Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann's message to 'doubters' after winless run continues against Huddersfield Town

It goes along the lines of 'carry on'.

Since beating Stockport County on penalties in the EFL Cup on August 8, their first outing of the 2026-27 campaign, Rovers have not won in their past seven matches in all competitions.

Despite his two spells in charge at Rovers being an unqualified success, it hasn't absolved him from criticism of late from some fans.

Equally, it's a scenario which McCann, 46, has periodically experienced before in his managerial career.

Last season, Doncaster endured a testing autumn which saw them go 10 matches without a league victory.

McCann didn't panic and a strong second half of 25-26 pulled the club away from relegation trouble.

The Rovers chief, whose side lost 3-1 at home in their EFL Trophy opener against visiting Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night, said: "Listen, I'll tell you what I love.

"I got into football when I was 16 years of age and I've always been told 'I can't' or 'you won't'. And all through my life.

"So I like having doubters. I like having people doubt my ability and the team's ability. That actually drives me. The more of it, the better for us."

Tuesday's defeat to Yorkshire rivals Town was all the more galling given that Rovers, who led at the break thanks to Leon Ayinde's maiden goal, dominated the opening 20 minutes of the second half, but failed to put the game to bed.

The hosts paid a hefty price, with the visitors responding with a three-goal burst inside 10 minutes.

McCann added: "I said to Cliff (Byrne - assistant) at 1-0: 'I'm getting worried a wee bit here' and he said: 'What do you mean?

"I said that I've seen 550 games as a manager and when you don't get a second goal against a good team like Huddersfield, who are bringing on Ashley Fletcher and Cameron Humphreys, who are Championship-level players, you have to get the second one.

"But I've got full belief in the lads that we've brought in. We've recruited really well."