Anthony Forde becomes fourth winger to leave Rotherham United

Manager Paul Warne says the loss of the four members of his 2018 League One promotion-winning team is a "big miss".

Irishman Forde, aged 25, rejected a new contract, like Joe Newell, Ryan Williams and Jon Taylor before him.

Newell has joined Hibs, Williams has signed for Portsmouth and Taylor has yet to announce his next destination.

Although Warne is sad to see the quartet go, he says he won't stand in the way of anyone who wants to move on.

Confirming Forde's departure, he said: "I had a lot of time for all four of them but once we were relegated (from the Championship) they all wanted to see what was out there for them. They will all go on to different clubs with my blessing.

"It is a big miss for me. All four played a big part for me across different seasons but what we have built here is about the dressing room and if anyone doesn't want to play here then they can go somewhere else."

Paul Warne and coach Matt Hamshaw at pre-season training.

Forde joined Rotherham from Walsall for an undisclosed fee three years ago and made 114 appearances, scoring seven goals. He was absent when the first team squad reported back for pre-season training yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Millers have quashed reports linking them with a move for Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith.

A new number one is a priority this summer and Wildsmith, who played only twice for the Owls last term, has been linked with a move to AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Warne cannot understand why.

The Millers chief said: "I haven't had any contact with him or any conversation with (goalkeeper coach) Mike Pollitt that he is in our top three. I don't dispute he is having a good career but I don't understand where that rumour has come from."

A Premier League loan keeper remains the desired option, with Leicester City's Daniel Iversen among the names in the frame.