Evans salutes departing Mullins

The defender has moved for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal that takes him back to the club where he spent a successful loan spell last season.

Mullins captained the Millers to promotion from League Two last term and scored in the winning finale against Aldershot in the New York Stadium. He has been a popular member of the squad in his three years in Rotherham colours but could no longer be guaranteed regular football.

Evans said: "From the player's point of view the three-year contract offered was good for him and his young family. Johnny is a top professional and an excellent player but with the form from the likes of Kari Arnason, Craig Morgan and Claude Davis, we could not guarantee him a place on a regular basis.

"At the back end of last season Johnny Mullins was terrific for us and he will always be welcome back here."

The Millers, meanwhile, take on Middlesbrough in another warm-up game at the New York Stadium tonight (7.30pm). It is another test against a Championship side following Saturday's 1-0 reverse to Huddersfield Town, with Barnsley to follow on Saturday.

Assistant manager Paul Raynor said: "The players know what the problems were (on Saturday) and we'll aim to put that right against Middlesbrough.

"They will be a good side and Tony Mowbray is a fantastic manager. They play good football and they have a lot of quality and it will be another good test for us."