Doncaster Rovers are pleased to announce the signing of striker Billy Paynter on a two-year deal following his departure from Leeds United, subject to paperwork.
Paynter’s arrival at Keepmoat Stadium will add much needed firepower to Dean Saunders squad.
Known for his goal-scoring ability at League One level, Billy also brings other players into the game with his ability to hold the ball up, movement and tireless workrate.
He becomes Rovers seventh summer signing following the arrivals of defenders Rob Jones, Paul Quinn and Jamie McCombe, midfielders David Syer and David Cotterill and forward Robbie Blake.
Liverpool born Paynter started his career at Port Vale, signing professional forms in 2000 after having progressed through the club’s youth set-up. In May 2001 Billy made his first team debut against Walsall at Vale Park at the tender age of just 16 years and 294 days, making him Vale’s youngest first team player for over twenty years.
In September 2002 Paynter scored his first goal for Brian Horton’s Port Vale, making him their youngest goalscorer for 24 years. It was during the 2003/04 season when Billy came to prominence as one of the brightest young talents in the Football League. Still a teenager, Paynter managed to score 14 goals during that campaign and was second in the club’s scoring charts after the prolific Chris McPhee. After a successful season Vale awarded the young hotshot with a new contract.
Paynter ended the following season as the club’s top scorer and was awarded the 2004/05 ‘Player of the Year’ award. His exploits during that season didn’t go unnoticed; in November 2005 Peter Taylor’s Hull City signed the striker on loan before negotiating a £150,000 permanent transfer.
In August 2007 Paynter joined Swindon Town where he enjoyed his most prolific period of his career to date. In his three years with The Robins Paynter scored 45 goals, 29 of those coming in the 2009/10 season which represented his best scoring ratio in a single season.
After a highly impressive season Billy was offered a new contract at The County Ground, however that deal was rejected and instead he signed a three-year deal with Championship new boys Leeds United.
After only managing 27 appearances for United manager Neil Warnock confirmed Billy could leave the club in search of regular first team football.
Dean Saunders secured the signature of the former Port Vale man to further bolster his squad.
Billy spoke of his delight to be joining Doncaster Rovers, and revealed he wanted to help fire Rovers back into the Championship
'I'm pleased to be here. I came down and trained with the lads a couple of weeks ago and I've signed today.
'It's a good set-up here with a good bunch of lads and I'm looking to help fire Donny back up.'
The full interview with Billy will be available on Rovers Player soon.