'Skeleton Doncaster Rovers staff' return to training

The entire footballing arm of the club has been given time off since it was confirmed by the EFL last Friday that competitive action would be suspended until at least the weekend of April 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the potential of Rovers hosting Tranmere Rovers on that date, the first team squad will report back for training from Thursday, having spent the last few days maintaining their fitness levels at home.

In a bid to limit numbers and therefore reduce the risk of the virus impacting upon the group, only the core senior squad will be present at Cantley Park with all other players - U23s and younger - remaining away from the club.

The senior players will be guided by a skeleton coaching staff comprising of only essential personnel and led by manager Darren Moore. All other club staff will not be permitted to visit the training ground.

It appears highly unlikely that competition will resume on April 4 with the EFL this week agreeing to attempt to complete the season by the end of June.

Should the date of resumption be pushed back significantly, Rovers would likely elect to stand down all players for a period of time to allow for social distancing as increasingly recommended by the government.

The squad would then be called back in for a mini pre-season, building back up towards the first fixture after the suspension of competition.