Doncaster Rovers: Players still believe insists Ferguson

Darren Ferguson insists he saw enough from his players on Easter Monday to convince him they believe they can win their battle against relegation.
Darren Ferguson and assistant Gavin StrachanDarren Ferguson and assistant Gavin Strachan
Darren Ferguson and assistant Gavin Strachan

Rovers have looked largely devoid of confidence during their run of taking just one point from their last 12 matches, which has left them four points from safety with seven games to play.

After calling his players’ character into question following their capitulation in the Good Friday defeat at Colchester United, Ferguson once again is confident his squad has the belief to get themselves out of trouble.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I thought they had that belief against Blackpool,” he told The Star.

“You see it in training but it’s in the match that’s important.

“I thought they didn’t believe at all on Friday when it went to 1-1.

“And they didn’t believe at Scunthorpe either. When you lack that belief and energy, no matter how the game goes you’re in trouble and it can be perceived as a lack of effort, as if they’ve just chucked it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would suggest a lot of people felt that on Friday. I criticised them then for the right reasons.

“But I’m not going to criticise them after Blackpool because they were down in that dressing room as gutted as we all are at the club, as the fans are.”

Ferguson admits he continues to see a lack of confidence in his players but felt they were willing to take risks against Blackpool, a game which ultimately ended in defeat for Rovers.

He said: “I think there’s a lack of confidence and you have to keep giving them that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But I didn’t need to on Monday. They played with real bravery at times.

“Harry Middleton was one of the youngest players on the pitch but he was one of the better ones.

“He took the ball all the time and showed a good temperament in a difficult game.

“That’s what we need over the next seven games.”