Defender Wes Harding joins Rotherham United on three-year deal

ROTHERHAM United have further bolstered their defensive ranks with the capture of Wes Harding from Birmingam City for an undisclosed fee, with the newcomer saying he's "buzzing" to become a Miller.

The 23-year-old has signed a deal until 2023 and is the club's fourth summer signing, following Mickel Miller, Kieran Sadlier and centre-half Angus MacDonald to AESSEAL New York Stadium.

It was Harding's age, potential and ability to play either at central half or full-back that made the Leicester-born player a good proposition for manager Paul Warne and his staff. 

Assistant manager Richie Barker told the Advertiser: "He can fill in in more than one position and that is what attracted us to him.

"With the number of midweek games and matches all crammed together this season, we are going to need people who can do that."

Harding started out at Aston Villa before moving across Birmingham to the Blues' Academy at the age of 16. 

A loan spell at non-league Alfreton gave him a first taste of the senior game and he was handed his League debut by then manager Garry Monk in 2018 and picked up the club's Young Player of Year award.

Harding has since gone on to stack up more than 50 appearances for the Blues, 19 of them last term in a season of struggle in the Championship.

He had been contracted to Birmingham until 2022.

Harding told the club's official website: “I’m buzzing to be a Miller, I feel like one of the lads already, it’s a family club and I’m just happy to be here. The manager and his staff have been really nice and it was quite easy for me. I didn’t have a big decision to make, it just felt right.

“I had a zoom call with the gaffer and his coaching staff and it was a really nice chat. They made me feel welcome and comfortable, that was one of the main things for me really.”