Richard Wood is a man who can take control and Grant McCann says that is exactly what he was looking for as he shapes his Rovers squad for next season.
The experienced defender became McCann’s second signing of the summer following the addition of Ian Lawlor, and the Rovers boss says Wood will add more leadership qualities to the group.
“He’s a tremendous signing for us,” McCann said. “We’re really pleased.
"It shows the intent that we were speaking about with Ian Lawlor about the mentality of winning, the mentality of promotion winning - we’re going to need that next season.
“I’ve said it before that this league can be gruelling at times and you need to have people on the pitch that can take control of different situations. He can certainly do that.
“His experience will help us. He knows what it takes to win. Everything about him, his aura, his demeanour, he’s such a good pro.
“When I met him I told him that I didn’t need to speak to any of his ex-managers because I know what he’s all about.
“I think it’s clear to see. He’s a fit boy, he doesn’t miss any training sessions. I watched him do his medical and he’s really low maintenance. It’s important to have people fit and ready when called upon next season.”
McCann believes figures like Wood will be key to moulding the squad for the challenges ahead.
“I’ve mentioned it before that I think we have good leaders in the group already - the likes of Tommy Rowe and Tom Anderson, Jon Taylor, Ben Close, Harrison Biggins,” he said.
“There’s some really good characters in there already and Lawsy and Woody add to that. We want to just build around that, mould around it and get the right personnel in the right positions so when we come to the first game of the season, we’ve got options. If someone is not doing it, we can replace them with something different. Woody is a massive add to that.”