Retained list

[Drover]

I wonder if Gibbo was confident he would be staying,despite falling short too many times for most of our fans,he surprisingly made 51 appearnces this season,he was watching kids football Wednesday evening at Harworth colliery,apparently he moved into a house in the village recently too.

[Smyth]

Let’s face it the squad was never L1 prepared . If McCann isn’t to repeat the same , will he  have the full backing to bring in the type of players that can compete at hire level as other teams are investing and we have little over all squad quality left if Bailey and Mols move on . Other confusing thing is why announce before the last game who’s leaving etc .

I think GM's interview give us a clue why, he is wanting to have a break with his family, something he didn't get last season, so things have to be organised before he goes straight after the last game, and before he brings in the targets and has the pre season training camp.

Not having a break last year was bonkers,  anyway hopefully he won't be rushing to sign 18 year olds this summer.

[grayx]

I wonder if Gibbo was confident he would be staying,despite falling short too many times for most of our fans,he surprisingly made 51 appearnces this season,he was watching kids football Wednesday evening at Harworth colliery,apparently he moved into a house in the village recently too.

On his day he IS a league 1 player, but his day isn’t regular enough. I may have kept him though.

[Ian Nimmo]

Of the (permanent) players released, how many are likely to remain in L1 next season?

Zain Westbrooke - highly unlikely
Ben Close - probably not
Joseph Sbarra - no chance
Jordan Gibson - doubtful
Kyle Hurst - highly unlikely
Billy Sharp - doubtful
James Maxwell - unsure

Ben Close - could still do a job in L1, however guessing his plans for the future will be prioritised when considering any offers which are made to him.
Billy Sharp - would still be a useful asset for a L1 team who tend to play with two central forwards as opposed to Grants system of one central and two wide forwards. Whilst Bill will always want to play as much as possible just having him within a squad will be a tremendous asset, particularly any which lacks experience.
James Maxwell - good enough to remain in L1.

[Petche]

The amount of comments I've read, some on here but mainly on social media about "Gibbo can still do a job", "I would'nt have got rid of Close", "Can't believe Maxwell is going" etc....
These players are not good or strong enough for League 1, it's been proved this season. The right decisions have been made thankfully.

[drfcsteve]

I agree Close and Maxwell might find themselves at a league one club but none of the others.

Sharp no doubt still has the ability to finish at this level but it would be a weird signing for a league one club to make given you know he won’t be able to play 90 minutes every week and he needs to play in a specific system to suit him.

[pib]

I'd be surprised if Close stays in L1. Screams something like Crawley, Shrewsbury or Cheltenham to me.

Westbrooke is a funny one. Always thought he looked pretty good for us when he played, and early last season he looked like the clever midfield passer that we needed. Something must have gone on to see him basically frozen out. I'll be interested to see where he ends up - surely ability wise he's above National League level.

I think Maxwell is a really good player ability wise, but just been looking at his stats, in his 4 seasons here he's never made it to 30 league appearances in a season, and I'd say for most of that time (until the second half of this season) he's been first choice when fit...

2022/23 - 29 league appearances
2023/24 - 24 league appearances (including play-offs)
2024/25 - 24 league appearances
2025/26 - 19 league appearances

Maybe that's in McCann's thinking with Maxwell. There's no doubting his ability I don't think, and I'm sure bad luck is a factor in the injuries he has picked up, but you really want your first choice players to be available 35+ times per season.

[Pancho Regan]

It’s amusing to read some of the comments on here. Talk about diverse opinions! You would think we’d all been watching a different team!

For what it’s worth, I wasn’t surprised by any of Grant’s decisions.

I always lean towards the positive and probably judge some of our players with red and white tinted specs, so I’m disappointed particularly to see Maxwell go, but I can’t really argue too strongly.

Similarly with Middleton, but I guess he just hasn’t produced the output required of an attacking player. I do believe, however, that in a different set-up with a ‘traditional’ centre forward in the team who could get on the end of Middleton’s crosses, he would look a much better player.

Gibson is a bit of an enigma. He’s provided some memorable moments (particularly against Bradford!) but he has been much too inconsistent to warrant another contract. It’s a shame, because he does have talent. But if I had to choose between Jordan and Haks, it would be Haks for me.
I’m also sorry to see Close go, because on his day he is a fine footballer. He can do a good job for somebody.

Not really any debate about the other decisions for me. Hanlan gets too much stick in my opinion, but we do need better if we are to challenge at the top end of the League next season. He can contribute, but not as Number 1 choice.

So I think Grant has made the right decisions, although I feel he is simply putting right some questionable previous decisions regarding players like Sbarra, Westbrooke and Hurst.

I do think Grant has given himself enough space and scope to really improve the quality of the squad and give us a real chance of competing next season, assuming Terry is able to give him what he needs.

So that’s Part One done. Now the next decisions are the crucial ones.

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

The overwhelming thing we should remember is largely that doing a job does not get you promoted and that is the aim of the manager. He has to be ruthless to kick on, especially with those who are at the stage they need to kick on themselves and have not.  That is not a reflection on them as people or their efforts in some ways (although some may be) but the manager has to improve the squad to get where he wants to be. I like that he won't just make do. 

Those released largely on the face of it have worked hard and done well, good luck to them all.

[number19]

Don't think any of them leaving can have too many complaints personally.

Been through all the players listed 'under contract, 'contract activated' and 'offered' and I only count 8 that if I saw them on the starting 11 first game of next season I'd have no real issues with: Sterry, Bailey, Pearson, Molyneux, Gotts, Adelakun, Clifton & Senior.

The rest for me all fall into the not convinced/back up at best/not seen enough category: McGrath, Broadbent, Hanlan, Nixon, Robinson, McCann, Grehan, Straughan-Brown, Williams, Pawlak, Bryant, Flint, Faulkner, Oram, Pavan.

Hopefully any that come in aren't for potential and can go straight in the starting 11 and are improvements on the 7 released.

[Scooter]

The daft thing is that I can see us signing a striker that would get on the end on Middletons crosses, then let Middleton go.

Ironside was that man

[Rupee92ONLY]

I can’t believe there’s people rating Pearson for us. Apart from 3 or 4 solid games he’s been utterly atrocious and he’s absolutely shit scared when it looks like he might have to make a pass under even the slightest of pressure.

Centre back looks just as big an issue as any in our squad.

[mushRTID]

Me and @adam3oxley have been told that the retained list won't be discussed at today's press conference. #DRFC

Unclear if the four loanees are still at Rovers. Grant McCann refused to clarify when asked about that. #drfc


From Ricky C on X

[Plumbster]

Hopefully we will soon stop slagging off the retained players and start supporting them- with a bit of confidence that might even change a few opinions.

[donnyguy]

Joe Sbarra on X
Massive thank you to everyone associated with the club! Moments I’ll never forget on and off the pitch, getting a few nibbles on the way! Wish everyone involved with @drfc_official all the best for the future ❤️

[Ian Nimmo]

I can’t believe there’s people rating Pearson for us. Apart from 3 or 4 solid games he’s been utterly atrocious and he’s absolutely shit scared when it looks like he might have to make a pass under even the slightest of pressure.

Centre back looks just as big an issue as any in our squad.

Pearson is the best centre back we have, a bit unfair to say he’s been atrocious except for 3 or 4 games.

[Barmby Rover]

It’s amusing to read some of the comments on here. Talk about diverse opinions! You would think we’d all been watching a different team!

For what it’s worth, I wasn’t surprised by any of Grant’s decisions.

I always lean towards the positive and probably judge some of our players with red and white tinted specs, so I’m disappointed particularly to see Maxwell go, but I can’t really argue too strongly.

Similarly with Middleton, but I guess he just hasn’t produced the output required of an attacking player. I do believe, however, that in a different set-up with a ‘traditional’ centre forward in the team who could get on the end of Middleton’s crosses, he would look a much better player.

Gibson is a bit of an enigma. He’s provided some memorable moments (particularly against Bradford!) but he has been much too inconsistent to warrant another contract. It’s a shame, because he does have talent. But if I had to choose between Jordan and Haks, it would be Haks for me.
I’m also sorry to see Close go, because on his day he is a fine footballer. He can do a good job for somebody.

Not really any debate about the other decisions for me. Hanlan gets too much stick in my opinion, but we do need better if we are to challenge at the top end of the League next season. He can contribute, but not as Number 1 choice.

So I think Grant has made the right decisions, although I feel he is simply putting right some questionable previous decisions regarding players like Sbarra, Westbrooke and Hurst.

I do think Grant has given himself enough space and scope to really improve the quality of the squad and give us a real chance of competing next season, assuming Terry is able to give him what he needs.

So that’s Part One done. Now the next decisions are the crucial ones.

So Hanlan isn't good enough and we need somebody else, so we carry him as a passenger for another season? Yet Maxwell, Middleton Close etc go because of the same reason. Not logical to me.

[IDM]

That will be because the people who matter do think Hanlan is good enough.

[Rupee92ONLY]

It’s not that difficult to figure out. Hanlan is still contracted, the others (excluding Middleton who desperately wants out) aren’t.

Hanlan is a fine 3rd choice striker who will occasionally come on out wide too and act as a bit of a nuisance/spoiler towards the end of some games.

[In the box]

It’s about time the physical stature ie hight / weight as well being good on the ball forms part of the calibre when signing players . We have in the past too many average slightly build midfielder types . No physical presence in the challenge where it should count ie in the box . Tall defenders are one thing at corner , but when your players are only  8st wet threw and under 6’ and gets out  muscled or out jumped every game it starts to be an up hill battle every game .. 

[GazLaz]

It’s about time the physical stature ie hight / weight as well being good on the ball forms part of the calibre when signing players . We have in the past too many average slightly build midfielder types . No physical presence in the challenge where it should count ie in the box . Tall defenders are one thing at corner , but when your players are only  8st wet threw and under 6’ and gets out  muscled or out jumped every game it starts to be an up hill battle every game .. 

Our smallest player has been the best player since January.

[Bessie Red]

It’s about time the physical stature ie hight / weight as well being good on the ball forms part of the calibre when signing players . We have in the past too many average slightly build midfielder types . No physical presence in the challenge where it should count ie in the box . Tall defenders are one thing at corner , but when your players are only  8st wet threw and under 6’ and gets out  muscled or out jumped every game it starts to be an up hill battle every game .. 

Our smallest player has been the best player since January.

Correct & I reckon Man City's smallest player (Silva) has been their best player all  season

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Size means nothing, ask Messi, Puyol, Iniesta etc. Copps was great in the air too and he was hardly a giant.  I'm.not sure why there's a clamber to be so physical all of a sudden. I'd rather we were quick and exciting to watch than a big physical side.

[rich1471]

I think Hanlon will start on the right wing next season with 3 new strikers being signed for next season ,the last 2 home games when he played on the right he has been outstanding and I said all season he is not a number 9 but a winger and a good one when played in his true position

[Chris Black come back]

Think the absence of pace is a bigger issue than physicality.

[GazLaz]

You have to be able to cover ground and have a good level of pace.

Height is something you pay a real premium for in football. If you are looking for undervalued players they are generally not tall.

[ncRover]

McCann will be looking for pace AND physicality.

He said in his Posh pre-match we have been overpowered in games we have struggled in.

We need more direct options, it suits his teams.

[GazLaz]

McCann will be looking for pace AND physicality.

He said in his Posh pre-match we have been overpowered in games we have struggled in.

We need more direct options, it suits his teams.

We need more athleticism undoubtedly. Everyone doesn’t have to be 6’3 though. Why didn’t we need more pace and physicality when we were signing players 12 months ago? Is it a new thing?

It’s easy to pivot towards a new set of requirements and actually start overlooking other stuff that’s important.

[ncRover]

McCann will be looking for pace AND physicality.

He said in his Posh pre-match we have been overpowered in games we have struggled in.

We need more direct options, it suits his teams.

We need more athleticism undoubtedly. Everyone doesn’t have to be 6’3 though. Why didn’t we need more pace and physicality when we were signing players 12 months ago? Is it a new thing?

It’s easy to pivot towards a new set of requirements and actually start overlooking other stuff that’s important.

I think he expected L1 to be more total football than it actually is (see his previous Ben Close better suited to L1 than L2 comments).

Lincoln 100 pts says it all. Yes, Cardiff a possession team but can do it because they have a high baseline of athleticism in their squad from them being Championship players.

You have a point about height. Bailey is below 6 foot and is one of the best players in the air in the entire league. Just think we need someone with that ability at centre forward too. Other positions height matters less, we have it at centre half.

[Metalmicky]

TBH, I would like us to bring in a 1 or 2 Ben Whiteman types (physically) - I do think we have been out-muscled a bit by teams this year.   It might also help if we are to persist with the long throw options.