Doncaster manager Grant McCann, has outlined his strategy for the summer transfer window, when speaking to the Doncaster Free Press.
McCann returned to Doncaster in May, following the departure of Danny Schofield. This will be the manager’s second tenure with the club, having previously been with Rovers from 2018 to 2019. Now returning to the Eco-Power Stadium, McCann has made it very clear what his plans are with the squad next season.
In recent years, Rovers have been incredibly reliant on loan deals from teams at a higher level. Last season alone, they brought seven loanees through the doors at the Eco-Power Stadium and in the last five seasons, 40 players have joined on a loan spell. That being said, McCann brought in just six loanees during his 2018/19 spell with the club, the fewest of any manager. This over-reliance is something which the manager wants to move away from, with permanent options looking as the way to go.
What’s been said?
When speaking to the Doncaster Free Press regarding his transfer plans, McCann said:
“Ideally I would like my own team, but if there’s good loans available it’s not a problem.
“If it’s one just to fill a squad then I think it’s a bit of a waste of time.
“My experience there is if you bring a loan in to sit on your bench it’s just constant hassle from loan managers ringing you asking why he’s not playing all the time.”
How did his previous spell with the club go?
During his previous spell with the club, McCann took Doncaster to the League One play-offs, albeit losing in the semi-finals to Charlton. It is the closest that they have come to any sort of success in recent years. His time with the club only lasted one season, before being swooped up by Championship side Hull City after the impressive job that he had done at Doncaster. Now returning to the club after four seasons away, McCann will look to replicate the success and playing style of his previous tenure. Doncaster’s return to League Two last season was extremely underwhelming, finishing 18th. A bounce back is needed, and the club have already been active during the transfer window.
How has the transfer window gone so far?
Doncaster have already made six signings this summer, most notably, striker Joe Ironside from Cambridge United on a three-year deal, who McCann hailed as his ‘number one target’. Joining Ironside at Doncaster next season are Richard Wood from Rotherham, Jamie Sterry from Hartlepool, Ian Lawlor from Dundee, Jack Senior from Halifax Town and George Broadbent from Sheffield United. McCann obviously means business, having made six permanent signings already. He will be looking to turn the club around in the forthcoming season after back-to-back disappointing seasons for Doncaster.
Writer’s View
I very much agree with what McCann is trying to do at Doncaster. He obviously has a long term plan in place, hence the permanent signings and will want to be competitive next season. Although not disregarding the idea of loan deals, the reliance on permanent signings could be a catalyst for change at the club. If McCann’s success and style of play is anything like his first tenure, then we could see Doncaster challenging right at the top of the table.
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