Grant McCann’s previous season in charge of Rovers brought one of the more memorable FA Cup runs in the club’s history - and he wants more of the same this time around.
Rovers reached the fifth round of the competition for the first time in more than 60 years in 2019 under McCann, facing Premier League side Crystal Palace at a sold-out Eco-Power Stadium as well as beating Championship Preston North End at Deepdale.
Reflecting on the cup run ahead of this season's first round tie against Accrington Stanley, McCann admitted he is keen to create more memories.
“That was so important for us that season, getting to the fifth round,” he said.
“I remember the game like it was yesterday. The stadium was packed, it was on TV, we were coming up against one of the greatest managers in England, Roy Hodgson and his Palace team.
“It was a great occasion for everyone. We played well in the game and I remember Roy giving us a real big compliment after the game and saying we played well and probably deserved something.
“That just shows you what can happen. If you can get on the front foot you can have a real run in the competition.
“You’ve seen it in the League Cup this season with Port Vale reaching the quarter-finals. I’m sure that’s huge for them.
“You never know. There’s teams that have gone really far in the competition. First things first - we have to deal with Accrington, which is going to be very tough.
“You always want to try to get to the third round when the big boys come in. Everyone wants that tie, the Liverpool or Manchester United away or whatever it may be.
“We are at the first round stage and we’ve got a very tough game against Accrington who are on form. We’ll be up against it but we’re confident and we feel we’ve got some momentum at the minute.”
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