Well well, our seasons objective of "bouncing straight back up at the first attempt" seems to have failed again with Dickov in charge. 2 years and 2 objectives failed.
Before I go into the ins and outs I'd like you all to have a look at a similar thread to which I created at the end of last season after the Leicester game, but Inparticular read the comments especially the predictions made and set by a couple who do not post any more
http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/267049
Firstly our squad which we had featured around 75% of players who have had championship and above experience so straight away our aim was promotion which was set out by the board AND Dickov. Also we wanted to introduce and blood the youngsters into the squad but many were left sitting on the bench or not even selected. The must baffling was Dickovs exclusion and overlooking if Jack McKay. Who had been watched by premier league scouts!!
Now 10 games into the season judge him was the cry from some. Our record read, played 10, won 4, drawn 2, lost 4. 14/30 points available. Hardly a great start to set the league on fire and teams take note, of those just 1 home win.
Up to Christmas, a couple of odd wins added to a lot of draws and defeats saw us languishing towards the lower end of the table. A couple of good signings to boost the squad came in and all but Butler was disappointing. So much for Dickovs contacts and eye for a player
Miraculously after xmas and new year we had a good run which had been long overdue and found ourselves in 6th by March with a 3 point cushion and game or 2 in had. A perfect opportunity to kick on and cement our place.
Defeats and hidings to the sides above us and down the bottom end followed and we pathetically slid down and out of contention.
Our home form was around the 5th worse in the season and for a team which high expectation was very disappointing. Games at times were boring, uninspiring and lacked ideas to break sides down. Teams such as Notts Co, Crawley et al frustrated us due to a lack of idea. With the players we had setting up to counter attack teams seemed baffling and we took a couple of hidings.
Overall a disasterous campaign and one I'm glad to see the back of. Fans came at the start in expectation and hope but with the poor football being played soon lost around 1500-2000.
Highlights would be Bennett and Butlers performances, with players such as Bywater, Evina, Wabarra, Robinson and Main dire for nearly most of the season.
Our away form was very good and I enjoyed the odd performance but that was all.
There have been fans fall out, arguments and a lot of rose tinted specs being worn over the season when it was blatant to see we were average.
My forecast at the start of the season was bang on. Although I am disappointed and annoyed. Previous years me and my dad along with a large group of friends would have missed a handful of games throughout the season, this one just gone we'd only attended a handful and some friends haven't set foot since the championship.
Why is that? Dickov!
Do the honourable thing and leave before you take us to league 2, as this board have no idea how to run a club, contingency plans or how to progress. This club doncaster Carp is taking effect I see, the dons after a great campaign last season reaching the play offs are now rooted to the bottom of the same league and lost every game.
Between Bramall, Watson, Dickov and Baldwin they've ruined our club during the last 2 seasons!
Seasons report over, verdict woeful!
Ps well done to SelbyRover on winning the DPL
Dickov fails part 2, a season on
posted on 14/5/15
I've heard that too RoverIan along with Forrester
posted on 14/5/15
I have to say that I think this is Furman's level. He is far better to be a big fish in a small pond rather than a small fish in a big one.
He stands out in League One, but I am sure that when thinking back to our Championship times, he did not do as well.
Even now with Keegan fully fit, he would be a bench player at midfield. We seldom play both him and Keegan together from the start.
posted on 14/5/15
If these relatively able players are looking to jump ship what does that say about the alleged loyalty and affectation that the journalists claim they are supposed to have towards the Dear Leader?
I can't blame them for wanting to escape from DRFC whilst there is no sign of shifting Dickov from his post. It's a miserable enough prospect for us, but it surely must occur to the players who labour directly under his erratic management yet think seriously about how things might be better run, that there a better options for their career development.
I bet Rob Jones is fed up.
posted on 14/5/15
Saunders said in his interview on Chesterfield player that his assisting squad would be named later. "They are all working for other clubs right now".
I think that would leave the door open for Corporal Jones to go as a player and Development coach. Saunders is putting a lot of faith in producing home grown talent. Jonesy could also be his assistant.
posted on 14/5/15
Good article Azza. Spot on with a lot of the observations. A very frustrating season and one where we appear to have lost momentum and direction. I was disappointed with the signings, particularly Evina whose complete lack of talent really made me very sceptical of Dickovs 'eye' for a player. I think our slide began when Johnstone went to Preston - his form was superb and we were unable to replace him - it was pretty much down hill from there for me. I really don't know what the future holds - but I have a feeling that if we are not careful we could get into a nosedive situation once more. Hope i'm wrong - rtid.
posted on 15/5/15
I think one or two people are in for a shock next season if they think we'll be a top ten team. Ive watched a few games/teams from that league and believe me, I for one couldn't believe how much better they are compared to when we left only the season before. The good thing is there's lots of derbys to look forward to, only problem is we'll not win many, under this management.
Not a bad forecast was it.
posted on 15/5/15
My opinion remains the same.
posted on 15/5/15
The "retained list was due to be submitted to the FL on 14 May. Unlike many clubs, DRFC did not publish this despite announcing the date. Rather typical of the club. They seem interested in gaining awards from the League for this, that and the other, but the basic need
of keeping the fans informed is conspicuously ignored.
They are hopelessly out of touch with those they should care most about.
posted on 17/5/15
The title of this article should have been "Owners & Dickov Fail part 2"
When you look and see what Bournemouth and Brentford have achivied this season, when not long ago it was us who were leading them. I believe the owners and management of Doncaster Rovers have failed on all levels.
Also they are not making a bad job at messing up The Dons also. 0 points this season and a big drain on the Rovers funding. Team Doncaster sucks, and the sooner we get those Wombat headed owners and their whacker of a manager out the better.
I feel that I must end on a positive note and try and say something nice about that swamp donkey Dickov.
"he looks quite presentable in a suit" but he is still a pissant.
posted on 17/5/15
Well put Aussie Lad