Defender in post Bristol Rovers transfer as ex-Derby man finds new club week after exit

Calum MacDonald has signed with League Two outfit Mansfield Town following his release from Bristol Rovers last week.

The Gas published their retained list and the 25-year-old was one of three players told they were free to leave the club after their contracts wouldn't be extended. MacDonald had only penned a short-term deal with Rovers after making the deadline day move from Stockport County, but now has a long-term deal with his new club. He has signed a two-year deal at Mansfield, which will keep him there until the summer of 2025, and there is an option for a further year.

"I’m absolutely delighted to sign for the Stags," said MacDonald to Mansfield's official club website after the move was confirmed.

“The club has kept a strong squad together and this seems like the perfect place for me at this stage of my career.”

During his time at Rovers, he made four appearances, but failed to complete an entire match. He made his debut against Burton Albion, playing 61 minutes in the 2-1 defeat, and then made substitute appearances against Portsmouth, Shrewsbury Town and Bolton Wanderers.

Manager Nigel Clough added: “Calum is a good, experienced left-back at this level having previously played over seventy League Two matches for Tranmere.

“With Macca (Stephen McLaughlin) missing the start of the season due to injury, we needed someone who can go straight into the line-up at left-back and Calum fits the bill.”

Macdonald will be lining up alongside several former Rovers players, including Alfie Kilgour who made the move to the Field Mill for an undisclosed fee in January. The Nottinghamshire outfit have academy graduate Ollie Clarke, John-Joe O'Toole and former loanee Hiram Boateng on their books.