Donald Love has joined Shrewsbury Town on a two-year deal after being released by Sunderland.
It’s been a long day for the 24-year-old defender who completed his medical before coming to the Montgomery Waters Meadow to complete his new deal with Town.
Donald was born in Rochdale but his parents spent time in Whitchurch before moving to Nantwich where they now live.
Donald sat down with IFollow Shrews to talk about the next chapter of his career.
“It’s been a long day but I’m glad it’s all sorted and now I can look forward to getting to work with the lads”, said Donald.
“I’ve known of the interest for a few weeks now and it’s taken a while to get sorted.
“You hear about interest and then things moved quite quickly and I can’t wait to get started.”
He joined Sunderland on a four-year deal 2016 but didn’t make as many appearances as he would have liked. An injury at the start of last season was a big blow in a season, which he thought he would get the chance to kick on.
“It was a tough place to play and a hard place to be, but I can now come here and kick on”, said Donald.
“I had a good pre-season last year at Sunderland and thought I could have a good season but I picked up an injury early on.
“That’s football though so hopefully I can come to Shrewsbury and now kick on.”
He now joins a Shrewsbury side that is established in the Sky Bet League One. He has some knowledge about the club and knows Ro-Shaun Williams from their time together at Manchester United.
“I know little bits and Shrewsbury and I’ve heard good things about the club”, said Donald.
“I know Ro-Shaun, we have the same people, and I’ve heard good things from them.
“When I spoke to the manager and the other staff I could see what they are trying to do here.
“It sounds exciting and it is something that I want to be involved in.”
He will now join up with the Town squad when they return from the Portugal pre-season training camp. Town travel to Ludlow Football Stadium on Wednesday night and Donald hopes he will be involved.
“I think the first game is Wednesday next week and hopefully I can take some part in that”, said Donald.
“I want to get involved and integrate quickly with everyone and get involved.”
The 24-year-old defender has progressed through the Scottish national sides youth ranks. He has played the majority of his football on the right side of the defence and will be looking to slot into that position in the Town defence.
“I can play anywhere but I do like to play right-back or right-wing back”, said Donald.
“Wherever the manager asks me I’ll be happy to play.
“I can now knuckle down and hopefully show people what I can do, I like to work hard, like a tackle and like to be exciting.”