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Interviews

INTERVIEW: We have a strong belief says John

In-form Doncaster next up for Stanley

12 April 2024

Interviews

INTERVIEW: We have a strong belief says John

In-form Doncaster next up for Stanley

12 April 2024

John Doolan says there is a strong belief in his Accrington Stanley side that they can go to in-form Doncaster Rovers and make it two successive wins.

Grant McCann's side have chalked up seven victories on the bounce and striker Joe Ironside has found the back of the net 19 times this season.

Stanley celebrated a win over Newport County midweek and will take that confidence into tomorrow's game at the Eco-Power Stadium.

"It was good against Newport," said Doolan. "There was a setback with the early goal conceded but the lads showed great character and to score the goals we scored, the dressing room was full of fun at the end.

"We asked the lads to believe in what we are trying to do, have confidence and be on the front foot and they showed that."

Tommy Leigh has been playing up front in the last two games - with one win and a draw in that time - and was on the scoresheet against Newport in the 3-1 victory.

"Tommy will give 100 per cent in whatever position you put him in, we haven't got a target man and we have asked Tommy to play that position and he has done brilliant up there.

"He has held the ball up well, linked up, he is effective in the box defending and attacking and it was a great goal, chesting it down and scoring on the turn."

Doncaster were in 20th position at the turn of the year and have gone a stunning run, with just one defeat in their last 13 League Two games.

They are now in 10th place, launching a late bid for a Play-Off place.

"Doncaster have done amazing," continued Doolan. "They were down there, they have been on the run, they are seven or eight unbeaten and it’s good to see.

"They are playing the right way, I have looked at their game against Walsall midweek, and we have to try and stop them and impose our style on them.

"With playing them in the FA Cup as well, they know a lot about us and us them and it will be a tight game and we want to go there and win. Belief and confidence will be a big thing."

With a number of players out of contract, Doolan is making decisions for the first time as a manager on which players to keep.

"It's tough, I have been on the other side of it as a player. I have made decisions at U18 and U21 level and sat in with first team managers when they have made decisions.

"It's part of the job. It's never nice on one side of it but there is also the other side, when someone gets a contract and goes on and does well.

"I do love the job though, it's a new challenge, I have fingers in all the pies."

While Matt Lowe is back on the pitch, Liam Coyle is now in full-time training and challenging for a place in the squad.

Rosaire Longelo and Jay-Rich Baghuelou are back running and Sean McConville is having rehabilitation as he makes the next step back to fitness.

"It's looking better, we are looking strong, and it is good that people are coming back," added Doolan.


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