Grant McCann's potential sways Doncaster Rovers' decision

DONCASTER ROVERS chairman David Blunt believes that the club have landed one of the brightest coaching prospects in English football after appointing Grant McCann as their new manager.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jun 2018, 07:00 BST
Updated 30th Jun 2018, 05:49 BST
Doncaster Rovers announce their new manager Grant McCann. Picture Gareth Williams/AHPIX LTDDoncaster Rovers announce their new manager Grant McCann. Picture Gareth Williams/AHPIX LTD
Doncaster Rovers announce their new manager Grant McCann. Picture Gareth Williams/AHPIX LTD

The ex-Peterborough boss, 38, beat off competition from Stuart McCall and Gary Caldwell, with the Rovers board settling on McCann after being won over by his plans for the future during a lengthy interview process.

On advertising the position following the resignation of Darren Ferguson on June 4, the club’s hierarchy stipulated that successful candidates would have to articulate a clear plan to make the club top-six contenders next season.

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McCann, who left Posh in February with the club in tenth place in League One and six points out of the play-offs stood out with his vision, according to Blunt.

On McCann, who was in the reckoning for the recent managerial positions at Barnsley and Bradford City, Blunt said: “Grant was our first choice as manager as soon as we had completed the interviews, having displayed a real passion for taking on the role and showing how he can lead the club into play-off contention.

“He is one of the most promising young coaches in football, which was shown in his time at Peterborough. His win ratio was 40 per cent, which was particularly impressive for his first role in management.”

McCann, who will take training for the first time today, added: “I can’t wait to get started. Doncaster are a club with real potential and ambition, and after meeting the chairman and chief executive, I am confident we can work together to get the club into the Championship and stay there.”

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Meanwhile, Rovers have confirmed that assistant manager Gavin Strachan has left the club.

Bradford City have moved to fill the void left by the exit of Colin Doyle by signing ex-Rotherham United custodian Richard O’Donnell on a two-year-deal from Northampton Town.

Sheffield-born O’Donnell, 29, joins on a free due to a relegation clause in his contract.

Leeds United full-back Lewie Coyle has returned to Fleetwood on loan, signing until January 6.

Middlesbrough have followed up the capture of Paddy McNair by signing Bristol City centre-half Aden Flint in a reported deal worth £7m.

Flint, 28, has signed a four-year contract.

Related topics:Grant McCannDoncaster RoversBradford City