The Millers give Lee Frecklington the armband...
Manager Steve Evans has confirmed that Lee Frecklington will become the new Club Captain of Rotherham United.
Frecklington has replaced Greg Halford in the role as Evans moved to make a number of ‘tough decisions’ which he believes will strengthen the Millers in the long term.
The news comes off the back of three key arrivals on transfer deadline day, as Evans plots the Millers revival following the international break.
“Over the last week or so I have had to make some tough decisions,” Evans told www.themillers.co.uk
“After meeting with the Chairman he has asked me to do what it takes to continue to move the club forward in the short and long term, and as a result several changes have been implemented.
“It was a really tough call to let Kelle Roos return to Derby County, but the prospect of having a permanent goalkeeper of Lee Camp’s quality on board was too good an opportunity for me to turn down. It was hard on Kelle, but he took the news like the true professional he is, and goes with our best wishes.
“My next tough decision was today when I formally offered the club captaincy to Lee Frecklington, which he has accepted. I have had many conversations with Greg Halford about the captaincy, and I felt that if we freed him from the extra burden of responsibility then he would have more time to work on his individual game, which would in turn benefit all parties. Greg has accepted the decision like a professional, and knows that his experience is still a valued asset to this squad.
“I have now in turn offered the club captaincy to Lee Frecklington. Lee was first and foremost very humbled to have been asked to lead the team, and didn’t have to think twice before accepting. Lee knows the club inside out; he is our longest serving player and has previous experience of leading the team which makes him an ideal candidate for the position. I am very pleased for the lad, he has been with us through the League Two and League One days, and I know that this is something that will be right up there with his many achievements whilst with the club.
"With the benefit of hindsight I have to accept I made the wrong decision with the captaincy at the start of the season, but I firmly believe that the changes we have made today will benefit players individually and the squad as a whole.
“I have never been afraid to make a decision or to indeed recognise when I have got something wrong. When I do I take action, the opposite is to be stubborn and do nothing about it, that will never be something I am guilty of.
“We have made staggering progress in three years and we must continue to defy the odds, that's what Rotherham United have become in the last few years under the guidance of our Chairman Tony Stewart.”
The Millers return to Sky Bet Championship action against Charlton Athletic on Saturday 12th September at The Valley.