‘Decision-making will be key’ to Doncaster Rovers’ improvement according to boss Andy Butler

Rovers were unsettled by Blackpool’s strong press for long stages of Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Bloomfield Road and were penned in by the hosts, who secured their place in the play-offs with the win.

Two goals from Ellis Simms saw Blackpool run out relatively comfortable winners in driving rain on the Fylde coast.

Butler does not want Rovers to abandon their intent to play good possession football but says improvement is needed if it is to be effective.

“I think we do play good football and we do play through the thirds but it’s just about the decision making,” he said. “It’s getting it to the number four and then seeing what your options are there, what is the movement like up front.

“Teams will press up because of the nature of how we play.”

Butler says he will stick to such principles if he is handed the Rovers job on a longer term basis next week.

And he feels his attempts to get Rovers playing more effectively have been hampered by injuries, with Tuesday’s game the first where he has been able to name the same starting XI from the previous match.

“The approach won’t change if I’m in charge,” he said. “My philosophy is that I want to play football.

“I don’t want to see route one - though there are times when there are different ways of playing out from the back.

“I like to see us dominate possession but it’s been difficult because I’ve not had a settled side.

“That was the first time in my tenure that I’ve been able to name the same XI due to injuries. And even then I got two injuries in the first half.

“It’s been a learning curve for me and one I’ve enjoyed. If someone offered it to me again I’d take it in a heartbeat.”

Rovers will close out the season on Sunday when they host promoted Peterborough United at the Keepmoat, in what will be James Coppinger’s final game for the club.

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