Rotherham United

Rotherham United can confirm that AFC Bournemouth striker Matt Tubbs has joined the Millers on loan, subject to Football League ratification.

The loan deal secures the services of the former Crawley Town hot-shot until at least the end of January 2014, whilst the Millers have also agreed that the club have first option to sign the player on a permanent basis at the end of his loan period. 

Boss Evans, a long-term admirer of the striker from their successful time at Crawley, has often spoken of his desire to bring Tubbs to New York, and was delighted to finally confirm he has landed his target.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting Matt Tubbs here, I am delighted,” Evans told www.themillers.co.uk

“At the end of last season and before then I highlighted to my Chairman he was my first choice striker to be recruited, we have managed to get that done and accordingly I thank my Chairman Tony Stewart.

“We have been unsuccessful in securing the signatures for a couple of other strikers in recent times but had they joined it would have been in addition to Tubbsy, I always thought I could get him here.  

“I must also acknowledge the support of AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and his Chairman Eddie Mitchell for the endorsement they gave our football club. We have also secured the option to take his initial six months with the Millers to a much longer period but that is for another day, he is here and that is what is important.

“Tubbsy will watch the match today against Barnsley after he has met the staff and players. He will be on the training ground on Monday but he has arrived here and is in superb physical condition, we just need to get him sharpened up which in all honesty will not take much doing. This lad is a goal scorer, a finisher in the penalty box and our supporters will also love his work rate for the team, it is staggering.”

Tubbs, 29, who has an enviable goal record during his time in League football is equally delighted with the deal:

“First let me say I am delighted to be a Rotherham United player and it is just fantastic that I also get the opportunity to work for and with the Gaffer again,” Tubbs exclusively told www.themillers.co.uk

“On top of that I also join up with the likes of Paul Raynor, Scott Shearer and Claude Davis plus a vast amount of very talented players that I have played against over recent seasons.

“It seems to have taken a long time for me to get here but I have always maintained if I had to leave a great club like AFC Bournemouth either on loan or permanent this is the place I would like to play my football. In recent weeks I have had several opportunities to join other top League 1 clubs but I have kept my word to the Gaffer in that if I moved clubs my first choice was Rotherham United.

“With immediate effect my partner and I will be moving up to the area. I have heard so much from the Gaffer about the supporters passion and love they have for their club, I will give them everything in every match I play, that is a promise.”