A series of injuries to first-choice players towards the end of last season exposed Doncaster’s lack of strength in depth but new boss Grant McCann acted fast to make sure every position in his squad is covered next term.
No fewer than eight new players have signed – with the possibility of more to come – to give McCann the right sort of selection headache ahead of the season opener on Saturday, August 5.
Here’s our early prediction at how the team might line up.
9. CM - Harrison Biggins
Biggins showed he can be a good player for Doncaster at times last season. Like others, he needs to be more consistent, but he brings bags of energy and could be helped by having better players around him. Competition will be stiff in the middle of the park, though. Photo: HOWARD ROE
10. Kyle Hurst - LW
If Hurst can build on the promise of his breakout season in men's football then Doncaster will have a real asset on their hands. Despite some dips in form last year - to be expected - Hurst did better than expected. The challenge now is to better that. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
11. Jon Taylor - RW
A surprise pick - and slightly controversial - no doubt. McCann waxed lyrical about Taylor's talents, however, so a good pre-season could do him the world of good and reignite his Doncaster career. There could be further additions in the wide areas, so things could change. Elsewhere, Luke Molyneux still has some convincing to do, while Tyler Roberts is an unknown entity. Photo: Liam Ford/AHPIX LTD
12. Joe Ironside - ST
Another tough call but McCann is expected to play with one number nine. Who starts between Ironside and Miller could come down to pre-season form but at this moment our money is on the new boy, a proven goalscorer in this division and the one above. Photo: David Rogers