The contract chance in a higher division, the impressive fitness record and why Tom Lees chose to link up with Rotherham United

The centre-half was with Peterborough United last season and the Advertiser understands that they were ready to give the former Sheffield Wednesday man another 12-month deal.

However, the Lees, who is only four games short of 700 career appearances, wanted to move back north and find a club closer to home.

He is now working out with the League Two Millers to build up his fitness before, hopefully, playing in one of their remaining pre-season friendlies.

The 35-year-old, who has spent most of his time at Championship level, was one of Posh's most influential players last term in his 36 outings for them.

He was extremely good until picking up a calf injury in the warm-up at Bradford City in February that forced him two miss nearly two months of action. He returned in April and played in eight more matches but never quite hit the same heights as previously.

The boss who signed him for Peterborough, Darren Ferguson, said during last season: “Tom has had a massive impact on us, especially in the way he trains.

“He is at it every single day. He trains and prepares for matches properly and you can see why he has had such a great career. I have told our younger lads to follow the right people and Tom is one of those.

“Tom has also been good for me as a manager. He’s an experienced voice and an effective bridge between me and the players.”

Rotherham are at home to Championship neighbours Sheffield United tomorrow and that fixture will come too soon for Lees, Millers head coach Alex Bruce has said.

The centre-back started out with Leeds United before spending seven seasons with Sheffield Wednesday and a further four at Huddersfield Town.

He has an excellent fitness history, having never played less than 30 matches in a campaign since his 2009 debut on loan at Accrington Stanley.

Lees' record:

Peterborough

2025/26: 36 games

Huddersfield

2024/25: 32

2023/24: 32

2022/23: 44

2021/22: 47

Wednesday

2020/21: 39

2019/20: 30

2018/19: 46

2017/18: 31

2016/17: 38

2015/16: 42

2014/15: 48

Leeds

2013/14: 42

2012/13: 49

2011/12: 45

Bury (loan)

2010/11: 50

Accrington (loan)

2009/10: 46

Career

696 games, 28 goals