Grant McCann makes 'choice words' admission after Doncaster Rovers' win over Reading
Grant McCann admitted to having “choice words” with his Doncaster Rovers players in the build-up to their 1-0 win over Reading.
A second-half goal from Owen Bailey fired Rovers to victory at the Eco-Power Stadium, putting an end to a dismal run of form.
Reading could not produce a response, arguably waving goodbye to their hopes of a top-six finish in League One.
It may have been a welcome return to the winning ways for Rovers, but it came after strong words from McCann.
Grant McCann reflects
Doncaster’s manager said: “It’s been a real disappointing period up to the game today. The last couple of games were really disappointing.
“Any slim hope or opportunity we had for that top six we let go over the Easter weekend. People might be looking and thinking, ‘what’s he on about?’.
“But I’ve been here so many times. We’ve done it here over the last two seasons. If we had have picked up six points from two games that I fancied us to win, we’d be sitting seven or eight points off the play-offs with four games to go. You just never know.
“I said to the players that I’ve never been so disappointed in all my managerial career leading into this game.
“There was a lot of choice words said on Tuesday but what they did today was show that real togetherness that I know they have, but need to show more often. I just feel we’ve not had that full belief that we could do it.”
Leam Richardson’s view
Royals boss Leam Richardson, meanwhile, said: “Mathematically, it’s still possible but I’ve learned a lot in the 20-odd games since coming in when we were looking over our shoulder and struggling a bit.
“It’s my job now to figure out how we get better and, this time next season, I know we will be in a lot better shape.
“I’m disappointed with the result. Doncaster probably handled the conditions better than we did.
“It took us a while to get into the game and our flair players fell short in terms of threatening their goal, which was the case in our last game as well. There was nothing in the game really but we have to be better at the top end of the pitch.”