Why a move to Derby County appealed to Rotherham United's Conor Washington

A MAJOR reason why Conor Washington opted to leave Rotherham United after only a year in South Yorkshire was his desire to be reunited with the boss who brought him to AESSEAL New York Stadium.  

The striker was signed for the Millers last summer by Paul Warne who left a few months later to take the hot-seat at Derby County.

Washington has now moved to Pride Park on a two-year contract for what Rotherham describe as "an undisclosed fee". It is believed money will change hands if the Rams win promotion from League One.

The Kent-born player, whose previous clubs include Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic, was willing to drop down a division to play under Warne once more.

“The chance to work with my old gaffer again was a massive draw,” he said. “As a person, he's fantastic, and I've also got great respect for him as a manager.”

After being released by Charlton Athletic 14 months ago, the frontman signed a two-year deal with the Millers. He went on to make 37 appearances and score six goals in his single season as the club secured their second-tier safety.

A regular starter in Warne's team, the 31-year-old became more of a squad man after Matt Taylor took charge in October and the Advertiser understands that the player and the new boss didn't always see eye to eye.

Derby had been interested in Washington for several weeks and finalised the deal even though the centre-half has yet to reach full fitness following knee surgery.

“It's been rumbling on for a little while and I'm delighted to get it over the line and make a fresh start,” he said.