Toner Signs For Dale

As reported on the official site on Friday Ciaran Toner has signed for the club on a one year deal from Grimsby.

Toner, who also celebrated his birthday today, brings with him a wealth of lower league experience having also played for Posh, Brizzle Rovers, Leyton Orient, Cambridge and Lincoln. He also has two Northern Ireland caps to his name, although saying that Lee McEvilly was capped by them too…

It is fair to say opposition reports aren’t glowing with regards to the lad with many suggesting we’ll only get the best out of him when his contract is up for renewal. One thing that few people question, however, is his talent the suggestion is that he shows it too little.

It seems the perfect scenario for HillCroft to work their magic and he is exactly the sort of ‘broken toy’ type player Hilly has talked about.

In theory he should be in his footballing prime and should add some much needed experience to the side, if any management team can get the best out of him it’s ours. The one year deal is a smart piece of play then, hopefully it will keep him on his toes. Toner can’t have too many chances left in the Football league, here’s hoping he takes this one.