Grant McCann has urged his Doncaster Rovers players to keep their composure as they welcome local rivals Barnsley to the Eco-Power Stadium this weekend.
The League One clash comes at a time when both sides are desperate for a result. Barnsley have failed to win since mid-September, while Rovers’ own winless streak dates back to the week before that, leaving both clubs searching for a spark to reignite their seasons.
McCann: “Derbies are about staying calm”
After overseeing victories over Bradford City and Rotherham United early in the season, McCann believes the key to continuing that local success lies in discipline and composure rather than emotion.
The Doncaster boss says his message ahead of Saturday’s 3 pm kick-off will be simple — play the game, not the occasion.
“I think in derbies it’s about the team who is the most calm,” McCann explained. “My message to the players will be to play our game and focus on what we’re trying to do and the game-plan that we want to carry out. We know when we do perform that we can match anyone in the division.”
Rovers’ manager knows all too well how fine the margins can be in Yorkshire derbies. Earlier in the campaign, his side lost narrowly to Huddersfield Town but bounced back with strong home displays against both Bradford and Rotherham.
A third straight victory over regional opposition would mark a significant turning point in their season.
Pressure on both clubs to respond
For Barnsley, it has been a frustrating autumn. Despite early promise under Conor Hourihane, their momentum has faltered, leaving them mid-table and struggling for confidence in front of goal. Their last win came on September 13, and fans have grown increasingly restless with performances that have lacked the attacking spark of previous campaigns.
WATCH | Grant McCann looks ahead to Saturday’s South Yorkshire derby with Barnsley
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McCann, meanwhile, has faced his own challenges at Doncaster. A string of narrow defeats and missed opportunities has left the Rovers boss calling for unity and perspective. He believes his players are still following the right process and that the results will eventually reflect their efforts.
“When we stick to what we do well, we’re a match for anyone,” McCann said earlier this week. “It’s about executing our plan and not getting caught up in the emotion of the day. These are big games, of course, but it’s still 3 points at stake like every other match.”
Saturday’s fixture is expected to draw a large crowd at the Eco-Power Stadium, with both sets of supporters hoping to see signs of progress as winter approaches.
For Doncaster, victory could provide the momentum needed to push clear of the lower reaches of the table and restore belief in their play-off ambitions.
For Barnsley, it would offer a timely reminder that their own campaign can still be salvaged.
McCann’s emphasis on calmness and control will be put to the test in one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the season. As the South Yorkshire rivals prepare to clash once again, composure rather than chaos could decide who takes local bragging rights this time around.
