Rotherham United seek to keep hold of teenage duo
TWO more young players are being offered their first professional deals by Rotherham United.
The Millers are keen to add 17-year-old pair Harrison Duncan and Dean Gardner to their senior ranks and terms have been put on the table.
The development was endorsed by Lee Clark before his short-term reign as manager came to an end last weekend when the League One season drew to a close.
The fact that he is no longer in the hot-seat and waiting to hear if the job will be given to him on a permanent basis doesn't affect the club's thinking on centre-half Duncan and winger Gardner who have both impressed in the youth set-up and have had first-team call-ups this term.
Before his departure, Clark told the Advertiser: “There's something to work with with Harrison. I love working with young players, I love to give local lads an opportunity.
“They've got to be good enough, they've got to be ready to take on the role. Dean's caught my eye in training as well.
“When I'm a manager, I tell young players that they'll get opportunities to show that they're worthy of being part of the first-team squad.”
The news comes after it was revealed that 19-year-old midfielder Cohen Lee, who made an impact in four appearances during Clark's reign, has also been made an offer to turn pro.
Duncan took his place in the history books as Rotherham's youngest-ever starter, at 16 years and 130 days, when he played in the Vertu Trophy against Newcastle United Under-21s in the
Vertu Trophy in October 2024 and made single substitute appearances this term in the FA Cup and league.
Gardner's debut came in the FA Cup against Swindon Town in November last year before two outings in the Vertu Trophy.