Doncaster Rovers have confirmed the signing of former Rotherham United defender Richard Wood in their second piece of summer transfer business.
Wood joins just a day after goalkeeper Ian Lawlor returned to the Eco-Power Stadium in what will be a busy summer led by new manager Grant McCann.
McCann returned to Doncaster under two weeks ago and has his eyes set on gaining promotion back to League One.
Wood, an ‘old school centre half’ as described by former boss Matt Taylor in the Yorkshire Post, will strengthen Rovers’ backline that conceded 65 goals in finishing 18th in 2022/23.
He has signed a one-year deal.
Doncaster Rovers Strengthen Defence With Experienced Centre-Back Richard Wood
We are delighted to confirm the signing of experienced defender Richard Wood on a one-year deal
🔴⚪️ #drfc 🔴⚪️https://t.co/4l4iIt2KCn
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) May 23, 2023
Valuable Experience Added
Wood played 28 Championship games for Rotherham United last season, contributing further with four goals and two assists in a season that saw The Millers secure Championship safety as a promoted side from the season before despite losing manager Paul Warne to Derby County.
The 37-year-old defender arrives in Doncaster with plenty of experience, playing 256 games for Rotherham, 189 for Sheffield Wednesday and 134 for Coventry City. He has also played for the likes of Charlton Athletic, Crawley Town, Fleetwood Town and Chesterfield over the years.
Wood Looking to ‘Help This Young Team’
Upon joining Rovers, Wood told the club website: “The aim is to get out of League Two but I’m hoping I can also help the rest of the team. I see myself as a leader and an organiser. I’ve got plenty of experience, being around a long time and hopefully I can help this young team and make them better.
“I’m pleased, really excited and looking forward to a good season ahead.”
Wood already has numerous promotions on his CV, including as recently as 2021/22 with Rotherham as League One runners-up.
Manager Grant McCann said: “It’s a really good signing for us. He brings really good experience, he’s a natural leader, he’s a really good presence in both boxes – not just defending set pieces but also attacking them.
“He’s had a tremendous career. There’s been quite a bit of interest in him since he came on the market and we’re delighted to get him here.”
Rovers appear to be getting their business done early to give themselves the optimum chance ahead of what is hoped to be a big 2023/24 season.
