Doncaster snap up McGrath

McGrath is a left-sided winger

Football League new-boys Doncaster Rovers have signed former Aston Villa winger John McGrath.

The 23-year-old moves to Belle Vue after being released by the Premiership club.

McGrath spent much of last season on loan with Dagenham and Redbridge, scoring against Doncaster last December and then facing them again in the play-off final.

"He played a lot of games in the Conference last year and played very well against us at their place," said Doncaster boss Dave Penney.

"Dagenham wanted him but he wanted to be in the League so we're pleased to have got him.

"We spoke to Graham Taylor about him and he's one we've been talking to all summer."

McGrath, who made two substitute appearances in the Premiership during his time at Villa, plays wide on the left and will be a replacement in the Doncaster squad for the departed Andy Watson.

His arrival, and the recent signing of striker Leo Fortune-West, means Penney is now looking for just a central midfield player and a left-back, having solved his goalkeeping problems in-house.

The Rovers boss was looking for a number-two to Andy Warrington and has handed the task to former Preston, Northampton, Lincoln and Halifax keeper Barry Richardson.

The 33-year-old, who played 55 games for Doncaster between August, 2000 and December, 2001, returned to Belle Vue last season to coach the team's youth side.

However, with Rovers having to suspend their youth operation for 12 months while they wait to qualify for PFA funding, Richardson, who has made over 400 first-team appearances during his career, will concentrate all his efforts on resuming his playing career.

"He's a very good goalkeeper and he wants to play," added Penney. "He will start the season as number-two, but knowing Barry he will want to get into the team."

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