Saunders realistic over budget

Doncaster manager Dean Saunders has confirmed the club's experimental transfer policy with agent Willie McKay is coming to an end.

Shortly after Saunders' appointment as successor to Sean O'Driscoll at the start of this term, McKay oversaw the recruitment of numerous out-of-favour high-profile names, including El-Hadji Diouf, Pascal Chimbonda and Habib Beye, on short-term deals with the intention of the Keepmoat Stadium serving as a shop window for their talents.
However, Saturday's 4-3 defeat to Portsmouth confirmed Rovers' relegation to League One and, after chairman John Ryan stated big-name recruits would not be attracted to the third tier, on-loan Lorient forward Fabien Robert was the only Saunders/McKay era signing to feature in Tuesday's goalless draw at Middlesbrough.
"We've got 12 players in contract for next season and if you add all the money up that we committed to, it's a lot," said Saunders.
"It's miles over the budget - double, probably. So we've got a tough summer in front of us and then probably the following season, we'll be alright.
"We're not shopping in Marks & Spencer any more, we're shopping in Lidl."