Shrewsbury Town secures Roland Idowu on two-and-a-half-year deal
Roland Idowu jumps over a Jack Hudson challenge Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)
Shrewsbury Town have confirmed the signing of 21-year-old attacking midfielder Roland Idowu from the Irish club Waterford.
Idowu, who has an impressive record of nine goals and nine assists in 33 appearances for The Blues, has committed to a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Shropshire club.
Although he has started training with his new teammates at Shrewsbury, Idowu will not be eligible for selection until the transfer window opens in January.
Regarding his transfer, Idowu expressed enthusiasm, “I’m buzzing. It’s something I’ve been waiting a while for, to jump to this level, so I’m delighted to be here."
Idowu's ambitions are clear as he aims to help the team climb up the table.
"I want to get up the table and contribute with goals, assists and creativity.
“I’m quite positive, I like trying to create stuff and help the team go forward.
"Off the ball, I’m quite fit and physically I feel like I’m strong as well so I think I could be an exciting player for the fans."
He also mentioned the influence of his friend and former teammate Tunmise Sobowale in his decision to join Shrewsbury.
“I played with Tunmise Sobowale at my old club. He left in the summer, left me by myself, so I thought I’d follow him!
"He explained what the club’s about and I liked what he said so I’ve made the jump."
Head coach Matt Taylor recognized Idowu's potential, noting the competitive interest in his signing.
Taylor praised Idowu’s willingness to take risks and his ability to play in tight spaces, emphasising that he is the kind of player who can invigorate the crowd with his fearless attitude.
"Micky (director of football Micky Moore) and Tom (head of recruitment Tom Ware) have worked tirelessly to get Roland over the line," Taylor said.
"He will risk the ball, he will accept the ball in tight spaces and he can manipulate it really well. He will stretch defences.
"I think he is the type of player that we need in the group. He is the type of player that will get supporters off their seats and he has an attitude of no fear which I think is great.
"He is a player I am very much looking forward to seeing out on the pitch when he is available in January."
