Rotherham United sign Matt Derbyshire...
Rotherham United have completed a second summer signing following the capture of striker Matt Derbyshire, from July 1st, subject to medical and Football League ratification.
Boss Steve Evans moved to bolster his attacking options after agreeing terms with the front-man this afternoon at the club’s New York Stadium headquarters.
Derbyshire, who was contracted to promotion chasing Nottingham Forest last season, joins midfielder Conor Newton in committing his future to the Millers, putting pen-to-paper on a two-year deal.
A player who has previously commanded a £3 million transfer fee, he is the first player to sign for the Millers since the dramatic penalty shootout success over Leyton Orient which ensured Championship football for the first time since 2005.
Following the signing of the former Blackburn Rovers and Olympiacos hot-shot, manager Evans told www.themillers.co.uk:
“I have watched Matt’s career with real interest and excitement over the years and my attention intensified towards the end of last season when I was keeping an eye on his situation at Nottingham Forest.
“He is a goalscorer, he has pace, he can get in behind defences and he is comfortable taking the ball into feet. Quite simply he will be an excellent signing for us.
“I think his stats will show if you start the lad, he will score goals. I have had long chats with him about how hard he will have to work to get into my team because that is the first criteria. After looking at the footage of him and seeing him play dozens of times over years one of his real assets is his work rate, he is renowned for his tenacity, that is an important attribute.”
After breaking through at Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League, the former England Under-21 international also had a productive spell with Champions League regulars Olympiacos, before moving back to England to join Nottingham Forest.
“The New York Stadium will be sold out most weeks next season so clearly the place is going to be vibrant, but Matt will be used to loud stadiums following his spell in Greece,” added Evans.
“He has good experience from his time with Blackburn, Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest. He’s at a good age, has the experience and is a good second addition after young Conor Newton.”