Doncaster Rovers: Ferguson plots loan return for Aston Villa midfielder

Darren Ferguson is hopeful of securing a return to Doncaster Rovers for former loanee Riccardo Calder.
Riccardo Calder could be set for a return to Doncaster Rovers this seasonRiccardo Calder could be set for a return to Doncaster Rovers this season
Riccardo Calder could be set for a return to Doncaster Rovers this season

The Aston Villa midfielder impressed during a two month loan spell at the Keepmoat last season and has been targeted by Ferguson to help fill the gap left by Richard Chaplow’s departure.

The Rovers boss revealed to The Star that he came close to adding a midfielder on a permanent transfer earlier this week only for the deal to go cold.

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And he now expects to boost his midfield numbers with at least one loan signing, with Calder at the top of his list.

“We’re going to try to get a player in on loan and if we can, Riccardo Calder will probably be the one,” Ferguson said.

“He knows what we’re all about and I think he’s keen on coming back to us.

“We’ll have to wait and see on that one.

“With Richard Chaplow going, it leaves a space that needs filling.

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“We were hoping to get someone in on a permanent but it doesn’t look like it’s going to be now so it’ll probably be a loan.

“That’s the sort of direction we’ll be going down.”

Calder made 12 appearances for Rovers, operating within a midfield diamond and also at left wing back.

Chaplow last week opted to exercise a relegation release clause in his contract which allowed him to leave Rovers on a free.

While he initially expected the midfielder to depart, Ferguson said it appeared as though Chaplow would stay the closer he came to the deadline for a decision on his future.

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He said: “As it got closer to pre-season, it looked like he was going to stay and I would have been fine with that because he’d cope with the level comfortably and he’s got good experience.

“As it happens, he’s take up the clause. We’ll fill the space. With expecting him to go, I’ve been preparing for that anyway.”