'Sometimes it’s good to get the slap on the backside' - Andy Butler on Doncaster Rovers bouncing back from Fleetwood defeat

Andy Butler believes the ‘slap on the backside’ of Tuesday’s defeat at Fleetwood Town could be good for Doncaster Rovers in the long term.
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Rovers suffered only their second league defeat in 11 matches as they slipped to a disappointing 3-1 loss at Highbury with a poor performance.

Veteran defender Butler says they must now deliver a convincing response as they head to promotion rivals Sunderland this weekend.

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“We’re in a good position, there are always going to be defeats along the way and it’s how you respond,” he said.

Andy ButlerAndy Butler
Andy Butler

“Sometimes it’s good to get the slap on the backside and then you lick your wounds and go again.

“You can’t always be nicey, nicey. You need that slap on the backside and move on.

“It’s never easy to move on from a loss because there are going to be faults and the gaffer and Sivvy [Jamie Smith] will pick things out.

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“It’s not not about picking people out and criticising players, it’s about a learning curve for them.

“It’s about how we respond in what is a big game on Saturday. And it’s a whole month of big games.

“We always say, we never get too high with the highs and too low with the lows. We just have a look, reassess and move on.”

Tuesday saw John Bostock and Scott Robertson make their full debuts while Omar Bogle came off the bench.

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And Butler is hopeful Rovers will see the benefits of a larger squad in the coming weeks.

“It’s another chance to show what we’re about.

“We’ve got a big squad now to really show. Copps is nearly back, Simo is nearly back, Omar came on, John and Robbo played.

“The squad is getting bigger and there is more competition for places so it can only be beneficial for us.

“It’s not easy coming straight into a team and knowing the way the gaffer wants to play.

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“We’ve had meetings but sometimes to get a few games into you to get into the real swing of things.

“That’s what this season lacks, without reserve games as well, because there is no real flow, or chance for players who aren’t starting to get game time.

“It may take a couple of games for them but from what I’ve seen they’ve all got qualities.”

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