Four Yorkshire derbies for Doncaster Rovers next season as League One picture becomes clearer
The fixtures for next season aren't out until late June but Doncaster Rovers fans could be forgiven for counting down the days.
That's because there's four juicy Yorkshire derbies to pencil into the diary. Bradford City's defeat in their play-off semi-final on Thursday night means another year in the third tier for the Bantams. They have struck up quite the rivalry with Rovers over the past few years and will resume hostilities in 2026-27.
Huddersfield Town's failure to qualify for the play-offs means a third straight year in League One for them. They are yet to appoint a new successor to Liam Manning but the Terriers will be heavily-fancied next year.
Barnsley, who recently appointed Daniel Stendel for a second stint, are another White Rose opponent for Rovers to contend with. Grant McCann's side finished above their South Yorkshire rivals last season thanks to a final day win that moved them up to 14th - a point and a place better off than the Reds.
The final Yorkshire derby next season is arguably the most anticipated. Sheffield Wednesday are back in League One after three seasons away but with new ownership there is a feelgood factor returning to Hillsborough. The two sides last shared a division in 2021-22. As well as enticing derbies, next season's third tier will also include the likes of former Premier League winners Leicester City as well as promoted duo MK Dons and Bromley (who are playing at this level for the first time in their history).
As it stands, 22 of the 24 places are confirmed. One of the remaining two spots will be taken up by either Bolton or Stockport - who meet in the play-off final on May 24.
A day later League One's line-up will be complete when the winners of the League Two play-off final are confirmed. Chesterfield, Grimsby, Notts County and Salford are all in contention heading into tonight's semi-final second legs.