Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has provided an update on the state of play inside his squad, ahead of the summer transfer window.
The majority of his side are contracted beyond the summer, with Rovers retaining options on Harry Clifton and Jordan Gibson.
But Doncaster Free Press are reporting that McCann has stated four players will be out of contract in the summer.
However, it is believed that talks are underway to retain those men beyond the current 25/26 season.
Veteran striker Billy Sharp is one of those whose current deal runs out in the summer. The former Sheffield United man, who has been linked with a return to Bramall Lane in the future, is the current EFL Trophy top goalscorer this season. His six goals in just three appearances have guided Rovers to a semi-final tie against Stockport County next week, as they look to return to Wembley for the first time since 2008.
James Maxwell and Ben Close, who are both 29 years-old, will also be out of contract in the summer. The latter spent the second half of last season out on loan at Eastleigh, but the former Portsmouth man has returned to play 14 league games this season. Rounding off the list is Jack Senior, who moved to Rovers from Rangers to play in the English game for the first time in 2022.
McCann gave supporters an update on the current situation, though he insists there are more important things at hand.
“They’ve (talks) begun and we’ll touch a bit more on it today with Gavin [Baldwin] and the staff. I think what’s important now, given the busy schedule we’ve got, is finding the right time without interrupting the players’ thinking.
“It’s about balance. At this moment in time, given the schedule we’ve got, it’s nigh-on impossible to think about that. But, what I think is good is that there’s only four players actually out of contract – and when I say that, I mean those without an option on their contract.
“I think that’s a real plus in how we’ve moved the club forward, especially when we first came back to the club. You’re almost playing catch-up when you sign 14, 15 new players every summer.”
Doncaster Fighting For League One Survival
Amid the Vertu Trophy cup run, Rovers are still embroiled in a relegation battle in the third tier. Having made a fast start to the campaign, McCann’s side appeared to be one of the dark horses this season. But that hasn’t transpired, and Donny are back in the position that most of the pre-season predictions would have placed them.
Nevertheless, four victories in six matches means they are five points clear of the drop zone, providing the perfect form heading into their last four tie next week. Before that, there is the small matter of welcoming league leaders Cardiff City to the Eco-Power Stadium tomorrow afternoon. It’s a match that Lincoln City supporters will have an interest in, with the Imps travelling to South Wales next Saturday lunchtime, in a battle between the top two sides in League One.
A former Imps loanee is back in contention to face Cardiff tomorrow. Frankie Okoronkwo has returned to training following a hamstring injury, with only Sean Grehan currently missing from their squad with the same issue. That should boost an already confident Doncaster, who have recorded three successive Yorkshire derby victories over Huddersfield Town (twice) and Rotherham United in recent weeks.