Gaffer urges continual progression prior to hectic Christmas schedule.
Paul Dickov claimed that Doncaster Rovers’ mentality can see them prosper against local rivals Barnsley when the pair meet at Oakwell this evening.Both sides were relegated from the second tier last term and will be looking to re-establish bragging rights at the earliest opportunity.
“The boys have got a desire to do well and I think that shows. We went behind at Bradford and Rochdale and came back to win and on Saturday went behind against Crewe and still got a result so I think that shows the character we have in the team,” began Dickov.
“Our results away from home show me that the players are gaining a lot of belief in their performances because there were times at the start of the season if we didn’t get the equaliser straight away our performance went flat and we would go on to lose the game.
“We know that there’s a lot more to come from us and still feel we are improving every day but we’re going in the right direction at the minute.”
Dickov’s enviable record in local derbies has been well documented with the Scot still undefeated in away games during his Keepmoat tenure.
“We know it is going to be a tough game, but there will be a great atmosphere there. Night games have always got that extra special atmosphere as well so it’s a game we’re all thoroughly looking forward to,” he said.
“We’ve looked at Barnsley again this morning and they are a good team going forward but defensively I’ve been pleased with the lads recently. Having Sam back is a big bonus for us and Andy Butler has been outstanding since he joined us.
“As much as we know Barnsley will be an attacking threat, we feel that with Forrester, Tyson, Robinson, Coppinger etc if we are on our game attacking wise, we are more than a match for a lot of teams.”