Ferguson intent on making changes to ensure swift return

But for Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Ferguson, it is something he will not be afforded. To his considerable frustration, you would venture.

Ripping up squads and effectively starting again is the modus operandi for many sides after painful relegations, with vast numbers of out-of-contract players dispensed with as they pay the price for a collective season of failure. It can be a cathartic exercise, both for managers and supporters.

In that respect, things are a lot more problematic for Ferguson, with virtually every senior player under contract for next season at least; the only one who isn’t is back-up goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

It leaves the Scot hamstrung, when in an ideal world, you suspect he would not have wasted any time in releasing a number of players given the chance. Ferguson spoke of ‘big changes’ as he picked up the pieces after last weekend’s loss at Crewe which all but consigned Rovers to League Two.

After discussions with the board, more clarity will become apparent early next week, with Rovers ending their season against Burton on Sunday.

Ferguson has confirmed that players and staff wages will be cut in the wake of relegation and the possibility of a fair number being transfer-listed following a massively under-performing year looks a very strong one.

That scenario may not appease many Rovers fans who chanted: ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt” to players at the final whistle on Saturday, but it would be a start.

But the Rovers chief is certainly not one to court popularity, with his mind having been made up regarding who he sees as part of his future at Doncaster for a fair few months, not just weeks, you sense.

Making no bones about the need for a squad overhaul, Ferguson said: “There will be players who I don’t feel are going to fit into what I want to do.

“Certain things need changing and I have to make sure they are.

“There’s only maybe two or three out of contract and a large amount who are still in contract. We will have to have discussions with them (on) the day after the Burton game in the sense of what I want to do with it.

“I have got to sort out the recruitment. That is a massive thing and we have got to make sure we bring the right players in. I think, given time, the players I have brought in have made a big difference.

“But I think the recruitment before that has been absolutely horrendous.”

Ferguson is the first to admit that recruitment will not be straightforward, given Rovers’ drop into League Two, which is likely to heighten his need to give himself room for manoeuvre on his playing budget by making some key decisions.

But he remains upbeat regarding Rovers’ chances next year, if changes are made.

He added: “There is a core I am quite happy to keep. But as time goes on, sometimes your decisions become a lot easier.

“It will be my decision who leaves. If I can get the right ones in, I am confident that we get out of the league straightaway.

“But it does affect the quality of players you are going to get as a lot of targets will not want to drop to League Two. You will have that to deal with.

“With people like Tommy Rowe, we won’t keep him now, while Gary McSheffrey – another I wanted to keep – might be a doubt now.”