In the words of Harry Redknapp, "Is this Real Madrid?"

"I said to Joe Jordan after about six minutes - 'Is this Real Madrid?'" is potentially the ultimate tribute in football. And for it to be said about my club, it left me blushing but undoubtedly proud of my team, particularly if you put it into context - it was after a 5-1 defeat.

It is probably naive for me to think that Harry Redknapp's words will stay with me forever, but it is certainly a fate that I didn't expect when playing Conference football seven years ago.

I remember being sat at the Tottenham match, unhappy with our manager's team selection, but perhaps more dissappointed that my previous blogs had reached an anti-climax; with that praise maybe they weren't?

That match took place on 26th August. So it has certainly been a long spell to reflect, and obviously includes Deadline Day.

On 1st September, Doncaster concluded their long pursuit of a striker of outstanding quality (hopefully), with the loan signing of Sheffield United's Billy Sharp.

It would come of no surprise to me, or many other Championship followers, if this turns out to be the signing of the summer.

Sharp's form at Scunthorpe United warranted a switch to Sheffield United. He netted 56 goals in two seasons in a formidable partnership with Andy Keogh at the Irons, but his superb form hasn't been repeated at Bramall Lane. So it falls to Sean O'Driscoll to shape the resurrection.

A difficult task for the former Bournemouth manager? Especially when you look at his record of signing strikers. Tired and tested, failed and flawed is a common and developing pattern being noticed by even the less estute of Rovers' fans.

According to the statistics, goals have always been Rovers' downfall. Doncaster were promoted in 2007-08 from League One, and due to the injury problems of Paul Heffernan (who incidentally was signed by Dave Penney), the club's leading scorer that season was James Hayter, who notched up less than ten goals.

With Heffs out of the side until Christmas the following season, with a fall out with the manager believed to be the cause, after the play-off semi-final, Rovers until January, were the lowest scorers in the entire Football League.

Now I don't want to turn this blog into a moan at James Hayter, but a record transfer is an awful lot of money to pay. And for a striker with an impressive goalscoring tally, surely I'm within my rights to expect more goals? I have come close to giving up on this lad already this season, he must be the only 'goalscorer' in football who sends one-on-ones straight down the middle? And, having just turned thirty his days are presumably numbered in a Rovers' shirt? Surely he's the man who Sharp is going to be replacing? Or is our manager going to take it out on Paul Heffernan, again?

Now I don't want to end on a negative note so I will also express my delight on Rovers extending the loan of Jason Shackall. Shackall has come on loan to fill the void left by Matt Mills this summer, and Rovers have conceded just three goals in his five league appearances, which is pretty impressive.

Paul Heffernan

When I think of Doncaster Rovers, there's one word I very often think off. Surprise. It's a surprise to me that certain surprises have taken place over the last two years, since Sean O'Driscoll took charge of the side.

The lack of wingers, labelled as our downfall two years ago, he stuck with 4-4-2 and it worked at the second attempt.

The 'release' of certain players particular this summer. Had I been in charge Paul Green would have been offered the 15% pay rise he reportably wanted, and Steve Roberts would have been offered a two year deal, but O'Driscoll, decided we could either cope without them or find a replacement.

Of course we have actually done that, and now Robbo's replacement Jos Van Neiuwstadt has got a run in the team it nearly payed dividends. Tragically 90 seconds after his goal at Reading, his priority for the evening - defending - backfired and we we're behind for a second time. John Spicer is rumoured to be going out on loan, he was brought in as 'Greeny's replacement' and is yet to force a way into the Doncaster midfield.

Another that is a surprise is some Rovers' fans apparant lack of memory. Over the years, loyal servant Paul Heffernan was scoring loads at league one level, and yet 'apparantly' we lack a +20 goal a season player. He's sat on the bench, just where we need a goalscorer to be.

Yes, Norwich have got Leroy Lita on loan who I wouldn't have minded had we made a cheeky bid for, but Heffs is more than capable, but yet O'Driscoll would rather play Hayter or Price, who have never really looked like scoring. Price was a winger under previous coach Dave Penney.

Also one thing I can't stand is the continueos digs at former England Under-19 international Lewis Guy. Guy, has been labelled 'potential' by some supporter and 'a waste of space' by another. Yet you look at his goalscoring record this season and it is better than any other forward at the club. Satistics don't lie.

Of course certain things have got to change in the next few months, as the forth bottom side is now four points ahead and Norwich on Saturday, is to me, a must win game. But I only hope that 'Heffs' is part of the Rovers' revolution.

We will survive.