Warrington and Tonge head departures...
Steve Evans has had his first round of meetings at New York Stadium today as he looks to shape his squad for the 2013/14 League One campaign.The Millers boss, whose side celebrated promotion at the weekend has met with the players who are out of contract in the summer, and as a result the club can announce the release of Andy Warrington, Dale Tonge and Alec Denton.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Rose and Mark Bradley have agreed contract extensions for the new season after impressing the gaffer in the promotion campaign.
“It was a tough decision,” said the Millers manager. “Today is the first part of a process which will allow me to put in place a squad for next season that will target a place in the Championship come next May. In relation to Andy Warrington, this was as tough a decision as I have had to make in my managerial career. He has had an excellent season and is an outstanding professional. He is a man I have the highest regard for, someone who I like and therefore the decision to release him was very tough. The lad leaves with my best wishes and I have no doubt every Millers fan will continue to hold him in high esteem.
“Dale Tonge is another who is an excellent professional, but he has seen his time at the Millers become stop start due to niggling injuries. The lad has stepped back into the team in recent months and when called upon has been excellent, none more so than his performance against Exeter City whereby he was the best player in a Millers shirt.
“Young Alec Denton has not made the progress in the last few months that was expected of him but he is certainly a youngster who has an eye for goal and I have no doubt will work hard to rebuild his young career somewhere down the levels from where we are today. I am sure that everyone at Rotherham United wishes these lads every success.”
On the subject of Bradley and Rose, Evans continued:
“I’m delighted they’ve agreed to extend and I look forward to working with them both next season as we strive to reach our ambition, and that is to be a Championship club at this time next year.
“Mark has really come to the fore this season and demonstrated that he can play in a number of positions and deliver the quality I expect wherever he plays. On the other hand, young Mitch Rose is in the very early stages of his career, but I really do have a good feeling about this kid and I do believe he can play a major part next season.
Rotherham United would like to thank Andy, Dale and Alec for their time and hard work for the club, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.