McCann's Mystery Man: Who Might This 'Close Midfield Signing' Be?

Upon the announcement of fan favourite Luke Molyneux's long term contract extension, the future of Doncaster Rovers football club became that slight bit clearer, with a clear vision of consistency, particularly through the preparation of long term deals. As Luke Molyneux's number one fan (testify against me I dare you), the following emotions of relief, and complete and utter elation that followed the announcement were incomparable, and this emotional spike was at a constant throughout the fanbase following that (perfectly executed) Salutation announcement video. Props to the media team for that, and of course a required acknowledgement to Luke and Joe for their immaculate acting skills.

But with every piece of good news at this club, more often than not, there's a bit of a downer elsewhere. As confirmed by Grant McCann during his interview discussing the confirmation of Molyneux's future, both Harrison Biggins and Hakeeb Adelakun will henceforth be 'moving on to pastures new,' having rejected their respected contracts. With a soft spot for Biggins, this initially felt like somewhat of a blow, and paired with the impact of Adelakun in the latter half of the season upon his Winter arrival, was daunting. Whilst that was, perhaps, a slight tarnish on some overtly positive news, a notable aspect of the interview eluded to the next advancement to be made in this transfer window - specifically the 'replacement' of Tommy Rowe: "Hopefully we are very close to another midfield player... to replace the gap left by Tommy Rowe."

My immediate reaction to this news was the consideration of the type of midfielder that McCann will likely look to bring in, and drawing from two levels of midfielders - both holding and attacking - I feel that McCann may look to find that median between both Biggins and Tommy Rowe - offering equally as much on either end of the field, both offensively, and defensively. Therefore, let's have a quick gander at 5 potential successors to such a popular club servant in Tommy Rowe, and the replication of Biggin's attacking threat.

Sam Clucas

One of the mystery options in this list, Clucas could really end up anywhere up and down the English pyramid, but with his evident locality to Doncaster, having performed for Rotherham this season, the experienced midfielder could absolutely make the shift to the millers' noisy neighbours this summer.  

Searching for that Rowe "replacement," I feel that McCann may look to either recruit youthful leaders in our midfield - alike some included in this list - or more experienced, level heads, to command our midfield trio throughout this season, as Rowe would have done without his injury woes. Confirmed to be released in the millers' retained list, Clucas, now 33 years old, is entering the twilight years of his footballing career, and having performed to an acceptable level in the Championship this season, I have little doubts that he would absolutely perform in league two if called upon. With ties to Hull City prior to McCann's arrival - even netting on 3 occasions during their premier league campaign of 2016/17 - I feel that McCann's men on the inside of both Rotherham and Hull City may play a huge part in this one, should we attempt the move. Of course, Rotherham legend Richard Wood - now 38 years old - made the move from the Millers last summer to local rivals Doncaster, and discussing how pleasant the experience has been following his contract renewal for next season, I am sure a slight discussion with Clucas could heavily impact the midfielder's decision.  

A defensive midfielder, or holding central midfielder, Clucas would add slightly more stability in our midfield - bullying opposing attackers with his lean body type, and apparent strength. Having won an impressive 58% of his aerial duels this season in either box, Clucas would provide some additional confidence in the defense of set pieces, something that we have thoroughly struggled with this season, contributing with one or two chances at the top end of the pitch from corners as well. We have seen a stark difference in defensive abilities of corners with the reintroduction of Richard Wood from injury, and I am sure that Clucas would add similar additional value to the side.  

Name: Sam Clucas 

Age: 33 

Height: 5"10 

Foot: Left 

Position(s): Central Midfield / Defensive Midfield 

Apps: 33 

Goal(s): 1 

Assist(s): 2 

Whilst not too involved in the attacking side of the game, Clucas could allow Bailey to push further up the field alongside Ironside, and as seen in the latter stages of the season, contribute himself to the goalscoring and assisting aspect of the game in which he so thoroughly enjoys. Based in his hometown of Lincoln, the drive to and from training should not be too unbearable.  

Harry Clifton

By far, the standout candidate in this list, Harry Clifton rocked the boat in a bad Grimsby side this season. Quite the contrast in player to that of Clucas, who acts much more defensively, Clifton performs as a much more offensive player, looking to press further up the field, contributing both goals and assists in the process.  

Having joined Grimsby in 2015, Clifton has become quite the favourite in Grimsby colours over the last 5-6 seasons, though the midfielder now looks to be searching for a dissimilar experience in the football league. Out of contract this summer, the midfielder, despite currently discussing a contract renewal at current club Grimsby Town, will almost certainly attract the attention of countless clubs this window, and I would hope that Doncaster sits amongst the mob. Having won the 2023 supporters' player of the year award, the midfielder clearly oozes class, netting 9 and assisting 5, as Grimsby returned to the football league in the 2022/23 season. With the recent announcement of Harrison Biggins' departure, Clifton would not only be the replacement in midfield to Tommy Rowe, but also to that of Biggins' goal scoring contributions. Accumulating 8 G/A this season for the cod heads, Clifton has similar attributes to the two, and having captained his side on numerous occasions, the 25-year-old certainly has those leadership traits that McCann is just so fond of.  

Still relatively young at the age of 25, Clifton certainly has time to develop under our coaching staff and will absolutely be a long-term option for the club to continue that theme of continuity - as seen with the influx in longer term contracts in recent weeks. A 3-year deal would absolutely suffice for a midfielder that could certainly make the step up to league one if asked to.  

Clifton has been excellent both defensive and offensively this season, and whilst he specializes in his attacking capabilities - specifically his positioning and chance creation - his ability to track back and contribute to defensive responsibilities, such as his 60% tackle success rate, his 169 duels won, and his outstanding 181 recoveries, Clifton's ability to put his body on the line to fight for points is severely impressive: as seen in his 31 blocks this season - more than several centre half opponents.  

Name: Harry Clifton 

Age: 25 

Height: 5"9 

Foot: Right 

Position(s): CM / CDM 

Apps: 46 

Goal(s): 4  

Assist(s): 4 

As previously discussed, this would be an essential addition to the rover's side should it come true, and arguably one of the better signings of the 3 thus far. Strong both in attack and defense, Clifton certainly emulates that of both Biggins and Rowe, and aged 25, I can see the midfielder really making a difference both this season and further on, should rovers attempt to sign the midfielder. Of course, it is worth noting that Clifton has indeed been offered a contract by Grimsby Town, and may be likely to resign, having been at his club for over 9 years now, but a man can dream.  

Callum Maycock

This is one that I am a huge fan of. A player that I witnessed absolutely bossed it during the national league playoffs with Solihull Moors, Callum Maycock has thorough pedigree when it comes to goalscoring midfielders. Primarily a defensive midfielder, a position that most discuss as a weakness in squad depth, Maycock has excelled this season in the midlands. Netting on 9 occasions this season, assisting 4, Maycock is now out of contract following his contract expiry this summer, and whilst Solihull have indeed offered him a contract, I can only imagine that Maycock will now look to make his return to the EFL next season.  

Experienced at league two level under Macclesfield and Coventry city - tallying 41 appearances at the level between 2016-2019 - Maycock understands the level of football required to perform in the EFL. Having performed for the last 3-4 years at non-league level for Solihull Moors, Maycock has built an excellent partnership with recruit Joe Sbarra - even setting up the attacker for the winning goal in Solihull's semi-final demolition of Barnet in late April.  

Name: Callum Maycock 

Age: 26 

Height: 5"9 

Foot: right 

Position(s): Defensive Midfield 

Apps: 52 

Goal(s): 9 

Assist(s): 2 

An immediate replication of Harrison Biggins, Maycock, as previously mentioned, is excellently composed in the goal mouth of the pitch, and with his impressive finishing capabilities, the midfielder could easily net just as many, if not more, under McCann's guidance. A predominantly deeper-lying midfielder, Callum possesses the ability to dictate the game from a deeper role, like that of Zain Westbrooke at his best this season, though on a much more consistent basis. Stronger in stature as well, Callum could easily put in just as much effort in recovering the ball in midfield as Owen Bailey. Aged just 26, the midfielder, like Clifton, is certainly available for a long-term contract, to continue that stability in the midfield. Endorsed tremendously by tomhwilliams23 on Twitter, the non-league pundits are all extremely confident in his ability to make the step up: "Maycock surely makes the move to the EFL at 26." 

Charlie Lakin

I have, understandably, been told off for being a 'nostalgia merchant' in recent weeks for the return of former players such as this man to Doncaster Rovers, but in all seriousness, I thoroughly believe that this man could be a star under McCann next season. Though only appearing for us on 10 occasions last season, tallying just one assist under Danny Schofield (shock horror), Charlie Lakin's injury woes this season have, for the most part, slowed down, and now fit and prepared for a full season at a new club - out of contract following his release from Burton - Charlie Lakin is ready to set the turf on fire.  

Having been on two separate loan spells this season - between both Wimbledon and Sutton United - the latter spell was one of much more significance. Having never been given the opportunity to impress at Wimbledon, with his lack of game time, even when fit, the midfielder still managed 2 assists in 10 games, but upon moving to struggling Sutton, the midfielder completely altered the course of the side's season, netting on 8 occasions, and assisting 5, in an absolutely awful league side, destined for none league since game week one. But what an impression he has made in the process.  

Capable across all 3 aspects of our midfield trio, sitting deep or pressing high, Lakin's clear adaptability to play when asked upon is key to a McCann side, as seen with Owen Bailey this season. 8 goals and 7 assists in one season with any side is impressive, but with most in a side struggling to score goals and looking down the barrel, it is just so exciting, and there is no doubt that there are several clubs monitoring the midfielder's future now. So why not us? 

We have seen with our own eyes the swagger that Lakin possesses on the ball driving forwards. With his ability to draw fouls and pick out passes across the field, the midfielder seemed to be a standout performer in a rather drab run of games, even in the brief time he was with us before the injury. For Sutton, his shooting stats have been out of this world - outperforming his expected goals ration of 5 by 3 goals and hitting the target 24 times out of his 42 shots taken. Wow. Possessing one of the strongest crossing success ratios in the league with 30.5%, a real powerhouse in the box alike Ironside, putting his body on the line to get on the end of chances, and his quality in chance creation, even with his lacking of appearances than many others in the league this season, would fire his assist ratios through the roof, possibly reaching the double figure mark next season in assists should he re-join the club.  

Name: Charlie Lakin 

Age: 25 

Height: 5"9 

Foot: Left 

Position(s): Central Midfield, Defensive Midfield, Attacking Midfield.  

Apps: (Wim) 10, (Sutt) 21 

Goal(s): (Sutt) 8 

Assist(s): (Wim) 2, (Sutt) 5 

Of course, many will be extremely concerned by his injury history - as displayed by his time here under Danny Schofield, but I feel that with the appointment now of David Rennie, these sorts of injury woes will slowly start to fade, and with the right direction, Lakin's woes may turn to gold. A 12-month contract with an option to extend could work perhaps, in accordance with injury concerns. Regardless, Lakin is certainly one to watch, regardless of where he may end up.  

Ben Whitfield

There is no denying it, Ben Whitfield is one hell of a player, and when at his absolute best, the midfielder is easily one of the best in the league. Able to perform consistently across the field, Whitfield has been utilized in every position other than in goal throughout his career but has found most of his form either out wide on the left, or more centrally in the midfield pulling the strings. I thoroughly believe that Whitfield could absolutely do a job centrally in that typical role Biggins usually played - pressing centrally and carrying the ball further up the field in an attacking transition.  

Whitfield has been outstanding for the last 2 seasons for Barrow, upon joining from 2021-22 national league champions Stockport County. Bagging 6 goals and 12 assists last season, followed up by his brilliant 11 goals and 5 assists this season, if the midfielder is surrounded by that slight bit more quality, he will absolutely excel.  

Guaranteed to have top end league two and perhaps even league one interest, Whitfield's ability to flip a game on its head after moments of brilliance is a hugely significant aspect of his game and playing style. Able to challenge defenders in one on one scenarios, before either taking on the shot or finding a more suitable contender, Whitfield's footballing intelligence is something that I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing for the past 2 seasons, and whilst it's always difficult to watch against your own side, I'd happily let it go in the circumstance of our signing of him.  

With shedloads of experience at the level - tallying 182 appearances at league two level - Whitfield has maintained a consistent performance throughout his career, slowly building and building over time to his current, troublemaking self. A real threat on any occasion for the defenders, with a deadly delivery (44% crossing accuracy), and left boot.

Name: Ben Whitfield 

Age: 28 

Height 5"9 

Foot: Left 

Position(s): Left Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, (Possibly as a Centre Forward) 

Apps: 40 

Goal(s): 11 

Assist(s): 5 

Out of contract, though still in negotiation, I feel the deposal of Pete Wild in the managerial role of Barrow will have a tremendous role in the moving of players over the summer. And despite the introduction of Stephen Clemence this afternoon, Whitfield will absolutely look to make that step up in his career, either to a club chasing promotion to league one, or a confirmed league one side. Perhaps Crawley.  

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Please let me know of any opinions you may have over these 5 names, as rovers look to replace both club servant Tommy Rowe, and key performer Harrison Biggins, over the next few days/weeks, and feel free let me know of any names that you would love to see in a Rovers shirt next season. 

Clifton and Maycock are by far my two favourite options out of this list, but the experienced head of Clucas is certainly one that I can realistically see McCann introducing.  

I thoroughly enjoy writing these and would absolutely love any constructive criticisms that you may have to help me improve my writing or make these pieces any more enjoyable where possible.  

Thank you, 

Tom.