Doncaster Rovers boss makes transfer claim involving Lincoln City and Portsmouth

Doncaster Rovers boss Gary McSheffrey has revealed to Doncaster Free Press that the club looked at re-signing John Marquis during the January transfer window. 

The striker had been free to leave Portsmouth that month and was understandably of interest to many clubs, including Donny, who are said to have thought about bringing him back to the Keepmoat Stadium.

However it was Lincoln City who won the race for the former Millwall man as they quickly snapped him up and took his to Sincil Bank following his difficult spell at Pompey.

Now McSheffrey has confirmed that the striker is a player that Doncaster talked about in a recruitment meeting, before they decided that he was too expensive:

“John was never one that we could afford to bring back unless he really wanted to come back and take a considerable wage cut.”

Marquis scored 66 goals for Donny in 153 appearances for the South Yorkshire side and was seen as a fan favourite during his time with them.

He has signed a deal until the end of the season with Lincoln.

The Verdict 

The harsh reality for Doncaster is that they will almost always lose out to the clubs that can pay the bigger wages in Sky Bet League One due to their tiny budget in comparison to the others.

In the case of Marquis, he was never going to give up too much of the substantial salary that he earned at Portsmouth and it was for that reason that he has joined Lincoln who could match that kind of amount.

He has started well for the Imps and seems to have got his confidence back after a slightly forgetful spell at Fratton Park.

Maybe one day he will return to Doncaster but it doesn’t look like it will happen anytime soon if truth be told.

Source