Robbie Fowler has begun his rebuild of Brisbane Roar with the arrival of ex-Newcastle Jets striker Roy O’Donovan on a two-year deal.
O’Donovan, 33, joins the Roar after two A-League seasons with the Jets including the 2018 Grand Final defeat to Melbourne Victory.
That loss also featured a red card for O’Donovan for a high challenge on Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas which resulted in a 10-game suspension for the Irishman.
Prior to being at the Jets, O’Donovan spent two seasons with Central Coast and has scored 39 goals in 80 A-League appearances.
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O’Donovan is the Roar’s first signing since Liverpool great Fowler took over as head coach, with the club having released 14 players since the end of their disappointing 2018-19 A-League campaign.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining the club and the chance to work with Premier League legend Robbie Fowler was a big factor in my decision,” the ex-Irish under-21 international said.
“I’m looking forward to challenging the top teams next season and help to bring back the success that Brisbane have had in the past.”
Fowler said securing O’Donovan was a key part of his plans with the club lacking a key striker following Adam Taggart’s move to South Korea in February.
“Getting a quality striker with a proven track record in the A-League was a key position for us to fill,” Fowler said.
“I was impressed with what I’ve seen of Roy so far and genuinely feel that there is plenty more to come from him and look forward to his contribution as a goal scorer and an experienced member of the squad.”
O’Donovan is expected to be the first of up to eight new signings announced by the Roar this week with Australian trio Aiden O’Neill, Brad Inman and George Hills, Welsh striker Aaron Amadi-Holloway and English-born Scottish under-19 defender Tom Aldred all expected to be added to the squad.