DONCASTER ROVERS

Last season was like watching a particularly gruesome fall in the St Leger. In slow motion.

The big talking point among the

fans is the popular Richie Wellens’ arrival in the dugout, and our first James Coppinger- less campaign in 17 seasons. This season will be different to last

because we’ll probably keep hold of a manager for the duration of it.

I’ve really missed my mates. Turns out Bill Shankly was wrong: without fans, football is something. But that something is really, really boring. Instead of going to the football

last season I was fine until they binned off the lower levels. I then spent months gazing into the abyss.

I won’t be happy unless we take six points off Sheffield Wednesday ( and our former manager D* rren M* ore). You hurt me, Darren. You hurt me. Our most underrated player is

Cameron John [ below]. We know he’s good. I think he could be great.

Look out for Lirak Hasani, a local lad who’s shown brilliant flashes in the all- too- few minutes he’s been given.

The player I’d happily drive to

another club is striker Omar Bogle. There’s a player there, I’m just not sure it’s an especially good one.

The one change I’d make would

be to shake a few of our fans into thinking straight. Doncaster are an extremely well- run club who value sustainability over any short- term success. There’s a segment of the fanbase which mistakes that for lack of ambition. I’d love to lose that disconnect. Look at [ insert any crisis club here]. We’re very fortunate.

Save the date for August 7 and Wimbledon at home; the beginning of the Wellens era and the return of fans to the Keepmoat.

Our key player will be whoever can fill the magic boots of Copps. Kyle Knoyle, Ro- Shaun Williams, Ben Close and a returning Tommy Rowe are all fantastic signings, though. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that he was a helluva player. If he’s half as good a manager for us, I’d be absolutely delighted.

We’ll finish in the play- offs.