Doncaster Rovers midfielder Tommy Rowe has spoken about how he is "loving life" back at the Keepmoat Stadium after returning to the club in the off-season.

In his previous spell with Donny between 2016 and 2019, Rowe made 144 appearances and scored 31 times before moving to Bristol City. During his time with the Championship outfit, the winger/left-back was a regular in the side, making 60 appearances , but left this summer after the expiration of his contract.

After returning to Doncaster in June, Rowe has appreciated being a part of new manager Richie Wellens' attacking philosophies, being one of Rovers' stand out performers in their pre-season friendlies, with some describing him as a "better player than the one who left in 2019." . He has also got on the scoresheet in pre-season against Newcastle United

In those pre-season games, the 32-year old has mainly figured as a marauding left-back, and is expected to continue there at the start of the League One campaign. This new style of play implemented ahead of the opening game of the League One season against AFC Wimbledon has given Rowe a license to get up and down the left flank, offering the creative attributes which he is best known for, as well as requiring defensive duties.

Here is what Rowe had to say about his return to the Keepmoat so far in an interview with the Doncaster Free Press;

"I’m loving it.

"The manager speaks to me often and he says it looks like I’m enjoying it, which I am. When you’ve got a manager that encourages that, it’s so much easier and I’m trying to tell the young lads that at the same time.

"He wants you to make mistakes in the right way. He’s said to the midfielders that we’re going to make mistakes with the way we play but that just puts it in your mind that we are going to be on the front foot and progressive.

"On a personal level it’s fantastic to play in."

After averaging a goal every four games in his previous spell, he also hopes this rate continues despite playing primarily as a full-back;

"I think that’s the way the manager wants me to play. I’m going to be in those areas and he wants me to score goals. I’ve shown that I can do that in my career.

"It’s been brilliant coming back home to the club and the two friendlies at home were special to get back out in front of the supporters. Hopefully I can show that to the fans and show that I can be better than I’ve ever been before at this club."

The Verdict

Judging how the 32-year old has played in pre-season, there is real excitement that Rowe got even better than when he left the club two summers back. Being moved to left-back hasn't fazed him either and Richie Wellens has put a lot of trust in him to deliver, with his creativity being a key weapon in Rovers' armoury this season.

His versatility could also be key in certain match scenarios e.g. being a goal down late on. and Rowe is able to be pushed even further forward to provide service for the likes of Okenabirhie, Bogle & Hiwula.

The sentimental value of this signing is also one that could help unify the squad and the players even closer as Donny look to build on a 14th place finish last season.