Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has declared himself delighted with the club's summer recruitment, which saw 11 new players arrive at the Eco-Power Stadium. Speaking to the Doncaster Free Press this week, McCann backed the new signings to make a major impact as Rovers aim to climb from their current 20th position in the League One standings.
The club made a significant overhaul of their squad following a 14th-place finish in their first season back in the third tier. McCann's side have taken three points from their opening four matches this campaign, drawing three and losing one. They sit seven points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town and face a quick opportunity to improve their position with a home game against 16th-placed Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, September 5th.
McCann was effusive in his praise for the club's transfer business. He highlighted the collaborative effort behind the scenes that made the signings possible. "I'm delighted with the business. Really, really delighted," McCann said. "Huge thanks to Glove (Lee Glover), Gavin (Baldwin) and Terry (Bramall) for the support with the financial backing, the staff, the medical team and the media team. It’s a whole team effort when you make a signing, everyone has to pull together in the same direction to make it happen."
The manager believes the quality brought in will address the inconsistencies that plagued Rovers last season. The team started the previous campaign with five wins from seven games but then endured a difficult spell from mid-September through late December. Their form improved markedly in the final stretch, taking eight wins, six draws and six defeats from their last twenty league matches. Two of those losses came against promoted sides Lincoln City and Cardiff City, while they also suffered defeats to Mansfield Town, Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle during that period.
McCann provided updates on several key additions, expressing confidence in their ability to adapt and produce. He pointed to the proven goalscoring record of Alfie May as a major boost for the attack. Isaac Hutchinson, who scored 20 goals for Cheltenham Town last season, is another forward expected to make a significant impact.
Midfielder Tommy O'Reilly is adapting to the team's style and McCann believes he is capable of contributing 20 goals and assists combined. Winger Jordan Thomas, who registered 15 to 16 goal contributions last term, is getting fitter and sharper and is set to move into his own accommodation shortly. McCann also noted that Hakeem is expected to offer more in his second spell with the club compared to his first.
Defender Leon had a strong season with Boreham Wood, while Bayley McCann is coming into the team strongly. Brandon Aguilera is also starting to regain his best form. The manager stressed the importance of the entire squad understanding the team's triggers and movements on the pitch.
Despite the slow start to the 2026-27 season, which has seen Rovers score four goals and concede five, McCann's belief in the squad is unwavering. He pointed to the strong finish to last season as evidence of the team's potential. McCann argued that over the final twenty games, the team was close to promotion-chasing form and that extrapolated over a full season, that points tally would have reached 69.
"I think we'll climb this league, undoubtedly," McCann stated. The immediate focus is on turning draws into wins, beginning with the upcoming fixtures. The home match against Plymouth represents a chance to build momentum before the international break. McCann's target remains a top-six finish and a genuine challenge for promotion, a goal he believes is within reach with the new additions fully integrated.
The manager's final message was one of collective faith. He believes every one of the eleven summer signings will contribute massively to the club's ambitions this season. Doncaster Rovers host Plymouth Argyle at the Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
