Rovers drew up their manager shortlist yesterday amid continued speculation that Paul Dickov is in pole position for the job.
Chief executive Gavin Baldwin met with newly-appointed Brian Flynn to whittle down 20 ‘top quality’ applications to three or four outstanding candidates.
However, the Star understands that former Oldham boss Dickov has already got a head-start on rival applicants after impressing John Ryan during Rovers’ search for Dean Saunders’ successor.
Many Rovers fans have questioned how bookies’ favourite Dickov - unproven at Championship level - meets Ryan’s ‘proven track record’ prerequisite. As a manager, the former Manchester City striker doesn’t.
But the fiery Scot is thought to have impressed Rovers’ board with his approach and passion for the game when Doncaster met Oldham three times in quick succession last season - shortly before Dickov was sacked by the Latics.
It is also not out of the realms of possibility that Dickov played a part in Dean Furman’s loan switch from Boundary Park to the Keepmoat - a successful deal which Rovers’ board hope to follow-up and also build on this summer as the club prepares for Championship life.
Ryan changed tack this week slightly, stating he wanted a manager with a ‘proven track record’. He had been quoted as wanting a ‘young and progressive’ boss.
Baldwin said: “We want someone who will give us the best possible chance of staying in the Championship. He has to be able to communicate with fans and care about the community.”