Ryan jetting back home as Saunders attempts to strengthen

John Ryan will fly back from Cape Town this week to answer Dean Saunders’s prayers.

Doncaster Rovers manager Saunders has been very vocal in recent weeks about the need to strengthen his squad before Thursday evening’s loan deadline.

And chairman Ryan – who has been mightily impressed by the start Rovers have made to life in League One – plans to meet with the board and the manager on Thursday morning to free up some funds.

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“We will meet to discuss our next move on Thursday,” confirmed Ryan, whose side sit eighth with a game in hand.

“We have always tried to support the manager as best we can and obviously we will continue to do that.

“Right now we can’t give the finer points of that because we don’t know what Dean wants.

“But he’s done very well so far in the transfer market. Rob Jones has been an unbelievable signing and David Cotterill has made a big impact.

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“We’ve exceeded expectations when you consider the amount of changes we made in the close season.

“Dean didn’t really have chance to give most of the players a pre-season so what he has achieved so far has been quite remarkable.”

If they free up sufficient funds in time it could lead to a frantic few hours for Saunders ahead of Thursday’s 5pm deadline.

Before then is the small matter of a trip to Carlisle. Rovers are unbeaten on their travels in the League since September 1.

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That 2-1 defeat at Yeovil is their only reverse from nine away matches, and equates to a yield of 20 points from a possible 27, a return matched only by leaders Tranmere. Such form has had Ryan harking back to the 1946-47 season when Rovers proved such formidable opposition on the road.

“Our away form has been terrific, we just need to sharpen up at home,” said the proud chairman. “If we can do that and keep doing well away from home then we’ll be right up there.”

By contrast, Carlisle – who find themselves looking over their shoulders at the bottom four after years of challenging for promotion – have won only two of nine games at Brunton Park.

Last six games: Carlisle WLWDLL; Doncaster WWWLLW.

Last time: Carlisle 1 Doncaster 0; February 23, 2008; League One.

Referee: M Brown (East Yorkshire).

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