Doncaster Rovers have announced the arrival of former Hartlepool defender Jamie Sterry on a two-year deal with Grant McCann setting his sights on building a promotion worthy squad, as confirmed on Doncaster’s official website today.
The 27-year-old joins Donny after Hartlepool’s unfortunate relegation down to the National League, making 26 appearances during a stop-start season for the former Newcastle man.
He would, however, score twice for Pools during the campaign – sometimes venturing further forward into a right midfielder spot, scoring in what proved to be his final game for the club at home to Barrow in a 3-1 victory.
This signing is Grant McCann’s third foray of the transfer window already, signing experienced centre back Richard Wood and goalkeeper Ian Lawlor who has previously tasted success with Donny in another spell.
The overall mood around Doncaster now is very different to that of a few weeks ago, Donny arguably looking directionless under former head coach Danny Schofield.
Now, with fan favourite Grant McCann in the dug-out and plenty of signings entering the building early on, expectations have switched back to promotion up to League One again.
Sterry will hope he can be a key individual to take Donny to the next level, putting the Hartlepool relegation disappointment firmly at the back of his mind.
Jamie Sterry’s Career So Far
Sterry’s footballing journey to date saw him start his career at his boyhood club, coming through the Newcastle academy to make three overall appearances for the Tyneside based team.
His time at Newcastle was littered with loan moves away however, featuring for the likes of Coventry City and Crewe Alexandra before the Magpies released Sterry in 2020.
Two brief appearances for Newcastle’s non-league neighbours South Shields followed before Hartlepool came calling, where Sterry would begin to shine.
He would make over a hundred appearances for Pools, establishing himself in the side as an attacking full-back option.
This move to Donny gives Sterry a chance to cement himself as a seasoned League Two player, before pushing himself further to become a League One standard defender.
Grant McCann back at Doncaster
One factor as to why Sterry chose Donny as his next destination after leaving Hartlepool behind might well have been the lure of working under Grant McCann.
Doncaster fans were overjoyed when news confirmed that their ex boss was coming back to the Eco Power Stadium, the former Posh manager a hit last time out in the Rovers dug-out.
He managed to get Doncaster into the League One playoffs during his one year in charge last time out, beaten by Charlton over two legs in the Playoff Semi Final on that occasion.
His task now is similar but in the division below, winning promotion from League Two to get Donny back up to League One after an uninspiring last few campaigns for those with associations to Rovers.
Signings such as Sterry are one way to get fans on side and get them excited again for the next campaign with McCann raring to go in South Yorkshire.
What Has Been Said
Jamie Sterry spoke to Doncaster’s official website right after signing for the South Yorkshire club, expressing his delight at getting the move over the line.
He said: “I’m delighted to get it done, especially after speaking to the gaffer. Knowing a lot about the club, playing here a few times, I’m absolutely over the moon.
“I had a lot of conversations with different clubs but this one felt right with me after speaking with the manager. I know how big the club is and the ambition is for the club to get promoted.”
Rovers manager Grant McCann echoed his new player’s enthusiasm, stating that he’s been an admirer of Sterry’s game for some time.
He said: “It’s a really good signing for us. I’ve been a fan for many years now – probably rolling back to when he was at Newcastle and when we played their U21s in the EFL Trophy when I was here.”
Writer’s View
Doncaster Rovers, after their pitiful lower half finish last campaign, needed an injection of positivity and the recent signings have certainly contributed to a feel good factor returning alongside McCann’s reappointment.
Jamie Sterry will hope this move pushes him forward, not allowing Hartlepool’s relegation to be a setback in advancing his individual career.
The proof will be in the pudding when League Two football returns, but for now, Sterry’s signing is one of huge promise for fans of Donny.
