The simple message Doncaster Rovers players were given heading into furlough

The Doncaster Rovers squad were sent away with a simple message after being furloughed - watch what you eat.
Darren Moore with Matty BlairDarren Moore with Matty Blair
Darren Moore with Matty Blair

Income streams for the club dried up due to the shutdown of the game due to the Covid-19 outbreak. With no prospect of a return to action for the foreseeable future, the decision was taken to place much of the club’s staff on furlough in early April, including the playing squad.

While the terms of the government’s job retention scheme means employers cannot ask anything of their furloughed staff, Rovers players were given advice before they headed away to help ensure when they do return to work, they are in the best possible condition.

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“The biggest thing I said to them was about food and calorie intake, not putting weight on,” boss Darren Moore said.

“They’re still exercising but maybe their calorie intake should not be as vast as what it would be when they’re in training regularly, where their bodies are being put through more demands.

“It’s about not putting on excessive weight and looking at body fat and body mass.

“That was the clear message to them, to keep that in check.

“They’re a good group, a dedicated group, and they’re a joy to work with.

“They have that dedication to make sure they’re right.”

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During lockdown, players across the country have faced challenges of maintaining their fitness under government restrictions.

Moore is confident his group will have made the most of the time they are permitted.

“They’re obviously not working anywhere to the capacity they would do in training but they’ve just got to keep the body active,” he said.

“It might be a run over a distance in a certain amount of time and then some core body work and exercises to keep themselves in check.

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“I’ve kept in touch with them to make sure they’re okay. It’s great to hear their voices.

“What I have heard from them is an eagerness to get back to it but also an understanding of the health and safety aspects.

“If it was deemed right for them to come back in then they’d be happy to do it.”

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