'˜We're not that far off' - John Marquis explains why he is optimistic that Doncaster Rovers can push on next season

The 15-goal striker admits a 15th place finish in League One was underwhelming.

But the 25-year-old is confident that Rovers are in a good place to be able to push on next season.

And he also insists that a couple of performances during the disappointing end to the season exemplify the club’s progress over the last year.

“The Wigan game was similar to the Blackburn game. We lost 1-0 at home to the two teams that won promotion,” said Marquis.

“That probably shows how far we’ve actually come, and that maybe we’re not as far off as we maybe think.

“It’s fine margins in games.

“There were probably quite a few games where we lost by one goal this season. That’s a telling factor. We’ve always been in games and then it’s just key moments.

“And I also feel we obviously let in a lot of late goals this season.

“They’re the things we need to iron out before next season.

“We can hold our heads up high,” he added.

“We’ve given everything in every game and a lot of the lads have played a lot of minutes.

“We’re obviously not happy where we are in the league but it’s a building season. Next year hopefully we can kick on.”

Rovers lost ten league games by one goal.

They were one of four clubs to draw 17 games. Only Rochdale (18) drew more games.