Grant McCann says Ian Lawlor’s previous experience of winning promotion from Sky Bet League Two was a major attraction in bringing the goalkeeper back to Rovers.
Lawlor has become McCann’s first signing after penning a two-year deal to rejoin Rovers two years on from his departure.
As he builds a squad to challenge for promotion this season, McCann believes the Irish goalkeeper’s experience will be a vital component.
“Once I sat down, looking about the squad, one of the things we felt we needed was a commanding presence in a goalkeeper that has been and done it,” he said.
“Winning promotion is huge, and the experience that brings. It’s a young group, we know that, so having those voices and people that’s been there and done it, in and around the squad will be huge.”
As well as the 28-year-old’s experience in goal, McCann says Lawlor’s character was another big reason behind the signing.
“The fans know what he’s all about,” he said.
“In the season I was here, him and Marko Marosi had a great fight over who was getting the gloves. Both played around a similar number of games that season.
“Lawsy knows he is coming in to fight for that number one position. If he carries on doing what he’s doing he’s got a great chance of making it his.
“We loved him in terms of him as a person. Seeing him again, here with his young family having just had a baby boy, it’s great. We want him to be part of it and enjoy being here.
“You can see the excitement on his face at coming back to this football club. We want people to come here and be a part of what we’re trying to do next season.”