Rovers’ remarkable winning streak propelled them from a position just above the relegation zone at the beginning of March to a final finish of fifth following last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Gillingham, which represented the team’s first dropped points from a possible 33.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that many tipsters are predicting promotion for Donny as Crewe – the first side Grant McCann’s men defeated to kickstart the club’s longest sequence of consecutive triumphs since 1947 – await in the semi-final first leg at Gresty Road tomorrow (5.30pm).
But Bailey has no interest in pundits’ opinions, insisting: “It’s for other people to decide who are favourites. We’ll just be fully prepared for Crewe and fully respect them.
“But we also back ourselves against anyone and will go on to the pitch fearless with a total belief in our ability.”
Should Rovers overcome the Railwaymen and make the Wembley final, Bailey could be pitched against three men who he credits for getting his career back on track when there wasn’t a long list of willing candidates offering that opportunity.
Denne historien er fra May 05, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra May 05, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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NOLAN BIDS TO GIVE THE COBBLERS A REBOOT
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'INCREDIBLE” MAGPIES HIT DONS HARD
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100-UP HERO COOKS VALE
ANDY Cook was saluted by both managers after the Bradford striker scored a goal-of-the season contender in the Bantams' victory over Port Vale.
SUPER STAGS HUNT DOWN SORRY POSH
NIGEL Clough saluted his rampant Stags as Mansfield Nuted blew Peterborough away at London Road.
FLETCHER SPOT ON TO DEFEAT POOL & LEAVE BRUCE FUMING
STEVE Bruce slammed referee Ruebyn Ricardo for awarding Wrexham a late penalty against his Blackpool side from which they produced the winner.
LAMPARD HAS ROO FEELING SO SKY BLUE
FRANK Lampard admitI ted he has great sympathy with what counterpart Wayne Rooney is going through at Plymouth after their first managerial clash ended with a thumping Coventry triumph.
THORUP DELIGHT AS CITY BOUNCE BACK
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BULLISH EDWARDS DEFENDS HATTERS
'We did deserve a point'
Cullen brace sets a mark for Luke
LUKE Williams hailed a near-perfect performance by his Swansea side against QPR and hopes they can repeat the feat versus Luton today.
WARNE: WIN WILL GIVE US A BOOST
PAUL Warne admits his Derby side's win over West Brom will give them a much-needed boost as they prepare to host table-topping Leeds United this evening.