Burton Albion have signed John-Joe O’Toole from Northampton Town on a free transfer as confirmed by the club website.
The 30-year-old midfielder is a veteran of the lower leagues of the EFL and has been impressive since leaving Watford in 2010. That was when he signed for Colchester United following a successful loan spell and played well there before heading to Bristol Rovers in 2013, once again after a successful loan. He had his best year ever by the Severn, scoring 15 goals in one season during that stint. He then moved onto Northampton Town and had been playing there until this summer.
But with his contract expiring in the summer, O’Toole decided to end his spell at Northampton and instead has signed a two-year contract with Burton. The Brewers will want to push for the Sky Bet League One play-offs and this signing should help them get closer to the play-offs than they did last season.
After the signing was completed, Burton head coach Nigel Clough said: “We’re really pleased to get John-Joe in – mainly for his abilities in both penalty areas.”
“He has played a midfield role, but I think (he carries a) threat in both penalty areas from set plays, depending on where he plays (and) he is flexible, position-wise.”
“We really need a threat; for the amount of corners, free-kicks and general play we had that ended up with the ball in the box, we haven’t finished off enough by any means.”
“He is a player who can get you the odd goal from whatever position. That is going to be very important.”
“He has played in League One before with Bristol Rovers. He fits the sort of profile that we look for – and he provides aggression as well. That’s one thing that we certainly lack and could do with a bit more of.”
