Gaffer talks to official website on new signing.
Paul Dickov explained that he had to play the waiting game to secure the signature of new signing Aaron Taylor-Sinclair.
The 24 year old defender signed a two year contract at Keepmoat Stadium, 12 months on from the start of Dickov’s interest.
“A year ago he was out of contract in Scotland and we went and watched him at Partick Thistle about 7 or 8 times and there was lots of interest from other clubs and we just missed out on him,” said Dickov of the pursuit.
“We tried to get him on loan in October but he got injured while I was watching him play! We know a lot about him as he’s played a lot of games for someone who is 24 years old and I’m delighted that we’ve got him.
“He’s got a point to prove. He wants to play, he was still under contract at Wigan and could have stayed there and picked up the money but he’s got the bit between his teeth and wants to play football and I think we’ve got a real talent.
“He’s very powerful, quick but technically he’s very good and has a good left foot. Size and stature was a big thing for us this year but there’s plenty to work with. Primarily we’ve signed him as a left back but it gives us a competitive squad with competition for places.”
Dickov has already added five names to his squad and the preparations for the 15/16 League One campaign ramp up a notch again this evening when Rovers host Championship side Nottingham Forest.
“There’ll be 18-20 players involved,” asserted Dickov ahead of the game against his compatriot Dougie Freedman.
“Some will get 60 minutes, one or two might get ninety minutes so that they can feel their way back in to it. It’s a fitness session but we want to work on a few tactical things as well.
“If you come up against teams of a higher standing – such as Forest – then it’s easy to get a little excited and carried away with the performance but [Richard] Chaplow, [Andy] Williams etc. will be involved and potentially some of the youngsters.”