Doncaster Rovers have confirmed the signing of former Rangers left-back James Maxwell.
Maxwell, 20, has signed a two-year deal with the League Two side.
Former Rangers Left-Back James Maxwell Joins Doncaster Rovers
We are delighted to confirm the signing of left back @JamesMaxwell223 on a two-year dealhttps://t.co/JE7jTLKON8 #drfc pic.twitter.com/kKD23xwOKS
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) July 21, 2022
Doncaster Rovers Finally Sign a Left-Back
Maxwell, who had initially joined Doncaster as a trialist, told doncasterrovers.co.uk: “I was in last week doing a bit of training and playing a couple of games with the boys so it’s good to get it done.
“It was something I wanted to do straight away. It grabbed me.
“This offer gave me a bit of excitement, a bit of a buzz inside so I’m delighted to get it done.”
Maxwell refused a contract extension with Rangers, instead leaving in search of regular football.
Despite his young age, Maxwell arrived in Doncaster with plenty of experience having had two loan spells in Scotland with Queen of the South and Ayr United.
Manager Gary McSheffrey added: “He coped and dealt with the games he played during his trial really well. He looked comfortable on the ball, he looked like a good decision-maker and a good defender first and foremost.
“We’re pleased to address that position because it has been a priority position for us all summer.
“It was important we didn’t rush it. We feel he ticks enough boxes and we’re delighted he’s here.”
Maxwell is the sixth addition of the summer after Harrison Biggins, George Miller, Luke Molyneux, Josh Andrews (loan) and Adam Long.
💬 “Straight away from the first session, I felt like I fit in like a glove with what the manager wants to do.”
– Settling in at #drfc has been seamless for new left back @JamesMaxwell223https://t.co/5sFr9oawch pic.twitter.com/V0wXaHp0Kd— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) July 21, 2022
Left-Back Troubles
Rovers have long needed a left-back. Last season, during the relegation campaign, they particularly struggled in that position. Tommy Rowe and Joseph Olowu were often forced into playing the role. The signing of Ben Jackson on loan from Huddersfield Town in January allowed that to happen a little less but still appeared unfulfilling.
They had taken former Sunderland defender Cieran Dunne on trial earlier in the window but appeared to switch attention to Maxwell in recent weeks and got their man.
