Darren Moore explains release of Max Watters and Shane Blaney from Doncaster Rovers

Max Watters, Shane Blaney, Rian McLean, Rieves Boocock and Myron Gibbons were among those released by the club this week.

The releases of Watters and Blaney in particular were somewhat surprising given both had made first team appearances in the 2019/20 season, though both concluded the campaign out on loan with non-league sides.

Moore admits financial matters were a major influence in their releases as the club deals with the implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

But he also says the players in question have reached the stage of their development where they need regular game time - something he says he could not offer them.

“The situation with them, looking at the current situation we’re in as a club, it’s about making sure we have enough finances to move forward,” Moore told the Free Press.

“Both Max and Shane are at an age now where they’re looking for first team football.

“They want that and they’ve got to go out and play. Opportunities would probably be limited for them.

“You have to give them the opportunity to go and find that elsewhere and we wish them well.

“The other lads are in the same position.”

Watters and Blaney were both signed by Darren Ferguson as he looked to bolster Rovers’ development squad in 2017 after the group was scaled back following relegation to League Two. McLean was another signing for the group while Boocock and Gibbons progressed through the club's academy.

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