Doncaster Rovers narrow managerial shortlist to six contenders: Who could they be?

A pool of nearly 140 applicants for the Doncaster Rovers job has been shredded down to just six contenders.

In a Meet The Owners event on Monday night, Chairman David Blunt told those in attendance: “Gavin [Baldwin] and I met this morning and produced a shortlist of six candidates we would like to interview. We are trying to arrange the interviews for next Monday. Once we’ve had those initial interviews, we will produce another shortlist and interview again.” (quote via Doncaster free Press).

As for the identity of those half-a-dozen candidates, the owners have understandably kept this underwraps, so unfortunately it’s still just speculation when it comes to guessing who is in the mix to replace Richie Wellens, who was sacked just under two weeks ago.

It’s impossible to tell for certain but one of the names is likely to be caretaker Gary McSheffrey, a 3/1 shot for the permanent job with Bet Victor.

McSheffrey has been hesitant to comment on whether he’s directly in the running for the full-time post, however he did bag his first win over the weekend - a 1-0 triumph over Shrewsbury - which ended the club’s five game losing streak in all competitions.

With Doncaster not even beginning the interview process until next Monday, McSheffrey has the opportunity to make it back-to-back wins away to Lincoln on Saturday.

It’s Graham Coughlan who is the narrow bookmakers’ favourite at 2/1.

Coughlan impressed in his first managerial post at then League One outfit Bristol Rovers. In the space of a year he propelled The Gas from the relegation zone up to 4th in the table, before making a surprise mid-season switch to League Two Mansfield; a job which allowed him to be closer to his family.

Unfortunately, he struggled, picking up just four wins in 27 games. He’s since had a stint as joint-manager of Sheffield United’s U23s, and is now awaiting his next challenge. The 47-year-old is believed to have already held initial talks with Donny, as reported by BBC Sheffield.

A couple of experienced heads follow in the betting with Nigel Adkins at 5/1 and Mick McCarthy at 8/1. Both would bring valuable experience and knowledge but while they each boast CVs with multiple EFL promotions, the immediate task at Rovers is keeping the struggling club in League One.

Former Newport boss Michael Flynn can also be backed at 8/1, ahead of Chelsea first team coach Anthony Barry (10/1) and QPR assistant John Eustace (12/1), while Jonathan Woodgate and John Terry are both available at 16/1.

Full odds below…