Doncaster Rovers are set for clarity over the futures of Ian Lawlor, Bobby Faulkner and Billy Sharp, with Monday marking the deadline for the club’s contract offers.
Grant McCann is expected to learn whether three key squad members will remain at the Eco-Power Stadium as the club looks to build on last season’s promotion near-miss.
McCann Awaits Final Word On Veteran Trio
Following the release of their retained list, Rovers have already seen two notable departures. Centre-back Joseph Olowu opted to leave the club after declining a new deal, while long-serving defender Tom Anderson confirmed his move to Shrewsbury Town on Friday.
Now, all eyes are on three remaining players: goalkeeper Ian Lawlor, homegrown defender Bobby Faulkner, and veteran forward Billy Sharp. All three were offered new terms and have until the end of today to communicate their final decisions.
Speaking last week, manager Grant McCann said:
“We’d like a decision on the offers we sent over to them by no later than Monday of next week. We’ll give them a bit of time to mull over it and come back to us, but we’d love the three of them to stay because they’re good characters and all had a massive part to play this season.”
Sharp, now 38, made an emotional return to Doncaster last summer and played a key role in the club’s League Two campaign, contributing both on and off the pitch. Lawlor provided competition and experience between the posts, while Faulkner impressed during a loan spell at Buxton and is seen as a promising long-term asset.
Faulkner Seen As One For The Future
McCann has spoken positively about Faulkner’s development and believes the defender has the potential to play higher. Should he commit his future to the club, a decision will be made in pre-season as to whether he is integrated into the first team or loaned out for further experience.
“We feel Bobby has a high ceiling. He had a really good loan at Buxton and, provided he signs the new contract, he’ll report back for pre-season. Then we’ll see how he goes and whether we keep Bobby in and around us or loan him out to a higher division.”
Writer’s View
Doncaster’s squad planning is well ahead of schedule this summer, with midfielder Robbie Gotts already secured from Barrow. But the decisions made today could be just as important. Keeping Sharp would offer continued leadership in the dressing room, Lawlor brings proven experience, and Faulkner could be a defensive mainstay for years to come.
With the club targeting six or seven new arrivals, retaining this trio would provide stability as Rovers aim to challenge for promotion next term. Whatever their decisions, today will help shape the early contours of McCann’s 2025/26 squad.
