Doncaster Rovers v Exeter: Grasp your title chance, urges Gavin Strachan

PRESSURE stakes in the pursuit of success at the end of footballing seasons invariably go with the territory when your surname is either Strachan or Ferguson.
Doncaster Rovers' assistant manager Gavin Strachan.Doncaster Rovers' assistant manager Gavin Strachan.
Doncaster Rovers' assistant manager Gavin Strachan.

Weaned on footballing success stories surrounding their famous sporting fathers, the Doncaster Rovers management team are seeking to emulate that winning mentality by way of securing the League Two title – and a victory this afternoon would take another significant step towards that.

Given events this week, Rovers assistant manager Gavin Strachan will be conscious of the premiere of a film involving footage of his father Gordon, captain of the feted Leeds United side who lifted the top-flight title 25 years ago and whose collective feats were recognised in the new and acclaimed Do You Want to Win? film.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Winning is what Darren Ferguson’s Rovers crave over the next two games to guild promotion with silverware after surprise back-to-back losses.

That message has been reinforced by not only the club’s management team, but senior players, too.

Strachan said: “The experienced players pass on the advice, particularly to the younger players, that there are certain moments in your career where you have this opportunity, not just to be promoted, which has been the objective, but to go that stage further and actually win a league.

“There are not that many players who get that opportunity within their career to do it and when you have got the chance, you have to try and achieve it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Admitting it would be a real shame if Rovers did not go on to clinch the title, he added: “It really would be because of the amount of hard work which has gone into try and achieve that objective.

“What we are also focused on is momentum for next season and we want to keep that winning habit going. We are still in a good position and in the driving seat and we hope to achieve that.”

Rovers face a fifth-placed Grecians side who could seal a play-off spot if other results also go their way.