Greg Halford becomes the Millers seventh signing of the summer...
Rotherham United have made it a magnificent seven close season signings after completing a deal for former Nottingham Forest ace Greg Halford, subject to medical and Football League ratification.The 30-year-old completed his deal at AESSEAL New York Stadium today, and joins Aidy White, Joe Mattock, Lewis Buxton, Emmanuel Ledesma, Danny Collins and Tom Thorpe in committing his future to the club.
The former Sunderland and Wolves operator is comfortable in a number of positions, and boasts top flight experience with Sunderland and Wolves.
Millers boss Steve Evans insists Halford was a man high on his summer recruitment priority list during the close season and believes his versatility will be an asset to his Rotherham United side.
“The Chairman more than anyone will be aware that when I provided him with a list at the beginning of May of players we were targeting, Greg Halford quite simply was at the top of that list," he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“There are a number of reasons behind that, not only is he a talented footballer, he is a talented footballer in a vast number of positions. He was nothing short of outstanding when he played as a main striker, when he led by example in helping Nottingham Forest to the play-offs when Billy Davies was in charge. Having spoken to Billy he gave Greg a huge endorsement, not only for his ability to play as a striker, but equally playing in central midfield, any full-back position and as many people will identify playing at centre-back.
The 30-year-old is the seventh of the Millers' summer signings and whilst Evans is pleased with the additions so far, he persists that the Millers may add a couple more new faces before the new season.
“Our squad is starting to take shape and I will continue to work diligently and efficiently to land our final targets which again, as my Chairman knows, are the targets we identified as far back as May.
Evans continued to say that Halford will show a number of qualities of the recently departed Kari Arnason, hailing his long throw as something the Millers will look to utilise.
“Returning to speak specifically about Greg. He brings a fantastic aerial presence; he is a good finisher when chances arise, and his presence on the team sheet along will have the opposition guessing of where we intend to play him," he explained.
“One of the reasons we would miss Kari Arnason is for his height and strength, if I am honest Greg has the ability to surpass that. One of the other key reasons that Kari would have been missed was his ability at throw-in situations and once again Greg Halford’s ability surpasses that. This brings another strength to the team.
“Greg has experience of playing in the Premier League with Sunderland and Charlton and has considerable successful with Sheffield United, Wolves and Portsmouth.”
Halford will join up with his new team mates tomorrow for his first pre-season training session with the Millers.