IN contrast to all of Doncaster Rovers' previous EFL Trophy games in 2025-26, Grant McCann chose to speak to the press after Tuesday's appointment with Stockport County, as opposed to his long-time assistant Cliff Byrne.

There was a reason why. The 'gaffer' wanted to deliver a post-match message personally and deliver a public rebuke to his players.

At key junctures of a season - and Rovers' semi-final exit represented a big opportunity passed up - that's what you'd expect from McCann, who has always fronted up in his managerial career.

His comments towards his players – and especially a number who started the tie against County - was more of a warning in truth ahead of the 13-match run-in which features seven matches in March as Rovers strive to secure their League One status before addressing the future.

Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann with assistant Cliff Byrne during last Saturday's game with Cardiff City. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann with assistant Cliff Byrne during last Saturday's game with Cardiff City. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Speaking of 13, that's the number of players whose deals expire this summer, excluding loan signings.

There are club options on nine off-contract players, including Jordan Gibson, James Maxwell, Ben Close and Harry Clifton. Those with no options on their deals include Billy Sharp and Jack Senior.

The group of 13 are playing not just for the team, but their own futures with McCann keen to make that point.

He was particularly scathing of Rovers' efforts on the first half against County, when his side did not lay a glove on the visitors.

McCann was furious with his side's first-half performance in the EFL Trophy against Stockport County. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

McCann, who made four changes at the interval, said: "They've got to play for a lot here. They're playing for their futures. It's as simple as that.

"We're 13 games away from the end of the season. I'm being serious here. Some of them are playing for their futures.

"They've got a choice. They can either sulk about it or they can knuckle down and be a part of it. Some of them are not just at a level at this moment.

"Listen, I'm a nice enough guy. But I've got a ruthless side to me. That's why I'm in this job.

"If I feel like someone's not pulling their weight, they won't be here too long."

McCann's line-up raised eyebrows after he made nine changes from the weekend, with only Jay McGrath and Glenn Middleton starting the game against Cardiff.

The Rovers chief insisted that he was staying true to his policy in the previous rounds of making wholesale changes and utilising the squad, with the tactic proving a successful one in terms of reaching the semi-final, he ventured.

But he felt compelled to bring on the likes of Owen Bailey and Luke Molyneux at the break after what he viewed as an 'unacceptable' opening period against County, who led 1-0 when they really should have been home and hosed.

Barely able to conceal his anger, McCann added: "The first half was just mind-boggling. Just that (lack of) heart and determination to go and make things happen. Forget about the pretty football passing and all this. Do the basics first.

"It's unacceptable. I won't tolerate somebody being just 'easy-osy' and jogging about and not tackling and running away and being scared."