Harper And The Coffin!

Last updated : 26 July 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
The last time the long-serving United keeper was in action against Rovers was almost 11 years ago while on loan to Hartlepool, with the South Yorkshire club sliding towards non-league football.

And Harper found himself caught up in a protest which included a coffin being carried by Doncaster fans.

Harper: "It's a new stadium from when I was last there. I went there with Hartlepool about 35 years ago!

"It was when they were having some big protests and they carried a coffin, though I'm not sure if it was into the ground or out of the ground.

"It was about 11 years ago and we drew 2-2.

"They've got a nice, new stadium now, and I think Shola's brother, who used to come in and train with us, might be there.

"There's also James Coppinger, who was a young lad at our place, and Lewis Guy as well. He'll be a goal threat.

"There'll be a few old faces, and I'm sure we'll take a few fans down there.

"I wasn't going to be involved last Saturday, anyway. Shay was going to play an hour, and I was probably going to play an hour this week.

"I understand it took us a while to get going at Hartlepool, but when we got up to speed we were pretty comfortable.

"Those are the sort of games you need, and we'll be looking to keep it going tomorrow.

It's all about fitness, and steering clear of injuries.

"It's nice to win in pre-season, but it's not the be all and end all.

"The focus is August 17, which is a very tough game.

"We're building towards that. We'd quite happily lose every pre-season game, and then go there and win.

"A win in the first game of the season would be nice.

"It's about fitness, and trying to get your form ready for the first game of the season."