Doncaster Rovers - The Keepmoat

Memories, like the corners of my mind, misty water-colored memories, of the way we were. Scattered pictures, of the smiles we left behind, smiles we gave to one another
for the way we were. Can it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time re-written every line? If we had the chance to do it all again, tell me, would we? Could we?

Few players have sparked debate over the years like the mercurial Richie Wellens.
If ever the words of a song were written for a player those are the words that sum RW up. Memories and if we had the chance to do it all again, would we, could we? Can anyone ever forget 'that' goal or the Igoe sending off (remind me exactly where likkle Sammy is plying his trade nowadays…….) Saturday sees the chance to reacquaint our selves with probably the one player that has kept our fans talking over the years, and I for one am pleased to see him finally get his chance to ply his trade in a league other than the 3rd or 4th divisions (old money)`.

How to get there
M55, M6 south to J30 then join the M61. From the M61 on to the M60 (heading NE - Bury / Leeds) then join the M62 (signposted Leeds / Huddersfield). From the M62 at J32a & take the A1 (signposted South).At J40 bear right, At Red House Junction continue forward onto the A1(M) (signposted The South). Leave the A1(M) at junction 37, then at roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A635 (signposted Doncaster), Turn right onto the A638, at the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A19 (signposted Town Centre). At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A630 (signposted Rotherham). At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A630. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A638. At the roundabout (no it's not Milton Keynes!) take the 2nd exit onto the A6182 (signposted Sheffield M18, M1). The stadium should be visible from here.

Where to park - 1000 spaces at the ground -£5. The local industrial estates offer parking at £3/4, there is also some free parking to be found here too, otherwise it's a park and ride with a £1 fare.

For the Virgin lovers amongst us - Doncaster Station is just under two miles away.
Come out of the station turn right and then keep straight on this road (the A 6182 Trafford Way) and you will eventually reach the ground on your left.

The Stadium
Long gone are the days of the old Belle Vue ground. Out of the ashes (literally) arose the Keepmoat Stadium. What a way to start last years' New Year, then with the opening of a (completed) new ground. Sat next to a lake (have they not heard of our rust factor?) the ground has all that you get with it being a new ground - a retail park close by, looks nice from the outside but a little bit characterless inside. That said the atmosphere is reported to be good, which is something that can be lost when teams move to new surroundings.
With a capacity of 15000+ we should be getting some idea of what our place will be like, when & if it ever gets finished.
We'll be sat in the North Stand. 3344 away fans can be accommodated here, one word of advice - if it's raining don't sit in the front rows you'll get wet.

Where to drink
There is no ale on sale inside the stadium for away fans so make sure you get your fill before entering the ground.
There is a stadium sports bar, situated by the West stand, away fans are admitted but it does tend to get busy quickly so unless you are there early you may not get in.
As with almost every other new ground the stadium has the obligatory cinema / bowling alley nearby, the latter of which has a bar. Further away from the ground we have the 'invited' to the Fitzwilliam Arms by the landlord. A 15 minute walk from the ground off the A630 on the edge of the town centre. The YS are meeting in the Salutation otherwise Donny has numerous pubs, on my previous excursions there, the White Bear, the Sports bar, Livingston's have all provided good nights.

Plod & Stewards
With no history between the two sets of fans, I'll be expecting a low key and relaxed affair.

Fear Factor Rating -3

The international break is over, and with our away form being considerably better than our home Saturday sees a good opportunity to put some real distance between ourselves and one of the teams that currently occupies one of the dreaded 3 relegation spots. There should be a decent following over the Pennines and with us in good voice there'll only be one song on our lips. Altogether now 'Richie Wellens you`re a wa………….'

Onwards + Upwards