Doncaster Rovers in much better shape

The arrival of centre halves Tom Anderson and Andy Boyle on loan from Burnley and Preston North End respectively means Rovers’ defensive ranks are in a much healthier position.

And Darren Ferguson will NOT serve a touchline ban after pleading guilty to an FA improper conduct charge on Tuesday.

Add to that a new one year deal for Andy Butler and Rovers have enjoyed a good week.

It started with yet another defensive injury as Joe Wright was struck down with broken ribs during last weekend’s defeat to Bristol Rovers.

Wright became the third centre half to be injured in as many games and left Rovers scrambling for reinforcements ahead of last night’s transfer deadline.

Ferguson acted quickly to line up deals for Boyle and Anderson, who both trained with the club earlier this week.

No-nonsense defender Anderson was recalled from a loan spell with Port Vale on Monday after Rovers expressed interest in the 24-year-old while Boyle had been set to join Walsall before Ferguson swooped in.

The Rovers boss’ good week continued on Tuesday when he was handed just a £1,000 fine after pleading guilty to the improper conduct charge which came in the wake of his comments on the standards of officiating in the lower leagues.

The fine was the minimum amount possible to hand down by the FA disciplinary panel in the circumstances, with Ferguson avoiding a touchline ban which many had feared.

And Ferguson began to look the next season by securing Butler‘s future until the summer of 2019.

The club captain – out for six weeks with knee ligament damage – was due to see his deal expire in the summer but will remain for another year.

Rovers looked to be heading to Fratton Park this weekend without a recognised senior centre half but their defensive ranks have been significantly bolstered by Anderson and Boyle.

And Luke McCullough and Alex Kiwomya also look set to be part of the squad for the first time this season after recovering from injury and illness respectively.