Doncaster Rovers sign Bradford City defender Neill Byrne on loan for the season
“I heard about the interest last week and I was really eager to get it over the line”
Doncaster Rovers have secured the loan signing of defender Neill Byrne from Bradford City for the remainder of the season.
The 32-year-old Irish centre-back brings a wealth of experience to the League One club, having played in the EFL and non-league throughout his career.
“I heard about the interest last week and I was really eager to get it over the line,” Byrne said. “I’m really excited to come here.
“I had a good conversation with the manager which really interested me and I really wanted to get it done.
“I want to get games and I want to help the team in any way possible.”
Byrne started his footballing journey with Nottingham Forest’s academy before his senior debut with Rochdale.
His career has since included spells in non-league at clubs such as Gateshead, Macclesfield, and Halifax Town before returning to the EFL with Hartlepool United.
He later joined Stockport County, where he celebrated a League Two title win, and was signed by Bradford City in the summer of 2024 after a short stint with Tranmere Rovers.
Rovers manager Grant McCann believes the addition of Byrne is vital to the team.
“It was important we got the right one in and we feel that we have,” McCann said.
“It’s an experienced signing for us, a real good character as well. He’s been involved in promotion-winning teams.
“He’s everything we want in a centre half - he’s experienced, he’s a leader, he can shift, he’s got decent pace on him for defending space in-behind and he’s calm on the ball.
“I think he’ll add to our team and what we have and add that bit of nous that’s probably been missing for a while.”