Former Doncaster Rovers Manager Makes Promotion Claim
Former Doncaster Rovers manager Paul Dickov has told the EFL Brief that he can see a promotion challenge from them this season.
A remarkable run by Grant McCann’s side at the end of last season saw them gatecrash the promotion party, only for them to fall at the final hurdle.
That cost them a place in the third tier, but Dickov, who was in charge at the Eco-Power Stadium from 2013 to 2015, suffered relegation from the Championship in his first season.
They haven’t been back at that level since, but the 51-year-old believes that could be about to change as they look up the League Two table this season.
“I think Doncaster have a good enough squad to go again this season and be in the mix for promotion,” said the former Manchester City man, speaking to us on courtesy of William Hill. “There isn’t a stand out team in that division so I expect it to be very competitive League and Doncaster can definitely be one of the teams who can go up automatically.”
Having suffered relegation, Dickov knows a bit about having to pick a team up, and he feels that might also be the case after their play-off disappointment. They led Crewe 2-0 in the semi-final second leg, but ended up losing on penalties.
“You just have to bounce back and start the season well. Get as many points on the board as possible as games come thick and fast. Then once you’re mid way through you can be in a great position to know where you stand to push on and get over the line.
“Last season Doncaster went close, but just failed at the final hurdle. I believe this year will be different.”
McCann’s side got off to a flying start this weekend, putting four past Accrington Stanley and sitting atop the fledgling League Two table. A 2-0 win at Salford in the League Cup has added to the hopes they’re in for a return to League One after relegation in 2022.
Dickov enjoyed an illustrious playing career with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City but had a tough time as a manager. He spent three seasons at Oldham, overseeing a win against Liverpool, before retiring after poor form. His time at Doncaster also ended badly, and he hasn’t managed since, instead working as a pundit for Manchester City TV.
