‘A shift in optimism’ – Reflections on a transfer window for Doncaster Rovers

Ben Whiteman’s loss, while predictable and expected, threatened to derail an incredibly promising campaign due to his importance to how Rovers played.

Threatened to, but only briefly.

Results and performances on the pitch have ensured, remarkably, that the departure of arguably the best player in League One has had minimal impact so far.

While points drive positivity, optimism is generated by what can be expected - and the transfer business of the last month has certainly shifted what can be anticipated for this Rovers side.

There has been enough evidence to suggest that Rovers’ strongest XI has more than enough to position itself among the best in the division this season.

The concern, particularly given the increasingly demanding schedule, was that there was not the depth in numbers and experience that would help them stay the course in the promotion race.

At the start of February, such concerns have diminished, and there are plenty in the Rovers camp that deserve credit for that.

January, off the field, was undoubtedly a rollercoaster month that ended with a feeling of satisfaction at what the ride had delivered.

As the New Year bells chimed, Darren Moore had pressing business to attend to in the form of a goalkeeper, and the future of Rayhaan Tulloch.

With the initial pursuit of emergency loan keeper Joe Lumley going cold, Moore turned to his database of ideal signings and landed upon Brentford’s Ellery Balcombe, who was in place in time for the first game of the month.

Balombe’s performances have been incredibly impressive and he appears to have added further assurance to a backline that was hardly lacking in composure. His arrival looks already to be another tick in the successful loan box for Moore.

With Tulloch’s return pushed back further, Rovers again acted quickly to end his loan and bring in Elliot Simoes from Barnsley.

While we have yet to see the best of the Portuguese winger, his swift arrival ensured there was - and should be - no shortage in a key position.

Then came Whiteman’s departure to Preston North End, which ultimately played out rather quickly and, thankfully, with little fuss.

Debate will continue as to whether Rovers received adequate compensation for losing their captain but the way in which Whiteman’s departure was handled caused little more than a ripple within the group.

Moore’s approach when speaking about how he would go about his transfer business in the wake of Whiteman moving on was to temper expectations.

Perhaps burned a little by an unfortunate choice of words when discussing how he would mitigate for the loss of John Marquis 18 months earlier, Moore made no bold claims for what would follow in the rest of the month.

He spoke of looking within to replace Whiteman - which is exactly what he did.

And thankfully, the response to such a challenge has been impressive, particularly in the performances of Matt Smith.

But on other business, Moore’s words about the financial concerns of the club in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and less than positive tone raised concerns that backing in the market would not be forthcoming.

People need not have worried.

There was the typical waiting game that is associated with Moore’s Rovers in the transfer window.

But he and the Rovers hierarchy eventually delivered the goods with the arrival of John Bostock, sparking a memorable final week of the window.

Bostock’s signing has the potential to be one of the very best Rovers have made in the last decade.

A player with undoubted quality and ability, the 29-year-old has yet to show that on a consistent basis in English football. But with the manner in which Moore and Jamie Smith encourage and facilitate improvement, Bostock could be in the perfect place to bring out his very best.

At League One level, Bostock’s arrival looks a bit of a coup.

Speaking of that, then there was the return of Josh Sims.

The devastating impact made by the Southampton loanee before Christmas helped Rovers into the early stages of an incredible run of form that continues to this date.

All expectations were that Sims would not return. Until his hamstring injury in December, Rovers themselves had largely given up hope of securing an extension to the loan.

But the injury proved to be a gamechanger, along with the considerable impression Rovers had made on Sims himself.

And so he is back until the end of the season, which could prove to be the real gamechanger.

Omar Bogle followed - another signing with plenty of potential and even more to prove.

The striker will add something different to Rovers’ attack, as well as providing support to Fejiri Okenabirhie in the wake of a severe injury to Tyreece John-Jules.

Should Moore be able to work his magic once more, he could have landed another gem of a signing.

That would have been enough for many, but Moore and the board were not done, with a loan deal for Celtic midfielder Scott Robertson sanctioned.

Concerns about depth in the squad were washed away in a matter of days.

Now Moore has choices to make across the pitch - though the demands of the fixture list will make decisions somewhat easier.

There is a strength in the numbers, a strength that a side with aspirations for promotion requires.

That was recognised in the right areas - by the manager, and the masters of the purse strings who substantiated their claims Moore would be backed if Rovers remained in a promising position through the month.

The departure of Marquis 18 months ago left a hole that Rovers struggled to fill.

There have been no such worries since the departure of Whiteman last month.

For that, there should only be positivity.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.