Ex-Coventry City midfielder joins League Two club - two months after Bristol Rovers exit

The former Rovers midfielder, who left in January, has a new club at least until the end of the season.
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Former Bristol Rovers midfielder Zain Westbrooke has joined Doncaster Rovers on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Westbrooke and Rovers agreed to mutually terminate his three-year contract that was due to expire this summer. He had fallen out of favour under Joey Barton, and after failing to secure a summer move away from the Memorial Stadium, found first-team opportunities limited, even in the EFL Trophy.

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He started the opening match of the season against Forest Green Rovers, but that was his one and only involvement in League One this year. The 26-year-old was told along with four other players that he was free to leave, but ended up remaining past the summer transfer window and went on to make a handful of appearances.

Westbrooke had most recently been training with Doncaster's league rivals Walsall to help build up his fitness. An injury crisis at Doncaster has prompted Danny Schofield to recruit the former Gas man.

“I’m really pleased," said the former Coventry City midfielder about his move to the Keepmoat Stadium. I got the chance to train with the team and meet the staff and I felt very welcomed by everyone and felt really comfortable.

“I’ve been a free agent since January and when I got the call to come in, it was something I couldn’t turn down. I came to earn the contract and thankfully I’ve been able to do that.”

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He made his debut for his new club on Saturday, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute against Northampton Town. It was a losing start however thanks to goals from Mitch Pinnock and Sam Hoskins.

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