Keeper Ross moves over to Doncaster

SHELDAN KEAY

ROSS Etheridge believes leaving Accrington and joining Doncaster Rovers will help him bounce back from a frustrating end to the campaign.

The 21-year-old turned down a new deal with the Reds in favour of joining Doncaster ahead of next season.

Stanley missed out on promotion from League Two after they dropped out of the automatic places on the final day, before they were then beaten and said the manager was interested in me as how I play suits their styles.

“I communicate well, use my feet and I’m a good shot stopper as well, so hopefully I can bring all of that into it and keep clean sheets to help the team win.”

Etheridge joined Stanley last summer after he was released by Championship side Derby County, and he believes there will be differences between Accrington and new club Doncaster.

“There’s a big crowd at Doncaster which will be good for the players. Accrington has a big group of fans but coming here will be a bit different,” he said.

“It’s more of a stadium and there’s more fans which is really good. My aim is to keep clean sheets to help us win and hit the automatics so we can get back into League One straight away where Doncaster should be.

“Doncaster have done their business very early so they’re not waiting around.

“I like how quickly they’ve done that and now I can enjoy my few weeks of rest and then it’s straight back into it.”

As Etheridge is under 24, Accrington will be entitled to compensation from Doncaster because of his departure.

His exit is a blow for Stanley, with a number of other players currently considering contract offers from the club, with decisions expected to be made soon.