Doncaster make double international signing
Doncaster have signed two international players ahead of their 2017 campaign in League One.
Jamaican international Richie Barnett has signed a one-year deal with the Dons.
Dons coach Gary Thornton is very pleased to have added the former Challenge Cup winger to his ranks.
“I am delighted to have brought in a player of Richie’s ability and experience,” he told his club’s official website.
“He is a proven try scorer at Championship and League One level and has been a very consistent performer over a number of seasons.
“He has a good track record wherever he has played, and will add to our attacking options.”
The Dons have also added to their forward pack, by signing Jamie Thackray on a one-year deal.
Thackray has postponed his retirement from playing to sign for the Dons.
“I’m excited now,” he said.
“I was probably going to retire because I thought I was staying at London but that’s not worked out so I spat my dummy out a little bit and thought, you know what, I’m going to retire, I’ve had enough but I’m excited by the challenge now and I’m looking forward to it.
“I know Carl [Hall – Dons CEO] from way back as a player. I remember being at Leeds and coming on loan for a couple of games and I enjoyed it then and Carl sold it to me, he’s signed some good players for next year.
“The club didn’t do too badly last year. It’ll be good to play alongside Feka Paleaasina, and there’s a genuine chance of pushing for the top two.
“I’ve been down in London full-time for two years and have looked after myself quite well so I’m pretty sure when you see me play then you wont believe the age I am!
“I feel in great shape still and I’m raring to go – I’m back in the gym already training and in the meantime I’ve been trying to become a personal trainer and kept quite fit.”
The former Great Britain international also issued a warning to the likes of Toronto that League One will be tough in 2017.
“We’re going to have a big pack. I’m hoping Feka can lay the foundations and I can go straight through – that’s how I normally play,” he said.
“Russ Spiers is a good player; Richie Barnett is bigger than most of the props too so we’re looking quite good.
“There are some quality facilities, probably some that are the best in the game and there’s great people which is what I like. If you’ve got good people then I want to help and it’s good for everyone else: if you enjoy it then you play better – I’m looking forward to ripping it up.
“I know Toronto have signed everyone but that doesn’t mean they’re going to win the league easily. I’m not coming to make the numbers up, I’m going to give my all every game and try as hard as I can to get us up that ladder!”