Doncaster Rovers have confirmed goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell as their fourth signing of the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old has signed an 18-month deal at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell Becomes Doncaster Rovers’ Fourth Signing of Winter Window
✍️ We are pleased to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell on an 18-month deal.https://t.co/TulsuwAGAV #COYD pic.twitter.com/XkG5LfpBsF
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) January 21, 2022
Mitchell Provides Competition Following Pontus Dahlberg Exit
Former Derby County goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell has arrived at the Eco-Power Stadium to strengthen Doncaster’s options in the goalkeeping department. Mitchell replaces Pontus Dahlberg, who had been on loan with Rovers from Premier League side Watford. The Hornets elected to recall Dahlberg and send him on loan to Gillingham after he lost his place as Rovers’ number one keeper.
Dahlberg was the preferred option of former Doncaster boss Richie Wellens but, following his sacking in early December, quickly became an understudy to Louis Jones, who is now Gary McSheffrey’s preferred option between the sticks.
McSheffrey initially indicated that Ben Bottomley would become the second-choice goalkeeper. However, later told the Doncaster Free Press that he was now looking to add another goalkeeper in the January window: “We’ll maybe explore a couple of goalkeeper options as cover for Louis Jones, but not just cover, and give him a challenge as well.
“It was always the plan to go with Ben Bottomley in the short term as the number two and give Louis the games.
“Louis needs to be pushed. He needs to be challenged.
“Ben is not there yet. He’s got bags of potential but he’s young and he needs games. Realistically, he’s going to need a loan and game time in men’s football.
“We maybe need to explore the opportunity to get in a good number two who is going to challenge to be number one.”
Mitchell’s Experience so Far
Goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell, who most recently had a short-term spell with Hartlepool United in League Two, is the goalkeeper McSheffrey and Rovers have chosen to go with.
Mitchell made 42 appearances in a loan with Northampton Town in 2020/21 – the most he has made for any one club – conceding 56 goals and keeping 13 clean sheets. This season, he kept two clean sheets in eight appearances for Hartlepool.
Mitchell follows Kieran Agard, Josh Martin and Ollie Younger in arriving at Doncaster Rovers this month.
Desire to Play
Jonathan Mitchell told doncasterroversfc.co.uk upon signing for the club; “I left Hartlepool earlier this month and I heard there was a bit of interest. I spoke to the gaffer and jumped at the chance to join. The conversations have been really positive and I think the gaffer wants to change a few things.
“Obviously, we’re not in a great position at the minute, but he has a plan and a real belief that we can push on.”
On providing competition for Louis Jones, he added: “First and foremost, Louis and I both want to be playing. It will be a healthy rivalry and I’ve had that wherever I’ve been and I feel like we can better each other. I’ve seen in training the potential that he has and I’m sure we’ll push each other on.
“Sometimes, being a goalkeeper is almost like a team within a team – the unfortunate part is only one can play.”
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