With the the transfer window opening next month, Doncaster Rovers are keen to reinforce their squad ahead of another League Two campaign.
Doncaster missed out on a play-off promotion this time around, despite Grant McCann’s best efforts to take his side from relegation contenders to a fifth-placed finish. Rovers looked like the strong favourites to get promoted, as the most in-form side out of the four play-off hopefuls. However, a 2-0 victory in the first leg was matched by Crewe Alexandra in the second, before McCann’s side were knocked out on penalties.
To ‘rub salt in the wounds’ of the Doncaster faithful, key players Hakeeb Adelakun and Harrison Biggins have both decided not to extend their stay at the club. However, the South Yorkshire side were quick to give supporters some good news by announcing the signings of Jordan Gibson from recently-relegated Carlisle United, and Joe Sbarra from Solihull Moors.
💬 | “It’s a massive decision at this stage of my career but the club stood out straight away as soon as I knew there was interest and I just wanted to get it done."
– Joe Sbarra is convinced he can thrive at RoversRead more ⬇️https://t.co/ubSGd7SVUH
🔴 #drfc ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/OGLbaBe8Mm
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) May 21, 2024
Doncaster’s recent publication of their retained list for the 2023/24 season’s culmination detailed a number of players leaving the club. Those departing the League Two side are Maxime Biamou, Ben Bottomley, Gordon Lavery, Liam Ravenhill, Tommy Rowe, Charlie Seaman, and Jon Taylor.
Luke Molyneux, who has played over 100 times since joining in July 2022, has recently penned a new long-term deal with the club and is keen to continue his hard work at the Eco-Power Stadium; this extension may prove to be just as impactful to the side as a new signing.
McCann has been keen to discuss the future plans in the transfer market to reassure supporters that the club is continuing to make moves in the window. Speaking to Rovers’ club website, the 44-year-old had this to say on their ambitious summer plans:
“We’re really pleased with the business we’ve done so far. Hopefully we’re very close to another midfield player to replace Tommy Rowe in that role as well.”
“We’re starting to really move now. There’s one or two certain areas of the team where we feel we need to strengthen also, but we’re working very hard to do that.”
Writer’s View
Considering the necessity of a summer rebuild, it’s great to see a manager offer this much transparency regarding what the club will try to achieve in the window. After a bitterly disappointing end to the campaign, following a scintillating final league run-in, the Northern Irishman needs to reinforce ahead of a crucial season.
The additions of Sbarra and Gibson are statement signings that symbolise a real ambition from the club. This will undoubtedly fuel the supporters’ happiness with Rovers’ recent business, especially after hearing that McCann is far from done yet.
