Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann admits supporters' chants 'really hurt' after 3-0 Kidderminster cup loss

Grant McCann admitted he was hurt by the criticism directed towards him by sections of the Doncaster Rovers fan base after his side suffered a demoralising 3-0 defeat away to Kidderminster in the first round of the FA Cup.

It’s the club’s earliest exit from the competition since a 1-0 loss to Kings Lynn in 2022 more than 12 months before McCann returned to DN4. It also marks the first time that Rovers have exited the FA Cup in the first round during McCann’s time in charge.

Nearly 700 travelling supporters made the journey to watch their team, but were left frustrated by a performance McCann himself described as deserving of defeat.

The loss came exactly seven days after the team were hammered 6-1 against MK Dons, with some sections of the fanbase directing their frustrations at McCann.

And the Doncaster Rovers manager made no attempt to hide the emotional impact of the reaction at the final whistle, particularly chants calling for his dismissal.

“It really hurts. When fans are singing your getting sacking in the morning and that the players aren’t fit to wear the shirt,” McCann said.

“I've bought every single one of the to the club, so that's another indictment on me. The boys are really stinging in there. They’re hurt.”

Despite the criticism, McCann insists he won’t not shy away from the situation, highlighting the importance of the group remaining united and mentally strong during what he described as a particularly difficult period.

“What I do know in football is that you've got two choices,” McCann said.

“You throw it all up in the air or you do it and carry on, or you stick together. You get through the dark times.

“At this moment in time, it's a tough period. It's a really tough period. We're not performing well enough. We're not doing the basics of football well enough.”

The manager acknowledged that football can be a lonely profession when results turn against you, revealing that he had spoken to Kidderminster manager Paul Wootton before the match about the nature of the job.

He also recognised that supporters are entitled to voice their opinions, particularly when they have invested their time and money into following the team they love.

“The fans are entitled to their opinions,” he said. “

“All we can do is make sure that we are united as a group. There's a real siege mentality in there. We stick together, like we always do.”