Chris Dawson joins Rotherham United...
Rotherham United have signed 21-year-old midfielder Chris Dawson on a contract until the end of the 2016/17 season.The Millers swooped for the Wales Under 21 international following his release from his contract at Leeds United and he will rejoin Neil Redfearn at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The Dewsbury-born operator admits he is excited by the tests that he will face in South Yorkshire and is keen to establish his name in the professional game during his time with the Millers.
“I’m really happy and looking forward to a new challenge and a fresh start and hopefully I can kick my career off here,” Dawson told www.themillers.co.uk.
“It’s an important year and a half in my career and its key to how I kick on in my career.”
Boss Redfearn is just one of a number of familiar faces that Dawson will be reunited with in the Millers’ camp and he is relishing the opportunity of working alongside a coach who has already shown faith in his ability.
“He puts a lot of belief in you and lets you know that you’re a good player and at the same time when you’re not playing well,” Dawson explained.
“He gets behind you and that’s what you need as a young player going forward so I’m really excited to be here.”
“I know Cairnsy and we came through the academy together even though he is a couple of years older. It will help knowing a few of the lads that are already here and now it will be a case of getting to know the rest of the squad.”
The 21-year-old can call upon Championship experience gained at Elland Road having appeared under both Neil Warnock and Redfean in West Yorkshire and insists his aim is to break into the first team fold at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
“I made a few substitute appearances and a start at Leeds and it was really good experience and I’m hoping to add to those here,” Dawson added.
“It was a great experience playing in front of the crowd at Elland Road and people know how intense it can be there so it stands me in good stead.
“I’ve been out for a few months so the manager has said that he wants me to get some game time and then hopefully I’ll be pushing into the first team and get some games there.
“It’s a team that has got a lot of potential and I’ve seen that when I started training here. The stadium is brand new and is really nice and I’m looking forward to being around the place."