OPPONENTS GUIDE #14:BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION(H)

Saturday will be an exciting game for the Rovers fans.Brighton make the long trip to South Yorkshire for what will be a crucial clash for either team.The Seagulls want to keep up good form whereas Doncaster will want to forget the last two games.

Brighton have had a fantastic last two years.They won the League One title in the 2010/11 season with a whooping 97 points.Last season,they reached the Championship playoffs,only to lose in the semis.The failure saw manager Gus Poyet sacked after he admitted he could not take the club any further.

THE GROUND-AMEX STADIUM

Doncaster fans should really have fond memories of this 30,750 seater stadium,as Brighton's first ever game here was against the Rovers in 2011!The game saw Rovers lead through Billy Sharp but two volleys from Will Buckley in the second half led Brighton to a 2-1 win.The ground is also known as the Falmer Stadium.

THE GAFFER-OSCAR GARCIA

This name is familiar in Europe and was the Iniesta of the 1990s.Oscar won European Player of the Year in 1995 and 1997,the UEFA Cup in 1997,La Liga five times and La Liga Player of the Year 1996.This makes the Spaniard one of the best players in Barcelona's history.

Since becoming the manager of Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2010,he won the league title and an Israeli Super Cup runners' up medal.He was appointed Brighton manager in the summer and told the fans to expect great things

SIX OF THE BEST

TOMASZ KUSZCZAK-SUPER POLE

The 31-year-old Poland international goalkeeper joined the Seagulls in the summer of 2012 on a bargain free.He was a key part in terms of the defensive set up last season,noticeably his flexibility in front of goal.

BRUNO-MUY BIEN

The veteran defender has been to the highs of Spanish and European football,coming up against Ronaldo and Messi.On Saturday,he'll be coming up against Chris Brown and Theo Robinson.Not the most glamourous names but they'll be better than nothing.

WILL BUCKLEY-YOUNG TALENT

At 24,Buckley has had a career of increasing expectations.When he joined Brighton for £500,000 in 2011,he was aware of how high Brighton can achieve and adapted well.He scored the first ever

professional goal at the Amex but now starts on the left wing.

ANDREA ORLANDI-FORMER SWAN 

Another good capture to support the midfield.Andrea was a member of Swansea's double-promotion winning squad and although he struggled to make a good impact under Michael Laudrup,the foreign talent of the 29-year-old still shines through today.

LEONARDO ULLOA-AWESOME ARGIE 

Simply put,Argentinian striker Leonardo Ullo really does have a magic touch.He only joined in January 2013 but has scored the first ever hat-trick at the Amex and has scored nine times already this season.He won't feature against Doncaster on Saturday due to an injury.

CRAIG MACKAIL-SMITH-SHAKING OFF HIS PRICE TAG

The record signing of £2,000,000 from Peterborough was a key player in the first season at his new club.He was the country's fifth top scorer in 2011/12 and today shows how good he is to his team-so Doncaster best have a tight defence!

DICKOV LEARNS OFF STRACHAN

Scotland head coach Gordon Strachan has had a phone conversation with his fellow countryman and Doncaster boss Paul Dickov about where he's going wrong.

Although Dickov has done his coaching badges and holds a UEFA licence,Strachan has watched Doncaster's match against Middlesbrough on a DVD and telephoned him about where he went wrong.

"Gordon spoke to me in my hotel room on Tuesday evening.He wasn't annoyed but simply wanted to talk to me about how I could improve at Doncaster",a honest Dickov explained.

"He is a experienced coach without a shadow of a doubt.I will take into account what he said and apply it."

DUFFY ADMITS DICKOV IS ANGRY

Mark Duffy has told an unofficial Doncaster Rovers website that the players truly felt the wrath of Paul Dickov after the 4-0 defeat to Middlesborough.

Duffy told of how his manager shouted at the players in the dressing room and told the team the performance was 'totally unacceptable'.

Dickov had promised that 'the players would see a different side of him' after the defeat and went on to describe the game as 'severely lacking positivity.'

Doncaster take on Brighton on Saturday following two crushing defeats.

LUEY JACOB SHARP:TWO YEARS ON

Sunday 27th October 2011 was supposed to be a happy day for Doncaster striker Billy Sharp and his wife Jade,as it would for any man who is about to become a father.

Jade gave birth to a baby boy,who was christened Luey Jacob Sharp.However,all was not well.Luey was diagnosed by doctors as having gastrochitis,a serious stomach condition.

Billy and Jade spent every minute by their son's side.He was hooked up to machinery and breathing apparatus.However,two days later,Billy was told the worst news possible-Luey's condition had deterioated rapidly and he had tragically passed away,aged two days old.

No-one at Doncaster knew of the news and all they understood was that Billy wouldn't be playing on the Tuesday night because of 'personal reasons'.

Doncaster took on Middlesbrough on November 1st.It was a cold,foggy night but the mood around the ground seemed odd.Billy was warming up on the pitch and looked content.It was only until the players were standing around the centre circle the fans stood up.The announcer slowly walked towards the pitch holding a piece of paper.

He read slowly,"This is a minute's applause to celebrate the short life of Billy and Jade's son Luey Jacob Sharp.Born 27th October, taken by the angels on the 29th. Sleep tight son."

One second later,the whole ground clapped in harmony.The managers looked at the teams and Dean noticed Billy was crying.

After twenty minutes,a moment of brilliance.Billy Sharp let rip from twenty yards and scored a curving effort.The celebration meant more to him when he pulled up his shirt to reveal a t-shirt saying 'That's For You Son'.Although Rovers lost 3-1,it gained him national headlines for his commitment and earned respect.

After the game,Billy tweeted,"My goal tonight was the most important of my career dedicated to my boy Luey Jacob Sharp.I love you son.I was crying during the applause,thank you to both sets of fans.#RIP"

Both sets of managers took time to praise Billy in the dressing room and Dean Saunders said it was "a proud feeling which tells people how much of a man he is."

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jason Steele told Sharp on Twitter "@BillySharp10 It must've been an emotional drain for you,I can't put it into words.That really was a goal from heaven."

AFTERMATH

The Luey Jacob Sharp Foundation was created to raise awareness of life-threatening conditions.And many football icons support it!These include:

-Lee Johnson,Oldham manager

-Brian Laws,Scunthorpe United manager 

-Matt Le Tissier,ex-striker 

-Richard Lee,Brentford goalkeeper

-Brian Flynn,former Rovers manager

-James Hayter,Billy's former strike partner

Since Luey's death,Jade have birth to a healthy baby boy in December 2012-a son named Leo Sharp.

MIDDLESBROUGH 4-0 DONCASTER

Middlesbrough begin life without Tony Mowbray with an emphatic 4-0 win at home to Doncaster,who have now shipped eight in two matches.

The home team started better and with the threat of Emnes.A cut by Mustapha Carayol was headed over by the Dutchman.But on eight minutes,ALBERT ADOMAH ran and lobbed the ball over the advancing Turnbull to open the scoring in front of the SKY cameras.

It was then Mark Duffy's turn to stir things up a bit.He passd to Dean Furman who put Duffy through,but his cross to Coppinger wasn't met.

Duffy then showed pace down the wing to pass to Coppinger.He crossed the ball to Brown who headed wide of the mark.

With ten minutes to go until the break ADOMAH made it 2-0.His header over Ross Turnbull was executed well from Smallwood's cross.Half time came with Rovers sinking without trace.

Rovers looked more promising in the second half.Chris Brown struck a low ball at Jason Steele before Dean Furman had a go himself on sixty minutes.

The game looked well and truly over when KEI KAMARA netted the third goal.A free kick landed on his boot to allow him to tap the ball past Turnbull and add to the misery.

And Grant Leadbitter's corner was met by DANIEL AYALA on eighty three minutes to round up a good night for Mark Venus' side,and he looks more likely to be made the permanent manager of Middlesbrough.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

HARTLEPOOL MANAGER AND FORMER MIDDLESBROUGH DEFENDER COLIN COOPER:

'I think me getting the job at Middlesbrough is unlikely;I have worked with the squad in the past as a coach and realise the honour of being manager there.However,I'm committed to Hartlepool for the moment.'

DONCASTER BOSS PAUL DICKOV:

'If players work hard for me I will look after them, if they don't they will see a different side to me.After what I have seen tonight,they'll see a different side of me and I intend to toughen up.'

'I was embarrassed at the end and I don't like feeling like that, staff & board don't like feeling like that and we will sort it out.'

Teams – Middlesbrough – Jason Steele; Rhys Williams, Jonathan Woodgate ©, Daniel Ayala, Ben Gibson; Albert Adomah, Grant Leadbitter, Richard Smallwood, Mustapha Carayol; Marvin Emnes, Kei Kamara                                           

Subs used - Jacob Butterfield for Carayol 81 mins; Curtis Main for Kamara 87 mins; Jozsef Varga for Adomah 90+1 mins;                                                                                                           Subs not used – George Friend, Lukas Jutkiewicz, Seb Hines, Jason Leutwiler gk

Caution – Emnes 28 mins;

Doncaster Rovers – Ross Turnbull; Paul Quinn, Bongani Khumalo, Rob Jones ©, Reece Wabara; Mark Duffy, Paul Keegan, Dean Furman, James Coppinger; Theo Robinson, Chris Brown

Subs used – Yun Suk Young for Quinn 46 mins; David Cotterill for Furman 76 mins;

Subs not used – Billy Paynter, Luke McCullough, Marc de Val, Alex Peterson, Jon Maxted gk

Caution – Robinson 90+2 mins;

KOREAN YUN JOINS ROVERS

Doncaster have completed the loan deal for QPR's Korean defender Yun Suk-Young on loan,as cover for James Husband.

The international footballer could start on the bench against Middlesbrough.

Yun,23,joined QPR in January 2013 from his native country and local side Chumnam Dragons.He has struggled to adapt to the top flight and hasn't been a regular this season for the Londoners.

The defender will be at the Rovers until December.

DICKOV FANCIES CHANCES AT BORO

Paul Dickov has told BBC Sheffield that all Doncaster can hope for is to do their best away at Middlesbrough on Friday night.

The Boro are below Doncaster but have no manager following Tony Mowbray's sacking on Monday.

Dickov has carefully planned out the trip up North and has told journalists and reporters his honest feelings about facing Middlesbrough.

"I am a little bit shocked that Middlesbrough haven't done as well as expected due to the experience in their squad,"Dickov said.

"Is it a good time to visit when they've lost their manager?I would say no.The team often wins the first game after you leave your position which is frustrating for the individual but key to a good run of form.I saw that Middlesbrough's game last week at Barnsley showed they can try when they are at their best."

"Being a manager is considered a tough job,but for me I have embraced and loved working at Doncaster so far.I have a good relationship with the board and they have mutual respect for me.That is what motivates me a lot."

SHEFFIELD UNITED UNVEIL CLOUGH

Sheffield United have appointed Nigel Clough as their new manager on an 18-month-deal,succeeding David Weir.

The Blades are 23rd in League One and with only seven points from a maximum 42,it was time for ex-Rangers defender Weir to leave.And Clough(who was sacked as Derby boss last month) admits he needs to work harder.

"I was tempted by the potential the club showed.Despite the situation and position the club are in,they had a talented youth side,"Clough told The Star.

Clough's father Brian notably managed Derby before his spell at Leeds.Nigel followed in his father's footsteps when he was appointed Derby manager in 2008.He spent five years in charge and up until his sacking, he was one of the country's longest serving bosses.

"Chris Morgan(United youth coach and caretaker manager) will always be a part of the club,so he will still work here at the club.I will get a new assistant and coach for the Sheffield United project."

Clough starts his tenure at home to Crewe this Saturday. 

OPPONENTS GUIDE #13:MIDDLESBROUGH(A)

Doncaster travel to Teeside in Friday to

play Middlesbrough in front of the Sky cameras.It will be something of a godsend if the home side win.

Middlesbrough have had a year to forget.They have only won three games in the calendar year and recently sacked their manager Tony Mowbray due to that statistic.The days of Europe and the top flight under Gareth Southagate are now something of a happy memory for the home side.

THE GROUND-RIVERSIDE

Riverside used to see large sellout attendances in the Premier League years with thousands packing into the ground to see the local side play.The stadium has had improvements over the last decade and even hosted two BSB Bet Premier games when Gateshead's ground was waterlogged.

THE GAFFER-MARK VENUS(CARETAKER)

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Mark spent most of his managerial career as understudy to Tony Mowbray,a job he'd done at Celtic.However,with Mowbray now out of the job as manager,he is taking control of things for now and would hope to see some stability.

SIX OF THE BEST

JASON STEELE-LOCAL LEGEND

Middlesbrough-born Jason has always been a part of the football team since he joined aged 11.His work and teaching by professionals has earned him the number one jersey which he has kept since Mark Schwarzer left the club.

GEORGE FRIEND-FORMER ROVERS 

Ex-Doncaster and Exeter defender

George has been key in the Boro defence as he was at Doncaster.The superb performances earned the 25-year-old the honour of vice-captain last season due to his leadership abilities.

ALBERT ADOMAH-NEW BOY

Born in London,Ghana international Albert Adomah has joined the Boro on a three-year-deal.Originally a part-time player,he joined Barnet in 2008 and looked unpromising when he went to Bristol City in 2011.But he proved the fans wrong-he was a key to the wing.Now,he is played either in midfield or as a left-winger.

MUSTAPHA CARAYOL-SURPRISE 

Mustapha's award of League Two Player of The Season in 2012/13 caught the attention of Middlesbrough.He was offered the chance to play at the highest level yet and would've been stupid to say no to that.Mustapha has slowly adapted to the momentum in the higher leagues to be a better player and make a name for himself up North.

MARVIN EMNES-FAB FORWARD

Signed form popular Dutch side Heereveen in 2008 along with Alfonso Alves,he wasn't a regular in the Premier League.However,his talent and goals in the past two seasons have seen him become a talking point in Britain's football scale and last season he was one of the top scorers in the country,despite a lowly end.

KEI KAMARA-EX NORWICH MAN

Sierra Leone international Kei has been in the USA most of his life to escape a civil war.He was developed in the states and was signed on a loan deal by Norwich last season for six months.His debut saw him score an overhead kick.

BORO SACK MANAGER MOWBRAY

Middlesborough have sacked manager Tony Mowbray after three years in charge of the Championship club.

The 49-year-old had his contract terminated today and with the Teeside club only recording three wins this calendar year,the board felt as though change was needed badly.

Former Arsenal player Mowbray took over at Middlesborough in the autumn of 2010 following Gordon Strachan's departure.He aimed to get Middlesborough back in the top flight and got them up to ninth that season.

He since tried time after time to get the club to achieve but it hasn't worked in the past eighteen months and with standards dropping to rock bottom,a change is needed.

ROBINSON:'SCORE CONTRADICTS GAME'

Doncaster and Jamaica striker Theo Robinson believes that the 4-1 demolition by Reading doesn't show that the performance wasn't good enough.

The forward,who joined from Derby this summer,equalised in the game when Mark Duffy's free kick rebounded to his feet.

"The score didn't give an accurate view of the game and although the gaffer did say we looked jaded in the first half,so we changed the tactics a little bit,"Theo told the official club website.

"I was sent on the field to create more attack and it paid off when I scored.Even at 2-1 down we looked better and had some belief."

Theo also spoke about international duty with Jamaica in their World Cup Qualifiers.

"We didn't qualify for next year but I enjoyed playing in the game against the USA,where I was a winger.I also started against Honduras.The lads in the changing room joked about our failure a bit but the international expierence was a key part to developing me as a better player."

READING 4-1 DONCASTER

Reading's unbeaten run continues after a brilliant 4-1 win for the early promotion contenders,much to the annoyance of Doncaster boss Paul Dickov.

Reading youngster Jordan Obita was the first to make an impression.His 11th minute shot rattled the bar but,a few seconds later,Reading broke down the wing and crossed to Guthrie,who made it 1-0 to the home side.

Some goal line technology was going to be asked about three minutes later.Obita's touch from a few yards out appeared to have only just crept over the line and although Turnbull had tipped it wide,the midfielder protested furiously.

23 minutes played and Theo Robinson was sent on for Furman,and he had an impact.After half an hour,Duffy's free kick hit the bar but Robinson beat the defence to the ball to equalise.

It looked like a draw going into the break but it wasn't to be for Donny.Adam Le Fondre has been pivotal for Reading all season and was a threat again.Reading were looking nervous until he fired home.

The second half saw potential worry for Doncaster.Rob Jones went off injured with a suspected broken arm leaving the defence to sort themselves out without the giant sweeper.It was to have an impact.

Ten minutes left,and Garath McCleary extended the lead with a lob over the advancing Turnbull.Pogrebnyak added to the scoring in stoppage time and with the amount of goals conceded,you wouldn't think Ross Turnbull had won Doncaster's Player of the Month.

VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE

READING BOSS NIGEL ADKINS:

"I though Pavel Pogrebnyak was absolutely fantastic today for many different reasons.His cross for the first was perfect and the goal in stoppage time sealed off a good day at the office for us."

DONCASTER BOSS PAUL DICKOV ON JONES' INJURY:

"I think it's too early to talk about how long it'll be before Rob is back in action for us.He seemed to show a bit of discomfort after the tackle.The point is,he's gone for a scan on the arm and after we have a better idea of the extent of the injury we will be able to sort something out as a replacement."

TEAMS

Teams – Reading – Adam Federici; Chris Gunter, Alex Pearce, Sean Morrison ©, Wayne Bridge; Danny Guthrie, Garath McCleary, Chris Baird, Jordan Obita, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Adam Le Fondre

Subs used – Hal Robson-Kanu for Le Fondre 62 mins; Jobi McAnuff for Obita 73 mins; Hope Akpan for Guthrie 83 mins; 

Subs not used – Stephen Kelly, Kaspars Gorkss, Nick Blackman, Stuart Taylor gk

Cautions- Baird, 69 mins;

 

Doncaster Rovers – Ross Turnbull; Paul Quinn, Bongani Khumalo, Rob Jones ©, Reece Wabara; Mark Duffy, Richie Wellens, Paul Keegan, Dean Furman; James Coppinger, Chris Brown 

Subs used – Theo Robinson for Furman 23 mins; Billy Paynter for Brown 64 mins; Kyle Bennett for Coppinger 72 mins;

Subs not used – David Cotterill, Luke McCullough, Marc de Val, Jon Maxted gk

Cautions – Wellens 85 mins;

ROVERS LEGEND #24:IAN MILLER

Ian's popularity was well remembered during his time at Belle Vue and was rewarded by the fans in the best way possible for some outstanding performances.

Born in Scotland in 1955,Ian worked as a supermarket assistant whilst playing part-time in Perth.He joined Bury in 1973 and played 15 games for the Shakers in a promotion-winning season.

He left the club for a what he had considered a far bigger challenge-Nottingham Forest.He never got chance to play under Brian Clough though because he was release six months after joining.

Still a teenager,Ian signed for Doncaster and made a name for himself under Stan Anderson.He played 139 games and scored 15 goals.In his last season for Donny,he won PFA Fourth Division Player of the Season and was in the PFA Team of the Year.

He joined Bobby Smith's Swindon in 1978 and settled well,but looked out-of-favour in the next few seasons.As a result,he had to leave Swindon for what was the best club he's ever played for-Blackburn.

The Rovers were always top-half finishers but Ian will more likely remember the FA Cup defeats and League Cup shocks.The club went to the final of the Division Two playoffs but lost 4-3 to Crystal Palace.In 1989,after eight years,he was made available for transfer.

The next two clubs were short spells at Port Vale and Stafford Rangers in the lower leagues.He retired in June 1991 after eighteen years as a professional footballer.

He wasn't done yet though.He was appointed a scout at Port Vale in 1992 and then became the assistant manager of Wolves in 1994.He later had a short spell as a scout at Leicester,was a coach at Blackpool,worked as a scout at Bury and Manchester City.In 2008,he joined the staff at Leeds United before being sacked in 2012.

He now lives in North Yorkshire with his wife Anne and they have four children-Johnathon(34),Rob(32),Karen(29),and Greg(25).

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DICKOV

Being a football manager can be a tough job at times,yet one where people don't know what happens in the office.Let Paul Dickov explain his daily routine at work around Doncaster Rovers.

Paul promised the fans that he'd be at te club from dawn 'till dusk,and he's kept it.Every Monday morning at 7:00,Paul leaves his hotel room and gets into his white Merc.The first stop is off to the training ground where he meets the players and staff.A hard training session ends at 10:00 but Paul isn't off home.

He's going to the office to sort out paperwork and the team for the match against Burnley on what will be tomorrow night.He chooses carefully who starts and he chooses wisely.At 11:30,the press come to interview him.He chats for ages-be it the weekend,his playing days or some criticism towards the players,he'll talk.

After lunch,he returns for a meeting with the chairman.It is then time to go home.He will prepare for the match by watching a DVD he borrowed for his hotel room.

It's 6:00.Paul pulls at the ground wearing his tracksuit ready for the game.He signs programmes,has photographs with fans and heads upstairs to prepare the team sheet.The game kicks off at 7:45 and by 9:30,it's over.The score is 2-0 to Burnley and Paul has to face the media.He is busy after the match writing some notes and gets back at 00:00.

Even on Sunday after a match,on his day off,he's busy.Back home in Manchester,he's in his own media room he created for work purposes.His wife knows it too well-once he's in,he doesn't come out for seven hours.He is making DVDs and Powerpoints for the players to work on them.Paul demands every match is filmed and he gets a DVD copy to watch which he watches with specific detail.

Paul has an early start but one he doesn't mind doing-guess he's an early bird.The extent of detail in his job shoes he won't fool about if Doncaster are to stay up.

OPPONENTS GUIDE #12:READING(A)

Reading will be the next team Doncaster face in the Championship.Following last season seeing the Royals get Russian investment and relegation from the Premier League,Reading hope to get back up in the big time.

Reading's goals have not been unnoticed by the footballing world.The team are capable of producing moments of magic at times with the free kicks and deadly strikers.

THE GROUND-THE MADJESKI STADIUM

Named after the chairman John Madjeski,the stadium has seen top flight football at its best over the years,with the likes of Ronaldo and Joe Hart playing in front of what was often a sellout arena.Attendancy is still string and the whole town backs the club.

THE GAFFER-NIGEL ADKINS

Former Sunday League manager and Tranmere goalkeeper Nigel Adkins is a qualified physiotherapist who worked at Scunthorpe before coming their manager in 2006.He won promotion to the Championship with them in 2009.He left Scunny for Southampton in 2010 and earnt back-to-back promotions before getting sacked.He hopes to continue success at Reading.

SIX OF THE BEST

ALEX PEARCE-BULLET HEADER

Young defender Pearce had worked so hard with his mentors and coaches to get to the professional level.Known for his heading abilities,the 25-year-old will be hard to mark.

CHRIS GUNTER-DYNAMO DEFENDER

Wales international who was a crucial part to the Nottingham Forest team over the last five years.His release was a shoc to the fans,but Reading is a new challenge he should embrace.

ROYSTON DRENTHE-REAL DEAL

Dutchman Royston isn't used to the streets of Berkshire.He often saw the Real Madrid fans turn out in mass numbers at the Burnebeu for La Liga clashes,which contained excitement and energy.He signed for Reading on a year's long deal,and is a fan favourite already.

ADAM LE FONDRE-UNITED FAN

25-year-old Adam has been a Manchester United fan all his life.His goals and skills during two years at Rotherham caught Reading's attention and when they snapped him up on the transfer deadline day,they got a good value for money.He was a key part to the team last season and is the fourth tip scorer in the Championship.

PAVEL POGREBNYAK-PACY RUSSIAN 

Russian Pavel was impressive when he was respectively at St Petersburg and VFB Stuttgart,winning league titles,cups and Player of The Year awards.In 2012,he joined Fulham on a short-term

deal which he didn't extend,so Reading signed him for £7,000,000.

BILLY SHARP-FAT LAD FROM SHEFFIELD

Billy is undoubtedly a recognised name at Doncaster.His contribution and goals have not gone amiss and he will go down as one of Doncaster's best players of all time.Although he moved to Southampton in January 2012,he has not been used and has been sent out to Forest(teaming up with old boss Sean O'Driscoll) and now is at Reading.He joined until the end of the season.

McCLAREN ADMITS TO FOREST MISTAKES

Derby manager Steve McClaren admits that he made too many 'silly' mistakes in his time as manager of Derby's rivals Nottingham Forest.

The ex-England boss,52,was in charge of Forest for only 122 days,winning only two games in his tenure in 2011.He had made several signings but they had little effect.

The appointment came just a matter of months after he lost his job at Wolfsburg in Germany.The club had won the 2010/11 title but were relegation candidates under McClaren.He also won the Eredivise title with Twente.

"My family handled my job well",McClaren said,"Two of my three children are adults now but the youngest is doing his A-Levels.Moving about countries affected this a lot.When I was at Wolfsburg,we lived together in Germany."

"My job now at Derby should see stability.I hope to be more careful and not fall at the first hurdle."

COTTERILL DELIGHTED AT WALES RETURN

Doncaster midfielder David Cotterill has expressed his delight at his return to the Wales international squad for the last two qualifiers.

Although Wales now cannot get a place in the 2014 World Cup due to their position in the group,Cotterill hopes to have a good future under the side.

"It was nice to return back after two years out of the team and see the lads again",Cotterill said.

"We won crucially against Macedonia in a game which could've been Chris Coleman's last if we'd have lost.The poor form was not good but we are optimistic and focused for Tuesday."

Wales' last qualifier is in Belgium who have qualified for the World Cup Finals in Brazil.

SYERS SEES IRON LOAN 'PROMISING'

David Syers has told BBC Lincolnshire that his loan move to Scunthorpe United is showing some promising signs.

The Doncaster midfielder,25,has signed for the League Two promotion contenders on a month's loan,making his debut at home to Cheltenham.And he said the loan was needed.

"Last season was the best of my career with Doncaster winning the league.It was,and still is,the highest status club I've been at yet",Syers said.

"Scunthorpe needed back up and I wanted to a new challenge as a result of a lack of games in the Championship.I am enjoying life at Scunthorpe at the minute and see a good side." 

ROVERS LEGEND #23:WAIDE FAIRHURST

Waide was a player with a huge potential when he signed a professional deal with Doncaster in 2008 after leaving University.

Sheffield lad Waide was born in 1989.He debuted for Doncaster in 2008 away at Coventry in the Championship,and made his home debut in March 2009.In the 2009/10 season,he scored against West Brom away and a week later,a towering header in a 3-3 draw with Ipswich Town.However,he'd a lot to learn still.

Waide was loaned out to many lower clubs.He joined Shrewsbury in October 2009 and scored a free-kick on his debut.He was key to the squad in the month he was there.His next loan move was at Southend and then in 2011,he went to Hereford.His fellow Rovers teammates James Chambers and James Baxendale also joined him a month later.He scored three goals for the Bulls.

He signed a deal with Macclesfield in June 2011.He spent two years in Cheshire before financial strains saw him move to Lincoln in 2013.He scored twice on his debut at home to FGR.

He now lives with his girlfriend Abbey in Sheffield.Tragically,their twin boys(born in 2012)were stillborn.

POYET APPOINTED SUNDERLAND MANAGER

Sunderland have appointed former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet as their new manager on a two-year-deal,succeeding Paolo Di Canio.

Poyet,45,was officially confirmed as the club's new manager on Monday morning and was unveiled as the manager that afternoon at a press conference.

Poyet has never managed in the top flight before but had lower league success with Brighton,where he was in charge from 2008 until 2013.He won a league title and this year got Brighton into the playoffs.However,he was sacked after misconduct.

Sunderland currently lie bottom of the table with one point.They looked to be  improving under caretaker Kevin Ball but he admitted he didn't want to be the manager on a full-time basis.

"It's a huge challenge for me but I'm excited about it.The key behind my strong home record at Brighton was how well I related and integrated with the supporters so I could understand their needs",Poyet told the BBC.

Club chairman Ellis Short has said he will provide some extra funding for Poyet,despite Di Canjo spending just under £19,000,000.The money so far has been spent well but the performances aren't as good.