Wellens has options with arrival of striker Cukur
DONCASTER ROVERS manager Richie Wellens believes that the League One club have unearthed a ‘rough diamond’ in the shape of versatile forward Tiago Cukur.
The Turkish youth international striker has joined from Premier League side Watford on a season-long loan and has become Rovers’ seventh signing of a busy close season.
On Dutch-born 6ft 3in attacker Cukur, who could make his debut in tonight’s friendly at Wakefield AFC, Wellens said: “I think he can play as a 10, as an out-an-out forward, or off the left, so he gives us options.
“He has got good feet but can score from crosses. He is a talented boy and we cannot wait to start working with him.
“Even though he is young, he will bring physicality. We have looked at him and everyone we have spoken to speaks very highly of him.
“We think we have got a rough diamond and we will be able to bring the best out of him.
“We have got him through the door, and I am really excited about him.”
Former Barnsley CEO Dane Murphy has been officially confirmed as the new chief executive officer at Nottingham Forest.
The American left Oakwell at the end of last month after two seasons at the club, with Swedishborn Khaled El-Ahmad named as his replacement at the club late last week.
Forest chairman Nicholas Randall, QC, commented: “He (Murphy) was the outstanding candidate with an impressive track record in the game.
“His work at Barnsley was widely recognised within football as being exemplary and his role in turning around the fortunes of the club in such a short space of time is testament to his vision and talent.”
Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock says it is a ‘no brainer’ to bring in former Huddersfield
Town attacking midfielder Jamie Paterson on trial during the club’s pre-season tour of Devon and Cornwall.
Paterson, 29, is a free agent after leaving Bristol City at the end of last season and will spend the new few days training and playing with the Boro squad in the southwest.
Warnock said: “Jamie is a lad I’ve always kept in touch with.
“It’s a good opportunity to have look at him in this environment, it’s a no-brainer really.”