Three more years for Doncaster Rovers' 'heartbeat' as another key player commits to new deal

Midfielder Robbie Gotts has agreed a new contract committing him to until the summer of 2029.

Manager Grant McCann sees it as a coup for the League One club, who tied captain Owen Bailey down for another three years in the summer.

Gotts came through at Leeds United, but since moving to what is now called the Club Doncaster Sports Village from Barrow in 2025, he has carved out a role as a mainstay of the side alongside fellow midfielder Bailey.

"He epitomises everything we're about as a football club," said McCann. "He's hard working, energetic and someone who is always looking to improve.

“I'd like to thank Terry (Bramall, the club's owner) and Gavin (Baldwin, chief executive) for their support in making this happen.

"Robbie still had time remaining on his previous contract, but we're delighted to have secured his future for the longer term. It allows him to settle, enjoy his football and continue being an important part of what we're building here.

“He's been the heartbeat of the team over the last six or seven months and has continuously improved. The supporters love watching Gottsy play, and that's because he drives the mentality we want here. It's not just what he brings on the pitch, but the way he trains every day as well."

The 26-year-old, who joined Doncaster after four successful years at Barrow, took a little while to settle in the team last season but 44 appearances in all competitions, and Saturday's defeat at Milton Keynes Dons – when he came on as a half-time substitute – was the first league game he has not started this season.

He has impressed McCann off the field too.

“Robbie is like a sponge," he said. "You give him information and he absorbs it, takes it on board and goes out and delivers. He wants to learn, he wants to improve and he's always looking at ways to develop his game.

"He's got so many attributes we really like, and while there are still little things we want to add to his game, his energy, hard work, aggression and ability to look after the ball make him a fantastic player to work with.

“It's important that we reward people for their performances, and this is a real sign to the rest of the squad that if you come in and perform to a high standard, you'll be rewarded. We've worked hard to get ahead of the game with our contract planning, and this is another example of that.”

The desire to keep improving was high in Gotts’ mind when he talked about his new deal.

“Breaking into the team last season was a big moment for me and since then I've just wanted to keep improving and enjoying every match,” he said. “I've worked hard on my game, both on and off the pitch, and I feel like I've developed a lot since joining.

“I want to keep driving my own standards, getting better every day and helping the team as much as I can. We've got a great group of players and people at the club, and I genuinely believe we've got the togetherness and quality to push up the table.

“The supporters have been brilliant with me since I've been here, and it's always special to hear them singing my name. I want to keep giving everything for them and hopefully we can achieve some really good things together.”