Doncaster Rovers will play their first EFL League One game since 2022 when they take on Exeter City on the second of August at the Eco Power stadium. This follows a three year rebuild within the club.
Before Rovers’ opening fixture, I interviewed Danny Dickinson (@DannyGreenRover on X) and Shawn Whitehead (@SPW_1206 on X) to talk about all things Rovers in this Doncaster Rovers interview.
Before we start, I would like to take a moment to thank Danny and Shawn for taking part in this Doncaster Rovers interview. Their responses were informative and insightful into the current mood with the Rovers fanbase.
The Doncaster Rovers Interview
Question 1: How Did You Find The Celebrations At The End Of Last Season?
Danny’s Answer: “I found the celebrations at the end of last season to be a massive relief. It was like a massive weight off our shoulders.”
Shawn’s Answer: “They were great, it shows that the club is part of community and the reason why lower league football is head and shoulders above the Premier League in my opinion.
From the party at the Sal, to the Sbarra documented party tour, it all created great memories and some great Merchandise that was created.”
Question 2: What Was Your Favourite Moment Of Last Season?
Danny’s Answer: “There is so many such as personal ones that nobody else would understand. But, I will go with the most obvious one which is Billy Sharp’s goal vs Bradford to seal promotion.”
Shawn’s Answer: “The obvious answer would be the Bradford game at home where we won promotion. It was a fantastic game, even if I was filled with pure anxiety the entire time until the final whistle.
But, there were some stand out moments in the season such as going to Goodison (Park) in its last season as well as the win against Hull City in the FA Cup.”
Question 3: What Do You Think About The Club Currently?
Danny’s Answer: “The club is in a much better state than it was three years ago. Everybody from the top right down to the supporters are pulling in the right direction and all moving together.”
Shawn’s Answer: “I think we are heading in the right direction. When Grant McCann came back, the club was a mess from poor managerial appointments to the club not being run correctly from the top down.
What McCann has brought back to the fans is hope that we can get back to where we used to be. Terry Brammall coming more hands on and giving the management the tools to do that is also great to see.”
Question 4: Do You Think Rovers Are Prepared For The 2025-26 Season, And Why?
Danny’s Answer: “I think we are as prepared as we can be. We’ve kept hold of the core group and added League One experience and exciting youth to the team which bodes well ahead of the new season.”
Shawn’s Answer: “I think we are as prepared as we can be for the 2025/26 season.
McCann started planning as soon as promotion was secured, he got all his main transfer business completed before pre season started, just like last season giving the team as much time as possible to gel together, he has brought in a great mix of experience and players with great potential, to add to a squad who performed very well last season.”
Question 5: What Is Your Strongest Area On The Field?
Danny’s Answer: “I think we are pretty strong all over to be honest but if I am going for one area, I would say our wide attacking areas are our strongest point.”
Shawn’s Answer: “Our wide and creative players are probably our biggest strength. We have (Luke) Molyneux who was arguably the best player in League Two last season alongside (Jordan) Gibson, who on his day can be unplayable (when he is locked in).
We have then signed Glen Middleton from Dundee United and Damola Ajayi from Spurs who both look very sharp in pre-season and I am excited about the battle for places in the squad.”
Question 6: What Area Do You Need To Improve In The Squad The Most?
Danny’s Answer: “I would not say we have to improve this position the most but investing in a decent permanent keeper wouldn’t go a miss.”
Shawn’s Answer: “I would say our midfield. We have a lot of midfielders don’t get me wrong but one of those players was loaned out to the Conference last season and as much as Ben Close can be a good player on his day, his injury record doesn’t fill me with confidence.
We had two midfielders on loan last year who did very well for us. The loss of Patrick Kelly was replaced by the signing of Robbie Gotts. But, Charlie Crew last season had that quality about him which did wonders for this team. With Leeds United getting promoted, I personally would hope we could bring him back for another season.
I personally would also bring in another striker on loan just to have that competition in there.”
Question 7: What Are Your Thoughts On The Upcoming Season?
Danny’s Answer: “My thoughts on the new season are excited ones. There is plenty of local derbies and lots of teams we deserve to give a game.”
Shawn’s Answer: “I think that this League One season is going to be very competitive, but we have equipped ourselves well to compete.
I think there is going to be a gulf as some teams like Huddersfield, Blackpool, Stockport and Luton have either spent big money or in Luton’s case signed some quality while retaining decent number of players from last season.
Then, there will be a big group of teams that are all going to be taking points from each other. It is going to be a very interesting season. I think from the teams coming up from League Two, only one of them might end up going back down.”
Question 8: Is Grant McCann The Right Manager For Doncaster Rovers?
Danny’s Answer: “McCann is absolutely the right man for the job, there is nothing he can do wrong in the eyes of a Rovers supporter. Him, alongside the Owner and CEO have turned the clubs fortunes around in such little time.”
Shawn’s Answer: “Yes, he is 100% the right man for the job. He was the right man for the job in his last stint before leaving for Hull City and he picked up from where he left off when he returned. He is driven, you can tell that man wants us fighting for promotion this season and I don’t think anyone in their right mind will tell him to temper his expectations.
He always wants more, and that pushes the best out of the players. He also knows how to develop players which has opened the door for us getting some quality young players on loan from Premier League clubs.”
Question 9: What Has Been Your Best Signing So Far This Summer?
Danny’s Answer: “The best signing for me that the Rovers have made is tying Jay McGrath down to a new three and what could be a four year contract. The lad is a rare left-footed centre-back with absolute bags of potential and Rovers rejected a 500k offer for his services which shows the intent we have.”
Shawn’s Answer: “I am very excited by the signing of (Damola) Ajayi from Spurs. In preseason, his touch has been amazing and you can tell the potential he has. But, the best signing for me must be bringing back Thimothee Lo-Tutala back on loan from Hull City.
When he came in halfway through the 2023-24 season, he was exceptional and was one of the reasons we went on that unbeaten run. He was meant to go out last season again, but an injury halted that so he ended up being second choice at Hull each week. Last season, he had one emergency loan for Crawley where he played one game and got a clean sheet.
The biggest thing about a defence is having a keeper that they trust and TLT’s ability to make saves that shouldn’t be possible is something else.”
Question 10: Can You Give Me Your Prediction For How Doncaster Rovers Will Do Next Season?
Danny’s Answer: “I think Rovers will finish mid table. We will definitely surprise a few teams but if you going to push me for a position, I’ll say 14th.”
Shawn’s Answer: “As much as Grant McCann wants promotion, I think this season is about consolidating our place back in League One. I think a respectable mid table finish will be on the cards. Some might say that is pessimistic but there are a lot of strong sides in this league. We could easily get on a run, but I think that’s where my head is saying.”
Thank you for reading this Doncaster Rovers interview. If you have feedback about the Doncaster Rovers interview, comment them below.
