Gilbert: View From A Rover

We talk to a Doncaster Rovers season-ticket holder about Peter Gilbert and how his loan spell at the Keepmoat is going.

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1. How has Gilbert settled in since making his move?

He seems to have settled in fine, he has been brought in to fill the left back spot after an injury to Sean McDaid and a 3 match ban for Gareth Roberts. I think the fact that we have got an ex Wendy (Graeme Lee) in the squad already, somebody he knew, will have been a big help to him settling in well.

2. What was the reaction like among Rovers fans with the news of a 'Wendy' signing for you?!

Relieved really as we had lost Roberts to a ban and we had no fit left backs on the books, we would have had to keep playing a central midfielder (Paul Green) at right back and moving our usual right back (Jimmy O'Connor) over to left back, which wasn't an ideal situation to be in. So the fact that we had signed someone in a position we really needed wasn't affected by the fact that he is a Wendy! I suppose Graeme Lee signed from Wednesday and he is now a fans favourite, so it doesn't bother the fans too much!

3. What were your expectations when he arrived and how has he lived up to them?

We just hoped that he came in and did a solid job in there, we needed an out and out left back to fill the position while Roberts was banned, but I think Gilbert has done enough to keep the position, he is solid and looks half decent on the ball, and the timing of his tackling is superb, just does the basics right which is what you need from a defender.

4. What are his stats like at the moment for you? Is he getting a fair crack at the whip?

Well he has started all three games since he has come in, and despite Gareth Roberts being available to return from suspension for the Scunthorpe game on Saturday, Gilbert kept his place in the team, which gives you an idea of how well he is doing.

5. Would you fancy keeping him permanently, and if so, do you think your manager wants to?

I personally would be pleased if we signed him and got rid of Gareth Roberts! Gilbert looks a great player at this level, but unfortunately I can't see Sean O'Driscoll signing him permanently as we have got Roberts and we also have Sean McDaid who is making good progress with his injury, although it is good to have competition for places, you can't have too many players for the same position and I think signing another left back permanently would mean that one is sat on the bench, or on the sidelines a lot which would be a bit of a waste. BUT, McDaid has been playing a midfield role this season, so you never know. We'll have to wait and see what happens after the loan is up, but I assume Wednesday will probably need him back anyway after the month after your defensive crisis of late!

6. What have been his strengths and weaknesses?

He has been good both defensively and going forward, I can't really think of an obvious weak point to his game, as he has been solid and reliable while he has been here. Good tackling, does the basics right, and got a decent cross on him. Looks a good player to me.

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