£16.5-million Sam Clucas's debt of gratitude to Rotherham United boss Matt Taylor after summer of stress

The Millers smashed their transfer record to acquire the services of striker Sam Nombe just before the close of the transfer window but the fee they paid is dwarfed by the one Sam Clucas commanded six years ago.

Swansea City, then of the Premier League, invested heavily back in 2017 in the midfielder who last week arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium on a deal until the end of the season.

That's all in the past for the Lincoln-born 32-year-old who is just grateful that Rotherham chose him from a pool of players without clubs as they applied the finishing touches to their Championship squad.

Millers boss Matt Taylor had more than one target in his sights but opted for the man who left Stoke City at the end of last season after he'd staked his claim while spending a week with them at their Roundwood base.

“If you look at the free-agent market, there are some serious players in there,” Clucas said. “It made me feel really good that the manager invited me in for training instead of all the others he could have brought in. It was a massive compliment.

“He got the chance to see what I'm about and make sure that I can still get around the pitch and that I'm going to be the right fit for the squad. Now it's time for me to repay him with performances on the pitch.”

After coming through the youth ranks at Leicester City, Clucas had big clubs taking notice of his form for Mansfield Town and Chesterfield and he went on to play in the top flight for Hull City and the Swans before Stoke paid £6m for him.

His quality is unquestioned but injuries in the final two seasons of his five-year spell with the second-tier Potters had seen his career stall and he found it tough going as July and August slipped by before he found a move that appealed to him.

“It's been one of the most difficult summers I've had," he said. “I came off a season that hadn't been great for me and then went into being a free agent. I'm not 22 or 23 anymore. A lot of clubs are going that way: just wanting to sign young lads for assets.

“I'd been keeping fit by working with a group of other free agents. I'd been trying to keep myself mentally prepared as well. The phone can ring at any time.

“It was just about waiting for that chance to come. I spoke to a couple of clubs but it wasn't something I was really ready to jump at. I thought I would leave it a little bit and then the opportunity came to train here. That was the opportunity I wanted.”

Taylor has no doubt that Clucas's attributes outweigh the risks attached to someone with only 40 appearances their name since the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

“Sam's a talented player who brings a wealth of experience,” the boss said. “He's been there and done it at this level and at the level above. He's impressed us with various parts of his game, none more so than his intelligence.

"He can play inside the pitch and on the outside. He'll add set-piece quality with his left-footed delivery.

“His age is his age and his injury record is what it is. We know we've got to manage him wisely, but this is a player who was sold for £16.5m and has played in the Premier League. I'm pleased we've got him through the door.”

As for Clucas, he's completely on board with his new challenge.

“I spoke to the manager before I came in to train and everything he was saying was what I wanted to do,” he said. “I want to come here and stay in the Championship for as long as I can. He said he wants to stay in the Championship this year and then see where the club can go.

“I've seen what the lads are capable of and I'm looking forward to getting going.”