Doncaster Rovers have completed the signing of Scottish winger Glenn Middleton as Grant McCann’s summer recruitment drive gathers momentum.
The former Rangers man arrives from Dundee United on a two-year deal, with the option of a third season, and becomes the club’s second confirmed arrival of the window.
SPFL Success
Glasgow-born Middleton, 25, joins the League Two champions after making 115 appearances for Dundee United, scoring 12 goals and helping them to a fourth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership last season. His arrival follows hot on the heels of ex-Leeds United midfielder Robbie Gotts, who will officially join upon the expiry of his Barrow contract.
Middleton is a versatile forward known for his direct running and ability to play across the front three. Doncaster boss McCann admitted he had long admired the winger and was thrilled to finally bring him to the Eco-Power Stadium.
“I’ve been tracking Glenn for quite a bit – even back to my first spell here, he was a player we really liked. He’s had a tremendous few years at Dundee United. He’s been a real threat in the Scottish Premier League and he’s an exciting player – really direct, quick and he can play anywhere across the front line.”
Middleton began his youth career at Northampton Town before moving to Norwich City’s academy. He returned to Scotland in 2018, signing a five-year contract with Rangers and going on to make 29 senior appearances, scoring five goals. Loan spells at Hibernian, St Johnstone and Bradford City followed before his permanent switch to Tannadice in 2022.
‘Very Clear’ Belief
The Scotland under-21 international, who earned 23 caps at that level, will wear the number 17 shirt during his time at Doncaster. Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Middleton expressed his delight at joining the club and highlighted McCann’s influence as a decisive factor:
“When you speak to people you get an understanding and belief in what they’re saying to you and that was very clear in the manager’s first couple of calls. Once you get a feeling for something like that, it’s something you want to be part of.”
Writer’s View
This is a smart and ambitious piece of business by Doncaster Rovers. Glenn Middleton brings genuine pedigree from the Scottish Premiership and offers pace, flexibility and experience at a relatively young age. The fact that McCann had been tracking him since his previous spell at the club speaks volumes about the long-term planning behind the move.
Middleton’s CV suggests he should be more than comfortable at League Two level, and if he can recapture the attacking threat he showed north of the border, he could become a key figure in a side aiming to challenge for promotion.
