Rovers must respond to chairman’s example – O’Driscoll

Over 8,000 supporters snapped up free tickets for the game at the Keepmoat Stadium after chairman John Ryan acted to guarantee a full house.

Although the decision will cost Rovers around £100,000 in lost ticket sales, Championship survival would be worth an extra £3m to the club next season.

With only four games to play, Rovers are five points clear of the relegation zone and Palace are next in the table, just two points behind.

O’Driscoll said: “It’s important to the board and the chairman to stay in this division and they have put actions to their words. It’s a great example to our players and staff. It doesn’t guarantee a result or a performance but it is another box ticked. If we get anywhere near capacity, it makes a difference.

“Hopefully, it will bring in a lot of people who have not come before, a lot of kids who have not come before,” he added.

“In the long run, it might be a shrewd commercial investment. He didn’t have to do it and probably can’t afford to do it. If the club is running at a loss, he is probably going to have to take a hit.

“I think John gets frustrated at times. He wants to do things and financially he cannot – but, everything he can do, he will do. He is someone who is prepared to put his money where his mouth is. He’s never been afraid to do that. Hopefully, the players will respond with a win.”

Rovers have won only two of the last 20 games and, last weekend against Hull City, O’Driscoll condemned the attitude of his players.

“If you had seen the body language of some players on Saturday you would have said they were not aware we were in a relegation battle,” he reflected. “I had no qualms about aspects of the performance but I don’t think we looked like a team that was desperate to stay in this division. Indifference was the best word.

“I have no problems with people making mistakes as long as they react in a positive manner. If the first thing they do is wave their hands in the air, moan and groan at the referee, or spit their dummy out because they think life is not treating them fairly, I just find that unbelievable in the situation we are in.

“I told the players that we had only three to whom it looked like it meant something. That was a big statement for me to make. It has ruffled a few feathers and, hopefully, they will respond. I need to be able to look at my team and say that they look like they want to stay in this division because they undoubtedly have the ability.”

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Last six games: Rovers DLLLDL, Palace LDWLDL.

Last time: Rovers 1 Palace 1; February 27, 2010; Championship.

Referee: CH Webster (Tyne & Wear).