Rotherham United forward Jonson Clarke-Harris has signed a one-year deal at the club, according to the Millers’ official website.
The 22-year-old has committed his immediate future to the relegated Yorkshire outfit, having extended his stay at the club despite the team’s poor show throughout the season.
Clarke-Harris has become the first of the club’s out-of-contract players to re-sign, with boss Paul Warne stating that offers have been made to other members of his squad ahead of their current deals expiring.
The striker missed a large portion of the season with a knee injury, but made a strong return towards the end of the campaign, earning himself a new deal in the process.
And manager Warne has said that he hopes Clarke-Harris can push on next season in League One to establish himself as a key member of the Millers’ playing squad.
“I’m looking forward to working with him again. I’ve always had a pretty open relationship with Jono and I think he’s come on a lot at the end of the season but he’s got a hard summer ahead of him,” he explained.
“Me and Richie sat down with him for a good 40 minutes the other day and told him if he wants to be here, he’s got to buy into this and he did, so I was pleased with that.
“I presume it will help him and he’ll go into the summer knowing that he is here next year. If he is injury free then he will be a massive handful in League One, so that’s the aim. We need to get him in great shape in the summer so he can play 35, 40 games for us.”
Warne also says that if Clarke-Harris can hit the ground running next season, his contract could be subject to another extension, should the player wish to commit further.
“He’s had an unfortunate season and he’s been out all year with his knee. I spoke to him and told him what I expected from him on and off the training ground and the pitch.
“I wanted to keep him hungry and I wanted to say to him that if he comes back and is in great shape and playing every week, scoring goals, then your contract will increase and the length of your contract will be looked at again.”
