DONCASTER ''SHOULDN'T ACCEPT LESS THAN AUTOMATIC PROMOTION''

A staggering run of form in 2024, which included a club record 10 consecutive league wins, propelled Doncaster into the League Two play-offs last season - only for Rovers to come up short. 

Grant McCann's side appear to have shrugged off that disappointment and have started their 2024/25 campaign in good form to maintain their momentum. 

In fact, Man City (63) and Arsenal (59) are the only teams in 'The 92' to amass more league points than Doncaster (58) since the turn of the year! 

To discuss that stat and run the rule over Rovers' start to the season, we checked in with Ben from fan account Harrogate Viking...

PM: A week can be a long time in League Two and, after topping the table last week, Doncaster are now sixth after a 2-0 defeat to Harrogate - how pleased have you been with Rovers' start to the season?

HV: I am pleased with the start of the season so far, especially with three wins out of three at home. But our away games at Newport and Harrogate have been early signs that our away form could need work. I think even in the three home games we look like a team that hasn't quite fully clicked into gear still and I believe the best is still to come from Rovers.

PM: Obviously last season, Doncaster crashed out in the play-offs after a seriously impressive streak of form in 2024. Have the scars from last season healed; what lessons do you hope Rovers learned last term?

HV: I think the scars from last season healed pretty quickly. Grant McCann's post match interview after the Crewe second leg was a sign of a manager who isn't settling for second best. For the fans it's pleasing to hear and it has brought a lot of excitement and optimism for this season.

PM: As mentioned, Doncaster have been one of the form teams in 'The 92' this year after struggling at the start of last season when Grant McCann returned as manager. What changed, and how much credit does McCann deserve for the drastic improvement?

HV: I think what changed from the poor start to last season to the run we went on was down to having endless amounts of injuries. I know all clubs get injuries, but it felt like it was never ending for Rovers. We never really had a settled side and couldn't get any consistency going. At the end of January we managed to get some long term injured players back and some additions which worked superbly in our favour. Once we finally clicked, we looked unstoppable and didn't ever look like losing again. I think praise has to go to McCann and his staff for bringing in players who perfectly slotted in but also the board for backing McCann.

PM: How would you describe Rovers' current style of play? Does it differ much from McCann's first spell at the club?

HV: Our current style of play is definitely similar to when McCann was at Rovers in his first spell. He wants to attack and for his team to score goals.

PM: Compared to some other sides, your transfer window was relatively restrained, but you've added a young keeper, a Premier League veteran and an exciting midfielder from non-league - which of your new signings are you happiest with and why?

HV: Out of the new summer signings I am happiest so far with Jordan Gibson. He scored a lovely goal against Accrington on the opening day and showed signs of a quality addition. I do think the return of Billy Sharp shouldn't be ignored as he has shown so far even at 38 he knows where the net is. We're still yet to see what Joe Sbarra can bring to the side as he hasn't really featured as much so far. I think Grant McCann is still working out his best midfield combination. 

PM: So far this season, Luke Molyneux's form has been outstanding (he has five goals and two assists across all comps). How much progress has he made since joining you from Hartlepool and do you think there's more to come from him?

HV: Luke Molyneux has been absolutely superb since the turnaround in form started. Before McCann returned, we never really saw the potential in Molyneux, he was a frustrating player and would often go missing in games. I think it was a confidence issue with Luke. Once the crazy form started it was like we had found the key to Luke's potential. He was confidently beating defenders, cutting in and scoring goals. I also think the return of Jamie Sterry who had been out injured was a plus as he also played with Luke at Hartlepool. They link up very well together down the right side.  

PM: After going so close last season, Rovers' objective is surely automatic promotion this term - do you think they'll finish in the top three? What concerns do you have about their prospects this season?

HV: I think we will finish in the top 3 this season. With the squad we have and our management team, we shouldn't be accepting anything less than top 3. My concerns so far this season are we seem to be conceding a lot of goals from back post headers. I also don't remember the last time I saw Rovers score from a corner. It seems pretty rare nowadays.

2024-09-18T14:35:23Z dg43tfdfdgfd