End of the road at Rotherham United for Jamie Proctor as striker makes Wigan Athletic loan switch

STRIKER Jamie Proctor today left Rotherham United on loan for the fourth time in a deal that spells the end of his career at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The 28-year-old has dropped down a division to join League One Wigan Athletic until the end of the season and, with his contract up in the summer, he has played his final match for the Millers.

He arrived at New York in a £75,000 deal from Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2017 but suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in only his sixth match and was troubled by injuries for much of his three and a half years in South Yorkshire.

"He's been really unfortunate," manager Paul Warne said. " I don't think the Rotherham fans got to see the best of him for very long; maybe for a couple of games but not consistently.

"I feel for him because he's struggled to get back in the side after his injuries. Other players have come in and done well and pushed him down the pecking order. It's sad because he's a good kid and wants to do well.

"With proper maintenance of his training and game-time, he should go on and still play for a few years. When we first got him, he was perfect for us. He was mobile and strong.

"We're saying farewell to him. He won't be coming back."

Proctor managed 29 appearances for the Millers, scoring five goals, and has had previous loan spells at Scunthorpe United, AFC Fylde and Newport County.

His switch to Wigan on transfer deadline day takes him closer to his home in the North West.

"It's a great deal for him," Warne said. "He came back into the building after being at Newport earlier this season and trained well.

"We had a game behind closed doors and he caused Curtis (Tilt) and Robbo (Clark Robertson) no end of problems. He's a strong '9' and I think he'll do really well at Wigan.

"I don't want to keep people here for the sake of it. I don't think he was going to play a part here and he goes with our absolute blessing."

He is the second Rotherham player to head to the Latics on loan in the January transfer window, following centre-half Curtis Tilt's move there last weekend.