Tommy Simkin on first person he called before joining Doncaster Rovers as he sets sight on EFL landmark
Tommy Simkin has made a strong start to his loan spell at Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers loanee Tommy Simkin says he already feels quite experienced in the professional game as he sets his sights on reaching the landmark of 100 appearances in the Football League.
This summer’s loan move to Rovers represented an eye-raising seventh loan for Simkin, who has played a combined total of 84 matches in the EFL at just 21-years-of-age.
“I'm coming up to 100 games in the EFL,” Simkin said.
“For a 21-year-old as a goalie, I think that's alright. I do look at myself as a little bit more experienced than a normal 21-year-old.”
Arguably the most productive spell of those prior to joining Rovers was a season-long stay at Walsall, back in the 2024-25 season when they were tussling it out with Grant McCann's side at the top of League Two.
Picking the right move for any player moving out on loan can be pivotal and at times can make or break a young player’s career.
Teddy Sharman-Lowe, who was part of the Rovers squad that secured promotion, was the first person Tommy contacted when he learned of Doncaster's interest.
“I was really close to him,” Tommy said. “We went to the US together after that season and we spent six or seven weeks together just talking about football and life.
“As soon as I had the interest to know that [Doncaster were interested], he was the first person I phoned.
“After I spoke to him, I didn't really need to speak to anyone else about it.”
Simkin also spoke to former Rovers loanees Ben Nelson and Charlie Aitken, with all three giving positive accounts of their experiences at the club.
Since arriving the young goalkeeper has started each league match this season, keeping three clean sheets, while also making an excellent impression against Stockport County in the team’s narrow Carabao Cup win where he turned hero for the penalty shoot-out.
Simkin repeated his heroics by denying Oliver Norwood from the spot on Tuesday before Kyle Wootton subsequently tapped in the rebound.
“He's a top-class young goalkeeper, he really is,” said McCann.
“I felt for him on Tuesday night when he saved the penalty that his teammates can't react for him and keep it out of the back of the net. Because I know Kyle does so much work with him on penalties, we've seen that when we play at Stockport at their place.
“Some of the penalties he saved up that night.He's progressing, he's moving all the time. Kyle obviously works hard with a goalkeeper, so I think Tommy's had a really positive start to life with us.”