Blackburn Rovers v Doncaster Rovers - Darren Moore hoping to cash in on extended Cup run

Doncaster Rovers are one of countless clubs in the lower divisions who are wrestling with the financial fall-out of Covid-19, with the lack of match-day revenue hitting them hard.

Rovers are bestowed with the honour of starting the 2020-21 campaign for Yorkshire today and a shock win would not only provide kudos, but also a welcome cash boost.

Famously, back in 2018-19, Rovers saw their coffers swelled by an extra £600,000 following all the proceeds from their run to the last 16 of the FA Cup for the first time in 63 years.

It was a season which saw them share the cup divisional progress prize fund – which is made to the EFL clubs from each division who go furthest in the competition – with Wimbledon. Each pocketed £75,000.

On the benefits of another cup run for Rovers, boss Darren Moore said: “Any cup competition for the lower-league clubs is really important for the revenue and money.

“It goes a long way, especially as we have not had the fans in and it has been a real major concern for us – and probably the (main) one.

“I am probably speaking on behalf of all League One clubs and not just ourselves.

“That is why we are all trying to do our bit to make sure we come through this time and the Government and EFL can see we have done it and we can start introducing fans back.

“As a substitute before that, the cup competitions can help with that (finance) should you progress to further rounds and the prize money increases.

“That can help to financially keep the club in a viable position. Without putting ourselves under pressure, we understand it and why cup competitions are so important.”

Rovers, who return to competitive action after a 175-day absence, have signed former loan defender Cameron John on a two-year deal from Wolves.

Last six games: Blackburn LWDLWL; Doncaster DWLLWW.

Referee: A Backhouse (Cumbria).

Last time: Blackburn 1 Doncaster 3, August 12, 2017; League One.

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James Mitchinson