Rovers are delighted to announce the signings of defensive duo Tommie Hoban and Derrick Williams.

Centre-half Hoban joins on a season-long loan from Premier League side Watford, whilst left-back Williams joins on a three-year deal from Rovers’ Championship rivals Bristol City.





A youth player with Arsenal, Hoban joined Watford in his teens and made his debut at Preston North End in May 2011.





Following a loan spell with Wealdstone, Hoban’s breakthrough year with the Hornets came in 2012-13, when he made 19 appearances under Gianfranco Zola.





An ankle injury hampered his progress the following season, but Hoban went from strength to strength in 2014-15, making 30 appearances in all competitions as Watford secured automatic promotion to the Premier League.





The 22-year-old, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, is ineligible to play for Rovers in this season’s EFL Cup and will wear squad number four.





German-born Williams came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa, making his Premier League debut under Paul Lambert at QPR in December 2012.





The versatile defender joined Bristol City in June 2013 and made 48 appearances in his debut season at Ashton Gate.





The 2014-15 season would be a memorable one for both Williams and Bristol City, who romped to the League One title and beat Walsall 2-0 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley in March.





Williams played a prominent role in both competitions – starting 44 of the 46 League One games and an ever-present in the cup success.





The 23-year-old made 24 league appearances, scoring one goal, as Robins secured their Championship status last season.





A Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, Williams leaves Ashton Gate with 131 appearances to his name. He will wear squad number five here at Ewood Park and is ineligible to play for Rovers in this season’s EFL Cup.





Both players have been signed in time to be eligible for tomorrow's league match against Fulham.