Versatility helps make James key man for Rovers
AT JUST 27, Reece James is a veteran in the Doncaster Rovers dressing room but he is enjoying the fact 2020 has been a real learning year for him.
When this season began the Manchester United youth product was a left- back, or wing- back at a push, but he could fill any number of positions at home to Blackpool this evening having been used as a left winger, holding and attacking midfielder by manager Darren Moore.
His education has not been limited to the pitch, relieving his boredom in the first lockdown by studying for coaching qualifications.
“I just want to play in every game whether that be left wing, centre mid or wherever,” said a player who lost two years of his career to injury at Wigan Athletic. “I’d even play nets if I had to, although I’d have to grow a bit more!
“You love a challenge as a football player. You always try and add another string to your bow.”
James had not played in central midfield since his days in Manchester United’s Under23s and he has been picking the brains of captain Ben Whiteman and his brother Matty, on loan at Barnsley.
“It’s been great from a personal side that the gaffer has the trust in me to play me there.
“I’ve been so used to seeing the game in front of me.
“I don’t think I’ve checked my shoulder in my entire career as much as I have in the last three games!
“I try to see as much as I can and ask players questions, which I’ve done in the changing room even with my brother. We speak every morning.
“Ben’s played that position a number of years and at this level he’s probably the best.”
Of his coaching, so far limited mostly to theory work by Covid19, he says: “It was something I thought about during lockdown when I was bored at home. From the first session I did it appealed to me.
“Whether’s it’s something I’ll do after football I don’t know but it made me see football in a different light.”
Last six games: Doncaster Rovers DLWDWL; Blackpool WWWWWL.
Referee: R Joyce ( Teesside)
Last time: Doncaster Rovers 0 Blackpool 1, September 17, 2019, League One.