Football Season Review

Doncaster entered the new season with modest expectations, having failed to particularly strengthen their playing squad over the summer. However, the Rovers had a new manager in charge in Grant McCann, and the former Peterborough boss got them to play an attacking-minded brand of football that became better as time elapsed. Moreover, John Marquis was having a superb season, while summer signing Mallik Wilks, who signed on a season-long loan, had an excellent season and was a threat throughout the campaign. With the likes of Ben Whiteman and Herbie Kane also enjoying excellent campaigns, the Rovers were able to effectively execute McCann's playing style and it became obvious midway through the season that they would be battling for promotion. They slowed down near the end of the campaign but managed to pip Peterborough to the final play-off place on the last day of the season, thereby setting up a play-off meeting with Charlton. The Rovers did superbly well to take their tie against the Addicks to penalties after trailing 2:0 on aggregate early in the second leg, but missed out on a Wembley place after losing the shoot-out. Of course, they will be frustrated after having their season ended in the cruelest way possible, but can be pleased with the campaign they have had, having shown clear improvements compared to the previous campaign and having played some good football along the way.

Player of the Season: Ben Whiteman