Doncaster Rovers' 'most improved player' Brad Halliday on developing over time

“He came in from League Two and I think he’s grown into one of the best right backs in the league.”
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A question from a primary school pupil brought a thought-provoking answer from Doncaster Rovers skipper Ben Whiteman.

Who is the most improved player at Rovers? The name on the lips of Whiteman was that of Brad Halliday.

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The right back has become increasingly vital to how Darren Moore wants his side to play, with his positioning high up the pitch when Rovers are in possession key.

Brad Halliday. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIXBrad Halliday. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX
Brad Halliday. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX

And there has been a marked improvement in his defensive work too.

But does the man himself share the views of others about his improvement?“I do, definitely,” he told the Free Press.

“I remember saying it a few times last year that I was growing into the league and the team and I feel like I’m still doing that and it’s a work in progress.

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“I feel like I want to get better and stronger with each game I play. I’ve got a lot to learn still and I have learned a lot already.

“If I can keep learning, my development is going to continue.”

On where he feels he has improved the most since his arrival from Cambridge United last summer, the 25-year-old believes it is the attacking side of his game.

And he says his blossoming understanding with Jon Taylor has been key to that.

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“Maybe it’s coming inside, giving an option in central midfield when we’re attacking,” he said.

“And when Taylor comes inside, going on the outside. It’s the understanding really.

“The gaffer and Sivvy [Jamie Smith, assistant manager] have helped me understand the game more.

“I think it’s the understanding with me and Tayls. I know his attributes and he knows mine. He likes to spend most of his time on the outside so I’ll go in. And if he wants to come in, I’ll go on the outside.

“That’s just the understanding we have.

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“I feel as though I have progressed from my previous seasons in League Two.

“I still feel like I’ve got a lot to learn.”

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