Doncaster Rovers Boss Has “Hunger” to Recover From League Two Play-Off Loss

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann said he is eager to bounce back from the club’s League Two play-off semi-final defeat against Crewe Alexandra, despite initial disappointment following the loss. 

Rovers were in command after a strong showing in the first leg at Gresty Road. The Yorkshire side won 2-0 in Cheshire, with Luke Molyneux and Harrison Biggins scoring in each half.

However, Donny couldn’t replicate their first-leg performance in the return fixture at the Eco-Power Stadium. McCann’s side conceded twice within the opening 16 minutes as Crewe levelled the tie on aggregate.

Despite pushing for the winner with 15 shots and 60% possession, as recorded by Whoscored, Doncaster couldn’t recover their lead. Eventually, Crewe won 4-3 on penalties and condemned Donny to another season in the fourth tier.

Rovers’ 13-match unbeaten run in League Two ended with this defeat, while their run of eight consecutive victories at the Eco Power Stadium also finished. Although McCann shared his frustration and disappointment in his post-match comments, he was equally upbeat that his side can improve in 2024/25.

Speaking to the Doncaster Free Press, McCann said the loss won’t be easy to shake off. But the Northern Irish coach explained that he is determined to grasp another promotion chance if it comes next season.

“I’ll always have that hunger to try and go again because that’s just the way I am but I’ll always have that in the back of my mind. It’s about next time that opportunity comes to make sure we get over the line – hopefully not in the play-offs next year.”

The former Peterborough United boss felt disappointed to see standards drop amongst his side. In particular, he believed Doncaster played within themselves and reverted to a cagier approach seen earlier in the campaign.

“We looked like the team of four or five months ago in the first half. We were scared to make a mistake, it wasn’t positive, we didn’t pick up the second ball, didn’t look dangerous. I said to the players I don’t know what it was, it looked like we’d gone back in time to September, November.”

Writer’s View

Doncaster’s inability to build on their first-leg advantage was out of character. Donny were relentless late in the League Two season, losing just one of their final 18 matches, but Rovers’ slow start in the second leg cost them, as they did not register a shot until the 25 minute, as per Whoscored.

Currently, this lacklustre performance is what’s hurting McCann in the aftermath of the play-off defeat. Yet he appears determined to maintain winning consistency as the club prepares for another promotion challenge next season.