Doncaster Rovers manager Paul Dickov has spoken for the first time after the football club was bought by Louis Tomlinson.

The One Direction man and former chairman John Ryan confirmed on Thursday (June 19) that they had purchased the club.

Speaking to the Press Association, the League One club's manager Paul Dickov said Tomlinson is in for the long-haul and has true passion for the team.

He said: "You see a lot of takeovers happening these days when the owners don't have much interest in the football club. I think we're quite unique now at this club in that we have two co-chairmen who are both passionate supporters. Louis came down the training ground numerous times last season and he comes to games.

"He's not just the global star that everybody sees in concerts and on the TV - he's a proper fan and he's got a proper passion for the club. Put that with John's passion as well - both for the club and the town - it gives me a great platform to move forward."

Dickov, who presided over the team last season as they got relegated from the Championship, added:

"For the first time in five years as a manager I'm going to get backed. I'm going to bring my own team together and we're going to have a good go at getting straight back up again. It's not just a media circus for six months - they're in it for the long term and that can only be beneficial for the club, for the town and internationally as well it's going to create a lot of interest."

The singer and Ryan launched their tenure by unveiling the Tomlinson Ryan Trust, which is aiming to raise a total of £2 million and will enable fans to buy into the club and receive rewards in return.

Tomlinson and Ryan are due to assist the club until their takeover formally goes through on July 18.

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Watch Louis Tomlinson talk Doncaster Rovers below: