Ahead of this Saturday’s game with Doncaster Rovers we contacted lifelong Donny fan Daniel Nice for his view ahead of the game.
Name
Daniel Nice
Age
33
How long have you supported Doncaster?
Twenty-Six years.
What was your first game?
Walsall 3-1 Doncaster Halloween 1992
Like ourselves you have started the season off well under new management. What has changed between Darren Ferguson’s reign and the new reign under
Grant McCann?
I think there’s a more fearless approach. Last year we tried to match up, keep games tight and nick them in the main.
This year we have a right go and if it’s our day, we’ll score plenty. But if we don’t, we still have the resolve Ferguson instilled
Andy Butler is a god to most Saddlers fans – what has he been like for you?
I always liked Butler against us, but he really struggled as the season went pear-shaped and led to relegation.
To be fair, he wasn’t the only one! However he then played a key part in promotion, was superb last year, and has picked up where he left off.
A great player who does an awful lot in the community too. Brilliant bloke
Are you happy with the clubs dealings this summer?
In all honesty, I was surprised at the areas McCann looked to strengthen but he has picked people who fit our style perfectly. Kane & Wilks have been excellent, and Taylor has plenty to offer too when fully fit. Ferguson seemed to want an overhaul when it wasn’t needed, as proved by the start to this season
Who are your dangermen?
We have threats all over the pitch. But if you keep Marquis & Coppinger quiet, that’s half the battle won. They are the catalysts for our good play. But having said that, Rowe missed last week’s game and I didn’t notice given Whiteman, Kane & Blair played so well
If you could take one Walsall player to be in the Doncaster team who would you pick?
Would have been Oztumer without a doubt, he always runs us ragged! But now he’s moved on, always been impressed by Morris when I’ve seen him.
He’d fit into McCann’s system too
What type of Doncaster team can we expect on Saturday?
In theory, you’ll see a side that wants to get hold of the ball, play and attack. But we showed another side to our game by battling our way to a win against a good Luton side last week. Overall it’s very hard to say – because over the last few years we’ve been a shambles whenever we’ve played you. The two games last year were our worst performances by some distance!
What is your League 1 predictions for the season – top two, play offs and relegation.
I still think it’s too early to say. I read a preview where both of us were tipped for relegation, so nice to see that being proved wrong so far. Have time for Walsall, because is a well run club and my uncle is a Wrexham fan, so it’s nice to see Dean Keates doing well.
It’s cliched but I expect Sunderland to be right up there, and I think Wycombe will go down. But I wouldn’t like to call anything else until we’re about 15 games in! Think both of us are prime examples of that – we could finish anywhere! My first thought is get to 50 points and then worry about the rest
Finally what is your prediction for Saturdays game?
Tough one to call. On one hand you’re unbeaten and we tend to have a nightmare at your place, on the other hand you must be due a defeat, we’ve only lost once and could easily have beat Peterborough in our last away game. I think it’ll be a game that will come down to who plays better on the day and possibly who gets the first goal. Both teams have got good points value for their goals so far, so I’ll go for 1-1
