This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Doncaster Rovers are really struggling in League One this season despite having what seemed like a very positive summer transfer window.

Richie Wellens was appointed as permanent manager in the summer after a turbulent 2020/21 campaign where he departed the dugouts at both Swindon Town and Salford City. Three wins, four draws and 11 losses paints a very sad picture for Donny supporters who would have had hopes of battling for a top six finish this season.

The Rovers hierarchy have been patient with Wellens through the terrible opening 18 league games but now sat 23rd and four points from safety it feels like a change has to be considered. Donny will be making a decision one way or another with the January transfer window approaching and in that a chance to salvage their season to maintain their third tier status.

We gathered the thoughts of a selection of FLW writers to see if they believe it is time for Doncaster to part company with Richie Wellens...

Alfie Burns

It’s difficult and a decision that many didn’t think Doncaster would have to think about in November.

Wellens has retained some support from the supporters, who view that there’s a need for patience and stability.

However, a squad that others tipped for a top-six push this season, sitting in the relegation zone with 11 defeats is concerning.

Wellens can still turn things around, he’s a good manager and although his squad needs work, there’s reason to believe that.

You can, though, completely justify the calls for change. A ‘new manager bounce’ could give Doncaster the chance to simply save themselves this season, which is the aim for the club now.

The longer it takes Wellens to turn it around, the more you can see Doncaster buckling and getting in a fire-fighter.

George Dagless

 

 

I really think it's close to that time now, unfortunately.

I think Wellens is a good manager and at the right club he has shown exactly what he can do with an attractive playing style and good results.

However, it just does not seem to be working at Doncaster and the worrying thing is it doesn't seem to be turning around at all.

I think it's fair enough that Donny have given him time to try and turn it around but we're closing the halfway mark and they are looking at relegation as things stand.

It might be best for all involved for a new tenure to be swept in.

Charlie Gregory

Sacking Richie Wellens at this point may be harsh by Doncaster.

The club are struggling and they won’t want to be relegated - so in that respect, maybe a change and a new manager bounce could keep them afloat - but the club haven’t given him much chance as of yet to put any philosophy in place.

He’s had a transfer window to get some players that he wants in sure, but not every manager can produce superb results and performances from the outset.

He joined the club back in May, so has only had six months at the helm as of yet. The problems for Doncaster emerged before Wellens and came about when Darren Moore left his position midway through last season. They also lost a key player in Ben Whiteman and while he may have had a summer to try and sort some issues, he perhaps could not be expected to fix it with one window.

Wellens has experience of winning league titles and cups in the EFL, so is certainly experienced enough to have a good go of sorting out the current issues at his club. Therefore, it might be worth sticking with him for at least a little bit longer to see if he can address the slide.