Doncaster Rovers have confirmed the signing of 24-year-old midfielder Owen Bailey on a two-year deal.
Doncaster Rovers Sign Midfielder Owen Bailey
We are delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Owen Bailey on a two-year deal
🔴⚪️ #drfc 🔴⚪️https://t.co/cfWZgu3Yue
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) June 13, 2023
Promotion on CV No Coincidence
Bailey joins Rovers after two seasons with Gateshead that included a promotion to the National League. The former Newcastle United academy talent is the seventh signing since returning Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann was appointed in May.
He is not the first signing to have either a promotion or a trophy on his CV – in fact, he went close to having both, reaching the FA Trophy final in 2022/23, losing to Halifax Town – a club Doncaster have also recruited from with left-back Jack Senior.
Despite being a defensive player, Bailey knows how to find the goal from midfield or defence, where he can also play, scoring six goals in 32 National League games this past season.
Read More: ‘Superb Acquisition’: Doncaster Rovers Sign Experienced Former Sheffield United Striker
On joining Rovers, Bailey told the club website: “It’s something that I’ve been pushing for and really wanted so I’m delighted to be here and get it sorted.
“I came here two years ago on trial and got a really good feel for the place. It’s a big club – you look at the stadium and the training ground and you can see that. It’s perfect for my development.
“When the manager rang me, I just wanted to get it done. Everything he said was the same about how I feel about football and he spoke about promotion. It was a no-brainer for me.”
Doncaster are targeting a return to League One following their relegation in 2021/22. They had a dismal time of things last season – finishing 18th in League Two. However, Grant McCann’s return has offered some inspiration for what may transpire in 2023/24.
Bailey Will Bring ‘Sheer Tenacity’ Says Doncaster Rovers Manager Grant McCann
Grant McCann told the club website: “Owen is a lad that’s had a tremendous couple of years after leaving Newcastle.
“He’s a good player with a really good background. What he’ll bring is sheer tenacity to midfield – a defensive midfield player, aggressive, on the front foot and flexible in how he plays. He will compete in that position.”
Featured Image
Eco-Power Stadium, August 2012
Kevin Eagle
Provided to Flickr under license CC BY-ND 2.0
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