Delivering clear direction and injecting belief back into the squad are at the top of the agenda for new Rovers head coach Danny Schofield.
The 42-year-old is determined to quickly create an environment in which the players can develop and thrive after taking on the role at his hometown club.
“I think one of the core principles of playing football is starting with the foundations - the belief and confidence,” Schofield said.
“Sometimes that’s not easy to build as a player, and I’m speaking from experience here. But it will come when players understand the environment we’re wanting to develop and grow, create psychological safety and pretty much eradicate fear because it does limit your potential.
“I’m very clear on my messages. I think I communicate very well. I’m clear on the way I want to play football and the way I want it to be seen by supporters and the football club.
“I think players buy into that. When they have clarity they can buy into what their role and responsibility is. As a coach, I think that is in my skillset.
“I’m very process-driven. If we get the processes right, create the right environment, have the processes in place to get the vision the club is after, then results are a by-product of the process.”
Schofield was named head coach of Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town in the summer after progressing through the club’s age group and B team set up.
While it did not work out at senior level with the Terriers for Schofield, he feels the experience was invaluable and will stand him in good stead at Rovers.
“When I left my previous my club, I spent a good week reflecting on what went well and why, what went wrong and how I could improve it,” he said.
“I think from an experience point of view it was massive. There were some really good things going on in my time there as a coach and definitely certain things that I can improve on which I’m looking to implement in my time at Doncaster Rovers.
“I’m a big believer that things happen for a reason sometimes. The way I left my previous club was difficult to deal with initially but when this opportunity came up, it was a case of this might be what’s meant to be for me.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.”
Born and raised in Hexthorpe, Schofield feels he has a good grasp of what Rovers supporters want from their team.
He said: “I was a regular visitor to Belle Vue watching games many moons ago. I understand Doncaster people and I know what they want to see.”
Schofield was introduced to the Rovers squad on Thursday morning and was quick to work on preparations for Saturday’s trip to Crewe Alexandra in Sky Bet League Two.
“We’ll be doing everything to prepare for Crewe over the next two days,” he said. “The messages will be very clear.
“We’ll not be looking to get from here to where we want to be in a couple of days but we will start putting things in place to make us competitive first and foremost, and the ultimately trying to win football matches.”