Doncaster Rovers are searching for their first Sky Bet League One victory of the 2026/27 season as they prepared to host Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, 5 September. The match preview outlines Rovers' steady but winless start under returning manager Grant McCann. The club currently sits 22nd in the standings with three points from five games, having drawn three and lost two while scoring six and conceding eight.
Grant McCann is the man tasked with establishing Doncaster Rovers in League One. The former Northern Ireland international, who came through West Ham United's youth system, is in his second spell at the club. He initially led Rovers to the League One play-off semi-finals in his first stint, losing on penalties. After that, he moved to Hull City, overseeing their relegation to League One before winning the title to bring them back up. A brief, unsuccessful return to Peterborough United ended in relegation and his sacking. McCann then came back to Doncaster and secured automatic promotion from League Two within two seasons. His aim now is to build a lasting presence in the third tier.
McCann has been active in the transfer market to strengthen his squad for the challenge. The most notable arrival is experienced striker Alfie May, who joined on loan from Huddersfield Town this summer. The 33-year-old has a proven track record, averaging nearly 20 goals per season over the last five campaigns. His career began in non-league after being released by Millwall as a teenager, and he made his Football League debut with Doncaster before successful spells at Cheltenham Town, Charlton Athletic, and Birmingham City.
Defensive reinforcements include Neill Byrne, signed from Bradford City, and James Husband, who arrived from Blackpool. The club has also invested in youth, bringing in Tommy Simkin, Issac Hutchinson, and Jordan Thomas as prospects for the future. This blend of experience and potential is central to McCann's plans.
The campaign began with a 1-0 loss to Mansfield Town. Since then, Rovers have drawn their next three league fixtures against Barnsley, Stevenage, and Notts County. This means they are one of only two teams in the division yet to record a win, though they have only been beaten once. Their current form reads LDDDL, and they find themselves nine points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday. Finding a way to turn draws into wins is the immediate priority for McCann and his team.
Doncaster Rovers finished as joint-best in the league over the past six seasons heading into this campaign, a statistic that highlights their consistent competitiveness. They were promoted automatically from League Two in 2024/25 and then avoided relegation in their first season back in League One with relative ease. That survival provided a platform for this season's push to become an established force. The club's ambition is clear, but it must start translating into points.
Charlie Price said, "Aaron Cusack are joined by Katie Middleton for the Pre-Match Show, bringing you all the team news, exclusive interviews, and thoughts from inside the camp." Rob McNichol noted, "Kick-off at Club Doncaster Sports Village, with live commentary from Rob McNichol, who will be joined on co-commentary by Lee Makel."
After the Argyle fixture, Doncaster Rovers' next challenge is an away trip to face AFC Wimbledon, who are 19th in the table, on September 12. Fans can follow the team's progress across all competitions on the official fixtures page.
