Danny Schofield has been named the new head coach of League Two side Doncaster Rovers, replacing Gary McSheffrey, who was sacked on Monday, October 17.
The former Huddersfield Town manager takes over with the side in 12th place.
Rovers started the season with a positive string of results, however, the performances were never there and results deteriorated. Given their ambitions to return to League One following last season’s relegation, Rovers made the call for a change in management, expressing disappointment at the style of play McSheffrey had the team playing.
Danny Schofield Replaces Gary McSheffrey as Doncaster Rovers Head Coach
Doncaster Rovers are delighted to confirm the appointment of Danny Schofield as the club’s new head coach.#drfc https://t.co/mV1QmluX5O
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) October 20, 2022
Doncaster Born Coach Was Immediately Among Favourites
Following McSheffrey’s sacking early on Monday morning, Schofield has always been among the favourites to take over. His spell at Huddersfield, which started in July, lasted just months – nine competitive games, of which he won just one.
Doncaster obviously see great potential in Schofield as a coach to ignore that stint in West Yorkshire and appoint him as their new head coach. Schofield was born in the city, which will surely have increased his desire to take over.
BREAKING: Huddersfield Town have parted company with Head Coach Danny Schofield.#HTAFC pic.twitter.com/eR1lC1Ntos
— Football League World (@FootballLeagueW) September 14, 2022
As a player, Schofield made over 500 appearances, playing for several clubs, including Huddersfield, Millwall and Rotherham United.
This is an important appointment for Rovers, with their hopes of being right up there come the end of the season in the balance. Rovers failed with their hiring of McSheffrey last December as the club desperately looked to avoid relegation – they didn’t.
A 3-0 loss to Carlisle United on Saturday, October 15, was the final straw for McSheffrey, who lasted around 10 months in his first senior role.
Schofield’s appointment has been a quick one – a change for Doncaster who usually lean towards a longer recruitment process. It appears the need to hit the ground running and keep within touching distance of the top seven has forced the club’s hand.
Rovers are three points behind Salford City in seventh and 11 points behind league leaders Stevenage.
‘Really Good Fit’ – Danny Schofield
Upon taking over at the Eco-Power Stadium, Schofield told doncasterrovers.co.uk: “The initial feeling is excitement. 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.”
Rovers legend James Coppinger drove the recruitment process in his role as head of football operations, he added: “It was important for the club to act swiftly and get the right man and we’re delighted with his appointment.
“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, 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.”
Doncaster face a trip to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, October 22.
