Players from Rotherham United past provided the clinching moment for new signing Matt Crooks following his recent switch from Northampton Town.
The midfielder joined the Millers for an undisclosed fee, signing a deal until June 2022, after impressing boss Paul Warne over the past two seasons with his performances for the Cobblers.
Cooks, 24, admitted it was the feedback from ex-Millers Richard O’Donnell and Danny Ward that gave him the final tick to sign, after consulting both the night before putting pen-to-paper.
“I spoke to Danny Ward and Richard O'Donnell who just said what a good group of players we have here,” said the former Huddersfield and Rangers man.
“I have heard good things about the gaffer. They all had good things so say so I am really looking forward to it.
“There was some interest in the summer but at the time it didn't come to fruition. I am here now and I am looking forward to getting going.”
Crooks is relishing the prospect of testing himself at Championship level, after first getting the taste during his days with Huddersfield back in August 2014.
He was given his Rotherham debut as a substitute in Saturday's fixture against Brentford, with the imposing midfielder ready to test himself at secpnd-tier level.
“It is Championship football which is a big step up for me,” he explained.
“(prior to Saturday) I have only played one game at this level, so I want to prove to myself that I can do, show people what I am about and hopefully the manager and staff can help me improve as a player.”