Football Season Guide

Grant McCann has big ambitions for Doncaster Rovers after finishing in 14th place in their first season back in League One. It was an uncomfortable rid for much of the season and they were looking down rather than up for the most part. They did however survive and it provides the basis to build and aim higher this time around. Rovers don’t have the financial muscle of many of the teams in the division but they have shown they can be competitive. The two big successes of last season were midfielder Owen Bailey and winger Luke Molyneux, whose performances have led to interest from other clubs. One of those is League Two Salford City, who succeeded in enticing Molyneux to drop a division, no doubt partly due to big wage packet, with Rovers receiving a significant fee. His departure is a big blow although it has been softened a little by the capture of winger Jordan Thomas. He spent last season with Cheltenham Town, as did midfield playmaker Isaac Hutchinson, whilst on loan from Bristol Rovers. Whilst on paper signing two players from a team that finished 18th in League Two last season might be considered uninspiring, Thomas and Hutchinson are two talented players ready to make the step up. Unlike Molyneux Owen Bailey, one of the standout performers in the division last season as he established himself as an all-action midfielder, has signed a new three-year deal to remain at the Keepmoat Stadium. McCann has relied on loanees between the sticks, and has done so again with the additions of Josh Clarke and Tommy Simkin. The latter had a tough season, firstly on loan at Leyton Orient and then back with his parent club. There’s plenty of enthusiasm following the return of striker Alfie May on a season-long loan from Huddersfield Town. He also endured a tough season with problems off-the-pitch.