Joe Newell to leave Rotherham United

WINGER Joe Newell has called time on his four-year stay at Rotherham United.

WINGER Joe Newell has called time on his four-year stay at  Rotherham United.

The 26-year-old has indicated that he will move on when his current contract runs out at the end of the month.

Newell, who joined from Peterborough United in 2015, rejected the offer of a new deal at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. South Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster Rovers are the favourites for his signature.

With fellow wingers Jon Taylor and Ryan Williams also due to leave this summer and another wide man, Anthony Forde, having also not yet accepted a new contract and his Millers future in doubt, it represents the end of an era. The quartet have been an integral part of the squad in recent years.

Assistant manager Richie Barker told the Advertiser: "Once all four wingers were out of contract and relegation was confirmed, it made it more likely that they were going to explore other opportunities for different reasons and they have every right to do that.

"If I'm being totally honest, with some of them it had ran its course. You can sometimes hold on to people for too long and players can stay at a club too long.

"The players can become a little bit stale and need to explore opportunities and keep themselves motivated."

Newell told the club's website: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rotherham, and I know I’ll always look back on my stay here with great fondness in years to come.

“I have made some friends for life at this club who I know I will stay in contact with and it has been thoroughly enjoyable to work with them on a daily basis.

“I want to thank my teammates, the staff and supporters who have been magnificent with me throughout my four years. The club is in great hands with the faffer, he has been a pleasure to play for."

The club, meanwhile, will press on with bringing in replacements to add to their two close-season signings, midfielder Shaun MacDonald and loan striker Carlton Morris.