Tranmere Rovers have announced the permanent signing of Calum MacDonald and the loan signings of midfielder Ali Crawford and David Nugent.
MacDonald has been on loan at Prenton Park since the start of this season and Tranmere have now made the move permanent.
Crawford joins from Bolton for the rest of the season. Nugent arrives from Preston North End having fallen out of favour at Deepdale.
It takes Tranmere’s tally of new signings to five in this transfer window.
Tranmere Rovers Tie Calum MacDonald to a Permanent Deal and Sign Ali Crawford and David Nugent on Loan
MacDonald Has Been A Fixture in the Side
The full-back initially joined on loan from Blackpool in the summer but he has impressed enough to warrant a permanent move. He has made 24 appearances for the club this season and is attacking style has caught the eye.
The defender has agreed an 18-month contract at Prenton Park and has nailed down that left-back spot.
Speaking to the Tranmere website about MacDonald’s deal, manager Keith Hill said: “ I have really enjoyed working with Calum so far, and he improves our opportunities of winning football matches, so I am delighted he has committed his future with us.
“We want to improve players and he has got the appetite to improve. Calum has the desire and the determination, and he is someone we want to continue to work with.
“We are really pleased that he is committed to what we want to achieve this season and, in the future, as well.”
As Well as Calum MacDonald Move, Ali Crawford Joins on Loan
As well as announcing the permanent capture of MacDonald, Tranmere have also signed Scottish playmaker Ali Crawford on loan from Bolton Wanderers.
Crawford is player Keith Hill knows well having signed him for Bolton last season. He has been a regular for Bolton this season making 21 appearances, scoring once and setting up four others. But he has decided to exit the club to link up with Hill once again.
Speaking about Crawford’s arrival, Hill said: “Ali is very creative and he works exceptionally hard. He can press and play on the front foot and he can play as number ten or a number eight.
“He complements our midfield. We needed to strengthen in that area of the pitch, to make sure that we have got the numbers and experience for the 21 league games that we have got remaining.
“He’s got a low sense of gravity. He’s got a good passing range and he is creative. He brings great competition for that area of the pitch and it makes sure we have got the numbers.
“What we don’t want to do is leave ourselves short, and the Chairman has given us the opportunity to recruit and retain players, so we are stronger as a squad and we have got a unity going into the last 21 games.
“Ali knows how I want to work and he knows exactly what I want to expect from him as a midfield player on the pitch.
“He knows exactly what I need in and out of possession as a midfield player and that is key to this signing.”
David Nugent Completes Trio of Signings
Veteran striker David Nugent also moves to Tranmere. The striker has fallen out of favour at Preston.
He hasn’t made a single appearance in the Championship for Alex Neil’s side and now will spend the remainder of the season helping Tranmere’s promotion bid in League Two.
All three new faces could make their debuts against Port Vale this weekend. It remains to be seen whether any have signed in time to face Peterborough United in the Papa John’s trophy tomorrow evening.
Main Photo
