Danny Schofield’s reign as Doncaster Rovers head coach has come to an end, the club have confirmed.
Taking over in October 2022, Schofield was hoped to bring a better style of football to the club than of previous manager Gary McSheffrey whilst improving results in a promotion-hoped campaign.
However, little progress has been made on both fronts in South Yorkshire and Schofield has paid the price for a considerably poor run of results.
Monday’s 2-1 loss away at Walsall – the last game of the season – was his final game in charge of the club. The Doncaster-born coach’s only previous senior management experience had been nine games at Huddersfield Town earlier in the season.
Rovers – who started the season hoping for an immediate return to League One – finished 18th in League Two.
Time Called on Doncaster Rovers Head Coach Danny Schofield’s Spell in Charge
STATEMENT | Danny Schofield has been dismissed as head coach with immediate effect#drfc https://t.co/6LzKCBGQcE
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) May 9, 2023
Club Statement
In a statement on the club website, chairman David Blunt said: “It is with the deepest regret that we have made this decision.
“Danny is a Doncaster lad and everyone at the club desperately wanted him to be a success here. His dedication, commitment and work ethic during his time at the club have been unquestionable.
“Whilst it is true Danny has not had the opportunities to build his own team, and the injuries have depleted the squad, we would have still expected to see a better turn of results than what has been achieved this season.
“In recent weeks, Danny has handled some difficult circumstances with the utmost dignity and has the respect and best wishes of all staff at Doncaster Rovers.”
Blunt also stated he expects Schofield’s replacement to be appointed within the next 10 days.
Where It Went Wrong
When appointing Schofield as manager, Doncaster were aware they were hiring a young coach whose experience was primarily in working with younger players but later as an assistant to now West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan at Huddersfield Town.
Schofield was unable to get the results when given the opportunity to replace Corberan at Huddersfield – winning just one of his nine games in charge – but, despite that, a chance was taken on his potential as a coach.
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Now, around seven months into the job at the Eco-Power Stadium, he had Rovers on a run of just two wins in their last 16 games – a run of games which saw them lose 11 times – and the club have sought to make a change going into an important summer ahead of the 2023/24 season where they are at serious risk of a fight near the bottom if improvements are not made.
Promise of Funds Made Decision Even More Important
Owner Terry Bramall recently promised to add significant funds to the club’s playing budget ahead of the 2023/24 season and that has put added importance on whoever will be in charge to spend those funds wisely.
Schofield only had one window as head coach at Rovers and it was once again one that saw the club operate a tight budget – signing striker Caolan Lavery on a free alongside Todd Miller, James Brown, Ben Nelson and Charlie Lakin – all on loan. Lavery and Lakin spent much of the remainder of the season out with injuries – which has been an issue throughout the squad. Brown, who was signed to replace Kyle Knoyle after his move to Stockport County, hasn’t impressed whilst Miller has been afforded little opportunity to make an impact – starting on just five occasions with three of those coming in the final three outings.
Doncaster have work to do this summer and it’s quite clear it needs to start with the appointment of a decent, experienced manager.
