Doncaster Rovers: '˜If Tommy Rowe was in, so was I' says Gary McSheffrey

Rovers surprisingly landed Rowe on a permanent deal after his release by Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite boss Darren Ferguson suggesting relegation to League Two had ended their chances of signing him.

And fellow former loanee McSheffrey says Rowe opting to join Rovers this summer played a major role in his decision to do the same.

“When we were relegated, getting Tommy in didn’t look very likely at all,” McSheffrey told The Star.

“We thought it’d be a bit of a struggle getting him in League One after what he did while he was here.

“So to see him sign was a massive boost.

“I thought ‘if Tommy is in, then I’m in as well.’

“He was excellent in midfield towards the end of the season and getting him in on a permanent deal is huge for us going into next season.

“Tommy will be a top player in League Two, I’m sure.

“It shows how exciting the manager’s plans are that someone at Tommy’s level and age has bought into it and wants to come here.”

McSheffrey – who signed a one year deal with Rovers earlier this week following his release by Scunthorpe United – says he has been impressed by the overall standard of player Rovers have brought in so far this summer.

He said: “The manager has made some very good signings.

“You’ve got that good mix of youth and experience that we’ll need next season.

“It’s exciting times.”