League One Doncaster Rovers has "pulled off the biggest name signing of the summer" in the form of One Direction member LOUIS TOMLINSON, according to Luke Edwards of the London TELEGRAPH. Tomlinson, a free agent football wise, "has signed on a non-contract basis for his local club and will be given a first team shirt number which would enable him to play in Doncaster's Championship fixtures." Whether he gets a place in the first team squad remains to be seen, "but Doncaster will be aware of the huge crowds likely to turn up even if he is just sitting on the bench" (TELEGRAPH, 8/1). In London, Simon Rice wrote the signing appears to be a "shameless publicity stunt" for Sky Sports' program of visiting all 92 Football League clubs in one day ahead of the new season. Sky Sports revealed the news live on air -- with Tomlinson filmed signing a contract -- the yellow "ticker tape" of Sky Sports News announced -- "One Direction's Louis Tomlinson signs for Doncaster" before adding, "Tomlinson will remain with the band" (INDEPENDENT, 8/1). In London, John Drayton wrote Tomlinson was given the No. 28 jersey by Manager Paul Dickov, and Chair John Ryan said the singer will help "raise money for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice." Tomlinson used to work for the club on match days "before finding musical fame and success by appearing on the X Factor" (DAILY MAIL, 8/1).
