Doncaster v Swindon: Jones tells us what is in his heart, reveals Evina

The interim Doncaster Rovers manager is a natural-born winner and you sense he would not be happy if he lost a game of tiddlywinks with the family, let alone a competitive football match – and a derby at that.

Three games into his caretaker spell in charge at Rovers and the no-nonsense north-easterner has yet to preside over a win, just a draw and two defeats heading into tonight’s home clash with Swindon Town.

Unacceptable was Jones’s take on the 3-1 weekend loss at Sheffield United with Rovers players left under no illusions about what the 35-year-old thought about it all, keeping them locked in the dressing room for over 45 minutes after the final whistle.

As far as Rovers utility man 
Cedric Evina is concerned, Jones’s fury was well directed, his hurt obvious – and the club’s lowly position compounded his ire.

Regardless of whether Jones lands the Keepmoat managerial position on a full-time position or not, having formally applied for the post he is at least conforming to the notion of ‘to thine own self be true’ and doing things his way.

Jones may have been issuing the directives from the touchline for the past three matches, but thereis a good chance he will go back to the day job in the heart of defence tonight, with Rovers short of experienced central defensive options with Gary MacKenzie suspended after his dismissal against the Blades.

But whether it is out on the pitch or in the dug-out, barking out the orders and assuming responsibility is part of Jones’s DNA, with those around him left in no uncertain terms as to what he wants.

On Jones’s post-match demeanour on Saturday, Evina, with a trace of diplomacy, said: “The manager is very passionate and says what is in his heart. He doesn’t hide anything.

“Saturday was a big derby game and we wanted to win for ourselves and the fans and we spoke about it after the game and again in depth (yesterday morning).

“He (Jones) has been good and is very hands-on about what he wants and how he wants us to play.

“As a team, we weren’t happy with how we played on Saturday.

“It was very difficult and we were all disappointed. We set out to play a certain way and didn’t. Circumstances also didn’t help.”

Following Friday’s application deadline for the vacant managerial post, the Rovers’ hierarchy are now drawing up a short list, having been inundated with enquiries.

Alongside Jones, other candidates include the likes of Shaun Derry, Neil Redfearn and Darren Ferguson and while Jones’s own pitch has not been overly helped by results in his first three games, one thing is for sure: he will continue to lead from the front and demand – not expect – 100 per unflinching commitment from his players as a given.

This sort of grit and perseverance certainly served him well during some dark days over the past couple of years when a serious neck injury threatened to end his playing career; many other professionals would have taken the easy option and retired.

Jones is not one to shirk a challenge and it would hardly be the biggest surprise in the world if he donned his boots tonight and scored the winner, such are his qualities as a chieftain.

And if his bid for the full-time manager’s job doesn’t materialise, he will go down fighting at least on that score and on his terms.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s clash, first-team coach Paul Butler, handed media duties which offered a hint that Jones could start this evening, said: “Rob is a leader; he was as player and is as a manager and I am sure he will be going forward.

“That’s his make-up regardless of his job type.”

On whether Jones will feature today, a non-committal Butler said: “Rob has trained sporadically throughout the interim period and Monday was no different to any other day.

“We have got to remember Rob is still a professional football player and contracted footballer to this club as well as caretaker manager.

“It is not something he is unfamiliar with and he has combined being club captain and senior player with the Under-21s manager’s role for over a year until this moment when he became interim manager.”

Meanwhile, Rovers have boosted their numbers ahead of tonight’s game by bringing in young Manchester City midfielder James Horsfield.

The 20-year-old, who also operates at right-back. is highly regarded at City, having previously captained their Under-18s and Under-18s side.

Last six games: Doncaster WDLLDL Swindon LDWLLL.

Referee: B Toner (Lancashire).

Last time out: Doncaster 1 Swindon 2; March 17, 2015; League One.