Gary McSheffrey warns of 'ruthless decisions' regarding futures of Doncaster Rovers players

GARY MCSHEFFREY has warned that some 'ruthless decisions' lie ahead regarding the futures of a number of Doncaster Rovers players.

The club have endured a fraught season in League One, having been in the relegation picture throughout the campaign.

Despite that, Rovers still have a chance of securing survival amid a mini-league at the foot of the table.

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Crewe are five points adrift at the bottom, but above that, five clubs - from Doncaster in 23rd to Fleetwood in 19th - are separated by just four points.

Doncaster Rovers manager Gary McSheffrey. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.Doncaster Rovers manager Gary McSheffrey. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
Doncaster Rovers manager Gary McSheffrey. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

The club's fates are on the line, but also individual futures.

The likes of Tom Anderson, John Bostock, Cameron John, Dan Gardner and Aidan Barlow are among those out of contract, while loanees Josh Martin, Ethan Galbraith and Ben Jackson will return to their parent clubs. The club may also elect to try and move on other players who have underperformed this season, more especially if relegation is confirmed.

McSheffrey, whose second-from-bottom side welcome Charlton on Saturday, said: "There are discussions that are going to take place in the next couple of weeks when everyone is able to get around the table together.

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"They are ongoing discussions and we have some big decisions to make and some ruthless decisions to make because it is a big squad here and ultimately there are areas that definitely need freshening up.

"Ultimately, it could depend on divisions and what type of salaries you can pay. Those discussions and meeting has not taken place yet."

Meanwhile, McSheffrey remains confident he retains the full support of the Rovers hierarchy and feels no 'pressure from above' despite his side remaining entrenched in the relegation zone following his promotion to full-time manager.

McSheffrey has won five of his 20 league matches in charge.

He commented: "I have signed a 12-month rolling contract, so as far as I know, every day I work, I have got 12 months employment left.

"That is a question you will have to ask them and I don't feel any pressure from above, no."

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