Doncaster Rovers are delighted to confirm the appointment of Danny Schofield as the club’s new head coach.
During a recruitment process driven by head of football operations James Coppinger, Doncaster-born Schofield quickly emerged as the preferred candidate.
As the club seeks to cement a framework and culture to endure for years to come, Schofield impressed with clear plans for a style of play and development of players, as well as inspiring faith that he can guide the squad towards achieving the goals for the current campaign.
The 42-year-old has signed a one-year rolling contract and is relishing the prospect of taking the reins at his hometown club.
“The initial feeling is excitement,” Schofield said. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and I appreciate the opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting to work.
“This is a new challenge and one I’m ready to give my all to in order to make it a success.
“I’m a Doncaster lad. I’m from the area so I know this place well. I know the supporters. I know what the ambitions of the club are.
“It seemed a really good fit for me and one I really think can work.”
Schofield was most recently head coach at Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town, having earned the opportunity with impressive progression from age group and B team level at the club.
He began coaching in the Leeds United Academy, latterly working in the U23 set-up before a spell at Middlesbrough.
Coppinger says Schofield’s previous work with younger players made him the ideal head coach to lead Rovers’ youthful squad.
“It was important for the club to act swiftly and get the right man and we’re delighted with his appointment,” Coppinger said.
“Sixty per cent of our squad are 18 to 23 which is what we call a development phase. It’s an important phase.
“Having a coach who has been through that, who understands what it takes, who has developed players, who has a methodology and a way of working and understanding of how he wants to play and coaches that way of playing, it’s a big pull for me.”
Schofield’s professional playing career began after being plucked from Brodsworth Welfare by Huddersfield, with whom he spent a decade. He also had stints with Yeovil Town, Millwall and Rotherham United.