Doncaster Rovers have signed goalkeeper Ian Lawlor on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper is returning to the Eco-Power Stadium and reuniting with former boss Grant McCann, who Rovers reappointed as manager after another disappointing season came to an end.
Lawlor is Rovers’ first signing under the returning McCann regime. He spent the last two seasons with Dundee in Scotland.
Goalkeeper Ian Lawlor Returns to Doncaster Rovers
WELCOME BACK | We are delighted to confirm the signing of Ian Lawlor on a two-year deal
🔴⚪️ #drfc 🔴⚪️https://t.co/AtelkDsSrL
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) May 22, 2023
Grant McCann Secures First Signing
Lawlor will strengthen a thin goalkeeping department days after the club confirmed the departure of Jonathan Mitchell at the end of his contract. Mitchell had a disappointing season between the sticks for Rovers and it was pretty clear the position would need a change.
Louis Jones, who missed much of the 2022/23 season with injury, has been offered a new deal, alongside Ben Bottomley.
At one point last season, Rovers had to sign an emergency loan goalkeeper when facing a trip to Salford City, due to injuries.
Lawlor is a familiar face at the club, joining after leaving Manchester City in 2017 before leaving Doncaster in 2021.
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‘Feels Like Home’ – Ian Lawlor
On returning to Rovers, Lawlor told the club website: “It feels like home and I’m delighted to be back. I really enjoyed the previous spell here.
“It’s a club that I have a lot of love for. We had success over the years. The fan base were great with me. It was a move that just felt right for me.”
Lawlor was at the club for McCann’s season in charge in 2018/19 when semi-finalists in the League One playoffs, losing to Charlton Athletic on penalties.
Manager Grant McCann added: “Ian is someone I know, who I’ve worked with before. He had a good relationship here with the fans and the previous promotion from League Two here was a massive factor because he’s been here and done it.
“We’re absolutely delighted to get him. He’s commanding, 6ft4, kicks the ball a mile, a good communicator and most of all he’s a good person.”
Lawlor kept three clean sheets in five Scottish Championship appearances this past season and will be looking to build on his 24 clean sheets in 85 games for Doncaster, gained over the course of his previous spell.
