O'Driscoll clan backing Wolves
Whatever happens in tomorrow's FA Cup tie between Doncaster and Wolves, it will be a family affair - in more ways than one.
Whatever happens in tomorrow's FA Cup tie between Doncaster and Wolves, it will be a family affair - in more ways than one.
So many of Wolverhampton-born Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll's family are attending the game - 17 in all — that they have hired a minibus to travel to south Yorkshire.
And Rovers chairman John Ryan decided to hand over his own private box to them for the third-round clash.
But despite their family ties to the 53-year-old Doncaster boss, the 10-strong group in Ryan's suite will be roaring on Wolves.
Sean's older sister Sheila and younger sibling Joanna are both Billy Wright Stand season ticket holders.
They will attend the game with their respective husbands Peter Tipton and Peter Smith and his and Joanna's daughter Beth, 18, who had a work experience stint at the Keepmoat as part of her sports science studies.
The Tiptons' three sons — Tim, Danny and Mark — all played for Castlecroft-based West Midlands League Premier Division side AFC Wulfrunians, who have welcomed a certain south Yorkshire-based Championship manager along for some coaching tips.
And they will be joined by a further five Wolves-supporting friends.
"Peter phoned Sean to say he wanted to hire a box and the chairman overheard him and said I know you're all Wolves fans but you can have mine," said Sean's mother Maureen Butler.
On the other side of the Keepmoat — and supporting Doncaster — will be Maureen, her husband Colin, and Sean's two daughters Hayley, 25, and Hanna, 23, who are travelling up from Bournemouth, where he spent most of his playing career.
Sean, who went to Thomas More school in Willenhall and played in the Wolverhampton Sunday League before turning pro, was a South Bank regular in the late 1960s. And he revealed his affection for Wolves will never waver.
"They're still my team," he said. "I don't think you have an allegiance to a club and then ditch it for a more glamorous club."
The Rovers boss admitted whatever side Wolves put out against Doncaster, the test provided will be a tough one.
"Mick will pick a side he thinks will win the game and it will be tough for us whichever 11 he decides to pick."
