Three year deal for JJ
Bristol Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of John-Joe O’Toole on a three year deal, subject to a satisfactory medical examination.
Rovers beat off competition from several other clubs to capture the signature of the midfielder, who became an instant hit when he joined the Pirates on loan last season.
Manager John Ward said: “We are all delighted to welcome John-Joe to the club, and see all our patience pay off.
“After the recent spell of bad news concerning injuries, this should give everyone connected with the club a massive lift.
“It has been no secret that we wanted to bring John-Joe to the club and we have worked very hard to get him here.
“Hopefully now we can continue to improve ourselves with him in the squad.
“His style of play gives confidence to the people around him. We are an extremely young squad, and although he is only 24 he has had experience of playing at a variety of different levels.
“He has a lot of charisma, and his experience and enthusiasm will rub off on those around him.
“We now need to get him back with the team, into training and ready to start the season.
“Pre-season is drawing to an end and we now have our eyes firmly on the start of the new season.”
O’Toole helped to strengthen the spine of the Rovers team and turn around the club’s fortunes after signing an initial month’s loan deal on New Year’s Eve.
The 24-year-old then went on to extend his loan for a further two months – the maximum allowed under Emergency Loan rules – after becoming a firm fan’s favourite.
Chairman Nick Higgs said: “We have been very open with the fact that John-Joe was our main target this summer, and we are delighted that he has decided to join us.
“We know he has ambitions to play at a higher level, but we all hope that he will be able to achieve that aim with Bristol Rovers.
“John-Joe proved what a difference he made to the squad last season, and we are now looking forward to going into the season with a settled group of players.”
O’Toole began his career at Watford, making his debut in August 2007. While at Watford he had loan spells at Wealdstone, Sheffield United and Colchester United, before making the move to Colchester permanent in January 2010.
He signed a new two contract with the U’s in the summer of 2012.