Tuesday afternoon saw Doncaster Rovers sign former Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old has signed an 18-month deal at the Eco-Power Stadium and represents a fifth addition of the winter window for Rovers.
Doncaster Rovers Sign Former Middlesbrough Midfielder Adam Clayton
✍️ 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙩𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙨
We are delighted to announce the signing of experienced midfielder Adam Clayton on an 18-month deal!https://t.co/EQLZEMr6ag #DRFC pic.twitter.com/Mg6NLn50tz
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) January 25, 2022
Another Experienced Addition
Rovers have already added the likes of Kieran Agard, Josh Martin, Ollie Younger and Jonathan Mitchell this window as they fight the likely drop to League Two.
Their recent business has paid off as performances have seen a lift and a first away win of the season was secured at the weekend when Joe Dodoo’s second strike in two games was enough to seal a 1-0 win over MK Dons.
Adam Clayton brings plenty of experience to Rovers and arguably more than Agard’s Football League experience, given Clayton spent much of his career so far in the Championship – 325 games to be exact.
He also played in the Premier League with Boro.
Doncaster have long looked like they needed more in midfield, especially since John Bostock picked up a long-term injury. The task put on the shoulders of the young loanees; Matt Smith and Ethan Galbraith has often felt too big.
However, Clayton has not played since January 2021 and may need time to find his best form. Clayton had his Birmingham City contract mutually terminated last year after falling out of favour with then-new boss Lee Bowyer.
Looking to Help Teammates
Upon signing for Rovers, Adam Clayton told doncasterroversfc.co.uk: “I got a call from the manager, and he asked if I’d like to come down. Once I’d done that I wanted to get something sorted.
“Hopefully I can bring that experience I’ve had throughout my career to the team to help the lads around me. I learnt a lot from experienced players when I was a young lad and keep in touch with them now so I know how much of an influence you can have.
“I watched the MK Dons game with the talks going on in the background and I already had the nerves in my stomach with five minutes to go hoping the lads held on. My partner was texting me and she was desperate for the final whistle to go as well and I’ve missed having that care and love for the team I’m playing for.
“I want to achieve a lot here, Doncaster as a football club fits everything I believe in and the aim while I’m here is to help the club build again.”
Following their win over MK Dons, Doncaster host Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, January 29, looking to achieve consecutive league wins for the first time this season.
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