Doncaster Rovers new boy: 'Everything (Grant McCann) said really blended in'
Grant McCann hit the right notes to persuade Isaac Hutchinson to turn his back on rival interest and join Doncaster Rovers.
The midfielder arrives from Bristol Rovers for a transfer fee which whilst undisclosed, is believed to be the biggest the League One club has paid for more than a decade-and-a-half.
“I spoke to the gaffer a while back now and I think everything he said really blended in with what I want out of my career," said the attacking midfielder, who has signed a two-year contract.
“I’ve come to Doncaster a few times, I’ve played against Grant McCann’s sides, and they’ve really been on an upwards trajectory, so everything sort of lent in to me coming here.”
After the Gas were relegated to League Two in the summer of 2025, Hutchinson spent the majority of last season on loan at divisional rivals Cheltenham Town, and the 26-year-old finished it with 20 goals in all competitions.
“Quite a few clubs were after him and the fact he chose us gives us great reassurance that he wants to come here and make his mark," said manager McCann. "I’m delighted to get him."
Doncaster already have a high-class attacking midfielder in Owen Bailey, who scored 16 goals in 2025-26. Rovers have offered new contracts to Bailey and Luke Molyneux, so the hope will be that it is not a case of one in, one out.
But Bailey performed to a high level last season in a variety of midfield roles, at centre-back and right-back, so could easily play alongside Hutchinson.
Doncaster smashed their club record when they bought Billy Sharp from Sheffield United in 2012 for £1.15m but have not paid even a tenth of that as a transfer fee since.