Doncaster Rovers Pre Match Press Conference with Danny Cowley | Vital Football

Doncaster Rovers Pre Match Press Conference with Danny Cowley

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Vital Champions League

Danny Cowley covered a wide ranging set of topics ahead of the weekend early kick off clash with Doncaster Rovers:-

MK Dons - DC remained analytical yet philosophical when reviewing the defeat at MK Dons. Statistically Imps had run over 120K on the big pitch which is a high figure for City. It wasn't overly physical, rather controlled possession. The ball was in play for 72 mins. of the game - compare that with an average 50 mins. in games at SB from January of last season. Records were set for passes in total (585) also forward passes and final third with touches in the opposition box to complete the set. DC ruefully reflected that 'How we lost that is why we all love football....can't second guess ...game of chance and luck (have to be factored in)'. People who say that 99/100 times Imps win that game are wrong. If 'you' concede 2 goals from 3 poor moments or take 1 opportunity from 27 chances teams don't win that percentage of games. That said it was the first time Imps had lost that type of game where the team had such dominance (70% possession). DC doesn't want to be a good team that loses; he wants to have an effective team and he wasn't sticking his head in the sand as he knew exactly why Imps were defeated
On the positive side DC was very pleased with the box to box play and felt the players did a really good job at MK particularly locking down their 'keeper and throw ins. Offensively the ball was moved well into finishing positions. DC reminded people that 'we' also have to credit the opposition. They kept very compact with organised shape and defended the frame of their goal effectively.

Doncaster Rovers - DC has watched them extensively both under McCann last season and Darren Moore this season. They like to play an open and expansive game so City will need to match their opponents physically and mentally. Doncaster recently beat a good Fleetwood team in a match that to'd and fro'd. DC highlighted how important his preparation is including accumulating as much necessary detail as possible - 'you need to know their ammunition whether it is bazookas or water pistols'. The early kick off throws up some challenges but DC understands why the game is scheduled as such and pointed out that in similar circumstances last season the team prevailed. With almost 3K Imps travelling, how much the club means to the fans had been discussed with the players today.

International Call Ups - DC confirmed that the club needs 3 call ups (unless first choice 'keeper) to have a game called off and quipped that if 'we' find another everyone could go to Dubai for a week. On the two players called up namely Joe Morrell (full squad) and Aaron Lewis (u 21) his over riding emotion was delight for the players as it is always a great honour to represent 'your' country at any level - especially full (Joe and parents very proud), with both players deserving of the accolade for their efforts and performances.

Transfers - The lines of communication are always open with Clive and it is a case of getting the best value. People talk about the Everton money but overlook the significant match expenses. 'We' have a good team but need 22 players ASAP for depth and meat on the bones to allow for a planned 60 game season. Imps remain a patient club as they don't have the means to make things happen and have to wait as the targeted loan players and clubs will always hold out for the best deal. Imps position will become clearer at the end of the month and things can happen very quickly. DC continues to ask the question to loan targets' clubs and he is brilliant at being patient and keeping relationships going. On Aaron Lewis DC was more and more impressed with him as a player and person as he worked with him. If DC finds a way he will be signed - probably when he knows where 'we' are at the end of the window.

Start to the Season - Imps are having to implement a fluid training schedule due to the amount of games but DC would like it to become more so as that would mean City were playing at an even higher level of football. DC is pleased with the players performance commenting on how the side had dealt with different challenges with regard to styles and problems posed by the opponents - a physical, pacey, powerful and direct Rotherham team contrasting with the 3 possession based teams that like to control the ball.

Bury, Bolton and The EFL - DC doesn't do social media and hasn't heard from The EFL so he took that as they must agree with his comments. DC had said what he believed to be right and stands by those comments. His heart goes out to people right through both clubs knowing how important they are to the communities but The EFL could have prevented the situation from developing through the right governance in particular the fit and proper owners test.

Injuries - Both LF and TP are progressing well. Lee is on the grass and running with Tom about a week behind him. Tom had the two injuries (back and knee) with the necessity of the knee bracr impacting a little on his back. That said DC expects both players to be available in 2/3 weeks time.
 
Always very quiet aren't they?
Just about workable with head phones on. Perhaps when DC leads us to Nirvana phase 8 of the EPC will be a state of the art media centre opened by Chris Ashton. Where is he these days? He started off the season with a sensible question about interpretation of this season's new laws and seems to have subsequently disappeared.
 
... Chris Ashton. Where is he these days?....... seems to have subsequently disappeared.[/QUOTE]
Guaranteed he won't have starved himself to death
 
Just about workable with head phones on. Perhaps when DC leads us to Nirvana phase 8 of the EPC will be a state of the art media centre opened by Chris Ashton. Where is he these days? He started off the season with a sensible question about interpretation of this season's new laws and seems to have subsequently disappeared.
Saw him yesterday when picking up Donny tickets.