He may have been a professional for two decades but the opportunity for a fresh start and a new challenge with Rovers has Richard Wood excited.
The 37-year-old has signed a one-year contract at the Eco-Power Stadium and is determined to add a fifth career promotion to his CV with Rovers.
Having spent the previous nine years with neighbours Rotherham United, the Yorkshire-born defender admitted feeling a little odd when he pulled on Rovers gear for his signing photoshoot.
But he insisted he was delighted with the chance to get his teeth into a new opportunity with Rovers.
“It is strange but it’s something I’m excited about,” Wood said. “A fresh start, even at my age, it’ll be nice to go into a new dressing room, meet new people, learn different things from what the manager and assistant do and how the team play.
“You’re always learning. You’re never too old. I’ve got experience but I’m always wanting to learn, see new things and experience different surroundings. It’s something I’m really excited about.”
Reaching the end of his time at the Millers could have provided a symbolic bookend to Wood’s career but retirement at this stage was never a consideration.
“I just love playing football,” he said. “I love the buzz, the dressing room, the banter in there and then it’s just what you get when you’re out on the pitch.
“I’ve got two young boys and they love and understand the game at 14 and 12. They love coming to watch me and they look up to me. When I go out on the pitch I want to play for them and achieve things for them and they absolutely love it.
“For me to give it up when I feel fit and able to play, and I definitely showed that last season, I don’t see why I’d retire any time soon. Age is just a number to me.
“I know I’ve still got it. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and show the Doncaster fans what I can do and help the team achieve what we want, which is promotion.”
While adding more than 600 senior games of know-how to Rovers’ back line, Wood will also bring tremendous experience and leadership to the dressing room.
And he is determined to make his mark on the Rovers squad.
“I’ve been captain of Rotherham for six years and even before that, I captained my other clubs,” he said. “But it’s just about helping people. It’s the sort of person I am.
“It’s a team game, it’s not all about me. I’m not the best player on the pitch, the silkiest, the smoothest on the ball and I’ve not got loads of skill. But I can definitely organise everybody and help people through the game.
“I know what’s happening and I can push people to achieve their best on the pitch as well.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what everybody can do, learning their personalities and characters, what they need and I’ll pick up on that and try to help people the best way I can.”