: Peterboro (a) L 1-2 (FAYC)

20 Mar: Bradford (a) L 2-3

27 Mar: Mansfield (H) L 1-4

03 Apr: Lincoln (a) D 0-0

10 Apr: Bradford (H) W 4-2

17 Apr: Huddersfield (a) L 0-2

01 May: Mansfield (H) L 0-1

TOP SCORERS

League/Cup games only are included.

7 - Luca NELSON

7 - Alex WOLNY

6 - Owan DERRETT

4 - Lewis CUNNINGHAM

3 - Charlie BELL

3 - Corie COLE

2 - Tavonga KULEYA

2 - A.TRIALIST

2 - Dan WILDS

1 - Ethan BOJANG

1 - Josh CLEMITSON

1 - Bobby FAULKNER

1 - Alex FLETCHER

1 - Will HOLLINGS

1 - Faris KHAN

1 - Charlie PETCH

1 - Liam RAVENHILL

1 - Own Goals

THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

As confirmed yesterday, 10 youngsters have penned two-year scholarships with the club and will be part of the youth team for the next two seasons.

The new intake have varied backgrounds - some lads having progressed through the academy system with others being relative newcomers who were recently on the books at higher category clubs.

The intake for 2021/22 (Photo: Doncaster Rovers).

Below is a few words on each of the new players:

Tom Chambers - Previously with Middlesbrough. The vocal and bubbly 'keeper registered a clean-sheet on his Youth Alliance debut against Lincoln City and possesses a tall and agile frame.

Alex Fletcher - A product of the A1 Football Factory where he's been tutored by former midfielder Paul Green and a player who has progressed through the club's academy. The enthusiastic right-back featured prominently in the closing weeks of the season and was on the score-sheet in a win over Bradford City.

Jack Goodman - Another who featured quite a bit in the latter part of the campaign. A direct and troublesome forward who also had interest from Notts County.

Ethan Harrison - A hard-working and clinical striker who has progressed through the academy. Possesses good strength, is relentless with his effort and takes up good positions in key areas which makes him a threat to opposition defences.

Faris Khan - Previously with Sheffield Wednesday. A fleet-footed attacking midfielder who can also play in attack. Grabbed a goal against Lincoln during the regular season and has since impressed in his other appearances.

Josh Lindley - A deep-lying midfielder who has been with the club for the past few years and excels at breaking up play. His style - playing simple passes, work-rate and presence can be very effective. A pleasure to watch and another who has worked with Paul Green in recent times.

Tom Parkinson - A versatile left-sided player, often found in attacking areas who featured as a substitute in the FA Youth Cup clash at Peterborough United and looks to be a decent addition. Hasn't yet scored in the Youth Alliance but possesses a tenacious streak within his game. Also coached by the A1 Football Factory previously.

Charlie Petch - One of the first to be offered scholarship terms having previously been at Leeds United. The imposing centre-back has already featured on a handful of occasions and was on the score-sheet in the thumping win over Burton Albion in February.

Jack Raper - Arguably the most technically-gifted amongst the new recruits. Capable of influencing games to a great extent, the midfielder has underlined his potential with some excellent passes. Hails from the North-East and has many similarities with ex-scholar Will McGowan. Previously at Leeds.

Jak Whiting - Another player who arrived from Leeds. Operating at left-back, his form improved over the handful of games in which he appeared culminating with a decent showing against Mansfield Town on the final day of the season.

HOPES FOR NEXT SEASON

There is no doubt some very talented players have been recruited amongst the new scholars and if they're able to integrate effectively with the soon-to-be second-year players, there is every probability that a more successful campaign will materialise.

A return to Cantley Park (should it come to fruition), where the youngsters would be surrounded by the senior professionals on a daily basis, would also help to raise standards and responsibilities and can only be considered as a positive and significant step back towards normality.

Over the past decade, the club's youth teams have generally competed in the top half of the Youth Alliance so that would be my own target and expectations of where this team should be aiming to finish.

There will be new opponents in the shape of EFL newcomers Harrogate Town who are launching an Under 18s team based at West Riding FA in Leeds. However, the future continues to remain uncertain for Notts County as they must win promotion to League Two in order to stay in the division.

Richie Wellens returns to Doncaster Rovers...

It's been the worst kept secret in South Yorkshire over the past few days but Richie Wellens has finally been unveiled as the new manager of Doncaster Rovers.

The 41-year-old is back at the Keepmoat Stadium for a third spell (albeit his first as manager) and on the face of things his appointment should provoke a much-needed reaction amongst what remains of the playing squad after the dismal and disastrous finish to last season.

Of the final three candidates who were in contention; the other two being John Eustace and Stephen Robinson, any would have made a worthy appointment when you glance over their CV's and consider their individual achievements and merits.

However, it's Wellens' name that will connect best with the majority of the wider fan-base as the country emerges from the shadows of the pandemic. Most people will remember his exploits in the heart of midfield during two spells at the club as a player and his appointment will particularly help with the inevitable PR campaign to sell Season Tickets which is surely going to follow any day soon.

Richie Wellens is back (Photo: Doncaster Rovers FC).

What to expect from Richie Wellens?

Combative, determined and always demanding 100% effort in his playing career, there is no doubt a few players will be concerned when they ask around and find out Richie Wellens is a manager quite likely to fire a few rockets up backsides in the dressing room.

That style or persona might not suit everyone - certainly there'll be a few players bricking themselves because there is no way on this earth he'll stand by and accept the sluggish, slack and lackadaisical standards or performances which blighted the second half of last season.

If players don't pull their socks up, I've no doubt they'll be told in no uncertain terms. There's also every chance that after two seasons of hearing the Darren Moore stumbling over his words followed by the largely reserved demeanour of Andy Butler, the home manager's post-match interviews at the Keepmoat Stadium are about to become a tad more forthright and interesting!

Underneath Wellens' steely persona, there is a clever football brain - something which was no doubt enhanced by working under Sean O'Driscoll's methods followed by a stint with Sven-Goran Eriksson a couple of years later at Leicester City. The characteristics, training methods and intelligence in football matters possessed by the new manager should at least earn him the respect from everyone.

As an outright manager, his methods and style proved effective by the results he achieved in his two years at Swindon Town whom he guided to the League Two title. Some comparisons can also be drawn between Wellens and Lee Clark, in my opinion, who always appeared as an intense, tough disciplinarian but ruthlessly driven to succeed and whose Huddersfield Town team was very much a representation of his own character around a decade ago!

Recruitment, as always, will be utterly pivotal to success and this is where it should be pointed that before taking this job there is no doubt he'll have received certain assurances from the board of what he's allowed to spend on players, what the available budget is and what the ambitions are for the future. Targets will have already been identified and spoken to, agents will have been contacted and therefore it shouldn't be long until the steady flow of new signings begins to materialise. 

However, the promises which the board will have made to him in terms of the budget/finances need to be kept in order to avoid any murmurings of an unhappy boss - something which has happened all too often at DRFC in the recent past.

It should also be pointed out that despite this being Wellens' fourth managerial role, this will be just the third time where he's had a full summer to build his own squad. The first time he did so, he put together a title-winning team - blending together relatively inexperienced players (such as Jerry Yates) with more senior 'been there and done it' type professionals.

It's churlish to think that history will be repeated and he'll be able to make the same impact at the Keepmoat Stadium right away - after all, he was in the job at Swindon for a good six months to oversee matters before that aforementioned summer where he could truly put his stamp on the squad, but with time, patience from fans, support from the board without any tight-fisted prudence, coupled with a degree of longevity (i.e. staying a couple of seasons), Wellens might be able to put a team together which is competitive, decent and entertaining in the higher part of League One.

Will that be good enough to get promotion? Who knows! If bigger clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland, Portsmouth and even Derby County (if they're demoted) stick around in League One, it'll certainly make the challenge tougher. 

But Wellens certainly won't be wanting his team to piddle around in inconsistent form and finish in mid-table obscurity forever and a day.

How will he be with the younger lads?

One of the most common questions asked by young players at every club is whether the first team manager is someone who'll give young lads an opportunity to show what they can do, or instead if they'll sign experienced players and pretty much disregard the youth.

Before Andy Butler boldly opted to utilise several players who'd progressed through the academy in his spell as caretaker last term, it's fair to say that the same Rovers youngsters - including Branden Horton, Louis Jones and AJ Greaves, were frozen out by previous boss Darren Moore who said plenty of nice things in the media (which, to some people, might be classed as bullshit) but in all honesty, treated the majority of them quite shabbily. 

Unless he was also hiding in the bushes with a pair of long-range binoculars, not once was Moore present at a youth team game - even before the pandemic when fixtures were still played at Cantley Park, and very rarely did he ever show his face on the sidelines at an Under 23s game before that side was scrapped due to costs. On the rare times he did appear, it seemed more of a 'public show' for a few minutes before disappearing again!

Wellens may or may not turn out to be different from Moore; to use a cliche only time will tell in that respect, but from speaking to some lads who were on the books as first-year youngsters when he was last at DRFC, they speak okay of him - saying that he offered support, advice and guidance and took certain individuals under his wing to help them become better players. Jerry Yates, who worked under him at Swindon aged 22/23, has also spoken positively in interviews.

Another positive factor to consider is the new manager should be able to relate to the various trials and tribulations which young players go through because his own son, Charlie Wellens, has just finished his second year with Manchester United's Under 18s.

Of the youngsters currently contracted for next term, I suspect there'll be an immediate bond and mutual respect with AJ Greaves - simply because the two share very similar traits in playing style and where they operate(d) on the pitch. This is in addition to the same characteristics such as being determined, always wanting to win, having a burning desire to succeed and demanding the best from those around them within the environment. 

In Wellens' two years at Swindon, some youngsters from the Robins' youth and academy set-up were thrown into the first team during his stewardship - Sol Pryce and Harry Parsons being two names, whilst others including Luke Haines, Toby Holland and Massimo Giamattei were involved and included on the bench at different points. 

The EFL Trophy games (sometimes targeted as a competition for young scholars and first-year professionals to make their breakthrough) wasn't just a case of 'chuck all the kids in' but neither was it a closed shop scenario where the young guns never stood a cat in hell's chance of getting any game-time.

Why the VSC Secretary's position is untenable...

It's widely-known that the secretary of the Viking Supporters Co-Operative (who posts as Silent Majority on that forum) is fed information from the club by Rovers Chief Executive Gavin Baldwin.

The task of being a 'go between' figure for the club and its fans will always represent difficult challenges for anyone who in that position - especially at the times when they're in possession of sensitive and/or confidential information which isn't in the public domain.

Personal opinions on sensitive subjects and insults towards others shouldn't ever happen but unfortunately, this hasn't always been the case with 'Silent Majority'.

Over a prolonged period, the VSC Secretary (who its alleged represents fans' views through the VSC and has dialogue with the club) has been abrupt, argumentative, downright rude and sometimes abhorrent and dictatorial in both his online demeanour and responses to individual fans concerned enough to raise questions over various matters. Even ex-chairman John Ryan has been on the end of a verbal keyboard bashing from this individual previously and several members who were once part of that forum have long since departed it.

But why is this relevant right now?

Well, in the past, the VSC secretary has made a string of inappropriate postings regarding the character and behaviour of new manager Richie Wellens. This has occurred over a number of years - stemming back as far as the midfielder's playing days at the club to as recently as last week when he was just still a candidate to become first team manager!

This is totally unacceptable and certainly not the professionalism you'd expect from someone who is provided with information by the CEO in discussions which are claimed to be regular.

Quite frankly, when it's widely known that 'Silent Majority' already dislikes the current DRFC manager - and he may use his self-appointed position to influence others with his comments, how can he be trusted, respected or even taken seriously by the wider fanbase? Will he be able to not hold a grudge (as clearly one is evident), can he remain respectful and impartial when it's needed, or will he instead choose to leak out specific bits of information aimed at portraying the manager in a certain light in order to suit an agenda?

The relationship between the manager and the Chief Executive is always the most important at any football club. It must be watertight and trust always has to exist - simply because as soon as it doesn't, or if the trust is broken, the relationship will turn sour with problems arising.

Therefore, is it now appropriate that the VSC secretary continues to remain in regular dialogue with the club's hierarchy on a pretence of representing supporters views, or should he resign from what may appear to some as being an untenable position?

I'd strongly urge the club - and specifically Gavin Baldwin, to not risk jeopardising what needs to be a professional, fruitful and positive relationship with the first team manager. That relationship will carry vastly superior weight than any conversation with a person who has already made ill-judged remarks on a forum where they also happen to be a moderator.

The actual 'silent majority' of fans exist within the wider fanbase as opposed to the 150-200 or so who are signed up as part of the Viking Supporters Co-Operative. Both the Supporters Club, plus the Supporter Liaison Officer - an entirely separate entity and separate individual, are much more welcoming and well-respected amongst the wider fanbase!

James Coppinger's finest hour!

Doncaster Rovers 5-1 Southend United

Coca-League One Play-Off Semi Final Second Leg

Friday 16th May 2008

Sometimes there are games which stick out in the memory and this is one of them; the night which saw James Coppinger truly step up and deliver infront of the Sky Sports cameras and take the first steps towards becoming an undisputed club legend.

James Coppinger on the night of his best performance in a DRFC shirt (Photo: Doncaster Free Press).

At the time approaching the end of his fourth season at Doncaster Rovers, Coppinger had sometimes been criticised for lacking an end product. His creative flair, skill and natural ability on the ball was undisputed, but a goals return of only three goals from 43 appearances (ahead of this game) had some supporters asking questions.

It's fair to say that after events in this game, those concerns were firmly quashed.

Rovers went into this second leg with Southend United at the Keepmoat Stadium on the back of a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Roots Hall a week earlier. Things were going well in that meeting until the dying stages when Paul Heffernan was stupidly red carded for an off-the-ball incident and his absence would be a big loss for this showdown.

Leeds United were already awaiting in the League One Play-Off Final; the Whites having overturned a first leg deficit to Carlisle United to book their place at Wembley on Sunday 25th May.

Rovers fans before the game (Photo: PA Sport).

To boost their numbers at the game, Southend's hierarchy arranged free coach travel for their supporters which consequentially resulted in around 2,000 making the trip from Essex. The home end wasn't quite a sell-out (though it wasn't far from it) with everyone supporting Rovers being given free flags to wave and told by chairman John Ryan to be noisy, loud and back the lads as much as possible.

There was a brilliant atmosphere with Dario G's 'Carnaval De Paris' amongst the pre-match music blasted out over the PA system followed by a spine-tingling sensation of dread, excitement, belief and nerves as the players emerged from the tunnel and the game finally got underway.

Although things would quickly go awry for them, it was Southend, wearing their away strip, who actually began strongly with James Walker coming within a whisker of putting them ahead on a counter-attack when he somehow rattled the upright from only a few yards out.

It was a critical and important miss (because he should have scored) even at such an early stage, and one which Rovers soon took full advantage of as Jason Price was judged to have been pulled to the ground inside the area by Peter Clarke only a few minutes later. Referee Mark Halsey showed zero hesitation in pointing to the spot and amidst high stakes and tension, Brian Stock retained his composure to place the ball past Darryl Flahavan and give his team the crucial breakthrough.

There was suddenly a boisterous sense of eager excitement swirling around inside the stadium and it's something which those in red and white on the pitch thrived upon as they contrived to produce one of the most merciless team performances ever seen in a Play-Off game.

Southend were torn apart before half-time. Rovers' second goal came about from a typical trademark piece of play for the Sean O'Driscoll era in retaining the ball and moving it well across the pitch with Jason Price knocking the ball into the net under pressure from Adam Barrett following Paul Green's nod-down into the danger zone from a deep right-sided cross.

'Piranhas' by Tom Hark never sounded so good as it came over the PA system after each goal was scored, though the James Coppinger Show hadn't even begun at this point.

Six minutes before the interval, the No.26 got the first of his three strikes with some twinkle-toe footwork that bamboozled the visiting defence and allowed him the space to burst into the box and slide the ball past a grounded Flahavan. It was a sublime finish with pure quality in it and it was pretty clear by this point that an all-Yorkshire Play-Off Final would be in store! 

The respective half-time team talks couldn't have contrasted more with Southend being outplayed and outclassed during the first 45 minutes. Sean O'Driscoll could only have asked for more of the same from his players whilst heaven knows what Steve Tilson said to his men. What could he say though? Sometimes you just have to sit back and admire the total quality of the opposition and this was probably one of those occasions for him!

Keen to make sure there would be no comeback, Rovers wasted little time in ensuring there would be no comeback and it was 4-0 not long after the re-start. Coppinger was again the Shrimpers' chief tormentor, gliding and sliding past defenders to be a chief weapon in the attacking armoury, and this time he picked up the ball out wide, stepped inside and unleashed a clean and ferocious strike into the bottom corner.

Many fans were on their feet in breathtaking amazement at what they were witnessing and drooling over the pure quality of the football. The 2,000-strong visitors from Essex also played their part, too, by 'doing the conga' and creating plenty of noise in the away end but thoroughly resigned to the fact that they wouldn't be walking up Wembley Way anytime soon!

Watching Leeds manager Gary McAllister must have been concerned by what he was witnessing and in the closing stages, Coppinger put the icing on his most outstanding performance in a DRFC shirt by scoring again to ensure he had the honour of becoming the first player to score a hat-trick at the Keepmoat Stadium.

His fifth goal came from a cleverly-worked set-piece - combining with Paul Green initially, and then placing a dead ball shot into the top corner beyond a stricken Flahavan. It was another sublime finish, the 'keeper had no chance and that 'Tom Hark' tune was playing aloud once more!

Southend were able to go him with a consolation with Nicky Bailey swivelling well inside the box to fire a shot past Neil Sullivan but it wasn't going to change the outcome.

Brian Stock is mobbed at the final whistle (Photo: Unknown).

The final whistle was met with a joyous pitch invasion and huge celebrations with many fans remaining on the pitch, singing loud and proud, bursting with pride - with some applauding the visiting contingent in the away end!

As Sky Sports' punditry team waxed lyrical, conversations right around the stadium were all the same; words such as wow, breathtaking, sensational, sublime and amazing being used aplenty! John Ryan couldn't have been prouder because it really was a performance which had everything and was as close to perfect as you can get.

Bring on Leeds!

A full album containing various images from this game can be found by clicking here.