‘I genuinely feel there is a different attitude’ – Andy Butler positive over Doncaster Rovers’ prospects after ​​​​​​​clear the air talks

Andy Butler is confident Doncaster Rovers’ recent poor run has bottomed out after seeing a fresh attitude from his squad this week.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Butler has held one-to-one meetings with each of his players this week as he seeks to arrest the slide which has left Rovers five points off the play-off places.

He believes the penny has dropped for the group and fully expects that to be evident during Saturday’s clash with Wigan Athletic as well as over the other eight remaining games this term.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have given everything I have and so have the staff to help the players and once they step across the white line it’s about the XI you have put out there to represent you,” he told the Free Press.

Andy ButlerAndy Butler
Andy Butler

“I genuinely feel like there’s a different attitude, whether it’s the pressure of the play-offs not being there who knows?

“We’re out of the play-offs but we’ve still got the opportunity to give ourselves a great chance to get in there.

“I look at the games and no disrespect to any of the teams, I back my players to get a result out of every single one of those games.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I hope the players believe in me and believe in themselves. It’s a big part of it - having belief that we will get results.

“All it takes is a couple of results, and the confidence comes back in and the free-flowing football that you see in confident players comes back.

“I’m looking forward to this. It’s going to be an interesting nine games.”

Butler says the meetings with his players were informative and the Rovers boss was pleased with what he heard back.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The players feel like they’ve let themselves down,” he said. “They feel like for whatever reason they’ve not been performing.

“They’re happy with the information we give them and it’s about transferring it onto the pitch.

“The response I’m getting is that every single player will be giving their all for the rest of the season. I’m not saying they haven’t been giving their all. I think they are.

“I can see there’s a steely determination in each of their eyes.”

*

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. Liam Hoden editor.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.