'Any team in this division would miss him' - Andy Butler on Jon Taylor's absence and his new deal

The 28-year-old this week signed a new three-year contract with Rovers, committing his future until the summer of 2024.

Taylor suffered an ankle injury in Butler’s first game in charge which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

“Any team in this division would miss a Jon Taylor ” Butler said.

“He gives you output, he gives you work rate, he gives you goals.

“If you take them away, it’s difficult to replace.

“His running distance shows the work he does in covering as well. It helps the team out because if you’ve got a player like that, you can start attacks from winning the ball back and counterattacking.

“I think Jon epitomises everything we’re trying to do.

“His all round community work again comes hand in hand with everything Doncaster Rovers are trying to do.

“It’s important that you get the right people around you at the club.

“He’s a good lad and a great professional and hopefully he can rub off on the others.

“Everyone knows he’s a great player at this level and hopefully he can go higher as well.

“On his day and he is a match for any League One defender so it’s disappointing not to have had him available.

“But I’m really pleased that he’s got this done and he’s here for another three years.”

Taylor has been carrying out rehab on his injury at Cantley Park in recent weeks and is not too far away from a return to full fitness, albeit after the end of the campaign.

Butler says it has been good to have the winger back with the group.

“He’s flying with his recovery and he’s made really good progress,” he said.

“He would have been back for the play-off final if things had gone well.

“He’s been in for the last couple of weeks doing his rehab.

“He’s been around the group and it’s great to have him around. He’s a lively, buzzy character who all the lads get along with.

“It’s good to have these people around to help you manage the group.”

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