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Boston sign ex-Doncaster, Derby, Leeds, Rotherham and Ireland midfielder

Boston United sign an ex-Doncaster Rovers, Derby County, Leeds United, Rotherham United and Republic of Ireland midfielder.

The Pilgrims have recruited a vastly-experienced campaigner Paul Green, weeks after being defeated in the National League North playoffs.

Having beaten Gateshead in a thrilling 5-3 victory within the 90 minutes of normal time, they couldn’t get a win in the playoff final against Altrincham, who came away with a 1-0 win, in what turned out to be the last ever game at York Street.

 
 
 
 
 
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The 37-year-old has linked up with the Pilgrims after helping Crewe Alexandra win promotion from League Two at the end of last season, making 33 appearances in the process.

He started his professional career as a trainee with Sheffield Wednesday but was released at the age of 16. He went on to joined Doncaster Rovers, and progressed through the youth ranks to the first team, making his debut at 19 years of age in a 2–2 draw with Northwich Victoria in the Conference on the 19th of March 2002.

His first career goal came three days later in a 5–2 home win against Hayes. The following seasons saw Green play a key role in several promotions with Donny. He first achieved promotion into the Football League with a 3–2 win over Dagenham & Redbridge in the Conference Playoff Final in the 2002–03 season and then won the League Two title the season after. He was again played a part in the side that won another playoff final, this time from League One into the Championship with a 1–0 win over Leeds United at Wembley Stadium in the 2007–08 season. He has also won the Football League Trophy whilst with the club in the 2006–07 season.

Green’s contract with Doncaster was completed at the end of the 2007–08 season, however despite being offered a new deal, Green felt it was the right time to depart Doncaster and join Derby County on a free transfer, where he signed a three-year contract. Before his departure he was the last remaining player in the squad from the Doncaster Rovers team that won promotion from non-league football in 2003. In total, he played 277 games for Doncaster, scoring 33 goals.

He spent four years with the Rams, making 125 appearances and scoring 10 goals between 2008 and 2012. During his time at the club, he picked up many injuries. He continued to play through the injury with painkilling injections, was looking on the up, and then sustained a foot problem which saw him ruled out for a lengthily amount of time. Green always improved the club’s form whenever he made a return to the playing squad.

Green’s performance, alongside his first international caps for the Republic of Ireland, attracted the interest of Celtic, though Derby quickly dismissed the rumours, describing Green as “untouchable.”

His contract ended in the 2011/12 season, Derby wanted to extend his stay with the club, however, on 20 April 2012, it was revealed that the regular starter had rejected Derby’s contract offer meaning the player would leave the club in the summer, again because he thought it was time to find another team.

Upon his return from the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 Championship campaign, Green signed a two-year contract with Leeds United on the 1st of July 2012.

On his league debut against Wolves in August, he had to be substituted due to a knee injury in the first half. He eventually returned, however Green was subsequently ruled out for two-months with a grade two muscle tear in his knee.

Green was named as captain for the match against his former club Derby County, and scored a consolation goal in Leeds’ 3–1 defeat. He ended up joining Ipswich Town on a 93-day loan in February 2014 and then was released on the 16th of May 2014.

He signed for newly promoted Rotherham United on the 30th June 2014, which last two years, before then joining Oldham Athletic in 2016.

He signed for Crewe Alexandra on loan in January 2018, then the deal was made permanent at the end of that season, a one-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months.

Against Carlisle United on the 25th of August, Green picked up a leg injury which potentially ruled him out for the rest of the 2018–2019 season. However, he returned to first team action in December 2018, but was substituted in the New Year’s Day game at Bury after injuring the same knee. He was retained by the Alex for the 2019–2020 season, which saw him help win his side promotion to League One. His release by Crewe was announced on 10 June 2020.

Green is Boston United’s third new signing of the summer following in the footsteps of striker Jordan Burrow and defender Lewis Gibbens.

Reflecting on Green’s arrival at the Jakemans Community Stadium, United boss Craig Elliott said: “Paul is a player I personally know very well and he has had a fantastic career. He will bring vital experience but also quality and energy to our midfield.

“He has recently played a big part in helping Crewe to promotion to League One and I was delighted that he turned down higher league interest to sign for us.

“He is extremely fit and highly motivated to gain another promotion and I am very much looking forward to working with Paul this season.”

GREEN’S PLAYING STATS:

2001–2008 – Doncaster Rovers– 236 games (30 goals)
2008–2012 – Derby County – 125 games (10 goals)
2012–2014 – Leeds United – 41 games (4 goals)
2014 → Ipswich Town (loan) – 14 games (2 goals)
2014–2016 – Rotherham United – 61 games (3 goals)
2016–2018 – Oldham Athletic – 47 games (1 goal)
2018 → Crewe Alexandra (loan) – 20 games (1 goal)
2018–2020 – Crewe Alexandra – 52 games (3 goals)

National team
2010–2014 – Republic of Ireland – 22 games (1 goal)

After finding out that Boston sign the ex-Doncaster, Derby, Leeds, Rotherham and Ireland midfielder, fans have described him to be a superb box to box player, who will tackle, score and inspire.

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