New boy taking a short-term view on his Rotherham United career
SHORT-TERM signing Duncan Watmore is refusing to think about his Rotherham United future as he bids to play his part in the club's fight to climb away from the lower reaches of League One.
The former Premier League attacker completed a deal on the final day of the new-year transfer window that ties him to AESSEAL New York Stadium only to the close of the present campaign.
Having arrived as a free agent, he isn't contemplating the possibility of an extended stay while the games come thick and fast in the next couple of months.
“I don’t like to look too far ahead,” he said. “I think that, by doing that, you can forget about the present and the process.”
Following a brief debut as a substitute in the home match with Cardiff City just over a week ago, he is set for more game time in Tuesday night's crunch clash at fellow strugglers Burton Albion.
The 31-year-old, who started out in the top flight with Sunderland before Championship spells at Middlesbrough and Millwall, had tried to find another second-tier team before committing himself to Rotherham.
He had been without a side since the summer and a trial with Sheffield Wednesday had failed to lead to a contract at Hillsborough.
His fitness record is a chequered one and he is unlikely to be a starter for the Millers but will offer proven quality off the bench.
The striker’s presence in S60 should benefit club and player as he is capable of making a game-changing impact on Rotherham's behalf while good performances until May 2's final day could pique the interest of sides in the division above.
His sole focus, for now, is making a contribution to the battle against relegation.
“I like to stay in the moment - it works for me - so I haven't been thinking about anything longer term,” he said. “I'm just here until the end of the season and I want to help as much as I can.”
Meanwhile, the Millers have announced the final event of their centenary year – a ‘legends’ match featuring two teams of former players at New York on Sunday May 3. Profits will be split between Rotherham Hospice and Rotherham United Community Trust.