Football Season Guide

Doncaster Rovers

In


Thorsten Stuckmann (gk, Preston North End), Andy Williams (att, Swindon Town), Gary Mackenzie (def, Blackpool), Richard Chaplow (mid, Ipswich Town), Dany N'Guessan(att, Larissa)

Out


Kyle Bennett (mid, Portsmouth), Jamie McCombe(def, released), Theo Robinson(att, released), Abdul Razak(mid, released), Reece Wabara(def, contract expired), Dean Furman(mid, contract expired), Stephen Bywater(gk, contract expired)

Doncaster are coming from a rather disappointing season which saw them push for a top six place only during a period of brief revival that they have had during the spring months, but they eventually fell well short of their target. There has been a lot of speculation regarding whether Paul Dickov or not would survive the summer, but the Vikings' boss is still in charge, although it is clear that he will not get too much time to set things straight if things do not go well for his side. Doncaster have lost three rather important players during the summer, as Kyle Bennett, Reece Wabara and Dean Furman have all left the club, while keeper Stephen Bywater is also no longer with the club. However, they have also signed proven quality in Thorsten Stuckmann, Richard Chaplow and Gary MacKenzie, while their two arguably most mouth-watering signings are Andy Williams and Dany N'Guessan, who could potentially form a truly lethal striking duo, which is something that Doncaster badly lacked last time around. The core of their last season's squad is still together and their new squad definitely seems to be more balanced than the one that they have had last time around, particularly as they have strengthened up front, which was their Achilles' heel last time around. They are widely perceived to have underperformed last season, and Dickov should not be expected to get too much time to steady the ship if things do not start according to play, as he is already seen as being living on borrowed time. For that reason, it will be of utmost importance for Doncaster to start the season well.

Target


They are in a group of teams that will be hoping for a play-off place. They do not have the quality required to push for direct promotion, but a top six finish could be in their reach if they play according to their potential.