Not too long ago, Doncaster Rovers were staring down the barrel of relegation.
Back in February 2024, they were 22nd in League Two and seconds away from a crushing defeat at Sutton United.
With the clock deep into stoppage time, Joe Ironside stepped up to the penalty spot and coolly converted to snatch a point.
That moment, small as it seemed, became the spark for one of English football’s most impressive turnarounds.
The Start of Something Special
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Doncaster collected 143 points across 20 months—more than any other club across England’s top four divisions in that period.
A 10-game winning streak lifted them into the League Two play-offs, followed by a title-winning campaign, and now they’re thriving back in League One.
This season even brought a stunning 4-0 Carabao Cup win over Championship leaders Middlesbrough, with Tottenham next on the schedule.
The Man Behind the Revival
At the heart of the club’s resurgence is manager Grant McCann, affectionately known by fans as “Super Grant McCann.”
In his second spell at Doncaster, the Belfast-born coach has steadily built a reputation as a modern, hard-working tactician who values culture as much as tactics.
Those who know him often compare his methods to Eddie Howe’s—understated but relentlessly effective.
A Track Record of Spotting Talent
McCann doesn’t just focus on results—he has a sharp eye for player development.
At Hull, he helped shape the careers of Jarrod Bowen and Keane Lewis-Potter, now Premier League regulars.
At Peterborough, he worked with Harrison Burrows, later signed by Sheffield United, and Benjamin Arthur, now an England U19 international.
His knack for spotting raw talent and turning it into something special is part of what sets him apart.
A Captain Born From Belief
One of McCann’s biggest success stories at Doncaster is Owen Bailey.
Released by Newcastle’s academy, Bailey was brought in from Gateshead.
Fast forward two years, and he’s now club captain, driving the team’s push for promotion while chipping in with crucial goals from midfield.
McCann calls it a story built on belief—belief that has lifted the entire club from its lowest point.
Rebuilding the Spirit of Doncaster
McCann admits it wasn’t easy when he returned in late 2023. Fans were frustrated, crowds were dwindling, and results were poor.
But with patience, smart recruitment, and a shift in mentality, things began to change.
A crucial piece of the puzzle has been chairman Terry Bramall, who at 82 continues to be a hands-on leader.
His backing, alongside chief executive Gavin Baldwin, has created a stable environment for McCann to thrive.
Driven by Work and Country Music
McCann’s dedication is legendary. After winning the League Two title, while others celebrated, he was already preparing recruitment plans in a coffee shop with his laptop.
He rarely switches off, except for an annual trip to Nashville to indulge his love for country music.
Even then, his eye never strays too far from football.
Loyal Players and Smart Decisions
Bringing back veteran striker Billy Sharp and keeping Luke Molyneux proved inspired last summer, with the pair scoring 30 goals between them.
Add in Bailey’s leadership and McCann’s recruitment nous, and Doncaster now boast a squad that blends experience with fearless energy.
A Career Built on Resilience
This isn’t McCann’s first brush with success. He previously guided Doncaster into the play-offs, then managed Hull City to a League One title despite setbacks after key players were sold.
He’s had ups and downs, but his record proves he knows how to build competitive teams.
Eyes on the Championship
Doncaster may currently sit seventh in League One after a couple of setbacks, but the belief remains.
Tottenham in the Carabao Cup is a daunting test, but McCann’s ambitions stretch beyond cup shocks.
“The ambition is to get this club back into the Championship,” he says.
“It won’t be easy, but with belief and the right mindset, we can achieve it.”