‘I knew it would give me a platform to push on’ – Josh Sims on why he chose to return to Doncaster Rovers

Sims will reach the end of his contract with Southampton in the summer, so there was plenty of pressure on the winger to make sure he made the right decision over where to play out the rest of the season.

“It was a big choice to decide what I was going to do,” he told the Free Press. “But that is why I wanted to go back to Doncaster.

“I know everyone there, I’m comfortable but I also knew it would give me a platform to push on this season.

“I’m out of contract in the summer so I wanted the best I could have for these last few months.

“I chose Doncaster purely because I believe they could give me the best platform to do well.”

The 23-year-old made a considerable impression at the Keepmoat in the first half of the season, before he was cruelly cut down with a hamstring injury just before Christmas.

The injury changed the course of what would happen with Sims in January, with Southampton softening on their intent to cash in while they could.

And it would lead to Sims himself taking much of the responsibility for his immediate future.

He said: “Southampton were good because with the situation with me being out of contract in the summer and knowing it was the last chance to get some money for me, they could have been a lot more pushy with me and what they wanted.

“Maybe with me being there for such a long time they were more open to what I wanted.

“There were a couple of other clubs asking but nothing to what I would have considered turning down Rovers.

“I made my choice and I’m happy with it.”

While back with Southampton, Sims kept an eye on Rovers’ progress and says he has been impressed with what he has seen.

“There’s a couple of group chats and I was still in the players’ one after I left,” he said. “I’ve seen how they’ve got on and I’ve been watching the home games with the pass.

“I’ve still been supporting them even though I wasn’t technically with them any more.

“I think I always had it in my mind there was a good chance I’d come back.

“I wanted to keep up with it all and also because I enjoyed the company up there and I wanted the best for the boys.

“I’m pleased for the boys and I’ve not been surprised.

“They’re a good side and with the way they play, they dominate a lot of teams in the majority of their games.

“But it’s about keeping the ball out of our net and putting it in the other one and recently the boys have been good at both.

“If you look at where the boys are in the league there’s no reason why we can’t continue that.

“Hopefully when I’m back I can contribute to that as well and keep up the performances from the back end of the year.

“That would be successful for myself and open up doors in the summer, but also getting Doncaster promoted.”

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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.