Brighton & HA v Doncaster Rovers: Rovers’ reasons to be cheerful

The answer: Peterborough United.

According to Rovers manager Sean O’Driscoll that piece of sporting trivia is one of the biggest reasons for the club’s supporters to be cheerful this weekend.

“It’s like a ‘Who’s Who’ of football,” he says, assessing a list of forthcoming opponents that includes West Ham United, Birmingham City, and Leeds. “There are only us and Peterborough United who have never played in the top flight. We are in good company which is great for Doncaster.

“We will have to compete to survive but you can’t ask for a better division as a player to test yourself. Everyone is upbeat and enthusiastic because this is a fantastic division to be in.”

Rovers start the season with a trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, who may have spent the last 28 years outside the top flight but who are buoyant again after lifting the League One title and moving to a new 22,500 capacity stadium this summer.

After 14 years lodging at the Withdean Stadium and, initially Gillingham, today’s game will be celebration for the home team who, ironically, also played Rovers in the last game prior to leaving the Goldstone Ground in Hove in 1997.

O’Driscoll said: “It’s a beautiful stadium that will be a credit to the league. Momentum and a new stadium are all part of the ingredients you need to win promotion.”

Defender James Chamber, currently sidelined by injury, has agreed a new one-year deal.