Announcing his arrival, the club hierarchy spoke of a desire to develop a 'culture' and 'style of play' – a tacit acceptance that they felt Rovers had lost their way in that regard.

Building a side in your own image takes time. Under Schofield, Rovers have adopted a possession-based approach and while it is more pleasing on the eye, there have been early set-backs.

Still, Doncaster are one of a number of sides who have play-off aspirations in an open division. As understandings grow, so should consistency and it might just be that this season sees the best of Rovers when it matters.

Schofield said: "It is all about momentum, confidence and belief at this stage of the season.

"Your ideas have been implemented and players know the way you want to play and if you can continue to believe in that and be consistent with it – and keep players as fresh as possible, push them and keep physical levels high – that will hopefully get momentum to get into the play-offs.

"I have had conversations with the players and they feel as though they are really understanding it now – the likes of Closey (Ben Close), Tom Anderson and George Miller; the more senior players.”

Rovers face a Crawley side who step out for the first time under Scott Lindsey today, perhaps adding to the degree of difficulty.

Schofield added: "It means they will only have a few days to work with the players, but I am sure he will try and implement his style – and he had a clear one which he implemented at Swindon to some degree of success.

"It is not always easy to prepare for this (sort of) game, but we'll focus on ourselves more than anything, but also understanding what he might implement."

Crawley v Doncaster Rovers: Why Danny Schofield harbours play-off hope