“Rovers had been crying out for investment otherwise non-league was calling again”
An interview with journalist Steve Jones on all things Doncaster, a side well-funded by owner Terry Bramall over the summer
Friday 6 October 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Donny Rovers – Saturday 7 October, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Salford – Tuesday 10 October, 7.45pm
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Donny Rovers supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Friday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
Steve Jones from the Doncaster Free Press joins us today ahead of Donny’s trip to Edgeley Park this weekend, who should be full of confidence after a 2-0 victory over Crawley on Tuesday night, their third win in four games.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Colourtone. A big thank you, as always, to Paul.
Finally, I’m starting my charity walk in the next few days, walking every street in Stockport to raise money for men’s mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
Does the ambition (and words) of the owner match the reality of Doncaster’s situation?
Terry Bramall, the club's sole funder, pumped some much-needed cash into Doncaster over the summer which has allowed Grant McCann to build a squad capable of pushing for promotion. To that end, he's fulfilled his promise. Rovers had been crying out for investment otherwise non-league was calling again.
What’s Grant McCann like to work with?
Pleasant, professional. You can't ask for any more than that really. He's got a good backroom team too. I'm rarely struggling for a news line.
Doncaster didn’t win any of their opening seven league games this season, but it’s now three wins from four. What’s the reason for the turnaround?
There's been a steady improvement in performances in recent weeks, even before the results started to turn. Now, they've collected wins against two of the division's in-form teams on their current mini-run. Aside from Notts County, I don't think they have been blown away by an opponent yet and that's despite an injury list that's into double figures and tough start to the season on paper.
Will Donny come and park the bus this weekend like last season’s 0-0?
Probably not. That's not Grant McCann's style and the team are confident after Tuesday's win. I don't expect them to be gung-ho, and keeping it tight at the back is vital away from home, but backed by a sold-out away end they will look to get forward wherever possible.
What's your thoughts on everything happening over in Scunthorpe at the moment?
Scunthorpe have been on the slide for a few years now. I'm sure all the Doncaster fans will join me in wishing them luck under their new owner. You can never have enough derby days, so hopefully they get back on their feet and up the leagues soon.
How long have you worked for the Doncaster Free Press?
I moved over from their sister paper, the Sheffield Star, just before the start of last season. I love covering the club and sport in Doncaster too. It's a brilliant news patch.
What’s your favourite press box you’ve been in?
Wembley, or Bolton Wanderers for the chilli con carne pre-match. Stockport’s food offering is considered one of, if not the, best in League Two.
Describe the state of football in Yorkshire at the moment. It seems like most of its clubs are struggling.
That's a fair assessment. Doncaster have pulled off some good wins recently but their league position and current division is not where anyone wants to be. The Sheffield clubs are trying to outdo each other it seems, although Wednesday are winning, and no one else is pulling up any trees really.
Doncaster could still end up flying the flag this season, however.
Who’s been Donny’s best player so far this season?
Luke Molyneux has been much improved and has probably been the danger man. Joe Ironside and Owen Bailey have probably been the pick of the summer signings so far, though many of them have been injured unfortunately.
What’s your prediction for Saturday’s game?
Heart says Doncaster win, head says draw or victory for Stockport. I've got all bases covered.
Give your car a lick of paint
Granted, Stockport used to be a little rough around the edges. But the town’s getting a good old lick of paint these days, with fancy new offices, apartments, bars and restaurants springing up. You can’t be driving up and down the A6 in a tatty car with chipped paintwork, so give your car a nice lick of paint too. Colourtone is your go-to company for that. They’ve been servicing the automotive and industrial markets in Cheshire and Greater Manchester for decades, and carry an extensive range of car paint and industrial paints.
Visit colourtone.com for further details.
Photo of the day
RIP Derek Reynolds
It was extremely sad to hear that 74-year-old Leyton Orient fan Derek Reynolds had passed away this week, after becoming unwell during the O’s home game with Lincoln on Tuesday night.
Derek was a lifelong Orient fan and lived a short walk from Brisbane Road for many years. He was also heavily involved in the club and managed their tannoy system during the 90s.
I think it’s touched a lot of football fans this week, following the events of Tuesday night, and the fact that most clubs across the country, especially lower league ones, will have their own versions of Derek watching in the stands every week.
We get lots of different football supporters reading The Scarf My Father Wore each week. We’d like to offer our sincere condolences to Derek’s friends and family, and our thoughts are with those O’s fans who were at Brisbane Road on Tuesday night.
Today in SK
🎶 DJ
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have their resident DJ playing on a Friday night, with Dicko (Ian Dickinson) on from 8pm till 1am.
🍟 Food and drink
Lite bite meal deal at The Friary (SK3). Cod or haddock, served with chips, and a side of peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.95. Open till 7.30pm.
🎤 Live music
Sap Tap at Petersgate Tap (SK1). Original high quality music delivered free to your ears, along with great beers and ciders to your other parts. 8.30pm.
Steve Fisher at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). Singing the hits of Sir Rod Stewart and many more. 8pm.
Friday Fiesta at TRUNK (SK7). Live music from Liam starting at 7.30pm. Great company, tasty tapas and flowing drinks – what more could you want? Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
We’ve got everything from Art & Gifts to Yoga
We might not have found a psychic from Poynton or a dominatrix from Davenport just yet, but we’ve pretty much got you covered for all other products and services you might need across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Just take a look at this little lot…
Art & Gifts - Bags - Builder - Butcher - Carpets & Flooring - Chartered Accountants - Cleaning - Coach Hire - Coatings - Dog Walking - Financial Services - Fire Protection - Football Prints - Gardening - Glazier - Ironing - IT Services - Kitchen Appliances - Locksmith - Osteopath - Painter & Decorator - Party & Event Services - Personal Trainer - Physiotherapist - Plasterer - Plumber - Recruitment - Removals - Security Equipment - Shoe Repairs - Sports Coaching - Timber Supplies - Tutor - Vintage Clothing - Web Design - Window Cleaner - Workwear - Yoga
On a serious note, our sponsors help us to keep The Scarf My Father Wore completely free of charge for everyone (rather than paying for a subscription, like most Substack websites) so if you do enjoy our daily offerings, please support them whenever you can. Make a mental note to yourself that whenever you need a cleaner, or a plumber, or a solicitor (or if you are looking for a dominatrix, send me a private message as I know a cracking lady in Heaton Moor…), check out our own directory before you head over to Google or Yell.com. Loads of the businesses we work with are County fans, and we’ve often got great offers for our readers as well.
Click here to have a look at all the businesses in our directory.