Why Doncaster Rovers must make somewhat surprising Grant McCann decision | OneFootball

Grant McCann should not join the list of sacked League One managers.

While a number of Sky Bet League One managers have found themselves on the chopping block as of late, Grant McCann's position should not be questioned at Doncaster Rovers.

The South Yorkshire outfit may be struggling, with a long stretch of poor results over the past couple of months, but the Rovers chief should be given the chance to turn his team's fortunes around.

Not only has he earned his opportunity, but lofty expectations have not helped with the setting of a fair basis for the season.

Doncaster Rovers fans need to check their expectations

Doncaster swopped in to claim the League Two crown last term, with a stellar run at just the right time. They hit the front on the finishing stretch and showed no signs of letting up until after they dispatched Notts County on the final day of the campaign.

They started the current season in much the same vein, finding themselves nestled at the upper end of the table during the early goings. Rovers lost just one of their opening 10 games in all competitions, winning eight of them.

However, victory over Bradford City in early September stands as the club's most recent league triumph. Consecutive losses to Wigan Athletic, AFC Wimbledon, and Luton Town saw a sea of red across the Rovers form book in the games that followed.

Their most recent seven league games have brought just two points from the possible 21, with 1-1 draws against Burton Albion and Reading the only signs of brightness in a dim period.

Despite the high-flying starts Wimbledon and Bradford have made, any finish above the relegation zone can be seen as a solid return for a promoted side. That is no different for Rovers, and while expectations grew over a busy summer and strong beginning to the term, the reality check has caused a reevaluation.

Grant McCann has plenty of credit in the bank

Despite this recent dip in results, there is no reason for Doncaster to consider a change in manager.

Dumping your head coach after a poor run seems to be the fashion in the English third tier, with Blackpool's Steve Bruce, Peterborough United's Darren Ferguson, and the Royals' Noel Hunt all falling victim to the dreaded sack in recent weeks.

That is not an exhaustive list either, with a number of other managers teetering on the proverbial edge that others, such as Matt Bloomfield, have fallen over.

But, in spite of recent trends and the poor streak of results and performances, McCann has plenty of credit in the bank. Simply put, Doncaster would not be in League One without his stewardship and guidance through stormy seas. Sticking with him on such a run is a surprise in the modern game, but it shouldn't be.

The club finished 18th in their return to the fourth tier back in the 2022/23 season, not a far cry from back-to-back relegation. Since then, McCann has led the Yorkshire club to an ill-fated play-off jaunt and a crowning league title.

His success has given him the right to not be questioned during the current dismal period.

FA Cup success shows sign of life at Doncaster Rovers

McCann has been helped by victory in the FA Cup too. Coming from behind to eliminate Crewe Alexandra, the side who beat Rovers in their 2024 play-off campaign, has brought a sign that there is still fight in the Doncaster squad.

Captain Owen Bailey netted the late winner after legendary striker Billy Sharp got Doncaster back on level terms in the second-half. With a South Yorkshire derby on the very near horizon, Rovers needed any confidence boost they could get their hands on.

Progression in the FA Cup has done just that, helping to remind Doncaster what the winning feeling is. It has furthered the case that McCann is the man to turn this around for Rovers as well, with his leadership needed now more than ever.