A look at recent events at Doncaster Rovers as play-off hopes start to drift away in South Yorkshire. Danny Schofield comments on the club’s inconsistent form, captain Tom Anderson signs a new contract with the club and Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Todd Miller could be an option to help shape an improved attack.
Doncaster Rovers Latest as Play-Off Hopes Start to Fade
Head Coach Danny Schofield Comments on Inconsistent Form
Following Doncaster Rovers’ 1-0 loss to West Yorkshire outfit Bradford City on Saturday, February 25, Danny Schofield is seeking more consistency from his team, who have lacked it all season.
Rovers have now recorded consecutive losses having lost 2-0 to Sutton United a week prior. Before that, they had gained some momentum with three wins in a row, all of which saw them keep clean sheets too.
However, that momentum has taken a halt and they face Stockport County next – one of League Two’s most in-form teams.
Winning five of their last six games, Stockport have climbed their way into a strong position for promotion, sitting fifth and just three points off third place (the last automatic slot).
Danny Schofield’s Doncaster side, who sit 12th and six points adrift of the final play-off place, will take some hope from County’s loss to Barrow on Saturday. Though, despite a 2-0 win over Swindon Town on the road, Rovers have won just three of their last 11 away games.
Schofield told the Doncaster Free Press: “It’s always down to moments in games. We’re a competitive team, we’re always in games.
“I don’t think we come away from games thinking ‘we were totally outplayed’. If we come into the press conference with a point or a win, nobody says ‘you don’t deserve it’.
“It’s my responsibility, as well as the staff’s, to find out what that small margin is. We’re always striving for those one per cents. We need to find them quick.”
Tom Anderson Extends Doncaster Rovers Stay
Doncaster Rovers have confirmed captain Tom Anderson has signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract with the club.
We are delighted to confirm that captain Tom Anderson has signed a new two-and-a-half year contract
🔴⚪️ #drfc 🔴⚪️https://t.co/gSV5YCTgMk
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) February 28, 2023
The 29-year-old centre-back told doncasterroversfc.co.uk: “I’m very pleased to finally get it sorted. It’s been on-going for the last couple of months so I’m happy to get it over the line.
“It’s a big relief. I’ve had a difficult year with the injuries and you’re always wondering what is going to happen – if you’re going to stay or go somewhere else.
“Now I can just focus on the future over the next two-and-a-half years and try to take the club where it belongs.”
Anderson was one of 11 players out of contract in the summer of 2023. Doncaster may look to make further progress with new contract announcements in the coming weeks.
Danny Schofield added: “For the club, the rest of the players and of course Tom himself, it’s fantastic.
“I think it’s thoroughly deserved. He’s someone we’ve identified that we want to be at the club for a long time and to grow what we’re trying to do around him.”
Anderson joined Doncaster from boyhood club Burnley in 2018.
Joseph Olowu Future
Meanwhile, Anderson’s defensive partner Joseph Olowu, one of the best performers at the club, has spoken about a potential new contract, saying he will leave negotiations to ‘the professionals’.
He told the Doncaster Free Press: “Of course. I’m looking forward to continuing with the club this season. If further on, then further on, we keep going, so yeah.
“That’s (contract talks) something between my agent and the club.
“I’m in a position where I just keep making sure I manage everything I can on the pitch and making sure I deal with myself first.
“I’ll let them deal with whatever’s off the pitch. I’ll leave it to the professionals, shall I say.”
Brighton & Hove Albion Winger Who Could Be Due More Minutes
As for signings made in January, Ben Nelson has made an impression since Leicester City sent him on loan, cutting short his stay at Rochdale further down the division beforehand.
Caolan Lavery is still looking for a first Rovers goal, a particular problem for Doncaster, who also have top goalscorer George Miller way out of form – he hasn’t scored in the league since November 12, 2022.
Charlie Lakin, who joined the club on loan from League One side Burton Albion, has established himself as a regular in Schofield’s side with some good performances so far.
However, Todd Miller is a player Rovers might need to see more of. The Brighton & Hove Albion winger has played just five minutes of normal time in the red & white stripes of Doncaster, particularly showing some sort of spark in the latter stages of Saturday’s defeat, the first time he has featured in a home game since joining on loan in January.
Miller could add a fresh look to Doncaster’s attack if given an opportunity in the near future, he has already proven he can put the ball in the back of the net at this level when scoring against Football League sides in the Papa John’s Trophy for his parent club.
