Rotherham United boss Paul Warne insists it was a “no-brainer” to bring Kieran Sadlier to the club, following the coveted wide man’s departure from South Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster Rovers this summer.
Sadlier enjoyed a fruitful campaign with Rovers last term, finishing as the club’s top scorer and it was his fine form in the 2019/20 campaign which prompted Warne to swoop to secure his services following the expiration of his contract at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Speaking shortly after Sadlier had put pen-to-paper on the relevant paperwork, Warne admitted he has been keeping close-tabs on the winger and has been a keen admirer of his talents.
“I think he was one of the outstanding players in the league. Wingers are a dying breed with the way we want to play so he's always been on my radar,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I watched Doncaster live more than any other club last year, it helps that I live five minutes from the ground but I did watch him no end,”
“He can play with both feet, as a 10 and on either wing. He's at a good age and a good kid. He had to go through our interviewing process which is something like 'SAS Who Dares Wins' and he got through that okay.
“His player profile and personality checks all came through and fundamentally he wanted to come here, which is obviously a great point.
“You want to sign players who want to come here, they know how hard it is here.”
Sadlier alongside fellow new-signing Mickel Miller and fans’-favourite Chiedozie Ogbene completes an impressive array of options on the flanks for Warne’s side and the manager has declared that he is pleased to have three “excellent wingers” at his disposal ahead of the 2020/21 Sky Bet Championship campaign.
“Everything worked out perfectly, this time last year we had no wingers, this time we have three excellent wingers,” Warned added.
“They can fight among themselves and they'll share the game time equally. It was a no brainer for us and we're delighted to get it over the line.”
The 25-year-old’s footballing journey no doubt played a part in endearing him to his new boss, who of course followed a similar path. While Warne earned his stripes in non-league, Sadlier cut his teeth in the League of Ireland Premier Division with Cork City and Sligo Rovers. Warne reaffirmed the traits that Sadlier has shown to reach this stage are ones he regards highly.
“He's got a bit of a colourful background, he was at Peterborough but didn't play, then took himself off to Ireland played for a couple of years and then came back here,” Warned added.
“He performed for a really good Doncaster team and really showcased himself, so I knew he had a good character trait.
“In conversation, some players nod politely, some ask questions and some interrogate you back. He was a little bit of all, he had a bit of confidence which you need to have here and the confidence to play. Once we met him we did everything we could to get it over the line.”