How the Keepmoat outfit are shaping up for next season
LAST SEASON
Like Yeovil Town, Doncaster's stay in the Championship proved to be short-lived as they bowed out of the division on the final day after Birmingham City's late equaliser away at Bolton Wanderers condemned them to the drop.
It was to be a lack and consistency and a severe lack of goals – just 39 - that ultimately proved to be Doncaster's downfall. When Rovers did win though, they won big and beat QPR and Leicester during the campaign.
After four wins from six games in March, many believed that Donny would pull themselves to safety but Paul Dickov's side dropped off the pace and lost six of their final seven games – drawing the other one – to sink into the relegation spots with seconds of the season remaining and back down to League One.
THE MANAGER – PAUL DICKOV
The 41-year-old was appointed Rovers boss in summer 2013 following his departure from Oldham Athletic. He was let go by Oldham after masterminding a superb FA Cup run when the Latics knocked out Liverpool and took Everton to a replay at Goodison Park before bowing out. The Scot became Oldham manager in 2010 after an illustrious playing career, taking over from Dave Penney.
As a player, Dickov came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and spent six years as a professional at Highbury and had time on loan at Luton Town, Brighton and Watford before moving onto Manchester City for six seasons. During his time at City, Dickov scored a crucial equalising goal against Gillingham in the Division Two play-off Final.
He represented his country on ten occasions and also played for Leicester, Blackburn and Leeds before hanging up his boots in 2011.
VISITING THE GROUND?
The Keepmoat Stadium is a relatively new build with Rovers only moving into their state of the art arena in 2007. Reds fans will be housed in the North Stand when we visit South Yorkshire in the 2014-15 season.
SUMMER BUSINESS SO FAR
Following Donny's relegation Championship clubs are circling over their better players. Defender Paul Quinn impressed in the second tier and the likes of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in his services. James Coppinger, Ross Turnbull and Paul Keegan – as well as five others – have been offered deals while Billy Paynter is the most high profile player to be released. Loanee Billy Sharp has returned to Southampton.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Back in 2012-13, Crawley were unbeaten in the two games played against Doncaster. In the match at the Keepmoat Stadium, it was all square until Nicky Ajose's deft flick found it's way into the back of the net with just two minutes remaining to seal a famous 1-0 win.
At the Checkatrade.com Stadium back in February 2013, Josh Simpson opened the scoring with a delightful long range volley only for left back James Husband to equalise with a back post header just before half-time. It finished 1-1.
THEY PLAYED FOR BOTH...
Kyle Bennett enjoyed a loan stint with Crawley from Doncaster mid-way through last season. Kyle played four times but failed to finish a game on the winning side. He went on to have a temporary spell with Bradford City before returning to Doncaster – where he's been since 2012 – in May.
Former Reds strikers Steve Burton and Tristram Whitman – who both had spells with Crawley in 2005 - have also represented Donny during their careers.
WHAT THE BOOKIES THINK
Doncaster Rovers are 7-2 with Sky Bet to win promotion from League One next season.
Catch up with the comings and goings of ex-Reds here.
