Richie Smallwood has signed for Hull City as Grant McCann welcomed ‘a warrior and a real leader’ to the KCOM Stadium.

Smallwood was released by Rovers last month after three years and 87 appearances at Ewood Park, with the 29-year-old playing a key role in their promotion from League One in 2017/18.

The tough-tackling midfielder was also part of the Rotherham United side who won promotion to the Championship in 2013/14 and will be targeting something similar with Hull City after their relegation from the Championship.

After securing Smallwood on a two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, Tigers head coach McCann outlined just what his side were getting with Smallwood’s capture.

He said: “We’re very happy to add Richie to the squad and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome him to the club.

“He’ll be a great addition to the group. He will put his foot in, challenge for every ball and compete for everything on the pitch. He’s a winner, a warrior and a real leader.

“I’m sure our fans will love his endeavour, commitment and passion and I’m certain he will make a significant impact on the team this season.

“We’ve got some good young players at this club and they will also benefit massively from Richie’s experience, along with his footballing knowledge and know-how.”

Smallwood penned his goodbyes to supporters on social media last week, two weeks on from his departure being announced by the club in their retained list.

He recalled his finest memories from his time in blue and white, which included his winning goal at Fleetwood Town in January 2018, the promotion night at Doncaster and celebrations at Ewood against Oxford, as well as his stint in goal at West Bromwich Albion in October 2018.

"To all those associated with Rovers, the last three years I’ve been part of the best dressing room I’ve ever been in, an amazing group of lads and although I didn’t get to play as much as I’d have liked to towards the end of my time at Rovers I will never forget the amazing journey we ventured on together, memories that will live with me for the rest of my life.

“Thanks to all the staff, team-mates past and present and most of all you the Blackburn fans, thanks for singing my name in the stands and supporting us every step of the way. It was a pleasure.”