7 years ago Doncaster were playing in the Conference. They hope to spend this season fighting for a place in the Premier League.
Donny are an easy team to like. There is a feeling that they have achieved successs in the right way. John Ryan, a charismatic local businessman, has invested heavily in the club that he loves and has offered strong backing to his managers. Under Sean O’Driscoll, they have established a reputation for playing quality passing football in a division that doesn’t always reward style.
How much further can the dream go? What is clear is that the squad is strong, the manager is clever and the owner is very sensible. Not many Championship clubs can claim such an array of riches.
Steven Yardley edits the Rovers Till I Die website and shares his thoughts.
How would you rate Doncaster’s season so far?
Excellent, the best in my lifetime, I’m 47 and the club is at its highest.
Rovers get a lot of credit for the way you play. If it comes to it, are you happy seeing style sacrificed to get results?
This kind of question is asked by those that don’t realise we are competing with teams that have far bigger attendances and therefore more resources than our club. So we’re doing more than just getting “results”.
What’s been you result of the season so far?
I would say beating Portsmouth away, a recent Premiership team.
Which of your players should be in the Premier League?
Mustapha Dumbaya is one to watch, only came into football at a lateish age, picked out of non-league but is improving in leaps and bounds. Our manager recently compared him to ex-England full back Paul Parker. Also Jimmy O’Connor is getting noticed as someone who can play well anywhere across the back four.
Any dramatic changes that you would make if you were made chairman?
Couldn’t better what is already the in the boardroom at all levels.
Where do fans expect the club to be in five years time?
Who knows? Our club has been on a rollercoaster for years, we’re at the top currently but apparently the club is well provided for should any of our directors fall under a bus.
How do fans feel about the gaffer?
Worship him and dread every vacancy that arises in the Premiership. He will go on to bigger things but we have confidence our chairman can unearth another unknown “diamond”.
Which team have impressed you so far this season?
Hate to say it but Derby. They should be up their though as they have the highest attendances.
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