Midfielder Chaplow becomes Doncaster’s fourth summer recruit

Southampton's Richard Chaplow and Leeds United's Adam Clayton (right) battle for the ball during the npower Football League Championship match at Elland Road, Leeds. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday March 3, 2012. See PA story SOCCER Leeds. Photo credit should read: PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Maximum 45 images during a match. No video emulation or promotion as 'live'. No use in games, competitions, merchandise, betting or single club/player services. No use with unofficial audio, video, data, fixtures or club/league logos.

The Accrington-born schemer was a free agent after leaving Millwall, having previously playing for a host of sides in a nomadic career which began at Burnley, where he made his name.

Chaplow, 30, joined West Brom in a £1,5m deal in January 2005 after moving from the Clarets and subsequently played for Preston, Southampton and Millwall.

Chaplow ended last season on loan at Ipswich Town and came off the bench to net the winner in a dramatic victory at Watford on April 6.

Chaplow initially headed to Portman Road for a month before subsequently signing on for the rest of the season.

The Lancastrian’s arrival will add some more experience in the Rovers’ engine room following the departure of South African captain Dean Furman, currently on trial at Blackburn Rovers.

The signing of Chaplow follows on from captures of defender Gary MacKenzie, forward Andy Williams and goalkeeper Torsten Stuckmann.

Rovers’ brisk transfer activity is a far cry from the scenario in the last two summers, when take-over sagas have left manager Paul Dickov hamstrung in the market and struggling to get deals over the line.

The club’s first recruit ahead of the 2014-15 season did not arrive until the end of July 2014 when Nathan Tyson signed.