Doncaster Free Press writer Paul Goodwin will return to Rovers Player commentary this weekend....
Rovers Player will be back on air from 2:45pm on Saturday as we bring you live and exclusive coverage of Accrington Stanley v Doncaster Rovers in EFL Sky Bet League Two.
Darren Ferguson will be hoping he can lead his revamped squad to an instant promotion back to the third tier and Doncaster Free Press journalist Paul Goodwin – who will return to the airwaves alongside Tom Biltcliffe – gave his thoughts on the summer so far.
“I think recruitment has been a breath of fresh air when you compare it to summers gone by in the not-too-distant past,” said Goodwin.
“For Darren Ferguson to have all of his new signings on the training ground from day one has been huge for everyone to build camaraderie, build a plan and take it from there.
“It gives everyone the best possible chance of hitting the ground running and for that game against Accrington because that’s what it’s all about. We need to get it right and getting the players through the door early has been critical and it’s given the fans a lift as well; the place needed it.
“Thankfully it (last season) has been forgotten about it in the main and people are coming back feeling quite optimistic about the season ahead.”
Goodwin is most looking forward to seeing Tommy Rowe lead the Rovers charge from midfield after he penned a three year deal in the summer following last season’s bittersweet loan spell.
“That was the big one; it was the domino effect from then on in, a lot of players joined on the back of that. It was a statement of intent to get Tommy in and I’m not sure a lot of people thought it would happen. His arrival was a big statement,” lauded Goodwin.
“There’s pressure on this team and they know that now. They're going to be a big scalp in League Two next season but I think they’ll relish it; lads like James Coppinger – who loves the club – and Tommy Rowe – we know what he’s all about – are in a group that will rise to the challenge.
“It’s all about getting off to a good start, its going to be monumental; for the team and for the manager.”