Rotherham United will be losing Richie Smallwood after he turned down a contract offer from them as confirmed by the club website.
The 26-year-old midfielder had been a fan favourite at the New York Stadium ever since his initial loan from Middlesbrough where he helped Rotherham get promoted from Sky Bet League One via the play-offs. However while he would make that deal permanent following promotion and become a key player, he was shockingly loaned out at the start of this season to Scunthorpe United.
Smallwood would return to Rotherham during the January transfer window and did get some time on the pitch as the Millers unsuccessfully fought against relegation, though not many players were able to impress in that second half of the season. Rotherham did want to keep Smallwood and there was a willingness by the player to sign a new deal but the two parties were obviously far apart and now the midfielder has left the club and is now a free agent.
Considering Smallwood was very well liked during his loan spell with Scunthorpe and was key as they established themselves at the top of the Sky Bet League One table, it is likely that he may end up back at Glanford Park. But even if a return to the Iron isn’t on the cards, he shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a new club. A team looking for promotion from League One or at the bottom end of the Championship should see Smallwood as a great addition to their team.
