Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
County snap up ex-Utd defender Donaldson from rivals Inverness
ROSS County have made their first moves of the January transfer window by completing deals for Caley Thistle defender Coll Donaldson and Exeter City midfielder Jordan Tillson.
The arrival of Donaldson ends a protracted pursuit of the 24-year-old by the Staggies, who had earlier this month agreed a pre-contract for Donaldson to move to Victoria Park in the summer.
County yesterday agreed an undisclosed fee with their Highland rivals, which sees Donaldson move over the Kessock Bridge in time for Saturday’s Scottish Cup trip to Ayr United.
Staggies co-boss Stuart Kettlewell said: “Coll is a player we have admired for a while and we are delighted to bring him in.
“We identified Coll as a player that we feel can add something to our group and we believe by coming here, he can play his part in what we are trying to achieve.”
Donaldson will join up with Tillson, who moves to Scotland following eight y e a r s w i t h E x e t e r, where he has made 137 appearances.
The 26-year-old has spent his entire senior career with the Grecians since joining in 2012 but has had l oan stints at several clubs.
Kettlewell reckons Tillson, a defensiveminded midfielder, will bring adaptability into the heart of the field.
The County co-boss added: “He’s accustomed to being that defensive midfielder – a good screen for longer balls up to big strikers and good protection for the back four.
“That was one of the draws we saw but he’s also very adaptable and can cover a multitude of tasks in the middle of t he pitch.
“He’s got great energy and is an excellent athlete.”