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One Direction star Louis Tomlinson signs for Doncaster - but don't worry 1D fans, he's sticking with the band

Publicity stunt sees the singer sign for the Championship side

Simon Rice
Thursday 01 August 2013 15:57 BST
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One Direction member Louis Tomlinson has signed a contract with Doncaster Rovers Football Club
One Direction member Louis Tomlinson has signed a contract with Doncaster Rovers Football Club (GETTY IMAGES)

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Doncaster have announced the signing of One Direction's Louis Tomlinson. But don't fear One Directioners - he's not done a Robbie.

In what appears to be a shameless publicity stunt for Sky Sports' programme of visiting all 92 Football League clubs in one day ahead of the new season, it was announced that Tomlinson had signed as a non-contract player for the club.

Revealing 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'.

Tomlinson hails from Doncaster and is known to be an avid fan - playing in a charity match wearing the shirt of the Championship side last year.

"I've been a massive Doncaster fan for a long time and growing up in Doncaster I've been to plenty of games at the Keepmoat," he said today. "To be part of the club is incredible."

He worked at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium as a hospitality waiter before reaching fame after One Direction hit stardom on the ITV show 'X Factor'.

He has been awarded the number 28 shirt for the 2013/14 season after signing a contract on the eve of the new Football League season, which kicks-off tomorrow with Sheffield United v Notts County.

Doncaster get their season underway on Saturday when they host Blackpool, although the chances of Tomlinson actually playing any part in that match are zero. However, he may play in a reserve game in September or October in aid of charity Bluebell Wood.

Doncaster manager Paul Dickov said: "He'd better get himself back over here. If he's signed a contract he's missed pre-season training already and he's having a holiday in America so we'd better get him over pretty soon. It's fantastic he's a Doncaster supporter because first and foremost it raises the profile of the club. We can get him in September time to do a bit of training, get him involved in a reserve game and the proceeds of that will go to charity."

Poll: Can Louis Tomlinson be a pop star and a footballer at the same time?

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