Doncaster Rovers have confirmed the signing of 29-year-old striker Joe Ironside.
Ironside has signed a three-year deal at the Eco-Power Stadium, joining after leaving Cambridge United at the end of his contract.
Experienced Striker Joe Ironside Joins Doncaster Rovers
We are delighted to announce the signing of striker Joe Ironside on a three-year deal
🔴⚪️ #drfc 🔴⚪️https://t.co/NLYyPzHFn8
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) June 9, 2023
Sixth Addition
Ironside spent three seasons with Cambridge, scoring 35 goals and assisting 14 in 145 games for the club.
He managed six goals in 43 league games in 2022/23, a season that saw Cambridge secure their League One status by one point.
The 29-year-old adds some experience to Doncaster’s frontline with only George Miller, 24, and youngster Jack Goodman, 18, in the squad as recognised strikers with Caolan Lavery and Reo Griffiths made available for transfer.
Ironside scored 14 in consecutive seasons in 2020/21 & 2021/22 – helping Cambridge to promotion in the former.
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On joining Doncaster, Ironside told the club website: “I’m buzzing to make this move. I spoke to the gaffer a few times and it rolled from there. I can’t wait to get going.
“Everything about the way the gaffer wants to take the team and the club, I want to be a part of it. It feels like the perfect fit for me.”
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Rovers Recruiting Swiftly Ahead of Big Season
Doncaster have made a point of getting deals done early ahead of the 2023/24 season with Ironside becoming their sixth signing, less than 24 hours after the arrival of left-back Jack Senior.
Grant McCann’s appointment as manager has increased hope of an imminent return to League One for the club relegated from the third tier in 2021/22.
Speaking on Ironside’s arrival, McCann added: “Joe is a fantastic signing for us – a number nine with a good pedigree at League Two and League One level.
“He won promotion from this division with Cambridge and knows what it takes.
“He’s a superb acquisition for us and has a hunger and a mindset which I know the Doncaster fans will love.”
Read More: ‘As Good as You’re Going to Get’: Doncaster Rovers Sign Former Newcastle and Hartlepool Right-Back
Ironside, born in Middlesbrough, started out at Sheffield United before a move to Alfreton Town. He later played for Nuneaton Town, Kidderminster Harriers and Macclesfield Town before working his way back to League One with Cambridge.
He is yet another addition this summer to have experienced either a promotion or some silverware before, strengthening Doncaster’s hopes of building a team set on getting out of League Two at the right end.
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