Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann's 'benchmark' admission following loss to League One champions Lincoln City
Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann makes admission after loss to League One champions Lincoln City
Grant McCann believes Lincoln City have provided his Doncaster Rovers side with a benchmark to use in their quest for growth in League One.
The high-flying Imps visited the Eco-Power Stadium last night (April 21) having already clinched promotion to the Championship.
Their 2-0 win over Rovers, secured by a Ben House Brace, ensured they will move up a division as champions. McCann has conceded the game was an “eye-opener” for his side, who have managed to secure League One football for another season.
Grant McCann’s benchmark admission
“We were beaten comprehensively by the best team in the division,” he said. “They were a really good team, physical and strong.
“We struggled with their physicality, their pace, their power, their set-plays and it was a benchmark for us to see what it takes to be champions of League One.
“They were really hard to play against and we never laid a glove on them, we had a few spells but not enough to even threaten their goal. They fought for every ball and were together, and it was a good eye-opener for us.”
McCann has made no secret of his desire to push Doncaster up to the second tier and will undoubtedly be taking a look at the work done by Lincoln boss Michael Skubala.
A former Leeds United coach, Skubala has turned Lincoln into a dominant force in League One without an eye-wateringly large budget.
The Lincoln City view
After his side’s win in South Yorkshire, the 43-year-old said: “It’s hard to come away and dominate, but we totally dominated them. Second half we were just unbelievable and we could have scored more goals.
“It’s not just we’ve done it, it’s how we’ve done it. What a performance in winning the title, in just being us.
“I thought the performance epitomised our season. From start to finish, we were excellent, we have been all season.”