Boost for Jack Holmes ... and bids likely for some under-contract players: Rotherham United's retained list

The attacker, whom the Millers plucked from non-league football two seasons ago, was one of a double-figure number of players coming to the end of their contracts at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

He might have feared he would be one of the men released, but he pressed his claim for a longer stay by hitting the target twice in the League One final-day clash at Wycombe Wanderers last weekend.

That, combined with more game time and improved form during the nine-match reign of short-term boss Lee Clark, has seen the 24-year-old enter discussions with the club over a new deal.

“It's been a difficult season for me personally, but I feel like I've ended it strongly and put my name forward to say I want to stay,” he said following his exploits at Adams Park. “I want to be here and I want to try to score some more goals for the club.”

Opening his account at the 56th time of asking did him no harm at all! Neither did the opinion of Clark who quickly became an admirer.

The headline departure in today's retained/released list is that of striker Jordan Hugill who leaves after three and a half years as Rotherham's highest earner.

He played a major part in the Millers' Championship survival after arriving in January 20203, but his influence waned considerably over the next three seasons.

The 33-year-old's exit was totally expected, as were those of the other senior players who have left with him, among them Liam Kelly, Zak Jules and Sean Raggett.

Maybe the saddest farewell of all is Josh Kayode's. The striker came through the youth ranks after leaving his home in Ireland and at one stage looked a real prospect.

But injuries have since blighted his career and the 25-year-old's last season saw him play only three times after nearly a decade in S60.

Relegated Rotherham are in talks with midfielder Joe Powell about fresh terms and would love to have him in their League Two ranks. The midfielder, however, may have other options - and better wage offers - at third-tier level.

There will be significant pay cuts for some of the players remaining now that the club are in a lower division.

Two who might stay are midfield pair Shaun McWilliams and Dru Yearwood. The club hold 12-month options on both and decisions on them have yet to be set in stone.

Top scorer Sam Nombe and right-back Denzel Hall are both likely to attract bids from elsewhere and there could be interest in midfield man Kian Spence who missed a lot of games but proved his League One worth when he was available.

Really encouraging news is the offer of first professional deals to teen trio midfielder Cohen Lee centre-half Harrison Duncan and winger Dean Gardner.

All have had a taste of senior action and look capable of making the step up from the academy as the Millers build towards a hoped-for brighter future.

Full list:

Under contract:

Joe Rafferty – option activated

Kian Spence

Sam Nombe

Ar’Jany Martha

Ted Cann

Marvin Kaleta

Lenny Agbaire

Denzel Hall

Hamish Douglas

Brandon Cover

Emmanuel Adegboyega

James Clarke

Kane Richardson

Reece Wilson

Released:

Cameron Dawson

Zak Jules

Liam Kelly

Sean Raggett

Reece James

Jordan Hugill

Josh Benson

Duncan Watmore

Joshua Kayode

Ben Hatton

Ciaran McGuckin

Discussions being held:

Jack Holmes

Josh Ayres

Joe Powell

Pending decisions on options in contracts:

Dru Yearwood

Shaun McWilliams

Scholars offered professional deals:

Harrison Duncan

Dean Gardner

Cohen Lee

Loanees returning to parent clubs:

Jamal Baptiste

Harry Gray

Gabe Biancheri

Dan Gore

Lino Sousa