Opposition Report: Grant McCann's High-flying Doncaster Rovers

Grant McCann’s side sit in second place, just one point behind Port Vale and are coming into this tie after a 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra, the side who knocked them out of the play-offs last season.

After an incredible late run of form last year, Rovers managed to secure themselves a play-off place but lost out on penalties to Crewe Alexandra in the semi-final.

But what can Town expect on Saturday?

Doncaster’s setup

The South Yorkshire side look like an enjoyable team to watch with quick passing football, as they can transition from defence to attack at great speed. They typically start the game in a 4-2-3-1 but during the 90 minutes they can switch to a back three if they want a more aggressive approach going forward, so it will be interesting to see how they set up on the weekend.

They will look to keep Town’s wing-backs and defence busy as they like to play very wide, with both of their full-backs always pushing high up the pitch to support the wingers, with right-back Jamie Sterry having created 11 chances and registered three assists so far, which is the second most in the division in his position.

In the dugout

McCann is the man in charge of Doncaster Rovers, and he has managed in all three divisions of the EFL with his most notable achievement being winning the League One title with Hull City in the 2020/2021 season. His success also meant he was awarded the manager of the year award.

Jake Cain against Doncaster last campaign (Image: Andy Crook)

Prior to his spell at the Eco-Power Stadium, he was in charge of Peterborough United where he took over from club favourite Darren Ferguson in 2022, before also being replaced by him when he was removed from the post a year later.

But with a third division title under his belt, the Englishman will certainly be looking to add a League Two trophy to his honours.

Fan view

Ahead of the clash on the weekend, the Advertiser spoke to Doncaster Rovers podcast Rambling Rovers to get their thoughts on their season so far and how they find themselves in the automatic places.

The hosts said: “A key component to our successful start this season has been our ability to keep hold of the core group of players who had huge impacts in that incredible run into the playoffs last season.

“Another key component for our good start was recruitment. Grant McCann often references characters when he discusses his recruitment model and we lost a big, experienced character in Tommy Rowe this summer.”

The 36-year-old midfielder left the League Two club this summer to become a player-coach for the Manchester United academy, a club which he departed more than two decades ago.

But with an accomplished older player departing the club, Rovers needed to replace him and they brought in a well-known forward.

“A master stroke from McCann saw us swiftly bring in the Championships all-time top goalscorer in Billy Sharp.

“As far as characters go, you don’t get much bigger characters than Billy and it’s the perfect experienced head to replace that Rowe character in the dressing room.”

Wanting to improve on last season, good signings had to be made, and to go alongside the ex-Sheffield United forward, they’ve had an strong summer window.

“Some fans were disappointed not to secure players like Hakeeb Adelakun and Harrison Biggins in the summer but it’s fair to say we have more than replaced those players with the signings of Jordan Gibson and Harry Clifton.

“Loan signing Patrick Kelly has been an exciting addition to the team with fans already comparing his impact to that of Matthew Craig last season.”

Craig was a 21-year-old signed on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the winter window earlier this year and is now representing Darrell Clarke’s Barnsley in League One.

With a 46-game league season and many cup games to play, squad depth is a key factor to be able to compete all year round and the Rambling Rovers podcast believe their side is in a good position in terms of rotation options.

“Squad depth is the final key component to our successful start. Having two first team quality players in every position really is a luxury at League Two level.

“We still haven’t got out of second gear but when we do this team really is capable of going places this season.”