Rotherham United

Having come through the ranks of the Rotherham United Academy, the Millers acted quickly to agree a professional deal with defender Hamish Douglas, penning a two-and-half-year deal in December of 2022.

Having joined the club’s youth setup at 12-years-old, Douglas had progressed through the ranks to scholarship level and had been representing the club’s U18s side before being identified by first team boss Matt Taylor as an individual who could train as a part of the senior group following his appointment.

The 17-year-old has continued to impress and develop in equal measure since being asked to make the step up at Roundwood and was included in the group that travelled to Cyprus for an overseas training camp during the 2022 Qatar World Cup break.

Douglas progressed through the Academy ranks operating in a central midfield role, but has been more recently deployed in central defence – a position that Taylor envisages him pursuing as his footballing education continues.

The Millers had Douglas tied down on a scholarship contract until the summer, but have taken action early to reflect their ambitions for the youngster, offering him professional terms before the turn of the year.