Clayton gone

[scunny rover]

Bradford

[Bessie Red]

https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2023/january/clayton/

[DonnyBazR0ver]

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers-captain-adam-clayton-joins-bradford-city-on-free-transfer-3992959

Not entirely surprised with his departure as we seemed to struggle for intensity when he was at the base of midfield.

Maybe surprised with his destination but that might help us in the long run providing we can find that more dynamic player to compliment or compete with Close and Biggins.

[Daniel_Smith]

Not surprised. Issue now is getting in a replacement that will work in our setup.

[jmt23]

Wow, I liked him a more mobile version of JBostock - just not mobile enough. It was an upgrade from a snail to a tortoise.
He did have great vision and his passing ability is second to none at this level.

[Canadian Rover]

He seemed to have a positive influence on RSW for a period of time. Wonder if we will see RSW leave in the summer too.

[roversdude]

Liked his enthusiasm and drive but have to admit we look a better side without him

[anton123]

It’s a plus for me that the coaches can see he’s not good enough

[karldew]

Thank you Bradford! He’s awful

A good bit of business if we actually replace him.

[anton123]

Hopefully Barlow next , clear all dead wood out and go again next season

[keith79]

Barlow is rated highly

[anton123]

Haha

[karlos]

Somebody must be coming in soon we can’t run with a squad our size!

[mushRTID]

Great pro but this is a good move, I thought we were stuck with him until the summer. So slow and cannot do anything when players run at him.

We needed a midfielder anyway for me so need two now I think.

[pib]

Think the "he's awful" shouts are a bit harsh. He was one of the few parts of GM's spell in charge that actually functioned fairly well, albeit we spent most of it punting the ball aimlessly from back to front over his head.

Having said that, it's probably the right move at the right time. He clearly didn't fit DS's style, and frees up some money that we can hopefully utilise on a younger, more mobile player that will be better suited to the sort of football we want to play.

[ncRover]

There’s “legs have gone” and then there’s time to just call it a day.

Seemed a good guy though, great pro. Helped Hurst settle in too.

[jamesrover17]

I suspected from the day Schofiled was coy about contract extensions back in December, he couldn't wait to gut the team and bring in his own identity, I must admit, I didn't think he would do it in January though!

Need to get some bodies through the door now, we are really down to bare bones

[Jonathan]

I think that’s a decent move for all parties. He’s a good character and I wish him well, there was definitely never any lack of effort on his part and he clearly still has quality too. However his best days are well behind him and, as others have said, this gives us a chance to bring someone more mobile in. This really does need to be a serious replacement and not a young kid on loan.

[Chris Black come back]

Central midfield was a priority at the start of the window and is more so now. Close and Biggins are the only central midfielders on our books.

[BigKeif]

Central midfield was a priority at the start of the window and is more so now. Close and Biggins are the only central midfielders on our books.

Depends where DS sees Rowe playing? Could count him as Centre mid possibly?

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

No real loss in a lot of ways he just didn't fit the shape and setup of the team.

But, its another one out with as yet nobody coming in. The squad gets thinner each day and we now only have 2 functioning central midfielders. That's a huge worry to me given Close has had so many injuries.

[Drover]

Possibly a good move for all involved,his style does not fit us at the moment.I was initially a little surprised he has been taken by Bradford,but thinking about it,he probably is an extra option/style and back up for Hughes who has a decent squad already.Hopefully this is a sign we have a midfielder lined up to come in.

[ForsolongaRover]

We complain when we can’t get rid of surplus players and now we complain we are moving them on or moving them out too quickly.

Until someone goes you cannot budget for someone else with certainty. I’m prepared to credit management with the sense to have a replacement in mind - and when all is said and done you would expect someone who can compete for a 1st team place, rather than someone with limited ability which is what Clayton became.

[drfchound]

Central midfield was a priority at the start of the window and is more so now. Close and Biggins are the only central midfielders on our books.

Depends where DS sees Rowe playing? Could count him as Centre mid possibly?

I’m concerned that Rowe won’t play much more this season.
He seems to have as many injury issues as Taylor.

[BigKeif]

Central midfield was a priority at the start of the window and is more so now. Close and Biggins are the only central midfielders on our books.

Depends where DS sees Rowe playing? Could count him as Centre mid possibly?

I’m concerned that Rowe won’t play much more this season.
He seems to have as many injury issues as Taylor.

Have to agree Hound but hoping he is back at the end of the month. Can only wait and see.

[Alan Southstand]

But DS has explained that they’re going to be careful with TR’s back problem, as they want him available for more games. It sounds like he’s not going to be ready until back end of January.

We need someone now.

[steve@dcfd]

This move will be good for both parties as long as we can bring in a better player that suits DS and our midfield we wait and see.

[Rovers91]

Agard next.

[The Beast]

Central midfield was a priority at the start of the window and is more so now. Close and Biggins are the only central midfielders on our books.

Depends where DS sees Rowe playing? Could count him as Centre mid possibly?

I’m concerned that Rowe won’t play much more this season.
He seems to have as many injury issues as Taylor.

Rowe did a resistance band class with mothers of newborns the other day, so guessing we won't be seeing him for a while.
Think it's a good move getting Clayton's wages off the books, even with the TR situation in mind.

[andyst79]

Liked his enthusiasm and drive but have to admit we look a better side without him

Think DS has quickly realised this also and took the necessary action. In recent  weeks it has been more obvious the style of play he wants to implement and he's clearly recognised certain personnel are not up to the task and we need better. Be great if we can bring in better players and make a push for the playoffs but worse case scenario we have a season of transition which puts us in a better place for recruitment in the summer