Danny Schofield hoping Doncaster Rovers 'training week' pays dividends at home to Walsall

With colleagues higher up football's pyramid on a long break to get some proper coaching into their squads, Doncaster Rovers' Danny Schofield has had the nearest thing a League Two manager can hope for – 13 days without a game.
By Stuart Rayner
Published 2nd Dec 2022, 06:00 GMT

Schofield admits it was not what he wanted, but hopes Rovers feel the benefit at home to Walsall on Friday.

It has helped injuries to heal, with Tommy Rowe, Joseph Olowu and Reo Griffiths available. And for a coach who did not have a pre-season – not at Doncaster, anyway – there have been other benefits.

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"It didn't feel like (it was a good thing) directly after the Colchester game, I wanted to play straight away," he commented.

"But you try and take the positives. We almost had a 'coaching week' then on to Walsall."

Schofield has been trying to teach his squad new methods – of playing and learning – since replacing Gary McSheffrey in October.

"You'd assume younger players are more malleable but the senior players are really open-minded, looking to prolong their career," he said. "In terms of being open to different coaching ideas and methods – I'm not saying it's revolutionary – they're hopefully buying into it."

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Entertainment levels have risen but Doncaster have lost every second game under Schofield.

MINI-BREAK: Doncaster Rovers coach Danny SchofieldMINI-BREAK: Doncaster Rovers coach Danny Schofield
MINI-BREAK: Doncaster Rovers coach Danny Schofield

"Consistency is generally a challenge because it's that competitive you'll win the game, you'll win the second game and then whack, realisation sets in," he argued.

Luke Molyneux will not feature but is due back from medial knee ligament damage before Christmas.

"It was a twist," said Schofield. "We're hoping around 10 days before we get him (properly) back on the training pitch.

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"Initially we felt Aidan Barlow would be six weeks, it's probably seven to eight."

The Walsall game was moved to avoid a potential World Cup clash that never happened but if England win on Sunday, their quarter-final is at 7pm on December 10, giving no chance for travelling Doncaster fans making it back from Newport to watch. Moving that kick-off has been discussed, but no decision has yet been reached.

Last six games: Doncaster Rovers LWLWLD; Walsall WWDWWW

Referee: S Mather (Atherton)

Last time: Doncaster Rovers 3 Walsall 1, March 30, 2019, League One

Related topics:League TwoDoncaster