Former Hartlepool United winger signs a new three-year deal

Luke Molyneux, a former Hartlepool United winger, has signed a new three-year contract with Doncaster Rovers.

Molyneux, 26, was widely expected to leave South Yorkshire this summer following a blistering conclusion to the League Two season, netting five goals in the final eight games as Grant McCann’s side surged into the play-offs.

Molyneux started the scoring in the play-off semi-final first leg, a stunning 2-0 victory over Crewe, but Rovers were unable to finish the job as the Alex flipped the tie on its head in the second leg, winning on penalties.

The winger, who scored a total of 11 goals in 58 games last campaign, established himself as one of League Two’s hottest talents, creating a potent connection with fellow former Poolie Jamie Sterry down the Rovers’ right.

Initially signed on-loan from Sunderland, he scored twice in 16 matches and did enough to secure a permanent move following his release by the Black Cats.

It took him a while to establish himself as a regular in the team and he was used primarily off the bench by Dave Challinor in the historic 2020/21 season, scoring his penalty in the play-off final as Pools were promoted back to the Football League.

He went on to become one of his team’s most significant, popular, and reliable players, scoring in the EFL Trophy quarterfinals and receiving three end-of-season accolades in 2022.

However, he rejected down a new deal in the summer of 2022 and went for Doncaster, scoring three times in 44 appearances in his first season before really coming into his own in his second year at the c lub.

Having put pen to paper on his new contract, which will keep him at the Eco-Power Stadium until 2027, Molyneux professed his determination to help Rovers maintain their momentum from the end of last season, which saw them finish the regular campaign with a run of 12 games unbeaten, and push for promotion again next season.

“I’m here to get this club back to where it should be,” he told Doncaster’s official website.

Meanwhile, manager Grant McCann, who is in his second tenure in command of Rovers, was overjoyed to have secured one of his treasured assets. He told the club website, “I’m really, really happy with this one.

“Mols has been fantastic since I’ve been here, not just on the football pitch. “He trains well and is a good person to have around the place.”

“The boys love him, the fans love him, and I believe this is a great business opportunity for us.”