Doncaster Rovers 1999/2000

In this section we will analyze players that was in the team during this period of time and what they have got up to after leaving Rovers.

1999-2000
I have chosen this season because I believe it was this season where the foundations were being set for what would be our rise back into the football league. Playing in the Nationwide Conference, in this season we finished mid table in 12th a season in which Kidderminster Harriers won the league. Rovers played in their white Beezer Homes kit. It's hard to do this era due to the non league status, a lot of players move almost without mention and have as many clubs as Jason price. A lot of hours went into this article, many spent on research. To find a player still playing for a non league team is very hard, due to poor official sites, no fan site that are active and not even a Wikipedia mention, but I have done my best, some of the harder ones include Glenn Kirkwood. Enjoy reading this, I am happy to make amendments if you have further information.

Goalkeepers

Andy Warrington

Andy at Buxton

Andy was known for his shot stopping ability. Signed in 1999 from York City. He was ever present between the sticks at Belle Vue, playing in 196 games. A fans favorite, many say his most memorable game came in the 2003 play off semi final against Chester, saving 2 important penaltys. His last action for Rovers was in our 2005 League Cup run, whilst playing against Manchester City, young starlet Nedum Onuoha collided with Andy, Breaking the goalkeeper's leg. Andy was stretchered off and replaced by Danish Goalkeeper Jan Budtz. Andy help Rovers earn Promotion twice. In November 2006 he was loaned to Bury, who he later signed for in January and remained at the club for the rest of the season. He then moved closer to his Sheffield home in 2007 signing for Rotherham, where he was first choice keeper and fans favorite for many seasons making 205 appearances including one at Wembley. In May 2013 Rotherham manager Steve Evans released Andy. Steve said this was "as tough a decision as I have ever had to make in my managerial career". After leaving Rotherham Andy signed for Buxton, where he remains today along with two former Rovers Kevin Sandwith and Steve Brooker. Now 37 Andy holds UEFA B coaching license.

Defenders

Simon Marples

Another fan favorite, Simon signed in 1999 for £12000 from Stocksbridge, this fee is still a club record for a Stocksbridge player. Simon had a youth career with Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham, but never made the grade at these clubs. After signing for Rovers, the attackive right back attracted interest from unnamed Premiership clubs, Rovers valued him at £200000 due to his key role in the team that won back to back promotions. He departed Rovers in 2006 after making 151 appearances and joined Chester City on a free transfer. He played 46 times for Chester, however a fall out in 2008 over lack of first team football ended his time at the club. He then moved to Alfreton. Simon is now aged 38 and has never scored a goal, he has since retired and set up his own building company.

Jamie Price

Jamie spent his youth career at Leeds, he signed for Rovers in 1999 making 45 appearances before leaving in 2005. He went on to play for a variety of clubs including York and Harrogate. He is now 32 and plays for Bradford Park Avenue. He is also a sport coach for children. I recently wrote a article about his career. I recently wrote an article about Jamie's career, read it here, the link will open a new window to allow you to keep reading.

Lee Warren

Lee at Stocksbridge Park Steels

Signed in 1994 having played for Leeds, Rochdale, Hull City and lincoln on loan. During his time at Rovers he won back to back player of the season. Lee was one of the few players that remained at the club following the 1997-1998 relegation out of the football league. He played 191 games for Rovers scoring 4 goals. In 2000 he left Belle Vue to join Barrow and in April 2013 he was appointed Assistant Manager until he left the club in 2005. Lee then had a short spell at Goole, Brigg Town (2005-2007) before playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels and later AFC Blackburn Leisure. Rumored to be working reading electric meters.




Mark Hume

Signed in 1998 for free from Barnsley where he spent his youth career. He made just a handful of appearances for Rovers, with loan spells to Gateshead and Barrow. He signed for Barrow in 2000 where he remained until a 2004 move to Alfreton, Stalybridge 2006, Harrogate 2007, Eastwood 2008 and Bradford Park Avenue where he remains today, now assistant manager aged 35.

Mark is now assistant manager at Bradford Park Avenue

Colin Sutherland

Fans favorite was nicknamed Psycho due to his aggressive style of play, played with a lot of passion and really got stuck in. Colin joined Rovers in 1998 from Scarborough who he had joined from Scottish club Clydebank. His career at Belle Vue was cut short and in February 2000 he returned to his native Scotland, rejoining Clydebank due to personal reasons, he was still at the club in 2008. Now aged 38 reportedly playing non league in Scotland.

Colin (white) playing in a match for Clydebank 2008

Andy Futcher

A forgotten Rover, he came on loan from Wimbledon, making only 4 appearances. It is very hard to find any information about Andy, after leaving Rovers he moved to Darlington and had a loan spell with Stevenage not making more then 2 apperances, now aged 36, I can't find what he is doing now.

Dean Walling

Known for his aerial ability, he signed in 1999 from Lincoln, previously playing for Carlisle and Rochdale. He made 42 appearances for Rovers before leaving in 2001 and joining Northwich Victoria, like many ex Rovers players. He then moved to Cambridge, Gainsborough and Nuneaton where he retired in 2003. Since retiring Dean has done media work and runs a soccer academy in Lincoln, now aged 44. He also made 2 international appearances for Saint Kitts and Nevis. He also boasts scoring a penalty at Wembley during the 1997 League cup final.

Dean Walling doing media work

Mark Barnard

Signed for Rovers in 1999 from Darlington, where he had made 140 appearances. He made 49 appearances for Rovers scoring 4 goals. Mark, like Dean moved to Northwich in 2000 where he stayed until 2002 before returning to Worksop Town, a club he had played for before Darlington. He stayed here until 2003 and then had short spells at Tamworth and again at Northwich. Between 2004-2005 he made 60 appearances for Harrogate before moving to Stalybridge Celtic until 2006, Alfreton until 2008 and finally Belper Town in the Northern Premier League Divison One South, he was also assistant manager at Belper. Mark retired in 2007

Simon Shaw

Spent his youth career at Darlington before joining Rovers in 1998. He stayed at Belle Vue until 2001 making 36 appearances. The full back then signed for Barrow where I believe he remained until 2008. Simon, now aged 40 is a teacher in Middlesbrough. 

Scott Maxfield

Scott came through the youth system at Doncaster and broke into the first team aged 18 in 1994. He was a hot prospect but sold to Hull in 1995. Ian Snodin brought Scott back in 1998 and he stayed here until 2000 making a further 45 appearances, bringing his total to 77. After leaving Rovers he joined Stalybridge Celtic until 2007 when he moved to Buxton, where he was player/assistant manager. He signed for Bradford Park Avenue in 2013 aged 37 where he remains today.

Scott during his time at Buxton

Jason Minett

Signed in 1998 after playing for Norwich, Exeter,  Lincoln and again at Exeter. Jason made 58 appearances for Rovers scoring 4 goals, before leaving in 2000, he has since played for Kings Lynn, Grantham Town and Lincoln United, his career was often disputed by injuries and in 2008 he retired. 

Midefielders

Mark Atkins

Doncaster born, started his career at Scunthorpe,  in 1988 Mark moved to Blackburn Rovers for £45,000 and is still remembered by many older fans there today. He played 257 games for Blackburn scoring 35 goals and was an important team member, helping them win the Premiership in the 1994-1995 season. Shortly after this he was transferred to Wolves for £1 million, a fee that was a large amount then. Mark has since he feels he should of never left Blackburn. He stayed at Wolves for 4 seasons making 126 appearances, until he was released in 1999 and joined York City short term. He then joined his hometown club, Doncaster and was even joint caretaker manager along with Dave Penney for 5 games following Ian Snodin's dismissal. After this season, with Steve Wignall taking over as manager, Mark returned to his playing role. He was loaned to Hull City in 2001 before joining Shrewsbury permanently, making 72 appearances between 2001 and 2007. He also took charge of 1 game at Gay Meadow against his first club Scunthorpe. His final playing season was 2003-2004 for Harrogate, where he also did some coaching. After retiring from playing he stayed at the club as assistant manager. In January 2005 he and manager joined Stalybridge Celtic until April 2007. Mark is currently manager of Matlock Town where he has been since November 2008. A number of ex Rovers play for him; Oscar Radford, Bradley Grayson, Martin Foster and Glynn's son, Jordan Snodin.

Mark is now manager at Matlock Town

Matty Cauldwell

Before playing for Rovers he was a post man. And since leaving that job, your letters probably don't come as quick. He signed for Rovers from part time club Hallam Fc in 1998 by Ian Snodin. Matty was known for using his pace to beat defenders on the left wing. He made 69 appearances for Rovers scoring 7 goals. During his time at Belle Vue, Matty not only attracted a large female following, but interest from bigger clubs, however Rovers ruled out a move. In 2002 Matty was out of favor, and left to join Worksop. In October 2007 he joined Matlock Town. He was also at Gainsborough, however I am unable to find a current club for him, he was working as a physio at Rotherham hospital.

Shaun Goodwin

Signed in 1998 after an impressive career with Rotherham making 280 appearances scoring 39 goals. Only made 8 appearances for Rovers scoring 5 goals between 1998 and 1999 before signing for Altrincham and later Gainsborough. He managed Maltby Main between 2002 and 2005, apparently still  local and regularly attends Rotherham games.

Dave Penny

Dave Penney, assistant manager at Southend

Dave joined Rovers after a good career which started at Derby when the then bricklayer was spotted playing for Pontefract Collieries in 1985. He signed for Oxford for 175,000 pounds in 1989 making 110 appearances. He then went on to play for the two Welsh clubs, first Swansea and then Cardiff. In 1998 he signed for Rovers making 63 appearances scoring 13 goals. Following Ian Snodin's departure Dave became player/caretaker manager alongside Mark Atkins. He hung up the boots in 2002 and replaces Steve Wignall as manager for Rovers, with Mickey Walker as his assistant. The pair guided Rovers to promotion through the playoffs in 2002/2003 season and the Division 3 champions in 2003/2004 season. He was also in charge for our famous League cup run which ended in penaltys the quarter finals against Arsenal. However he has took Rovers as far as he could and parted company in August 2006, to be replaces by Sean O'Driscoll. Dave managed 241 games with Rovers winning 114. In October 2006 he was appointed manager at Darlington until April 2009 where he moved to Oldham until May 2010. In January 2011 he was put in charge at Bristol Rovers however this only lasted 13 games winning only 2 and leaving in March 2011. He is currently Southend's assistant manager, to Phil Brown.

Kevin Mcintyre

The scouse lad started his career at Tranmere Rovers however he failed to make the grade, joining Rovers in 1998 where he stayed until 2002 making 65 appearances scoring 6 goals. He then joined Chester City until 2004 making 92 appearances, many will remember he scored during the playoff semi final against Rovers, out of favor Kevin moved to Macclesfield Town where he stayed until 2008 scoring 16 goals in 136 appearances. Between 2008 and 2011 he made 127 appearances for Shrewbury after signing for 50,000 pounds. He then went on to play for Accrington 2011-2012, Rochdale 2012-2013 and recently returned to the now reformed Chester where he remains today.

Kevin now at Chester

Andy Watson
Played for Yorkshire Amateur and Farsley Celtic before joining rovers from Garfoth Town in 1998 for 25,000. The winger made 86 appearances scoring 8 goals, and at times he was fantastic, however at other times he was unnoticeable, he was a big game player and this earned him interest from bigger clubs including Sunderland. In 2003 Andy refused to sign a new contract at Belle Vue and left hopeful to sign a contract for a bigger club. Unfortunately he didn't get his break and signed for Tamworth, not the Premiership club he had been hoping for. His time at Tamworth was short after losing his driving license made him unable to travel. He returned to his previous club Farlsey Celtic in 2003-2004 season and then signed for Chester City for the 2004-2005 season which included a loan spell at Forest Green Rovers. In 2005 Andy returned for a 3rd time to Farsley Celtic, he was still at the club in 2008. Unfortunately i cannot find further information about him, now aged 35 he may of retired, his career was often disrupted due to injury. To be fair to Andy, he has since said his biggest footballing regret was leaving Rovers. He explained we had offered him a new deal for 4 years but agents were telling him he could go to bigger and better things, so he rejected to contract offer to his understanding the door was going to be open for him to return, should a deal with a bigger club not happen. However his move to a bigger club and Sunderland fell through, and Rovers had already signed a replacement in the form of Michael Mcindoe.

Martin Foster

Came initailly on loan from Scottish club Greenock Morton, his days at Belle Vue were just 1999-2001 making 28 appearances. He has since had many clubs, Forest Green Rovers 2001-2004 with 134 appearances, Halifax 2004-2007 with 94 appearances, Oxford, Rushden and Diamonds, Tamworth, Eastwood and Harrogate. Martin is now at Matlock Town under manager Mark Atkins.

Martin now at Matlock Town

Strikers

Dino Maarmria

The 6ft striker from Tunisia joined Rovers in 1998 from Irish Club Glentoran. He was unknown in England with his only previous English club being Burnley, however he never made an appearance for them in 1996 due to injury. He made 33 appearances for Rovers scoring 10 goals and even attracted interest from Cardiff. He joined Southport for the 2000-2001 season scoring just 3 goals in 23 appearances, he then moved to Leigh RMI in the summer of 2001. Here he spent two seasons with a good record of 24 goals in 54 appearances, This form earned him a 5 figure fee move to Stevenage in February 2003. However this was short lived and after 10 appearances he joined Chaleston Bettery. In September 2003 he returned to Stevenage, this time he would stay for 3 seasons with 36 goals in 84 appearances. Like many non league players his club changed often, signing for Southport in 2006, Rushden and Diamonds in 2007, back to Southport on loan this year too, Northwich 2007-2008, he also became manager of the club on October 2007 but was sacked a year later, before ending his playing days back at Stevenage 2009-2012 whilst first team coach, helping the club achieve back to back promotions under manager Graham Westley. In January 2012 he followed Westley to Preston but returned to Stevenage as Westley was sacked by Preston and re appointed at Stevenage, February 2013 where he is now assistant manager. Dino is also known for this horrendous tackle on another former Rovers player, Tarkan Mustafa.

Mike Newell

Probably a candidate for before they were Rovers. Another player to win the Premiership with Blackburn. Mike had a great career before joining Rovers in 1999. Scoring over 100 goals and playing in over 500 matches for clubs including Blackburn, Everton, Leicester, Luton and Aberdeen totaling over 3.5 million in transfer fees, he also scored the 1000th Premiership goal. He played just 16 matches for Rovers before moving to what would be his final club, Blackpool in 2000. He had one last hurrar as he helped them to win the Division 3 play offs. In 2002 Mike became manager of Hartlepool who were top of Division three upon his arrival with ex manager Chris Turner moving to Sheffield Wednesday. Mike's Hartlepool side went on a abad run of form especially away from home and lost their 16 point lead finish 2nd. Due to this he was sacked in 2003, he soon joined ex club Luton in a bizaar fashion, shortly after his arrival the club entered administration. However Mike guided them close to the Division 2 play offs. The next season they won the new League 1 and he managed to secure 10th place in their first season in the Championship. Unfortunately due to a fall out with the board and poor league position which Mike blamed on lack of investment from the board, he was sacked in March 2007. Luton got relegated twice and had huge financial trouble, falling into the conference. Mike became manager of Grimsby in October 2008 but was sacked in 2009 in controversial circumstances which ended in Newell being paid 5,000 pounds by chairman John Fenty.

Glenn Kirkwood

Glenn signed as a youngster in 1998 from Eastwood Town for 15,000 pounds. He worked part time at a sweet factory. He scored 11 goals in 44 games for Rovers including 4 goals in the FA cup match against Crook Town in which Rovers won 7-0. In 2000 Glenn was released by new manager Steve Wignall and joined Ilkston Town where he won player of the season. In 2002 he returned to play in the conference with Burton Albion where he stayed until 2005 according to records. He teamed up with Craig Hopkins and had a spell in charge of Matlock Town. In june 2009 they were made managers at Heanor Town in Derbyshire, where they still were in December 2011 when they took on Chesterfield in the Derbyshire FA senior challenge Cup, he is currently Mickleover Sports Manager.

Glenn taking charge of a Mickleover Sports Match

Tristan Witnam

One of my personal favorites, many of you will recall the 1st of May 2003, during the play off semi final, first leg against Chester City, 4 minutes of added time and Rovers were 1-0 down thanks to a Kevin McIntyre goal, who was playing for Chester. With cramped up Ricky Ravenhill laying on the pitch, with less then a minute to play at the packed Belle Vue ground, Jamie Paterson laid the ball off for a edge of box shot by Tristan, scoring his 3rd goal in 4 games. Tristan has signed for Rovers in 2000 for 10,000 pounds from Arnold Town, initially he played in the reserves with Rovers being his first profession club, but he made his debut in November 2000, he went on to play 69 games scoring 15 goals. He will always be remember for that goal against Chester. In 2003 he joined Tamworth on loan, before moving to Dagenham and Redbridge, this was short lived as he joined Scarborough shortly after and then Leigh on loan. July 2004 saw Tris return to Tamworth making 53 appearances scoring 12 goals, in 2005 he spent a few months on loan to Crawley before signing for Farsley Celtic in July 2007. He has since had a spell with Carlton Town along with ex Rover Robert Gill. Tris is now a community coach with Notts County.

Tris now coaching with Notts County community

Neil Campbell

Signed in 1999 having previously played for York, Scarborough and Southend before joining Rovers. He struggled in his time at Belle Vue, losing his place to Paul Barnes and Robert Gill. In 2002 Neil rejoined Scarborough after scoring just 16 goals in 74 appearances. He later went on to play for Leigh RMI on loan and Barrow until 2008. His brother Andy had a short loan spell with Rovers later on.

Tommy Wright

Tommy Wright at Chesterfield

Signed in 1998 having previously had a career which included Leeds, Oldham, Leicester, Middlesborough, Bradford, Oldham (again), St Johnstone and Livingston. He made 28 appearances for Rovers scoring just 1 goal. Since leaving Rovers he had a short spell with Kings Lynn and has done some coaching, he was assistant manager at Oldham and Chesterfield, in 2012 he became caretaker manager for the Spireites.

Ian Duredan

Signed from Halifax in 1998 and quickly became a fans favorite for his speed and power. Under Ian Snodin he attracted a lot of interest, with Rovers reportedly rejecting a 6 figure offers from Aberdeen, Bolton and QPR. However following Steve Wignall's appointment as manager, replacing Snodin, Duredan lost his place in the team. Something that many of us fans questioned. And so was born the famous shout 'GET DUREDAN ON!' Some say, it can still be heard today on occasions. November 2000 saw Ian move on loan to Kingstonia where he signed the following January. He later played for Barrow and Hucknall Town before moving to Altrincham, unfortunately due to injury Ian retired before playing a game for this club in 2002. Since retiring he became a fireman, now based in Norwich. Ian will always be remembered as a nice bloke to chat to, and always had team for the fans.


Staff
Ian Snodin
Rotherham born Ian, spent his youth career at Rovers before making 188 appearances scoring 25 goals between 1980 and 1985 under manager Billy Bremner alongside his brother Glynn. He then joined Leeds until 1987 and Everton until 1995. Ian had the option for signing for Liverpool from Leeds for 840,000 pounds but chose Everton. He helped the blues win the title in his first season. He later had spells at Oldham and Scarborough before returning to Doncaster to manage between 1998 and 2000. And if my memory serves me right, he made 1 or 2 further appearances during his second spell. His brother Glynn was his assistant and is now assistant at Preston. Since leaving Rovers Ian has done some media work, he is also an agent to a number of players including current Rovers player James Husband.



If you have any more information please contact me either by comment or email thedonnypop@gmail.com I am also looking for the team photo for this year, if you have one could you also get in touch please.

Thanks for reading, I hope you have enjoyed it and it has brought back as many memories as it did for me writing it, a lot of hours went into this article, made even worse by a technical error that led to restarting the project after it being half completed, never mind I think second time round was better.
I am hoping to do another era at a later date.

If you haven't already, please check out the fansite, forum and other articles. And please 'like' on Facebook and follow on twitter. Remember if you are a Rovers fan that would like to get involved, please let me know.

Thanks once again all feedback is encouraged.