If you like a bet, the top six favourites to become new Doncaster Rovers manager has been revealed as the club sacks their boss Gary McSheffrey.
McSheffrey’s assistant Steve Eyre has also left the club with head of professional development phase coach Chad Gribble and youth development phase transition coach Paul Green taking temporary charge while a replacement is being processed.
Rovers, who sit 12th in League Two with 21 points from 14 games, say the process of finding a new manager ‘is already well under way’.
CLUB STATEMENT | Doncaster Rovers can confirm the dismissal of Gary McSheffrey from the position of first team manager with immediate effect, with assistant manager Steve Eyre also leaving the club.#drfc https://t.co/rkL5CBXgQR
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) October 17, 2022
CLUB STATEMENT:
Doncaster Rovers can confirm the dismissal of Gary McSheffrey from the position of first team manager with immediate effect, with assistant manager Steve Eyre also leaving the club.
Chairman David Blunt said: “While results so far in Sky Bet League Two have been largely positive, there has been a growing concern over the standard of performances in matches and a lack of progress between games.
“We feel this is threatening our ability to achieve our stated goals for the season.
“We have also been disappointed that our wishes for a particular style of play and overall identity, which were clearly laid out over the summer, have not been brought into effect in competitive matches.
“These factors have combined to lead us to take this difficult decision to relieve Gary and Steve of their posts.
“We are confident the squad that has been assembled is more than capable of challenging for promotion with an entertaining and attacking approach, and have reached a consensus that change is required in order to ensure we have the best chance of doing so.
“The process of securing a replacement is already well underway and we are hopeful for a swift resolution to our recruitment process. We expect to conclude interviews this week with an appointment to be made soon afterwards.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to Gary for his dedicated service to the club as a player, coach and latterly manager. He initially stepped up to first team level in difficult circumstances and has carried himself with class and dignity throughout his tenure as manager.
“All at the club wish both Gary and Steve the very best for their futures.”
Head professional development phase coach Chad Gribble and youth development phase transition coach Paul Green will oversee first team training until a new appointment has been made, supported by the remaining existing backroom staff.
Gary McSheffrey labelled Rovers’ second half performance as ‘nowhere near the level’ as his side fell to a 3-0 defeat at Carlisle United.
McSheffrey admitted he had expected a response from his side after they went in at the break a goal down and was thoroughly disappointed as they failed to do so.
McSheffrey on how the game played out:
“We’re obviously hugely disappointed. We had a big chance at 0-0 which would obviously have changed the game. But saying that, Jonno [Jonathan Mitchell] has made some great saves so it could have been a lot worse.
“The second half performance was nowhere near to the level and we were almost conceding goals from our attacks and possession in their half.
“It was quite a concern that we weren’t ready and set to defend when we’ve got the ball, which is something we talk a lot about – being in areas and ready for counters and turnovers of possession.
“They just outran us on transitions and turnovers and they could have won by more.
“We shot ourselves in the foot in the second half and ultimately we all need to be a lot better, myself included but the players as well.”
On the performance of the players:
“I didn’t think they looked like they had any confidence and I think a few got exploited.
“We had a honest conversation afterwards but ultimately the players needed to be better. We as staff needed to be better and some of them need to step up to the plate because it’s not going to get any easier.”
On the search for improvement:
“We need to try to do that in the next few days and see what options we’ve got, see if there’s any lads coming back.
“But the group of players are the group of players and we have to get the best out of them.”
On the current position in the table:
“There is an expectancy level to be higher up the division. That’s a fact and I’m not hiding from that.
“The truth is that we’re getting outsized in some games, we’re getting outran. Teams are looking a bit better than us athletically, and a bit faster. On turnovers we look like we can get exploited.
“We need to be a lot better. We won’t hide. You just have to get through tough times.
“We’ve got some good names for this division, that have had good careers. But players need to start stepping up and playing to the pressure and expectancy levels that are required.
“When you’re out on the pitch you need to put some personality on the game and be brave to get on things.
“Too many didn’t turn up.”
On being better himself:
“You always hold yourself accountable. I’m the face and the name to the team so I’m not going to say that I can’t do better. You can always do better.
“At the same time I’m out there for the whole game, taking whatever I take so the players need to take some responsibility and play for their shirt and future because there are some that aren’t do that.”
Favourites to become new Doncaster manager
11am (17 Oct) – BetVictor
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – 4/1
David Artell – 5/1
Jonathan Woodgate – 8/1
Graham Alexander – 10/1
Darren Ferguson – 12/1
Paul Hartley – 12/1
Paul Tisdale – 12/1
12:30pm (17 Oct) – BetVictor
Nigel Adkins – 4/1
Graham Alexander – 6/1
Danny Schofield – 8/1
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – 12/1
David Artell – 12/1
Jonathan Woodgate – 14/1
2pm (17 Oct) – BetVictor
Danny Schofield – 4/1
Nigel Adkins – 4/1
Graham Alexander – 6/1
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – 12/1
David Artell – 12/1
Jonathan Woodgate – 14/1
Rob Staton however writes: “One name to keep an eye on for Doncaster Rovers — Graeme Lee. Knows the club, would be able to work within the structure at #DRFC. Can imagine mutual interest.”
This is how fans reacted with the top six favourites to become new Doncaster manager revealed as the club sacks their boss…
@JGillDRFC278: Goodbye, stupid appointment in the first place. Didn’t fit the job specification. I’d say David Blunt has questions to answer. I would feel for Gary but he had an attitude and someone blew smile up his arse making him think he was something he wasn’t. NEXT! #drfc
@FlamencoDave: Hallelujah 👏🏻👏🏻 #drfc
@JonathanDRFC: I don’t want to see any true #DRFC fan revelling in @McSheffreyGary losing his job. A thoroughly decent guy who has worked hard for our club and settled in our town with his family. I appreciate the need for change, but wish Gary all the very best in his developing career.
@J_BELLAMY_19: Have to feel a little sorry for GMS. Never qualified for the job but hung out to dry week after week by the club. Need a real statement of intent now. They have stalled on sacking him for weeks, time to show some metal. #drfc
@spennerrave: Don’t smile because it’s over, cry because it happened in the first place. Also thanks for Sunderland away gaz x
@JT__90: He was never qualified for the job. The ones who employed him are to blame!
@j17_jj: EXPERIENCED MANAGER PLEASE
@martinblack88: I’m glad this has happened but I have no I’ll feeling toward Gary or Steve. I wish them all the best just think it was a step to soon for him
@EllisMatthewFox: Blunts statement is baso what us fans have been saying majority of the season, it’s a start to try win us back over. gg
@YorkiePud101: Ding Dong McSheffreys Gone 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 The board need to actually dip their hands in their pockets now and appoint a manager that can get the best from this squad. We have incredible talent that can get us promoted without doubt. Time to unleash it on this division! #DRFC
@berksrover: A disappointing but necessary move. Pleased to see the recognition that we need to see a more positive and structured playing style. Also pleased to see that a replacement be installed soon. #DRFC
@Jim_mclatchie24: No hard feelings towards GMS. Handed a position he wasn’t qualified or experienced enough to do and ultimately showed in our lack of game plan #drfc
@LadyZara1986: Sorry it didn’t work out Gary but glad this has been done now, hopefully we’ll appoint someone with the knowledge and be able to keep the promotion back into league 1 alive before it’s too late! 🤞🏻 for a speedy appointment and not another long drawn out one! #DRFC
@bengamblen: About fucking time. Sorry but what the fuck, hopefully we learn from our mistakes and get an experienced EFL manager in to get this squad where it is capable of going.

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