Fairytale Of New York?

Rovers head north tomorrow as they take on promotion-chasing Rotherham United at the New York Stadium. The pitch and surrounding areas are currently fine and ready to host the match although there is heavy snowfall predicted overnight that will require supporters to remove tomorrow morning.

Steve Evans' men will be let loose for the first time since a 1-0 home reverse to Barnet a fortnight ago whilst John Ward's men go in to it having spanked Fleetwood 3-0 on the same day. Only time will tell whether the 14 days between then and now will have had a detrimental effect on the confidence accrued from that performance.

We head in to the game buoyed by the arrivals of giant defender Clayton McDonald and powerful young striker Ryan Brunt, who joined the club this week. McDonald arrives on a 93 day emergency loan from Port Vale whilst Brunt has signed a 2 and a half year deal after being allowed to leave Premier League Stoke City on a free transfer. The former was an ever-present for Vale at the beginning of the season but has lost his place over recent weeks and manager Micky Adams decided to sign the experienced Darren Purse when he became available. That has allowed Ward to steal him from their promotion charge and join our battle to avoid relegation at the opposite end of the table. 19 year old Brunt has been on a 6 month loan with League One side Leyton Orient so far this season and scored 3 goals in a successful stay in East London. The O's wanted to sign the striker permanently or at least extend his loan until the end of the campaign but they were unable to do so and Stoke have let the youngster join us instead. A big welcome to both Clayton and Ryan, here's to a successful few months.

They are part of the squad travelling to Rotherham and also making the trip are experienced pros David Clarkson and Joe Anyinsah, who have returned from injury. It increases our attacking options which is precisely what is required given the number of games we have coming up.

To the Gasheads travelling to Yorkshire tomorrow: do us proud and roar the boys on to another victory.

Up the Gas!