Darren Moore 'inspired' by Doncaster Rovers work ethic after five months away

After nearly five months away, the players are back in pre-season training ahead of the start of the new League One season on September 12, with the League Cup perhaps starting the previous weekend.

Doncaster have not played since March 7 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and manager Moore has been impressed with how they and his staff have returned.

“Honestly, and I’ve said it to the boys, they inspire me,” said Moore.

“The way they’ve come back and worked – I really do enjoy working with this group because in terms of the focus, the intensity, the togetherness, the willingness and the hunger all of those things bode well.

“It inspires me as a manager to see the staff work, to see everyone mucking in – it’s all rewarding in terms of everyone helping each other and that’s what it’s going to take.

“I always like to see the person as they are – as oppose to the job that they do – and they’ve all been excellent.”

The League One season was abandoned after clubs decided it was not viable to play behind closed doors. Rovers fell just short of qualifying for the play-offs, which were the only matches to go ahead.

The 2020-21 campaign will resume behind closed doors, but it is hoped fans will be able to return in limited numbers in October.

Doncaster are yet to add any new faces to the squad, but they have still made some important signings, such as bringing veteran James Coppinger back for a 17th season, and making Jason Lokilo's loan from Crystal Palace permanent.

“Just before the lockdown everyone saw a bit of a cameo of what he could do,” said Moore of a player who only made his debut a week before what turned out to be Doncaster's final game of 2019-20.

“He’s got wonderful feet, tight control, he’s blessed with speed, he’s got great quality on the ball.

“We saw a small snapshot when he put the cross in for the goal against Wycombe before the lockdown.

“If we get him in the right positions, I think he can score goals for the football club. I’m really pleased to have him back.

“For him, I think he has unfinished business with the club.

“He has the platform to continue that now and let’s hope he grasps it with both hands.”

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