Let's talk about the EFL trophy game v Scunthorpe United

[steve@dcfd]

Tommy Rowe has trained today and is likely to be involved tomorrow so we comply with the rules according to Liam Hoden latest tweet

[StocktonRover]

Let Tommy start, then take him off after 30 seconds.
I’m sure that has happened previously to get around the rules.

[NickDRFC]

Just play the kids. Wrap everyone in bubble wrap until we come back v Lincoln, can’t risk any further injuries.

Eligibility criteria for players
For EFL clubs
Minimum of four qualifying outfield players in their starting XI. A qualifying outfield player was one who met any of the following requirements:
Any player who started the previous or following first-team fixture.
Any player who was in the top 10 players at the club who had made the most starting appearances in league and domestic cup competitions that season.
Any player with forty or more first-team appearances in their career.
Any player on loan from a Premier League club or any EFL Category One Academy club.
A club could play any eligible goalkeeper in the competition.

I had no idea that the qualifying criteria extended as far as the last two points, I only ever knew about the first two. Also thought it was 6 rather than 4. That means we could put out a side with Bogle, both Williams’ and Gardner without risking any players that we would want in the starting XI for the next league game. Given how many injuries we keep getting surely that’s the smart move.

[idler]

Let Tommy start, then take him off after 30 seconds.
I’m sure that has happened previously to get around the rules.

Gary Megson made two substitutions very early maybe in the first five minutes against Bradford City some years ago. Him and the others on the bench were laughing as they did it, which didn’t go down well with the City supporters.

[DRCraig]

Matchnight. Come on Doncaster.

[Canadian Rover]

Just play the kids. Wrap everyone in bubble wrap until we come back v Lincoln, can’t risk any further injuries.

Eligibility criteria for players
For EFL clubs
Minimum of four qualifying outfield players in their starting XI. A qualifying outfield player was one who met any of the following requirements:
Any player who started the previous or following first-team fixture.
Any player who was in the top 10 players at the club who had made the most starting appearances in league and domestic cup competitions that season.
Any player with forty or more first-team appearances in their career.
Any player on loan from a Premier League club or any EFL Category One Academy club.
A club could play any eligible goalkeeper in the competition.

I had no idea that the qualifying criteria extended as far as the last two points, I only ever knew about the first two. Also thought it was 6 rather than 4. That means we could put out a side with Bogle, both Williams’ and Gardner without risking any players that we would want in the starting XI for the next league game. Given how many injuries we keep getting surely that’s the smart move.

Apparently smartness doesn't come into first team consideration from Wellens standpoint.

[Donnywolf]

... Yeah could be rivetting - although only ROVCON 5 given [I was told] they need to beat os 4-0

Is that the position for sure though ?

[Donnywolf]

They are in a very bad position in their league with a very real chance of relegation. They might decide to save a few players for their game on the Saturday that they will be desperate to win. They could also need to play some reserve or youth team players as much as us.

That is a very good call Idler . They may try just that given their dire [hopefully terminal] situation

Prioritise League status !

Also though with new Manager he might go "strong *" to try to start a confidence building run

* if their strong is defined as who they fielded Saturday they are in trouble League wise

[steve@dcfd]

Bogle and Williams according to Liam Hoden are not considered to play they are training separately from the main group. People can blame Richie for that it could be right he’s made that decision but surely if the CEO disagreed as the club are paying them he would have talked to Richie.

Therefore it’s 4 players from Knoyle Anderson Rowe Smith Dodoo and Hiwula as a minimum.

[Sammy Chung was King]

I’m looking forward to seeing what a few of the young players can do. Personally if Bogle and Williams get a wage they should be involved. Are they seen as disruptive influences or something?, because surely in our situation they would be involved. Or is it that they are seen as not good enough.

As always the manager has the right to decide if he doesn’t want them involved. It would be interesting to know what they have done wrong other than refusing moves away to other clubs.

[Canadian Rover]

There has been no disclosure and I'm not certain Liam Holden will ask or reveal if he knows - I guess keeping on Wellens good side is a must for content.

[Dutch Uncle]

Surely Bogle and Williams have to play tonight, plenty of room for u18s on the bench. If either could play well tonight it might help a loan move in January.

[Monkcaster_Rover]

Out of the 2 I feel sorry for Williams. Only thing he falls victim of is not being good enough. Every time I've seen him he's worked hard & put the effort in.

Something must have gone off behind the scenes or Richie is just incredibly stubborn - more than we realise.

[steve@dcfd]

Williams was available all last season under two managers he may have started a handful of games when we a full squad he wasn’t on the bench. So it’s not only Richie who believed he wasn’t good enough.

[Spud]

How much are adult tickets tonight, a tenner?

[donnievic]

How much are adult tickets tonight, a tenner?

yes but no cash turnstiles need to pay by card at kiosk near away end

[donnievic]

... Yeah could be rivetting - although only ROVCON 5 given [I was told] they need to beat os 4-0

Is that the position for sure though ?

they can go through winning by 3 goals but would need to score 5 themselves

[Spud]

How much are adult tickets tonight, a tenner?

yes but no cash turnstiles need to pay by card at kiosk near away end

Cheers mate

[Upton Rover]

What ever team we play the game is set up to be a really exciting game!

[danumdon]

What ever team we play the game is set up to be a really exciting game!

You do relise that you've left yourself wide open now for when we play like Brazil on speed !!

[rich1471]

Don't forget 7pm kickoff

[donnievic]

What ever team we play the game is set up to be a really exciting game!

tbf it’s got to be better than saturdays

[rich1471]

ROVERS: Jones; Knoyle, Blythe, Anderson, Horton; Smith, Hasani; Vilca, Rowe, Kuleya; Dodoo. Subs: Bottomley, Hollings, Goodman, Wolny, Raper, Cole, Fletcher

[ian1980]

Thread and team sheet posted in “Lucky Pint” section

[normal rules]

Get in. Vilca.

[normal rules]

2 nil. Dodo. Good goal. A bit of composure which is a nice change.

[Padge_DRFC]

Said it on other threads Vilca needs to start every game. Miles better than Hiwula who just runs around like a headless chicken.

[The Beast]

2 nil. Dodo. Good goal. A bit of composure which is a nice change.

Very nice change!

[drfchound]

Dodoo put away a very good finish against Cheltenham.

[scawsby steve]

2 nil. Dodo. Good goal. A bit of composure which is a nice change.

Very nice change!

Actually, he has got it in him. His goal against Cheltenham was superb.

He just needs more consistency.