Ryan reveals board impact

Doncaster chairman John Ryan has the revealed the extent to which Wednesday's shock board resignations could harm the club.

Vice chairman Dick Watson and Terry Bramall stepped down - the former citing health reasons - along with Watson's children Andrew Watson and Sarah Kell.

Watson Sr and Bramall made their fortune from the Keepmoat property company and funded the club in a triumvirate with Ryan, leading to fears over Rovers' ability to hold onto prized assets such as Billy Sharp and El-Hadji Diouf during the current transfer window.

"We worked along the basis of that if I put in a pound then Dick and Terry each put a pound in too," Ryan told The Star, to whom he revealed the club have a shortfall in their budget of £5million.

"It's too early to say what happens at the club. I have to assess it. What I would say is that the fans have to get right behind the club, rally round and show how much it means to them.

"They (the resignations) were not at all expected. I arrived back from holiday from Barbados and had four resignations in the space of 48 hours - the first was from Terry Bramall. It is very disappointing for myself and the club. I'm feeling a bit bruised and battered."