Doncaster Rovers are delighted to confirm the permanent appointment of Gary McSheffrey as the club’s first-team manager.
The 39-year-old has been handed the role after an extensive recruitment process. McSheffrey has taken charge of Rovers’ past four fixtures in all competitions on a caretaker basis, and picked up his first win against Shrewsbury Town earlier in December.
His calming influence has had a noticeable effect with the players showing a positive response since he first took over at the start of December.
McSheffrey has shown his ability to develop players with several of the current first-team squad coming through under his management at Academy level.
His first game in permanent charge will be a trip to the Mazuma Stadium to take on Morecambe in Sky Bet League One on Sunday January 2.
Chairman David Blunt said: “The reaction we have seen from the team since Gary’s appointment, along with the excellent way he conducted himself during his interview for the job meant that we felt he was the best man to take the team forward. He understands the club, the existing squad personnel and showed a greater understanding of the needs of the team compared to many of his counterparts with experience at higher levels.
“He is a well-spoken character who has clearly had an impact in the short-term, and we will give him all the support he needs both in terms of player recruitment and support staff off the field to help the team get out of the position we currently find ourselves in on the pitch. As part of his support team, Gary has identified a senior mentor he would want to bring in to support him and recruitment for this position will start immediately. We also expect to finalise appointments for assistant manager, goalkeeping coach and set piece coach within the next few days.
“Our aim was always to have this appointment finalised before the start of the January transfer window, and with that now done our focus turns to strengthening the squad and looking forward to a strong second half of the campaign.”