Crewe Alexandra v Doncaster Rovers – Players deserve all the credit insists Andy Butler

The 37-year-old centre-half took over the managerial hotseat at the Keepmoat Stadium last week following Moore’s sudden and unexpected departure for struggling Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday.

And Butler has made the perfect start to life as Rovers boss, ensuring that there was no post-Moore hangover by guiding the South Yorkshiremen to back-to-back League One victories over Portsmouth and Plymouth.

Prior to last week’s success against Pompey, Doncaster had taken just one point from the previous 15 on offer, though the former Huddersfield Town defender does not believe that their upturn in fortunes is down to him.

“I don’t think it’s a new manager bounce. Obviously the players have done well the last couple of games, but it’s all down to them,” he said.

“It’s not down to myself or the staff, it’s down to their application and their desire to win games.

“I think we’ve seen two different performances. Against Portsmouth, we kept the ball well and used it and probably should have scored a couple more. Against a good Plymouth side, we stayed resolute and defended the box really well.

“But, that’s down to them, that’s not down to myself or the staff. It is 11 players on the pitch working hard for themselves.”

Butler and his promotion-chasing players have an opportunity to make it three on the spin this evening when they visit mid-table Crewe Alexandra.

“It will be a tough challenge. I thought they were excellent at the Keepmoat, they kept the ball really well. They’ve had some good results. Obviously the result at the weekend [a 3-0 loss to Lincoln City] wasn’t great for them and they’ll be looking to bounce back.

“But, as I keep emphasising, I concentrate on my side, and will be looking to exploit weaknesses in Crewe.

“We just want a continuation [of the last two games].”

Last six games: Crewe LDDWLL; Doncaster WWLDLL.

Referee: B Speedie (Merseyside).

Last time: Doncaster Rovers 1 Crewe 2. October 24, 2020. League One.

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