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DONCASTER ROVERS: Speculation will not unsettle us, says O'Kelly
DONCASTER ROVERS are playing it cool despite seeing their star players constantly linked with summer moves.
Centre-back Matthew Mills is known to be a target of Championship rivals Nottingham Forest with Rovers already having turned down a bid of around 2m.
Birmingham City are also thought to be monitoring Mills, while midfielder Brian Stock is another player interesting the so-called bigger hitters.
Rovers assistant Richard O'Kelly is refusing to panic, despite talk of Forest returning with one last improved bid for Mills, and says the Keepmoat Stadium outfit are taking the transfer speculation in their stride.
"It's not a problem," he said. "It's something that happens in football all the time.
"The trick is to try to stay ahead of the game and be prepared for every eventuality. We're always monitoring different situations and it's inevitable that people will be doing the same with us.
"That's why it doesn't bother us – we know it is inevitable."
Rovers themselves have been linked with a move for Blackpool's 26-year-old defender Shaun Barker, possibly as a replacement for Mills.
O'Kelly added: "We have a list of people we're interested in. We have a list of options we can turn to if one of our lads goes."
Meanwhile, O'Kelly has reported that Rovers are set to begin the season with a clean bill of health.
"We are hopeful that we should have everyone fit and available," he said.
"That includes the lads who had operations over the summer.
"The medical team have already had a look at them and, so far at least, they're pleased with what they've seen."
The Rovers number two is also looking forward to the club's forthcoming squad visit to the Lake District as part of their plans ahead of 2009-10.
"Going there isn't so much about team bonding – because the boys have already got a good spirit – it's more about making sure their fitness levels are where we want them to be.
"Obviously they should have a bit of fun too, but if anyone starts larking around then it won't be too difficult to have them running up a mountain.
"Mind you, they'll all be running up a few while they're over there anyway!"
Rovers are still to announce news of some high profile pre-season friendlies with just the four away trips confirmed so far.
Sean O'Driscoll's side will visit Armthorpe Welfare on Wednesday, July 8 (7pm) and then travel to Barrow on Saturday, July 18 (3pm).
Doncaster visit Rotherham United the following Saturday (3pm) and travel to Grimsby Town the Wednesday after (7pm).
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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