Doncaster Rovers retained list has given an insight into the club’s plans ahead of the new season.
Rovers were relegated on League One’s final day last weekend and face a big summer to prepare for a League Two campaign in 2022/23.
They have announced their retained and released list.
Doncaster Rovers Retained List: John Bostock and Aidan Barlow to Be Offered Fresh Terms
Rovers have confirmed their retained and released list after the 2021/22 campaign came to an end.https://t.co/Yip3sjhQX8 #DRFC pic.twitter.com/Fu6lzWqnzE
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) May 3, 2022
Retained List
Rovers have confirmed they have taken up their option to extend captain Tom Anderson’s stay at the club. Anderson missed the end of the 2021/22 season through injury – not his first spell out either. As it stands, Rovers plan to keep him around in League Two as they seek to return to League One as soon as possible.
Goalkeepers Louis Jones and Ben Bottomley have also had their options to extend taken up. Jones had taken the number one spot early in Gary McSheffrey’s reign as manager in the middle of the 2021/22 campaign. However, he was subsequently demoted to the bench following the signing of Jonathan Mitchell, whose arrival has been a bright spark in a dark season for Doncaster.
Meanwhile, experienced midfielder John Bostock has been offered fresh terms, alongside former Manchester United academy midfielder Aidan Barlow.
Keeping Bostock in League Two could be a great move. Since his return from injury, Rovers had found their preferred midfield three of Adam Clayton, who joined in January, John Bostock and Matt Smith, who was on loan from Arsenal.
Barlow has progressed in patches and after a break from professional football beforehand, could benefit from having had a full senior season under his belt.
Released
Doncaster Rovers have confirmed the departures of Cameron John, Fejiri Okenabirhie, Dan Gardner, Branden Horton, Ed Williams, AJ Greaves and Lirak Hasani at the end of their contracts.
Though, the club say they will continue to support Okenabirhie in his recovery from a long-term achilles injury.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old defender Ben Blythe is set to complete a move to Championship side Swansea City.
Matt Smith, Ethan Galbraith, Josh Martin, Mipo Odubeko and Ben Jackson will all return to their parent clubs following their loans in Doncaster.
Smith and Martin will likely be remembered most fondly by Rovers supporters. Martin arrived in January and added an attacking spark Doncaster had lacked all season, whilst Smith kept improving and was regularly involved in anything positive for Rovers. Martin scored four and assisted three for Rovers and is likely to have a big future wherever the Norwich City man ends up next.
What Manager Gary McSheffrey Said
Gary McSheffrey told doncasterrovers.co.uk: “It’s never easy having conversations with players who are leaving the club but we have made these decisions with how we want the squad to look next season in mind.
“Some of the players were unfortunate, however having had 34 players including loans with us at the end of the season, we have a clear vision of the size and make-up of the squad going forward.
“We would like to thank all the players leaving us for their efforts while with the club, and wish them well for their future careers.”
McSheffrey and new head of football operations James Coppinger will head up an important summer for Rovers as they look to put past failures right at the Eco-Power stadium.
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