Matt Hamshaw a man of few words on the length of Emmanuel Adegboyega's Rotherham United contract
MANAGER Matt Hamshaw welcomed long-time target Emmanuel Adegboyega to Rotherham United but refused to reveal why the defender has signed a deal that lasts for only 18 months.
The 22-year-old became the Millers' second capture of January on Friday when he arrived from Norwich City and could make his debut in Tuesday's League One home clash with Northampton Town.
He had been on Rotherham's radar since the previous transfer window and the club say they fought off competition from other teams in the division to land his signature.
When it was put to Hamshaw by the Advertiser that many people were asking about the short-term nature of the deal, he replied: “They can ask that, can't they.”
He chose not to supply further details but, speaking after yesterday's AESSEAL New York Stadium 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon had ended a run of seven consecutive third-tier defeats, he spoke of his delight at bringing the centre-half to South Yorkshire.
“We've chased him from the summer,” the boss said. “I chased a couple of centre-backs in this window. We lost out on one, we've managed to get Manny.”
Adegboyega never made a senior appearance for Norwich in two and a half seasons at Carrow Road but impressed in loan spells with League Two Walsall and Scottish Premiership Dundee United.
“He's got pace and power and he's a good age,” said Hamshaw. “There was a lot of interest in him and he's chosen to come here, which I thank him for. He'll be a big player for us.”
The Dundalk-born centre-back had 14 outings with Walsall in the latter part of the 2023/24 campaign and 34 with Dundee United last term.
He followed in the footsteps of 17-year-old Leeds United striker Harry Gray in opting to join the Millers even though they are in a fight against relegation.
“Manny's turned down clubs in the top half of League One,” Hamshaw said. ”He's come here because he believes in what we're doing and how we're doing it.
“I think Harry's done that as well. He could have gone to a number of clubs. I think that speaks well of the club and how we're looking to move forward.”
Gray played well on his home debut against Wimbledon but had to be withdrawn in the 78th minute when a bug led to fatigue setting in.
“Harry's been carrying a bit of illness all week,” Hamshaw said. “He gave as much as he could and then he was absolutely shot.
“The main hope is that we've come out of today with no injuries and that we can go again Tuesday.”