Doncaster Rovers loan watch: including defender turned emergency goalkeeper
A look at how each of Doncaster Rovers’ six summer loan exits have got on at their new clubs
Doncaster Rovers experienced a summer of change with 11 players coming through the door and a whole host of names such as Luke Molyneux and Billy Sharp all moving onto pastures new.
It’s so far resulted in a pretty slow start, with Rovers recording six points from their opening seven games - a tally which Grant McCann will be desperate to improve upon in the seven games to come.
The international break is often a time of reflection where the coaching team will inevitably look at what is and isn’t working at the moment, as well as spending extra time on the training ground to assess the new signings and help them build partnerships out on the pitch.
It also gives McCann and the coaching staff a chance to check in on the progress of each of Doncaster Rovers’ loan exits. Overall, the club waved a temporary goodbye to six players during the recent window. Here’s how they’ve been getting on so far.
Doncaster Rovers loan report
Bobby Faulkner: Tranmere Rovers
Local lad Bobby Faulkner has made a big impression since completing his loan move to League Two side Tranmere Rovers. He enjoyed an impressive debut in a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town on matchday one before really hitting the headlines a week later when he filled in as an emergency goalkeeper for the second-half during a 1-1 draw with Port Vale - pulling off a series of impressive saves in the process. Overall, he’s played seven times across all competitions, chipping in with one assist. Although he was sent off against Rotherham United earlier this month after receiving two yellow cards.
Sam Straughan-Brown: Spalding United
Retford-born midfielder Sam Straughan-Brown, who has been at Rovers since he was eight-years-old, is currently playing for Spalding United in the National League North. He registered an assist on his debut in a 2-0 victory at Radcliffe and recently scored his first goal for his new club during a 2-0 win over Southport. Overall, he’s played nine matches and has started four of those.
Jake Oram: Spennymoor Town
The young goalkeeper joined National League North side Spennymoor Town on a youth loan deal and went straight into their starting lineup. He’s conceded six times in three appearances for the Durham-based side, who are currently bottom of the league table.
Kasper Williams: Alfreton Town
The teenage central defender is currently playing for Alfreton Town in the seventh-tier of English football after the club’s relegation last season. He’s made eight appearances for his new club so far and has a record of four wins and four defeats in that time.
Alex Pavan: Pontefract Colliers
After making his debut from the bench against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy, young midfielder Alex Pavan joined Pontefract Colliers on a youth loan deal, where he has made eight appearances and scored one goal in the Northern Premier League Division One East.
Lincoln Pawlak: Blyth Spartans
The teenage defender, who also made a brief cameo from the bench against Huddersfield in the EFL Trophy, is now playing for Blyth Spartans in the Northern Premier League East Division. He only moved there last weekend and made his debut off the bench during a 3-0 win over Ossett United.