Following relegation to League 1 yesterday, Doncaster Rovers Official Website spoke with Chief Executive, Gavin Baldwin, about what this means for the club.
Firstly Gavin, what are your thoughts on the season?
Well we’re obviously disappointed not to have extended our stay in the Championship to a second season, which was one of our key objectives. Whilst as a club we will take opportunity to reflect on the season that has passed, we will also move on quickly and ensure we’re able to return back to the Championship at the first attempt.
So is that already the aim for next season then?
Yes, we want to be back in Championship as soon as possible, during the past few seasons we’ve spent all bar one of them in the second tier and the objectives for next season are to bounce back, like we did during 2012/13.
Do you feel the club in a position to repeat the success of 2012/13?
Absolutely, we’re in a far better position both on and off the field than we were two years ago when we were last relegated. Commercially we have sold more season tickets than this time last year and the year before that, our club sponsors and stadium stand sponsors are already signed up for next season and the stadium is operating at a profit, which will be invested back into the first team budget.
So will Paul have the opportunity to rebuild the team?
Again, we’re in a far stronger position than the season we were relegated in 2012/13 and we’re not in a position where we need to completely rebuild the team. We have 13 contracted players for next season, including 7 which were part of the squad that won promotion to the Championship. Add to that players such as Mark Duffy, Richie Wellens, Theo Robinson and Harry Forrester, who are all under contract and we’ve already got the makings of a strong League 1 squad. Despite relegation the owners still feel Paul Dickov is the right man for Doncaster Rovers and while this season hasn’t achieved our objectives, the owners are confident he can return us to the Championship at the first attempt. Dean Saunders was given that opportunity after we were relegated in 2013 and did well. The owners feel it is right that Paul Dickov is also granted the same opportunity; under Paul we have played some attractive attacking football this season and our games against Wigan and the away victory and 28 pass goal against Leeds United are not forgotten easily.
Doncaster Rovers are a club who have always triumphed through adversity and I’m sure we will continue to do so.