Doncaster Rovers Reserves vs Rotherham United Reserves (Louis Tomlinson Debut)

I am excited to say the article today is the very first guest article on thedonnypop, this is where someone other than myself writes for the blog. This is something that I want to encourage and see more of so feel free to send in your blogs to me at thedonnypop@gmail.com

The writer today is big One Direction fan Lizi, Lizi travelled to the keepmoat all the way from Cheltenham to watch the game, and this is her take on it. Below you will find her twitter name, give her a follow.

Yesterday was my first time at a Doncaster Rovers game, my main reason for attending was because One Direction's Louis Tomlinson was playing. After the relatively long train journey from Cheltenham (early mornings and me do not mix!) I arrived at the Keepmoat Stadium around lunchtime, about 100 teenage girls already there waiting to catch a glimpse of their idol. As more arrived, they started to get louder and if I'm honest, some were quite irritating. The group I was in were the calm side and we got talking about different things to do with Louis and the lads, wondering how he would do up against professional athletes. Louis arrived to some of the loudest screams I've ever heard outside of a concert and after taking pictures with a very few extremely lucky fans, he headed inside, leaving the majority of the 500 or so girls disappointed. After having a lovely chat with Louis' grandad Keith (and learning some new facts), it was time to head into the ground. The outside of the stadium was impressive, a modern and classic take on stadia throughout England.

When I got to my seat, front row right next to the Rotherham dugout, I had to try and get a view of the pitch as the gap between the seats and the barrier was rammed with teenage girls, trying to get a picture of their idol warming up at the other end of the pitch. As the game was about to start, everyone was told to sit down and thankfully they obliged. As Louis' name was read out among the replacements, deafening cheers were heard.

Doncaster started the game brightly, with numbers 7 and 11(Mark Duffy and David Cotterill? - Not sure if they are the correct names as I didnt hear the whole team announcement and they were the ones listed in the squad on the programme) putting in a top standard performance, with many tricks, slick passes and brilliant shots. Many of which were sure to have given Doncaster the lead had it not been for a stellar performance by Rotherham United's goalkeeper, pulling off a number of superb saves in a short space of time to keep the score level. Unfortunately due to the location of my seat, I was unable to see much of Doncaster defending as I had the dugout blocking my view. 

Deafening screams again rocked the stadium as Louis went to warm up along with the substitutes. Getting louder each time he did anything to warm up and earning chuckles from the rest of the Rovers replacements. Security also doubled on him as he was warming up, in case any of the over-excited fans got any ideas.

The first half continued in an entertaining manner, with both teams giving their all, sometimes a bit too much, although the referee managed to miss quite a few blatant fouls from both sides. Again Doncaster were the main ones to press, troubling the keeper on several more occasions than Rotherham but as the half-time whistle went, the score remained 0-0.

For the second half, due to my seat location, I was only able to see Doncaster's defending, however this would come to be a bonus when Louis came on as I would be able to see just how well he can actually play. I got this chance around the 65 minute mark when to thunderous applause and ear-splitting screams, Louis made his way onto the pitch replacing Doncaster's right back, number 2 (Paul Quinn?). The pop star, 22, did seem to spend more time sorting his hair out as it kept blowing all over the place, signalling a few shouts and comments about needing a haircut. However, for an amateur playing with and against professional athletes, he didn't have a bad game. The few passes he made weren't the strongest of passes that you would expect to see from a professional, but then again, he isn't a professional, but each time they found their target. However, after one pass, he lost his footing and slipped. I missed the photo opportunity but it gave the crowd a good laugh. He also managed to hold his ground and win a throw. He did seem to shy away from headers however, although successfully making one towards the end of the game. His man marking was pretty impressive, only getting tricked a couple of times. 

The game ended 0-0 which really, was a fair result to both teams. Once the game was over, I made my way out of the ground, finding that the teenage girls were again surrounding the barriers, hoping to get a glimpse of their idol. However, what they didn't realise was that he left another way so again were left disappointed.

All in all, it was a good day out with an entertaining game of football. Louis showed that he does have some promise on the pitch, however, it will take a lot more training for him to match up to the level of the rest of the squad. 

I would like to go to another Doncaster game, whether Louis would play or not as the atmosphere was great, mainly due to the screaming from the girls.

Elizabeth

Many thanks to Elizabeth for her article really good to read about Rovers I

a different perspective. Interesting to hear how she credits the atmosphere, obviously on different occasion but it is something we have talked about a lot recently.

Be sure to go and follow her on twitter @Lbirt1993 if you check thedonnypop twitter you will find her.

Thanks for reading.

Is Louis Tomlinson good for Rovers?

The lad has come under a lot of stick since 'signing' for Doncaster Rovers, he signed as a publicity stunt and to raise money for charity. Ahead of his debut for us, we look at the effect his signing has.

Who is he?
Well if you don't know the answer to this question, you have dine very well hiding from the radio and TV. Louis is part of the pop group, One Direction, the group that were formed on x factor. Despite not actually winning the TV show, they have gone on to be quite successful, especially amongst teenage girls . Louis is actually Doncaster born and attended Hall Cross school. The local lad has always had a passion for football,  playing for Bessacarr as a kid, he also played for a doncaster pub team before finding fame. It is well documented that Louis is a lifelong Doncaster Rovers fan, however I have heard he is also a Manchester United fan...

When did he sign?
Rovers and louis found the ideal time to get this publicity stunt to the nation, and the secret signing was revealed live on sky when they visited every club in one day, during the pre season of 2013. I had my fears upon hearing something along the lines of 'stay tuned as we visit more grounds across the country, we will also have a special appearance from One Direction, and we will be going to Doncaster where they will reveal a new signing'. Of course hearing that for the first time gets you excited,  who is the new signing? Unfortunately it wasn't anything special.
It wasn't long before the fans of every club in the country had taken to facebook and twitter to mock Rovers with our new signing of Louis. The next few days were actually embarrassing to be a Rovers fan. However the publicity stunt had worked, as Rovers were written in most nation newspapers and mentioned in many places online. The official twitter account also grew in the number of followers, a figure that now stands at 91.3k which is more then Leeds United on 45.5k.

Louis as he appears on Football Manager 2014

Why did this happen?
Louis signing for the Rovers as mentioned before was both a publicity stunt for the club and also a great way to raise money for children's charity Bluebell wood children's hospice.
It was announced Louis would play for the reserves team at least one time. And the date was set against Scunthorpe. Louis did make an appearance against Scunthorpe, however it was only sat on the bench. This was because whilst playing in Stan Petrov's testimonial game in Scotland, Louis picked up an injury after a great tackle by Gabby Agbonlahor. Louis limped off the field and was sick. Would hate to see what a tackle with Colin Sutherland would of done to the lad. a gif of this tackle has been made and watched many of times.

When will he play?
Early 2014, with the One Direction boys back from touring in the USA, it was announced Louis would finally play his debut on 26th February against Rotherham, at the keepmoat. You can get tickets by calling the Doncaster Rovers ticket office on 01302 590250. To some this announcement came as a relief that Damien Plessis had returned. Louis will also feature as a spectator for first team games.

The negatives
Louis wasn't signed for footballing reasons of course and it does make us a bit of a laughing stock amongst rival fans for it. It is quite embarrassing.

The positives
The club gets more publicity, remember al publicity is good publicity,  or something like that. Thousands of people have heard of Doncaster Rovers  since his signings, albeit mainly 13 year old girls, but this will generate some extra money for the club. The reserves game Louis will play in there is already many tickets sold, a game that would struggle to attract 200 people on usually circumstances.

Let's not forget the money raised to local charity Bluebell wood. It is a fantastic charity that supports kids and families, that have a shortened life expectancy, the charity was founded in 1998 and opened it's hospice in North Anston in 2008.
Every penny raised by Louis Tomlinson doing signing for Rovers is a positive reason, because every penny raised will go to helping children and the families that need the support. Guys we need to remember that, the real true reason behind this. When your feeling embarrassed because your Leeds mate is giving you stick for it, just tell him about the good cause that benefited from it.
At the end if the day, it is hard to remember when your passions get in the way, football is a game, but if we can use this to help Children that need help, it is a great thing and credit to all involved. Rovers as a club have always been fantastic helping the community and charities,  everything from green kits, beards and walks. Once again Well done Rovers.

Louis playing in a charity match

What the club should do
Milk it, 100%. Stock the club shop with signed photos, Tomlinson shirts and meet Louis chance to win. Everything that can be thought of. Would certainly get the tills ringing. I'm not sure how it is set up to aid both club and charity, whether it is ticket money to one, everything else to the other or whether it is split, unfortunately i'm not aware.

Other 1 Direction members at the Keepmoat

So let's embrace it, who knows one day Louis might put some of his fame earned cash into Rovers too!

Thanks for reading as always remember to leave a comment, follow us on twitter @thedonnypop like us on facebook, and check out the fansite thedonnypop.moonfruit.com also check out the forum.

If you would like to write an article about anything you can email it to me at thedonnypop@gmail.com I will also be looking for someone who will attend the Lpuis Tomlinson match and would like to write a review, maybe your a regular rover or a first timer, email me.

Thanks Again!