Donovan signs for Rochdale

Last updated : 27 December 2003 By Site Staff
The hero of the 1997/98 season has been training at Spotland for the past few weeks after a spell back at Blundell Park.  Although his time back on the East coast was put down to a favour from an old friend (Paul Groves) in helping him back to fitness.

It's no suprise that Donovan has ended up at Rochdale.  It's now the third time he's played under Alan Buckley, the manager who's got the best from Donovan during his career.

With Leo Bertos set for international duty with New Zealand, Buckley has brought in Donovan as cover. 

"Kevin is a player I know very well from my time as manager of West Brom and Grimsby," Buckley told the Rochdale website.

"He is a very talented player who plays predominantly on the right of midfield. He is a very intelligent and clever footballer who I have kept in touch with over the years.

"He has trained with us over the past couple of weeks and with a watchful eye over Leo Bertos going away on international duty, I felt him signing non-contract terms with the club would be beneficial.

"You cannot overlook a player of his undoubted ability, when he makes it known he is willing to play for the club on these terms.

"The situation we have with Kevin suits both parties down to the ground."

Donovan came on as a sub during the 1-0 defeat to Mansfield on Boxing Day.