Next Doncaster Rovers Manager Odds: Michael Flynn early favourite to replace Richie Wellens
Doncaster Rovers have become the latest EFL club to make a managerial change, with Richie Wellens departing the struggling League One side after less than seven months in charge.
“The club’s board have taken the decision that a change is required at this time in order for a permanent appointment to be made in time for the opening of the January transfer window,” 23rd-placed Doncaster said in a statement on Thursday.
Wednesday’s defeat to Crewe in the Papa John’s Trophy proved to be Wellens’ final match in charge, meaning he’s now left three clubs - Swindon and Salford - in the space of 13 months.
He won just three league matches and six of his total 26 league and cup games at the helm; a win rate of 23.1%.
U18s manager Gary McSheffrey has been place in caretaker charge of the club and has emerged as one of the early favourites for the permanent job.
McSheffrey, who will be assisted by Academy coach Frank Sinclair, will look to make an instant impact on Saturday when Doncaster host League Two side Mansfield Town in the FA Cup: the hosts are priced at 6/5 to win in 90 minutes, with Mansfield available at 23/10, while the draw can be backed at 5/2.
It is, however, likely that Doncaster bid to secure the services of an external appointment as they look to find a fifth permanent manager in the space of three-and-a half-years.
| League Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wigan | 24 | 17 | 3 | 4 | 54 |
| 2. | Sunderland | 28 | 16 | 6 | 6 | 54 |
| 3. | Rotherham | 26 | 16 | 5 | 5 | 53 |
| 4. | Wycombe | 28 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 52 |
| 5. | MK Dons | 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 46 |
| 6. | Oxford | 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 46 |
| 7. | Plymouth | 26 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 43 |
| 8. | Sheff Wed | 26 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 40 |
| 9. | Ipswich | 27 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 38 |
| 10. | Portsmouth | 26 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 38 |
| 11. | Burton | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 36 |
| 12. | Cambridge U | 27 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 36 |
| 13. | Accrington | 27 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 36 |
| 14. | Charlton | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 33 |
| 15. | Bolton | 26 | 9 | 5 | 12 | 32 |
| 16. | Lincoln | 26 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 31 |
| 17. | Cheltenham | 27 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 31 |
| 18. | Shrewsbury | 27 | 8 | 6 | 13 | 30 |
| 19. | Wimbledon | 25 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 28 |
| 20. | Fleetwood | 26 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 28 |
| 21. | Morecambe | 27 | 7 | 6 | 14 | 27 |
| 22. | Crewe | 27 | 5 | 7 | 15 | 22 |
| 23. | Doncaster | 27 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 19 |
| 24. | Gillingham | 26 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 18 |
Could that man be Michael Flynn?
Flynn, 41, has featured in multiple manager markets since leaving Newport back in October. It’s his only job to date, but during his near-five-year tenure the young boss saved the Exiles from relegation out of the EFL and then took them to two play-off finals.
Out-of-work managers with League One experience include Nigel Adkins, Neil Harris, Sam Ricketts, and Sol Campbell. Simon Grayson is also now available after leaving Fleetwood last month. The 51-year-old has won promotions at Leeds, Preston, Huddersfield, and Blackpool although his recent spells at Sunderland, Bradford, Blackpool (again), and Fleetwood have been underwhelming - he left the latter following a return of seven defeats from his last eight games.
Veteran Neil Warnock could be tempted by one last stab at management. Mick McCarthy, Paul Lambert, Tony Pulis, and Ian Holloway are also in the Job Centre.
Alex Neil is available for hire but the likelihood is that he’s eyeing up a return to the Championship, while former Bournemouth and Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate, who was briefly the favourite for Hartlepool last week, also features.
Then at the other end of the managerial scale former Reading coach John O'Shea, who has been linked with Fleetwood, is looking for his first opportunity in the dugout. As are Nicky Butt and Liam Rosenior, whereas QPR assistant John Eustace was previously linked to the club following Darren Moore’s departure.
Down in League Two Simon Weaver continues to do an excellent job at Harrogate, as does Matt Gray at Sutton United. Potential National League options include Pete Wild (FC Halifax) and Luke Garrard (Boreham Wood). Full odds in the above table.
