Doncaster Rovers skipper believes squad is even closer following manager change

Darren Moore abruptly departed to take charge of Sheffield Wednesday with Andy Butler stepping up to take the reins until the end of the season.

Rovers have won their two games since, ending a run of five matches without victory and demonstrating a fresh vigour in their play.

And Anderson – who scored in Saturday’s win over Plymouth Argyle – believes there is a renewed drive among the squad to ensure a successful end to the season with Butler at the helm.

“I think when circumstances like this happen you have to show togetherness,” he said.

“Just because one manager has left doesn’t mean it’s all going to go to pot.

“It’s still the same squad and we’ve got a manager who has been around us all season and previously too for a long time.

“He knows the lads.

“It’s all about sticking together.

“It was just about staying calm. These things in football happen.

“Managers come and go. You don’t want to get worked up.

“We’ve still got the same team and we just have to stick together, show that togetherness and fighting spirit as a team and I think we’ve done that in the last two games really well.”

As skipper, Anderson saw it as his role to calm the mood among the group when they arrived for training last Monday just as Moore’s switch to Wednesday was being confirmed.

And he says the players simply got on with the task at hand.

Anderson last played alongside Butler in the heart of the Rovers defence just four weeks ago and admits getting used to having the 37-year-old as his boss has taken some getting used to.

“I won’t lie it was a bit weird, being team mates for a while,” he said.

“He’s the manager now and we’ll get used to it.

“He’s come in and he wants to do well and we want to do well for him.

“We’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves, and we’re just focusing on one game at a time.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.