Doncaster interim manager, Andy Butler, states the ‘pressure’ was on after picking himself in Saturday’s 0-2 victory against Shrewsbury Town.
The game at New Meadow was Rovers’ first win in ten games, and moved them five points off the playoff places.
Butler says his side can use the the result as a spring board, and was relieved to get the three points as both a player and the manager.
He said: “If I play, and we lose, the pressure’s on me for picking myself.
“We won’t get carried away (by the game), it’s one result, but at the same time, it’s a step forward rather than a step backwards.”
👊 On to Tuesdayhttps://t.co/wv2ShCJWsS #DRFC pic.twitter.com/LtWUzwuePM
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) April 19, 2021
Butler discovered both positives and negatives of managing from the field.
“I felt I could manage the players around me better – obviously you get a little bit of tunnel vision and you can’t see the bigger picture, but that’s where I’ve got good staff around me, to help me in the decisions as well”
Discussing the team’s recent performances, Butler believes they have taken a step in the right direction.
“I’ve questioned players commitments and attitudes in games, and I think I had every right to do it, but you can see now we’re playing with that passion and that desire to win the ball back. We’re a different animal.
“A lot of people have written this team off and people now won’t look at us as a threat. Well, I watch these players day in, day out, and what they can do, and I know they’re a threat, and I know their capabilities.”
Butler also had praise for on loan striker Tyreece John-Jules, who returned to action at the weekend.
“You can see the lift that Tyreece brings to the squad when he comes on the pitch, because we all know what he’s capable of. In training, he’s been outstanding. Him just being on the training pitch raises people’s levels even higher.”
👊 On to Tuesdayhttps://t.co/wv2ShCJWsS #DRFC pic.twitter.com/LtWUzwuePM
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) April 19, 2021
Ahead of tomorrow’s game against Accrington (K.O. 7pm), Butler is wary of the Lancashire despite them suffering a slump in form throughout the last month, including a 7-0 defeat against Peterborough and a 5-1 loss against AFC Wimbledon.
Despite that the Stanley strike force features Dion Charles, who has scored 17 goals this season.
“It’ll be tough, we know that they came to our place and beat us 1-0, so we’ll have to be on top form to get a result.”
“I’m expecting a bounce back from them, to be totally honest, I know they’re a hardworking, solid side, and the manager’s got them working how he wants to work.
“I will concentrate on my side, and how my side can find the weaknesses of opposition. I have full belief in my players to go out there and get a result.”
Heading into the back end of the season, Butler is positive about how they can finish.
“There are six games left. It’s a little mini league now. Whoever finishes strongest will be in the playoffs, if you don’t finish strong, then you won’t be. It’s as simple as that.”
