Jerry Yates ... staying with Rotherham United or going back to Swindon Town? Here's what Millers boss Paul Warne has to say

Jerry Yates in action for Rotherham at PeterboroughJerry Yates in action for Rotherham at Peterborough
Jerry Yates in action for Rotherham at Peterborough

ROTHERHAM United are poised to decide on the future of striker Jerry Yates in the next couple of days.

The League One Millers recalled the 23-year-old from his prolific loan spell at fourth-tier pace-setters Swindon Town this week and brought him on as a substitute against Peterborough United on Saturday.

But a return to the County Ground before the close of this month’s transfer window for a second loan stint looks to be the most likely option for the forward.

Yates, who would be a squad player at Rotherham, is known to favour rejoining the Robins and Warne has hinted he won't keep a player who'd prefer to be elsewhere.

"I'll make a decision after this weekend," the boss said. "I think I know what's happening.

"I'll have another chat with Jerry and another chat with Swindon. I've got to do what's right for our club but I've got to have a committed player."

The Advertiser understands there was interest in Yates from other clubs. However, players can turn out for only two teams in a season so his Millers appearance at London Road has ruled out a January switch to any side other than Swindon.

Any move is likely to be temporary.

Yates' contract at AESSEAL New York Stadium expires in the summer but Rotherham have an option to extend it by a year and could cash in on the summer on an attacker who is a wanted man after 13 goals in 29 outings this term.

When asked if there was a possibility the player could move to Swindon on a permanent deal before next Friday's deadline Warne replied: "I don't think that will happen, no."

The Millers remain in the market for a creative forward and a defender but are in no hurry to make signings as long as they hang on to all of their key men.

They slipped from top spot to second yesterday as they lost for the first time in eight matches, 2-1 at Peterborough.

Warne paid tribute to the near-1,500-strong Rotherham following that packed the away section at London Road.

"The fans were excellent," he said. "They stayed with the team through the whole game and clapped them off, which is always great to see.

"I feel sorry for the people who travelled because we just weren't as good as we should have been."