The defender was something of a forgotten man at MK Dons

Defender Sam Sherring was keen to reunite with his former MK Dons coach Ian Watson, agreeing to join Rochdale on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old made just 13 appearances in two seasons at Stadium MK following his move from Northampton Town, and spent last season on loan at Cheltenham Town.

Sherring’s time at MK1 was stunted by managerial changes and injuries, before joining the Robins last term, running out 25 times in Gloucestershire.

Brought in initially by Mike Williamson, Sherring worked alongside popular coach Watson and his new assistant at Spotland Carl Magnay. And having signed Laurence Maguire earlier in the window, Sherring has become the latest to make the move to reuinite.

“I’m really happy and excited,” Sherring said. “We have a great relationship with Ian and Carl – they’re two really good people and coaches. As soon as I heard from them, at a big club, it was a no-brainer.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience in this league and helping the lads towards a successful year.”

Watson added: “We’re really pleased to get Sam in. He’s got a lot of experience in League One and Two and he’ll offer us a lot of strength in that area.

“Sam is a really good defender, who wants to learn and develop, and will give us something different in the backline.”