Doncaster Rovers should retain 31-year-old ahead of League One return | OneFootball

Attention very quickly turned from promotion parties to the summer transfer window at Doncaster Rovers.

Attention very quickly turned from promotion parties to the summer transfer window at Doncaster Rovers.

With the South Yorkshire outfit confirming promotion in their final home game of the term, and then clinching the league title away at Notts County in the last fixture of 2024/25, it has been a season to remember for Rovers.

And, for Tom Anderson too, who hit a landmark Doncaster statistic and proved his worth at the business end of the season.

Milestone passed for Doncaster Rovers leader

Anderson, who is now 31 years old, marked 250 appearances for Rovers when they claimed promotion out of Sky Bet League Two. In the tight 2-1 win over rivals Bradford City, the centre-back assisted the opener.

He flicked a deep corner onto Lincoln City loanee Rob Street, who added to his goalscoring exploits.

It was a great moment for Anderson, as he hit the milestone number of appearances in the best way possible.

It has not always been easy for the Burnley-born defender on the other side of the Pennines, and he has fallen out of favour with fans at times. But, he has once again proven himself to be a fantastic defender.

In the aforementioned Bradford game, he was a standout performer, winning every single one of his 11 aerial duels, while notching nine clearances and seven headed clearances too, according to Fotmob data.

He is now out of contract, though. In February 2023 he penned a deal that would keep him at the club until this summer, and he is now in discussions with the higher-ups at Doncaster over a new agreement.

Tom Anderson should be kept in South Yorkshire

Rovers made clear in their annual retained list that Anderson was in discussions with the club over a new contract, alongside the likes of fellow defender Joseph Olowu and legendary striker Billy Sharp. His re-signing would be a major boost for Grant McCann as he builds towards Doncaster’s return to the third tier after three years away.

The former Chesterfield man has shown his worth when it has mattered. With Olowu and Jay McGrath both sidelined with injury, the makeshift pairing of midfielder Owen Bailey before out-of-favour Anderson was thrust into action.

The 31-year-old started all of Doncaster’s last 11 games of the season, only being substituted off once across the stretch. He was commanding in the air, strong in the tackle, and did not look off the pace once.

Just based on the evidence of the recent games, where Anderson has stepped up into the void left by injuries and been one of the shining lights, he should be rewarded with a new deal.

Not just on account of any sentimental value, but because he adds so much to the Rovers squad. More so in Sky Bet League One, depth matters and Anderson adds that in great magnitude. He is a more than capable option, adding experience alongside Olowu and the much-younger McGrath.

Further back, the former Doncaster skipper has consistently proved doubters wrong. He is strong-willed, confident and balanced in his play.

Without him, the Rovers backline would be greatly reduced in terms of experience and solidity.

Although Sharp and Olowu have taken much of the attention among those who could leave Doncaster this summer, do not forget about the importance of Tom Anderson.