Rotherham United's January transfer window round-up

ONE of the busiest January transfer windows to date saw a range of deals being struck by Rotherham United before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday evening.
Will he won't he? Danny Ward's transfer saga dominated the transfer windowWill he won't he? Danny Ward's transfer saga dominated the transfer window
Will he won't he? Danny Ward's transfer saga dominated the transfer window

Permanent and loan signings, numerous outgoings and loanees returning to their parent clubs meant that the whole month was hectic for the Millers.

Caretaker boss Paul Warne - tasked with rebuilding the squad at the bottom of the Championship table - was confirmed in his role until the end of the campaign, while top scorer Danny Ward was retained as a Millers player until the summer at least.

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Here, we look back over the past 31 days to round up all of the movements at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

JANUARY 3, OUT - DOM BALL

The first action of the January transfer window saw young defender Dom Ball leave South Yorkshire for League One side Peterborough on loan for the rest of the campaign.

The centre back, who was signed from Premier League big hitters Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, is still thought to have a future at the NYS, and has made one appearance for the Posh to date,

JANUARY 4, OUT - DAEL FRY

Promising defender Dael Fry, signed on loan for the season by former boss Alan Stubbs, returned to parent club Middlesbrough, where he has been on the bench a few times since leaving the Millers.

JANUARY 5, OUT - JAKE FORSTER-CASKEY

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One of the summer's more high profiled recruits, Jake Forster-Caskey, had his loan from Championship leaders Brighton cancelled, before moving permanently to League One club Charlton Athletic.

JANUARY 6, OUT - IZZY BROWN AND GREG HALFORD

Two bits of business less than a week into the transfer window on this day.

Star performer Izzy Brown was recalled from his season long loan by parent club Chelsea before going on to help Huddersfield Town in their promotion push from the Championship.

Versatile midfielder Greg Halford - who had an up and down career with the Millers - left the club for pastures new.

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The former Sheffield United man, who was so pivotal in a defensive midfield role during the great escape last season, ended his one and a half year association with the club when he joined former Millers manager Neil Warnock at Cardiff City on a permanent basis.

JANUARY 9, IN - RICHIE SMALLWOOD

In one of the most baffling moves of the summer, Alan Stubbs sent Mr Consistent out on loan to League One club Scunthorpe United.

As soon as he could, Paul Warne rectified that mistke by recalling Smallwood and making him an integral part of the squad.

JANUARY 13, CONFIRMED - PAUL WARNE

Arguably the most important move Rotherham made during the transfer window? Caretaker boss Warne - thrown in the deep end following the short lived reign of former boss Kenny Jackett - was confirmed in his role until the end of the season at least.

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It ended debate of who the next man would be and meant that the Millers could lay down some foundations for moving forward, and could plan for the remainder of the transfer window.

JANUARY 19, IN - RICHARD O'DONNELL

After an injury to regular goalkeeper Lee Camp saw him ruled out for the remainder of the season, a shot-stopper was high on the priority list for the Millers.

Richard O'Donnell was the man brought in, on a long-term contract from Bristol City, with rave reviews from his former club's fans.

The former Sheffield Wednesday custodian has kept goal for the Millers in all of the games since his arrival.

JANUARY 27, IN - ALEX BRAY

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With Warne needing attacking options, pacy winger Alex Bray joined on loan for the rest of the season from Premier League side Swansea City.

The 21-year-old has a point to prove given the fact he is out of contract at the Liberty Stadium at the end of the season, and looked dangerous on his debut as a substitute in the defeat against Barnsley.

JANUARY 30, IN - SEMI AJAYI AND BEN PURRINGTON

Former boss Warnock loaned the Millers powerful centre back Semi Ajayi for the remainder of the season, and he went straight into the starting line-up for the deadline day clash at Nottingham Forest.

Possibly the highest profile signing of the window came in the form of highly rated left back Ben Purrington from League Two promotion hopefuls Plymouth Argyle.

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Pilgrims fans reacted angrily to the sale of one of their star assets, but the 20-year-old made the switch to South Yorkshire and signed a three-and-a-half year deal.

Very happy to have signed for @OfficialRUFC today. Can't wait to get started now! pic.twitter.com/T3DpJbOFjr

— Ben Purrington (@BenPurrington) January 30, 2017

DEADLINE DAY, OUT - PETER ODEMIWINGIE, IN - CARLTON MORRIS

It came as no surprise that Peter Odemwingie wouldn't be extending his short term deal past January 31 and the former Nigeria international will probably be best remembered for his red card against Leeds United.

Warne said that Odemwingie wouldn't be staying with the Millers after he picked up an injury, meaning his time at the NYS was effectively over.

6ft 3ins striker Carlton Morris is known for his hold up play rather than his goalscoring but is the type of player Warne has been tracking all January.

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Morris signed on a loan deal until the end of the season and came with well-wishes from the Norwich City fanbase.

Buzzing to join #rufc on loan, lets get some game time, points and goals 🙌🏽⚽️ can't wait to join the boys and get started 🔥 https://t.co/RP4UtRxyn0

— Carlton Morris (@CarltonJM) January 31, 2017

Top scorer Danny Ward, who was thought to be the subject of several bids from Championship clubs, remained a Rotherham United player following the closure of the January transfer window, meaning he would continue as a Millers player until the end of the season at least.

What was the best piece of business Rotherham United made in the January transfer window? Let us know by commenting below!