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Woods back from surgery
DONCASTER Rovers' preparations for the new campaign have received a boost with Mickey Walker, the club's director of football, revealed that midfielder Martin Woods is making rapid progress following surgery.
Sean O'Driscoll's side return to training on Monday as they look to build on last season's 14th placed finish.
The Rovers manager has compiled an extensive list of potential targets as the Championship club look to cover every eventuality in the transfer market.
But news that a full first-team squad will report for duty at Cantley Park is, according to Walker, an equally encouraging sign.
"Martin had an operation to cure a double hernia but we're expecting him back in with the rest," he told The Star.
"He's moving around and it's amazing what the doctors can do these days.
"You can have an op like that and be running after a week or so. The lads are looking good and it's always an exciting time.
"They've all had detailed fitness regimes to adhere to and so they should all be in good shape."
Woods is unlikely to undertake the most gruelling sessions but is expected to link up with the rest of the staff.
Rovers' youth team returned to work earlier this week before embarking on a tour of Sweden.
But Walker believes the senior players will benefit from an extended break.
"It's been a long summer for us," he added.
"Usually we're involved in the play-offs so we don't normally have as long off.
"Obviously we'd have liked to have been involved in them again, but who knows?
"A bit more of a rest could do them the world of good."
Meanwhile, Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell, who last night submitted a 1.8 million offer for Watford's Tommy Smith, is convinced the club's home support will emerge as a potent weapon in the race for the Premier League after learning season ticket sales have broken the 19,000 barrier.
Blackwell began plotting his latest challenge for promotion when the first-team squad resumed training at Shirecliffe this morning.
"The fans have a massive part to play in what we are trying to achieve," he insisted.
"The more we can get through the gate the better."
Wolves, who are poised to capture former United loanee Greg Halford, had also been monitoring 29-year-old Smith, but withdrew from the race when the Hertfordshire outfit revealed an offer had already been accepted.
Attacker Smith has made more than 200 appearances for Watford
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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