Can the McCann

I think, quite rightly, GM is concentrating on fitness and conditioning for the last two games. The next game against Wednesday will be more of the likely team line up test.
Far to soon to make any kind of judgement or prediction of how well we will do. Though I'd venture to say it will be better than under Schofield!

I see that McCann has organised 2 more matches making 4 in the lead up to the new season, a sign that he still feels there is more work to be done. We’ve taken a Hull player on loan and there is an expectation of another important announcement at midday today!

Tonight’s Sheff W friendly was streamed on their YouTube channel. I saw most of the 2nd half. There was not much flowing football, but there was great intensity in the Rovers Performance. They challenged and chased in a fast paced game and although they didn’t get the better of most of the encounters they put great pressure on the opposition and probably won 4 out of 10.

Wednesday made loads of substitutions but it looked as though most of their play-off team was involved for some of the time. Bannan did not come off until near the end.

So it was difficult to judge the level of skill in such a frantically paced game, but the level of commitment was impressive.

Donaldo, thanks for your update. I'm a little more encouraged now.

GM’s approach so far has been encouraging. It was good to see the effort put in against Wednesday. At our level this is going to be a key factor for us. Having a shadow squad is a good idea rather than relying on the positional flexibility of some players. Being familiar with the system he wants to play and your part in it is a good strategy. Difficult to know how he relates to the players but it appears he has their confidence and support in what he wants them to do. Im sure he’ll have to be flexible in how he sets up teams during the season. Its definitely encouraging.

Following up on the 1-0 win it will be interesting to see how we get on against Port Vale who have suffered pre-season closed-doors defeats vs WBA and Burnley teams of uncertain a strength and have recorded just one win from 2 non league encounters neither of which play above level 7.

It's been an encouraging pre season so far after the dire situation at Rovers over the past 2 seasons. It's not going to be easy for Rovers to break out of League 2 given the quality of teams in it these days. I feel we have as good a chance with GM in charge as anyone. He gives the impression of really being the Boss. I'm now looking forward to the end of this pre season thread and handing over to the always excellent match previews provided by Donaldo.
Let's go!

A 1-0 win with a fair number of substitutions and a performance which seemed to get better as the match progressed.

There’s an extended interview with McCann on Radio Sheffield at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0fxym4p?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile
which provides an interesting insight into McCann’s management philosophy. It is evident that his approach is well thought through making full use of his experience and an understanding of people and what best contributes to success.

I do not remember him being nearly as forthcoming in his first spell here, but listening to him now is as compelling as it was to hear Ferguson’s interviews.

(The actual interview begins several minutes into the broadcast as he was held up in traffic, but it goes on for 50 odd minutes.)

A pretty good preseason for Rovers. I suspect when Huddersfield don't want the score publishing Rovers did well against them.
So on to the real test this Saturday. Whilst the bookies have Harrogate in the relegation fight their pre season form hasn't been too bad either. I don't think they will be the push over John Ryan is predicting but I'll await Donaldo's view.