Doncaster Rovers notebook: Away kit, Eco-Power Stadium upgrades and FA Cup dates

Away kit

Rovers fans largely reacted positively to the recent release of the new home strip for next season.

The kit got a first outing at the recent Legends' game against Liverpool, with encouraging sales on the day. Supporters have hailed the clean and crisp design and especially the all-red back, allowing for the use of legible names and numbers on the back of the shirts next term.

Many fans are now asking about the away strip but the Free Press understands there are no immediate plans to launch it. Early to mid-July is the rough estimate over its release, with a third strip not expected to go on sale until after the season has begun.

Quiet time of year

Mid-June is always a quiet time of year, offering some rare respite from the manic schedule. Players are either away on holiday or getting in some much-needed R&R, whilst agents work away in the background attempting to push through deals when most people are switching off or enjoying the Euros.

For Rovers, of course, they've already sealed six incomings and so they're ahead quite a bit when it comes to being ready for the new season - especially compared to some other League Two clubs. But this week is expected to be arguably the most low-key period since the last campaign ended. Expect things to pick up again once the fixtures are released next Wednesday (June 26) with pre-season edging even closer into view.

Pitch works ongoing

The Eco-Power Stadium pitch was ripped up earlier this month as groundstaff prepare for another busy season on the turf. The surface, which has always held up well despite rugby league being played on it, is being given an extended rest with the Dons not scheduled to play there again until July 28. Before then Rovers have two friendlies, against Hull and Middlesbrough on July 23 and 27 respectively.

With regards stadium works, the club has already received good uptake after putting out an article asking for volunteers to aid a range of projects in and around the stadium. Numerous local firms and individuals have already got on board. Anyone interested in lending a hand should email [email protected].

Fans' AGM

Supporters will get the chance to ask questions of manager Grant McCann and CEO Gavin Baldwin next month. Doncaster Rovers’ Supporters Club Main Branch will stage their AGM at the stadium's Belle Vue Bar on Thursday, July 4 (7.30pm). Commercial officer Shaun Lockwood will join McCann and Baldwin on stage, answering fan questions on the night.

The club say that "all supporters are welcome at the free-to-attend event and no tickets are required".

FA Cup dates announced

The FA have announced that the first round proper will take place on the weekend of November 2 and 3 next season. This is when Rovers and their rivals in Leagues Two and One will enter. Of course, next season will see replays scrapped after the controversial decision was announced back in April.

Rovers' birthdays of note this week

June 17 - Ben Whiteman (28)

June 18 - John Regan (80)

June 21 - Matty Blair (35)

June 22 - Dean Furman (36)

June 23 - Colin Cramb (50)