BURTON Albion FC will sign midfielder John-Joe O’Toole at the end of his current contract with Northampton Town.
O’Toole will sign a two-year deal at the Pirelli Stadium and link up with the rest of his new teammates when pre-season training begins at St George’s Park on Monday, July 1.
The 30-year-old, who has plenty of League One experience, began his career with Watford in the Championship before signing permanently for Colchester United in 2010 and spending three years with the Us before moving to Bristol Rovers in 2013.
O’Toole would score 15 goals in his only full season with Rovers before moving to Northampton on a free, where he has spent the last five seasons, scoring 35 goals in 194 appearances at Sixfields.
Manager Nigel Clough said: “We’re really pleased to get John-Joe in - mainly for his abilities in both penalty areas.
“He has played a midfield role, but I think (he carries a) threat in both penalty areas from set plays, depending on where he plays (and) he is flexible, position-wise.
“We really need a threat; for the amount of corners, free-kicks and general play we had that ended up with the ball in the box, we haven't finished off enough by any means.
“He is a player who can get you the odd goal from whatever position. That is going to be very important.
“He has played in League One before with Bristol Rovers. He fits the sort of profile that we look for - and he provides aggression as well. That's one thing that we certainly lack and could do with a bit more of.”
O’Toole spoke to iFollow Brewers about signing for the Burton Albion.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve seen a few of the games now and we’ve got a lot of talented players here - a good mix of characters and different players who can do different jobs.
“Hopefully I can add to that. From what I gather we were possibly unlucky to finish 9th and we could have got in the play-offs.
“Last season I only scored three goals - which for me personally isn’t good enough. So that’s something I want to add to my game and something I can do.
“I’m energetic, I’ll be up and down and I want to score goals, and generally help the team out.”