Relegated Rovers in safe hands with Etheridge

DARREN FERGUSON is confident that Doncaster Rovers have signed a star in the making in Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ross Etheridge.
Darren Ferguson.Darren Ferguson.
Darren Ferguson.

The 21-year-old, who played a key role in Stanley’s run to the League Two play-offs in 2015-16, had been offered a contract to remain at the Wham Stadium, but has opted to make the switch to the Keepmoat Stadium.

Accrington will be due compensation for the custodian as he is under the age of 24 and was handed fresh terms.

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The arrival of former Derby trainee Etheridge follows hot on the heels of the signings of Matty Blair and Tommy Rowe.

The completion of a deal to sign forward Gary McSheffrey is likely to be confirmed shortly, with the 33-year-old having stated that he will be joining Rovers permanently after a recent loan spell.

The news of Etheridge’s signing follows the recent transfer-listing of regular keeper Thorsten Stuckmann, one of several senior first-teamers who have paid the price for Rovers’ relegation.

The inward transfer activity has provided a welcome fillip for Rovers supporters following the acute disappointment of seeing the club drop into the basement for the first time since 2003-04, with Ferguson proving as good as his word in his stated desire to revamp the squad.

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On Etheridge, who will officially join Rovers on July 1, Ferguson said: “It is important we get players who understand the league and players who are real quality in the league. Ross ticks that box.

“Ross played a large part in Accrington’s success last season. He has loads of potential, he is a good size and a good kicker of the ball.

“He has loads of improvement in him, so we are delighted to get him on board for next season.”

Another club wasting no time to overhaul their squad following relegation are York City, who have announced ex-Hull defender Ben Clappison as their latest signing.

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The 21-year-old has become the Minstermen’s eighth summer signing, and fourth this week.

Clappison, who has signed a two-year deal, follows Jack Higgins, Richard Brodie, Nick Kennedy, Tyler Walton, Alex Whittle, Shaun Rooney and Ben Barber, who have all signed on for 2016-17 with the club.

Former Rotherham United and Leeds United keeper Alex Cairns has joined Fleetwood.