Eleventh-tier Doncaster City sign former Scotland internationals Charlie Mulgrew and Ross McCormack as well as ex-Republic of Ireland playmaker Wes Hoolahan to aid promotion push – with trio helping beat league leaders!

  • Doncaster City were formed in 2022 by football agent Willie McKay
  • Sports Direct-sponsored club play in the Central Midlands League North Division
  • Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane? Which five players should have played in the Premier League? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

When you hear Doncaster and football in the same sentence, it is fourth-tier Rovers that usually springs to mind. However, seven tiers below and it’s their new local rivals who are making headlines.

Playing in the Central Midlands League North Division, Doncaster City are seeking promotion to the Northern Counties East Football League Division One this season.

And prior to last weekend’s action, Doncaster City – who were formed in 2022 by football agent Willie McKay, with his son Mark the chairman and are shirt sponsored by Sports Direct – made headlines with the signings of several former internationals.

Former Celtic and Scotland defender Charlie Mulgrew, his international team-mate Ross McCormack and ex-Norwich City and Republic of Ireland playmaker Wes Hoolahan all joined in a series of moves that raised eyebrows at non-league level.

Former Scottish footballer Scott McLaughlin was also signed.

As has Charlie Mulgrew

Ross McCormack (left) and Charlie Mulgrew have signed for 11th-tier side Doncaster City 

Wes Hoolahan has also signed for the Central Midlands League North Division side

As has Scott McLaughlin

Wes Hoolahan (left) and Scott McLaughlin have also signed for the Central Midlands League North Division side

Football agent Willie McKay founded the Sports Direct-sponsored side in 2022

Football agent Willie McKay founded the Sports Direct-sponsored side in 2022

Mulgrew, McCormack and Hoolahan were all thrusted into City’s starting line-up on Saturday for their pivotal clash at home against league leaders Dearne and District.

Going into the encounter, the visitors boasted a formidable league record of 18 wins and one draw from their 19 matches.

However, it appears the international nous of the aforementioned trio proved pivotal as Doncaster City won 3-1 to inflict the first league defeat of the season on their opponents – to the delight of the majority of the 844 fans inside the Welfare Ground.

Following a goalless first half Dearne took the lead on 64 minutes through Baz Lowe.

However, they were pegged back just three minutes later when Mo Gashi equalised. The game looked to be heading for a draw before Nick Howcroft put City ahead late on before Shay Evans Booth completed the scoreline.

Mulgrew (No 3) and McCormack (No 10) line up for Scotland in friendly vs Poland in 2014

Mulgrew (No 3) and McCormack (No 10) line up for Scotland in friendly vs Poland in 2014

Hoolahan celebrates scoring for the Republic of Ireland against Sweden at Euro 2016

Hoolahan celebrates scoring for the Republic of Ireland against Sweden at Euro 2016

The result sees second-placed Doncaster City close the gap to Dearne and District to seven points. Doncaster City, who are on 48 points, have two games in hand on their conquered opponents.

Mark Twigg’s side host Glapwell next in the league on Saturday and will hope their added stardust can propel them to another victory.



***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk