As Newport County prepare to take on Doncaster Rovers, we take a closer look at Saturday's opposition.
What's their story?
Founded in 1879, Doncaster Rovers have been a stalwart of English football, often competing in the third and fourth tiers. Despite fluctuating fortunes, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the lower leagues, boasting three Fourth Division titles and four Third Division titles. Their resilience has been a defining feature, particularly during the 1997-98 season when they dropped out of the Football League and into non-league football. However, the Rovers quickly demonstrated their fighting spirit by clawing their way back to league status within five seasons. Their return was sealed by a dramatic 110th-minute winner in the Conference Play-off Final, securing a 3-2 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.
The Rovers' resurgence didn’t stop there. They achieved back-to-back promotions, capturing the Third Division title in the 2003-04 season. Just three years later, they lifted the EFL Trophy in 2007. The following season, Doncaster achieved one of the most memorable moments in their history, defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the League One Play-off Final to return to the Championship for the first time since 1958.
Although they faced relegation from the Championship in 2012 and 2014, Doncaster Rovers have consistently shown their resilience, spending the last decade bouncing between League One and League Two. The club's rich history is a testament to their enduring spirit and ambition, marking them as one of the most determined teams in English football.
Who's the boss?
Grant McCann, currently in his second tenure with Doncaster Rovers, brings a wealth of experience to the dugout. The Northern Irishman, who first managed the Rovers from 2018 to 2019, enjoyed a 17-year playing career that began in the youth ranks of West Ham United. Although McCann made only four appearances for the Irons, his career flourished at other clubs, most notably Cheltenham Town and Peterborough United, where he became a fan favorite.
McCann's managerial journey began at Peterborough United, where he transitioned from caretaker manager in 2015 to the official role in 2016. Although his managerial tenure at Peterborough was challenging, his playing days were marked by significant successes, including a League One play-off final victory in the 2010-11 season and an EFL Trophy win in 2014. McCann’s first major achievement as a manager came in the 2020-21 season when he guided Hull City to the League One title with an impressive 89 points. Despite his success, McCann was unexpectedly relieved of his duties the following season.
Returning to Doncaster Rovers, McCann nearly enjoyed a dream comeback, leading the team to a fifth-place finish in last season’s League Two campaign. However, their promotion hopes were dashed in the play-offs after a penalty shootout loss to Crewe Alexandra, following a 2-2 aggregate draw over two legs.
Who's the captain?
Richard Wood, a seasoned former Championship defender, now captains Doncaster Rovers. Having joined the club in 2023, Wood brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the squad. He began his career at Sheffield Wednesday, where he formed a formidable centre-back partnership with former Newport County manager Graham Coughlan. Wood made over 170 appearances for the Owls, scoring two goals in the 2009-10 season before transferring to Coventry City.
At Coventry, Wood made a significant impact, even scoring an equalizer against his former club, Sheffield Wednesday. His journey continued with stints at Charlton Athletic and Rotherham United, where he made 248 appearances and became a fan favorite. After nine years with the Millers, Wood joined Doncaster Rovers, where the 39-year-old captain led the side to the play-offs last season.
Key Player
Luke Molyneux has started the 2024-25 season in scintillating form, quickly becoming Doncaster Rovers’ standout player. The winger made an immediate impact by scoring twice and providing an assist in the Rovers’ commanding 4-1 victory over Accrington Stanley, earning the Man of the Match award. Molyneux's impressive start continued as he came off the bench to score in Doncaster’s 2-0 win over Salford City in the EFL Cup first round, further solidifying his key role in the team.
Last season, Molyneux was instrumental for Doncaster, making 58 appearances across all competitions and contributing a remarkable 11 goals and 10 assists. Having begun his career in the youth ranks at Sunderland, Molyneux made his first-team debut in a 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in May 2018. After loan spells at Gateshead and Hartlepool United, where he earned a permanent move, Molyneux’s performances caught the eye of Doncaster Rovers, who signed him on a two-year deal after their relegation to League Two.