Angus MacDonald makes a fresh start at Rotherham United after overcoming bowel cancer

ANGUS MacDonald has become Rotherham United's third signing of the summer after penning a two-year deal and completing a remarkable career turn-around from cancer.

The 27-year-old centre-half's move to AESSEAL New York Stadium following his departure from Hull City represents a fresh start for the former Barnsley man, who was given the all-clear from bowel cancer at the end of last year.

Hull paid a sizeable fee to take the former Reading Academy product from Barnsley in January 2018 before his progress was stunted by two health scares.

The defender first had to overcome a blood clot found in his calf and was then diagnosed with the early stages of bowel cancer last summer.

Following two lots of surgery, the first a seven-hour procedue to remove his entire large bowel, MacDonald made an inspirational return to action against Charlton in June of this year after 22 months out, with Tigers head coach Grant McCann hailing his recovery as "incredible." The player has been active of late, making five appearances after the Championship season resumed following lockdown.

With his health and fitness confirmed after a medical at Rotherham yesterday, the Winchester-born operator will be playing back in the Championship with the Millers next term after turning down a new contract with the relegated Tigers.

MacDonald has descibed his departure from Hull as a "rollercoaster of emotions" and thanked everyone there who helped him, including the fans, during his difficult times.

"The hard work to get back to the pitch was not done alone," he said. 

MacDonald came through Reading's academy and had loan spells at Salisbury, Basingstoke, Torquay and Wimbledon. 

Released by Reading in 2013, he had permanent stints at Salisbury and Torquay before Barnsley signed him in 2016.

He became first team captain, enhancing his reputation and earning the move to Hull.

MacDonald gives Rotherham a much-needed extra option in central defence with Curtis Tilt ruled out until the autumn and Michael Ihiekwe and Clark Robertson both easing back from injuries.

The newcomer will have the best part of a month to get up to speed with his new team-mates before the new season kicks off on September 12.

MacDonald's capture follows the arrival of winger Mickel Miller and Kieran Sadlier, who signed in this week after turning down a new deal at Doncaster Rovers.

Manager Paul Warne will now press on with filling more holes in his squad, with a new goalkeeper a top priority.