Newly promoted Doncaster is the number 1 relegation candidate
Doncaster managed to win the promotion last year after winning in League One play-off. They had excellent season and can be proud of what they done. The Rovers even manage to overcome defeat in the last round which spoils their direct promotion hopes. In the play-off they have won against Southend which was expected in the semis, but then manage to beat Leeds in the Wembley final. Final win completed the 50 years long dream of returning to Championship and with backing of their owner John Ryan it was possible.
Can they survive?
This year it will be much tougher. Ryan invested heavily in new Keepmoat stadium and he will certainly want to keep Rovers in the league. Sean O'Driscoll made some excellent signings during the summer and we would not be surprised to see them fight brave to avoid the destiny that everyone forecasted them. Matt Mills, former Manchester City defender was the most important signing during the summer. He should help making defensive line much better and helping experienced goalkeeper Neil Sulliven having less work to do. Still, we believe that the key of this year's success is in the hands of Richie Wellens, ex-Manchester United youngster who had great career with Blackpool and Oldham, and who was the key man in their last campaign. The rest of the signings are also solid players, like Ameobi from Leeds, Byfield (Bristol City), ex-Burnley John Spicer and Leicester's James Chambers, and all of them will certainly help Rovers reaching their goal.
In
Paul Green (free, Derby), Stephen Roberts (free, Walsall), Mark McCammon (free, Gillingham)
Out
Johan Micoud (free)
David Jemmali (Grenoble)
Alejandro Alonso (Monaco)
Romain Bregerie (Metz)
Bruno Ecuele Manga (Angers)
Wilfried Moimbe (on loan at Reims)
Youssef Sekour (Sedan)
Floyd Ayite(on loan at Angers)
Ecuele Manga (Angers)
Sheik Tidiane Diabate (on loan at Ajaccio)
It would not be a miracle to see them above the line
We truly think so. O'Driscoll did more then solid job at transfer market, while difference between League One top half and Championship bottom is not that big. Everything will depend on adaptability of new signings and the first couple of games in the season. If Rovers manage to win in first games, they will gain confidence and will be very hard to beat. There are teams that are even weaker then they are, with more financial problems, which could fall apart if something goes wrong. Doncaster will on the other hand have January window to sign new players and strengthen the team. We think they will survive. With lot of problems and fight, but they are definitely capable to do that.
PROM
PL-OFF
RELEG
