Position by position: Assessing where Doncaster Rovers’ squad needs additions in this window

A total of 16 senior players will report for the first day of pre-season training at Cantley Park on Monday - with five of those only having six senior appearances between them.

Moore, like his counterparts across League One, will operate in arguably the most pressurised transfer market there has ever been.

On one hand there are the deep and pressing concerns over the financial situation as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a long reaching impact on the game.

And then there is the fact the coming season will be the most intensive in recent memory, with the same number of matches taking place in a campaign that will be six weeks shorter due to the late start date.

Regardless of the pressures, there is a basic outline of the squad which Moore will need to draw if Rovers are to have even a steady campaign. And there is a lot of drawing to be done to get to that point.

Here, we take a look at each area of the pitch to see where Rovers need to make additions this summer, and suggest where they fall on the list of priorities for Moore and his recruitment team.

GOALKEEPER

On the books: Ian Lawlor, Louis Jones

Darren Moore has already hinted that he is considering adding a goalkeeper on loan before the end of the window, as he did last season with Seny Dieng. The level of goalkeeper that arrives will largely be determined by Lawlor and Jones over the next few weeks, and how they impress in training.

Lawlor was handed the opportunity to start last season for Rovers and did so in the first seven matches before the gloves were handed to Dieng. The 25-year-old does have some ground to make up, with Moore having been happy for him to leave on loan for the second half of the campaign.

Certainly putting pressure on the Irishman is Jones, who is highly-rated by coaches at the club and goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard in particular. This could be the season where he gets an opportunity at senior level, certainly in cup competition.

Priority: Medium

Rovers could certainly get by with the two goalkeepers on their books, particularly with the cushion of the possibility for an emergency loan signing in the position if required.

But it is clear Moore would like more cover, and is perhaps eying the addition of what would be his number one. If he can find someone of similar ability to Dieng, few would argue against him taking the plunge.

FULL BACKS

On the books: Brad Halliday, Reece James, Danny Amos, Branden Horton

Across the defensive line, Rovers have some real strength. Depth, however, is another matter.

That is not the case at left back where Rovers are very well stocked. Reece James leads the way with Danny Amos pushing hard for consideration for starts himself. And not far behind is Branden Horton.

At right back, Brad Halliday enjoyed a strong season, particularly going forward where he was one of the side’s top threats. He was also almost ever present for Rovers throughout the campaign. But beyond him there is no real cover, particularly following the departure of Matty Blair. Rovers have players that could arguably fill in if required but there would be real concerns if that was required over a long period of time.

Priority: Medium-High

A player who could at least cover at right back looks essential for Rovers if they are to make it through possibly the most demanding season in recent history. Perhaps a versatile defender who can play at both centre half and right back would be the most sensible option - and maybe a young loanee at that.

CENTRE BACKS

On the books: Tom Anderson, Joe Wright, Branden Horton, Ben Blythe

As with the full backs, there are no issues at all with the first choice options at centre half. Tom Anderson and Joe Wright established themselves as one of the best pairings in the division with their excellent performances last season.

Here, again, the issue is with depth. While the two youngsters Horton and Blythe are very promising, the lack of experience would be a concern if they were required to step in for multiple matches in succession.

Priority: High

With two positions to cover, Rovers really do need some extra options for centre half. The point of versatility will be a big one again and it is not hard to see at least one player coming in that can also cover at right back - in a similar mold to Cameron John, who provided cover at left back. But Rovers may need more than one new addition to provide them with the depth they will need.

SITTING MIDFIELDERS

On the books: Ben Whiteman, Madger Gomes, AJ Greaves, Lirak Hasani

Rovers have one of, if not the, best in the position in the division. There will undoubtedly be concerns that the clock may be ticking on Ben Whiteman’s time as a Rovers player. But while Rovers would do well to have potential replacements lined up, arguably their main priority right now for the position should be finding someone who could partner with Whiteman for the campaign.

Ben Sheaf was very strong in the position last season and someone of a similar ilk should certainly be on Rovers’ list of targets for the coming weeks.

Madger Gomes has shown his ability to step in and Rovers would not be severely harmed if he was required to do so through the season. But he arguably showed he is better equipped to play higher up the pitch, even when asked to play more of a tracking role rather than pushing into attack.

AJ Greaves has shown he could develop into the position after a more mature campaign under his belt but his inexperience, and that of Lirak Hasani, in league football will likely see Rovers at least glance elsewhere.

Priority: Medium-High

Whiteman’s continued presence means this position falls slightly lower on the priority list. But should he depart, it would shoot straight to the top, particularly as it would mean both regulars in the position from last season would no longer be at the club.

At least one addition here is required. Whiteman has shown his ability to coach and guide a youngster playing alongside him, so that is certainly an option. If Whiteman was to leave, an experienced head in the position would seem essential.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

On the books: James Coppinger, Jon Taylor, Madger Gomes, Jason Lokilo

Given Darren Moore’s faith in his 4-2-3-1 system, the ‘three’ is the area of the pitch where Rovers are most crying out for new additions. And it will be the one where you expect Moore and his recruitment team will be focusing the most attention.

They have already brought in Jason Lokilo as the first signing of the summer, giving Moore four options for three positions.

Lokilo, James Coppinger and Jon Taylor will likely play the majority of games for Rovers this season but whether Madger Gomes will have the opportunity remains to be seen - and his services could yet be required in other areas of the pitch.

The loss of Kieran Sadlier is a big one for Rovers, particularly his ability to produce something from nothing. A similarly explosive player should be high on Moore’s wishlist.

Priority: Very high

Rovers need at least one player for the attacking three. At least. Expect at least one loanee in this position.

STRIKERS

On the books: Fejiri Okenabirhie

And then there was one. Fejiri Okenabirhie is Rovers’ only out and out striker on the books at senior level. Even his own Rovers career is still to get underway in earnest after the last campaign was cut short.

Moore’s squad currently lacks a player who could be relied on to step in up front if required, as both Kieran Sadlier and Niall Ennis did last term.

Priority: High

At least one striker will be required to join the club before the close of the window. Moore may, as he shown in the past, look for versatility and hunt down at least one signing that can operate as a lone forward and also in the attacking three behind.

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