Marking their return to the Third Tier with a comfortable mid-table finish, manager Grant McCann should be pleased with Doncaster’s turnaround.
Returning from a three-year hiatus in League Two, expectations across Rovers’ fanbase varied between delusion and pessimism. Following a title-winning campaign, expectations fluctuated between relegation and promotion aspirations.
During the opening handful of games, it appeared as though the latter was, somehow, on the table. This was, of course, until a slap of reality arose: one win in 12 games and sitting deep in the relegation zone.
Nevertheless, Doncaster’s confidence in Grant McCann’s ability to turn their season around never wavered. Based on their two previous seasons, the Northern Irish manager has a knack for summoning second-half reckonings beyond January windows.
Rovers remained hopeful of an improved League performance, sparked by their New Year’s Day stalemate with Bolton Wanderers. Recruiting a key mix of development projects, familiar names, and experienced heads, Doncaster found their revenant story.
Just seven losses in 23 games, winning 10 and drawing 6, Rovers propelled themselves up to a mid-table finish, well ahead of the drop zone. Aiming to finish as high up the table as possible, Grant McCann will be delighted with his squad’s redemption arc. From here, they look likely to bolster their recruitment options over the summer.
Football is a team sport, but there comes a time when individuals must be acknowledged for their outstanding dedication and contribution. For Rovers, numerous names have really stepped up to the plate since their title-winning campaign, performing to a new level. These names include the likes of Jack Senior, Robbie Gotts, and, for a brief period, George Broadbent.
Star man Luke Molyneux has continued his League Two performances into this division, topping the assist charts for a period, with 8 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. Despite this, it is an unlikely candidate that steals the plaudits this season: Owen Bailey.
‘Captain Fantastic’ himself, Bailey has embodied the epitome of a utility player during his three years at the club, since his arrival from National League club Gateshead. Forming an incredible North-East partnership with teammates Sterry and Molyneux, Bailey has defied all expectations this season, leading the lines statistically.
Despite operating between deeper roles this season, as a holding midfielder, and frequently as a central defender, Doncaster’s number 4 tops the club’s goalscoring charts. With 16 for the season, 13 of which are from League One. Resultantly, Bailey’s efforts were acknowledged and nominated for two League One player of the month awards, and the EFL League One Player of the Season award.
Surely set for major interest across the footballing pyramid, Doncaster’s fanbase will be desperate for their ‘Geordie Rodri’ to put pen to paper. The Newcastle United graduate has 12 months, with an option remaining on his current deal. The same can be said for both Robbie Gotts and Luke Molyneux, whose individual performances this season have already set the rumour mill spinning.
When considering Young Player of the Season candidates, Doncaster Rovers have rather limited options. Rovers’ squad is rather experienced, with only a handful of young prospects appearing on a regular basis. That said, only two names can really be considered for the award, with one of which returning to his parent club in January.
Recalled to assist an injury-riddled defensive setup over January, Blackburn’s young loanee Conor O’Riourdan finishes as our runner-up in the club’s young player of the season. While his string of excellent defensive appearances proppped the early stages of Doncaster’s campaign, his untimley exit hands the award to loan goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala.
While his performances have not yet reached the level expected in the 2022/23 season, Hull City’s young Frenchman has come good as of late. Recent displays have been encouraging, following a patchy spell of errors across October’s fixtures. Peering back at his Virtu Trophy Quarter Final showcase, he delivered a MOTM performance, with 6 key saves, and 3 incredible denied penalties. The 23-year-old has fans calling for a permanent move over the summer, and deservedly so.
While many fans possess a nostalgia-driven perspective of the club, Doncaster must maintain a forward-focused perspective if they are serious about developing their league aspirations next season. The club must be ruthless in their contract discussions, releasing those that have not contributed this season to the level that the McCann’s setup expects.
Numerous Title-winners and club servants have had their exits confirmed for this summer in the club’s retained list. Only Harry Clifton and Jack Senior have seen the club moving to extend their stays, and this showcases the ruthlessness that manager Grant McCann is utilising for the better of Doncaster’s League One campaign next season.
Manager Grant McCann has showcased real ruthlessness in one particular category: transfer listing underperforming winger Glenn Middleton just one year into his three-year deal.
Rovers are already set to make moves in their summer rebuild, with cogs already turning, according to Head of Recruitment Lee Glover. Having had such an inflated squad over the past two seasons, Doncaster must turn its attention from quantity to quality if they wish to imitate Lincoln City’s success story over recent years.
As discussed, this is a very exciting period. The club is actively looking to move on to a new generation of Doncaster Rovers heroes, with eyes glancing upward at a return to the Championship, rather than glancing back at their fourth division days.
