Doncaster Rovers board pledge backing for manager Darren Ferguson

It was almost inevitable that the question would be asked.
Doncaster Rovers players respect manager Darren Ferguson, says chairman Davkd Blunt. Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTDDoncaster Rovers players respect manager Darren Ferguson, says chairman Davkd Blunt. Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD
Doncaster Rovers players respect manager Darren Ferguson, says chairman Davkd Blunt. Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD

At the latest edition of Doncaster Rovers’ bi-annual Meet The Owners event last week, surely at some point a supporter would query why Darren Ferguson remains the club’s manager.

After a sequence of 17 games without victory which sent Rovers spiralling towards League Two, there will be certain fans who are unconvinced by Ferguson, even during a particularly positive summer.

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And so, 20 minutes into a session of some of the most searching questions the Rovers hierarchy have faced at such an event, the board was asked why they still have confidence in Ferguson.

Chairman David Blunt was quick to grab the microphone to defend Ferguson and back him to lead a Rovers return to League One.

“First of all, Darren didn’t appoint himself to this position, we appointed him,” Blunt said. “It may well be that some comments people have said, but certainly from my personal perspective, I have no doubt that we have the right person to do this job.

“That’s borne out of the facts of when we appointed Darren: 43 per cent of games that he’s managed he’s actually won compared to the 38 out of 138 we have won.

“I appreciate we had that spell last year.

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“The ability and the respect he has received not only from the board but also from the players.

“You can go to the training ground and understand the respect the players have for him.

“Again I think it would be fair to say that without the manager, the players we currently have, we wouldn’t be getting.

“We’ve had a disappointing season behind us but I’ve got every belief that we’re going to have a great season this year as well.”

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Blunt also moved to assure the gathered supporters that the club’s hierarchy had examined all aspects of the club following relegation in a bid to lay strong foundations for the future.

And he is convinced the club is back on the right track.

“We’re trying to learn our lessons from last year. We’ve done out best I can assure you and we’ve put things in place in an attempt to try to alleviate that ever happening again.

He said: “Equally, we are looking forward and this is a great opportunity for this football club. We have to start looking forward and taking a positive attitude forward. Led by Gavin, Darren and the players and ably supported by the supporters as well.

“There’s a lot to be done but I think hopefully we’re on the right track.”

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Numerous decisions came under scrutiny as supporters asked questions of both the past and future at Rovers.

The transfer-listing of popular goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann, Curtis Main’s controversial loan to relegation rivals Oldham Athletic and the collapse of reciprocal ticket offers with both Barnsley and Bradford City were all discussed on the night.