John Ryan talks about the Year and equalling the record.
What sort of year has it been?
It’s has been a difficult year but what a stunning end. To equal a record that was set in 1946/47 with 11 matches away from home without defeat, and most of them being wins, is fantastic. It was just a consummate display today; a great away performance. The only thing I would say is we could have had a couple more.
Why do you think we’re so good away from home?
Because it’s the way we play; we’ve got the right players in the right holes. I thought Keegan and Harper played very well today but everyone played well. It’s the perfect away team. In fact, we should really move to our away dressing room and play in our away strip.
There’s a lot of optimism around at the moment.
I should think there is. If there isn’t optimism now, when will there be. We’ve got a very powerful team and I expect us to win the league. We might not but I expect us to.
What’s pleased you most about the way the team has been rebuilt and reinvented itself over the last few months?
Well, just what you said then. In the summer Dean had a difficult job but he’s brought in some great players, such as Rob Jones and David Cotterill, and we’ve got James Coppinger coming back for the Sheffield United game. So, come on Rovers fans - this is a great team. Get behind us and let’s shout them to victory. The Preston fans were singing even when they were 3-0 down. We’ve really got to get behind this team as you don’t get teams that play this well. Doncaster Rovers are feared in this league.
What would you say about the job Dean is doing?
He’s done a fantastic job! To come and change everything round while the wage bill has been cut from £9 million to £3.9 million, is just a fantastic achievement both fiscally and also in terms of getting results like this. I just heard on the news that Sheffield Wednesday spent £5 million getting up from this league.
Are you going to spend £5 million?
Well, we’ve probably spent over £20 million but the point is the 3 of us have had a chat and we’re backing Dean for promotion. We also need the people of Doncaster to get behind their team.
Has it reinvigorated you as well John? As you said, last year was your lowest point.
Yes, last year was terrible. Driving home having lost at Cardiff or Reading, or wherever it was, and now I’m driving home thinking, “Great – another 3 points”.
Have you got any meetings planned over the next few days with Dean?
I speak to Dean on a regular basis. He knows what he wants and he’s going to try and get it.
Who’s been the star of 2012?
Rob Jones – Captain Fantastic!
So, what message have you got for the fans?
On New Years Day we need you all behind us and for everyone who can get there to buy a ticket. Sheffield United will have a big following and we need to match it. We can go top on New Years Day and start 2013 on a high. If you haven’t got a ticket yet, get down to the ticket office or call on 01302 762576 to make sure you don’t miss out on an historic start to the new year.