Doncaster Rovers: Gary McSheffrey warns against relegation self pity

That is the verdict of Gary McSheffrey who insists they should only focus on the task at hand – returning to League One at the first attempt.

“It was a big blow for everyone for us to be relegated last season,” said McSheffrey, who spent the final two months of the season on loan at Rovers before joining on a permanent deal earlier this month.

“We were all very disappointed.

“But we have to leave that disappointment behind.

“We can’t dwell on it too much and be feeling sorry ourselves when we come back.

“It’s going to be very tough next season and we need to be at it from the off.

“We can’t afford to fall behind early by having a bad start.

“So we need to be focused and positive when we come back from training and build from there towards the start of the season.

“We can’t change what has happened now but we can make sure we are positive from the start of next season.”

McSheffrey’s fellow Rovers new boy John Marquis has warned it may take time for the team to settle due to the new additions.

Striker Marquis became the club’s seventh signing on Monday when he penned a two-year deal.

He said: “There’s quite a few new players so it may take a few games to really bed down.

“But also, there will be a freshness about the place and that could really drive everyone on.

“You never know.

“We’ve just got to make sure that we’re prepared for the first game of the season.”

Rovers have confirmed a pre-season friendly at National League side Kidderminster Harriers on July 23.