Highs and Lows: A look back on 2020 for Doncaster Rovers

They started the year as potential play-off candidates. They end the year among the contenders yet again.

That such status has been retained throughout the most turbulent year in living memory shows the strength of the development of the team under Darren Moore.

But that turbulence has undoubtedly been felt throughout the club and the scars of it will be present for some time to come.

Here, we take a look at some of the high notes and low points of the last 12 months at the Keepmoat.

HIGH - LOAN STARS

It has proved a rather controversial approach to some sections of Rovers’ support but there can be little argument against the success the club has enjoyed when dipping into the loan market.

Last season’s crop was excellent and helped lay the groundwork for an improvement in recruitment for the current campaign. The calibre of players arriving on temporary deals grew in the last transfer window.

Tyreece John-Jules, Matt Smith, Josh Sims and Taylor Richards have all looked to be performing at least one level below their abilities and have made significant contributions this season.

While their futures lie away from Rovers, there is great pride to be had in the loanees’ development - as typified by Jacob Ramsey’s breakthrough in the Premier League with Aston Villa this season.

LOW - THE GREAT UNKNOWN

Just what might have been for Rovers had the pandemic not hit when it did and decimated the League One season.

The merits of ending the season as it was will continue to be debated but let it be said that it suited the club as a business for there to be no resumption.

As stated at the top of the piece, Rovers were looking like potential play-off contenders, sitting five points shy of the top six and with games in hand.

They were hitting form too when the season was stopped and had begun to definitively answer questions that had been asked of them, with January signings coming to the fore.

What would have happened over those last couple of months will remain unknown. But it most certainly remains a big ‘what if.’

HIGH - BEATING UP THE BIG BOYS

The best individual days this season so far have come in downing League One’s leading sides.

Whether it was outclassing Ipswich Town with confidence and swagger or out-battling Lincoln City with grit and organisation, Rovers have enjoyed some memorable matchdays against the big boys.

Facing Rovers as the league leaders has been something of a curse, and Moore’s men have relished the challenge.

Here’s to more of the same as the battle at the top end of the table continues over the next few months.

LOW - LOSING SIMS

The single most sickening moment of the year for Rovers came just a few weeks ago when Josh Sims pulled up with a hamstring injury.

It was one of those incidents where you did not need to wait for a medical diagnosis to know the outlook was not going to be good.

And it ultimately robbed Rovers of an explosive, dominant winger who had been their single biggest threat since he arrived on loan on transfer deadline day.

It was not the manner in which Sims deserved to bow out in what was likely his final appearance for the club.

HIGH - JUST GETTING BETTER

Darren Moore prides himself on bringing out improvement from his players and he is certainly getting results along with his coaching staff.

The list of players that have improved over the last 12 months just goes on - even without taking into account the loan signings.

The likes of Brad Halliday, Reece James, Tom Anderson, Joe Wright and Ben Whiteman have all progressed immensely in the last year and helped Rovers become a big force in the third tier.

Such improvement bodes well for the future as the group is growing together.

LOW - PRODUCTION LINE DISMANTLED

Probably the biggest disappointment in footballing terms was the ending of Rovers’ U23s section, which saw several players released before their times at the club were truly up.

It was a decision taken purely on a financial basis as the Covid-19 pandemic bit hard on the club.

But it was certainly a shame to see the end of a few years of strong, focused work which had seen a full time section created for the stepping stone age group, particularly with Gary McSheffrey having come to the fore as a demanding and progressive lead coach.

Hopefully it is not done for good.

HIGH - READY TO GO OUT ON HIS TERMS

There were a few nervy weeks in the summer when we thought we may well have seen the last of James Coppinger in Doncaster Rovers colours.

But the determination to play on saw the icon agree to a new deal which has given him the opportunity to sign out on his own terms.

We have a few months left in Coppinger’s company and the chance to see him do what he does best on several more occasions just yet.

Let’s hope he gets the emotional and fitting send off that he deserves.

LOW - CASUALTIES OF A CRISIS

While Rovers go from strength to strength on the pitch and remain a stable and viable business off it, it would be wrong to forget those that have paid the price for the pandemic’s impact on the operation.

Job losses and changes of role at the club were a sickening blow in the summer, cutting right through from coaching staff and, in particular, off-field departments.

These cuts have allowed Rovers to be competitive on the pitch and be stable off it.

But there are individuals - good, hardworking people - feeling the brunt of them and proving there are times when football pales into insignificance.

HIGH - BEN’S STILL HERE

Ben Whiteman still plays for Doncaster Rovers and for that we should all be thankful.

A triumph of will and a bizarre lack of concrete offers have meant the captain remains at the club and Rovers continue to benefit from his services.

The last few months in particular have seen Whiteman emerge as a dominant force in the division, so much so that opposition teams are focusing so much of their attention into attempting to stop him.

We have had the privilege over the last few years of watching a player develop into one of the best to ever do it at the club. Here’s hoping the time for that is not up just yet.

LOW - CLOSED DOORS LOCKED SHUT

It goes without saying that football is nothing without fans.

It has been a privilege to be able to attend matches over the last few months but it is certainly not the same without a crowd there too.

There are times when matches feel like non-events, where the lack of a din diminishes the spectacle.

The day will be a great one when those terraces have people on them once again.

HIGH - ANSWERING QUESTIONS

A real sticking point for Rovers was their ability to overcome opposition teams which sought to stop them from playing their sort of game.

Was.

In the last busy month or so Rovers have shown a developing ability to overcome a variety of challenges such as intensive pressing or a low block.

The dismantling of an on-form Gillingham side was the high point of that.

What seemed to be an achilles heel for the side now looks like something they are capable of shaking off with real confidence.

It bodes well for what is to come.

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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. Nancy Fielder, editor.