Jones quick to learn as he plots overdue win for Doncaster

DONCASTER ROVERS interim-manager Rob Jones has cast aside notions that he must win tomorrow’s home derby with Barnsley to keep alive his hopes of becoming full-time boss – with his main focus being winning for the club, not his own position.
Rob Jones.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson.Rob Jones.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
Rob Jones. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

Jones has so far presided over two draws and two losses in his stint in charge, taking just two points from a possible 12.

The 35-year-old was enthused by his side’s second-half display in the 2-2 midweek draw with Swindon Town, but equally knows the importance of victory tomorrow after a run of six games without a win for the League One strugglers.

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He said: “I need a win because that is what Doncaster Rovers need, it’s as simple as that.

“It is not about me, it is about Doncaster Rovers.

“It always has been; it’s not about individuals because individuals don’t win anything. It’s a collective unit that wins things.

“We have got to deliver (and win on Saturday), simple as that.

“You can keep saying it’s coming, but you have got to cement it.

“We have got to go out and get that win.

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“We are showing really good signs that it is not far away and within our grasp.”

Despite not yet recording a win in his time in charge, the experience has been massively enriching for Jones who, regardless of whether he is handed the Rovers reins permanently, is fully backing himself to be a manager.

Jones said: “I will be a manager.

“Whether it’s here, in five years or 10 years, I will become a manager –no doubt about it.

“Is it my time at the moment? I can’t answer that question.

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“If I am not the next manager, I will give the next manager my total support and return to my Under-21 and playing duties. That’s life.

“This last three weeks has been a massive learning curve for me. I have loved every single minute of it.

“The high and low points have all been mixed in there and I have learned stuff about myself and my players and stuff I didn’t really understand before.

“It only bodes well for me in the future. And what will be, will be.

“It’s been fun, it’s been stressful, it’s been passionate but it’s also been exciting.”