'Come in, number 11' ... How Rotherham United decided to take trialist Brad Dockerty from non-league to AESSEAL New York Stadium

Yet no-one was making an impression in the West Yorkshire rain on a Wednesday night quite like the winger trying to win a non-league deal with the Millers' pre-season opponents.

The little number 11 ... wow, he was trouble all right. Direct, strong, skilful, always looking to go forward, with a nip in his stride to match the nip in the air at Bradford Park Avenue's Horsfall Stadium nine days ago.

Not even a check of the teamsheet revealed the muscular youngster's identity. '11', it said, followed by one word: 'Trialist'.

'Trialist' turned out to be Brad Dockerty, a 22-year-old attacker looking to secure a berth in National League North after lighting up the Northern Counties East League Premier Division for the last two seasons with Hemsworth Miners Welfare.

Rotherham manager Paul Warne made enquiries and the player suddenly finds himself with a chance to swap his 50-hour-a-week job as a truck-driver for a full-time contract at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

'Trialist' is now on trial with the Millers.

“It's a relaxed situation,” Warne said. “I thought that for Bradford he was a thorn in our side. He did really well against us.

“We're not a snobby club. Any player at any level, if they catch our eye, we will give them a chance.”

Warne was a non-league man himself, playing for Wroxham FC  in his home county of Norfolk before making his Football League debut for Wigan Athletic aged 24 and going on to play professionally until he was 39.

“Ringing Brad was one of the nicest phone calls I've ever made,” he said. “It was a bit Walt Disney really. I love a kid from non-league. It's a bit like my own story.

“I was really pleased to make that call. It put a smile on my face, which made a nice change. He's here for a couple of weeks.”

From South Elmsall, near Pontefract, Dockerty scored 40 goals and made 34 assists for Hemsworth to persuade Park Avenue he might be worthy of the famous red, amber and black shirt.

He was in a white jersey and red shorts last Saturday as Rotherham named him on their bench for their friendly fixture against National League Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium.

Six-hundred-and-twenty-six away followers, excited by a new name on the teamsheet, were left frustrated as he warmed up a couple of times but never made it on to the pitch.

“I did intend to put him on,” said Warne as he discussed the Millers' 2-1 triumph around 45 minutes after the contest. “I was hoping the game would have been out of reach in the second half and I could have used him.

“He'll train with us and hopefully play in a game. We've got two big pre-season ones against West Brom and Leicester City and one against Newcastle Under-23s.

Dockerty starring for Hemsworth MW

We'll have a look at him and see if there is an opportunity for us to offer him something.”

Dockerty duly appeared for the last ten minutes of the 1-1- draw gainst the Baggies on Tuesday, although he saw little of the ball.

Warne, who is putting his squad through a gruelling regime in preparation for August 3 League One opening day, added: “I was honest with him and told him there were no guarantees. He told me that he'd never trained for more than an hour before, so coming here will be his Hell!”

The story has caught the imagination and social media was alive on Saturday evening with Rotherham fans wishing Dockerty well.

He kept his thoughts to himself but his family responded in just the right way: with obvious pride, heartfelt humility and gratitude, pleased that their boy finally has an opening they believe he deserves

Dad Eric tweeted of Warne: “He's been up front with Brad from the start and has said that nothing might come of it. That might be the case but I'll shake the man by the hand regardless and thank him for even speaking to Brad.

“I know he's my lad but you won't meet a nicer kid. He's a genuine lad who wants to improve, a kid who wants to train daily, see what he's got and keep following that dream.”

Those who know the player speak of a driven, unassuming, hard-working character who will give everything to grab a chance in the pro ranks.

And Dockerty has already shown he has what he it takes to shine on the Millers' hallowed turf. He scored twice for Mexborough side Memories at New York when they beat Joker 3-0 in the 2015 final of the Rotherham Charity Cup!

“I'd love a chance to train every day and see what player I could be,” he said.

“I appreciate the manager giving me an opportunity. It feels crazy. But anything can happen and I will try my best.”

Even if they don't sign him, the Millers will try to ensure he plays at the highest possible level.

Warne was a forward under Chesterfield boss John Sheridan at Oldham Athletic and would be willing to tip off his old manager.

“I could have a word with Shez,” he said. “We could always talk to other clubs and try to help Brad out.”

For now, though, Rotherham and Dockerty are looking no further than each other, and anyone with a touch of romance in their soul will be hoping the liaison has a happy outcome.

A Disney ending even.