By Rovers Reporter Zak Armitage.
Doncaster Rovers have today announced the shock departure of manager Darren Moore who has left the Keepmoat Stadium to join South Yorkshire rivals, Sheffield Wednesday.
This morning's news will surely have come as a shock to the Doncaster faithful, with Rovers currently sitting in the playoff placings in League One as they push for promotion.
Doncaster chairman David Blunt stated the departure of Moore this morning, in which he expressed his disappointment at the departure of the former West Brom manager;
“We are disappointed that Darren has chosen to leave the club partway through what has been a season full of promise."
"We have made significant efforts to support Darren over the past 18-months and ensure he was able to build a team capable of challenging in the top six. This has included supporting him through the past two transfer windows despite the difficult financial circumstances."
While Moore could prove to be an excellent appointment for local rivals Sheffield Wednesday, who are fighting to retain their Championship status, it could prove to be a big blow for Doncaster in their bid for promotion.
Chairman Blunt also announced that player and Doncaster Belles manager Andy Butler will take over at the helm until the end of the season and described the appointment as a great opportunity for the Doncaster-born defender to put himself in "prime position" to earn the role permanently come the summer.
"Our ambitions remain to achieve a top-six finish and we hope and expect that Andy will use this time to put himself in the prime position to secure the role permanently at the end of the season. Andy’s first priority will be to halt the team's recent run of poor form and put our season back on track.”
Elsewhere the club confirmed the departure of Moore's assistant Jamie Smith who will be joining the former Doncaster manager at Hillsborough.
