Millwall legend and ex Newcastle United man available on free transfer after release

Millwall legend and former Newcastle United star Shane Ferguson is available on a free transfer this summer after being released by Rotherham United following the conclusion of the Championship season.

The 32-year-old made just nine league appearances for the Millers this term, barely playing a part in the club's torrid campaign. Rotherham United finished the season bottom of the Championship with just 27 points, returning to League One two years after achieving promotion in 2022.

Ferguson didn't play a single time before February and then only managed a handful of appearances from the bench as the season came to an end. The midfielder had endured a series of hernia issues, needing multiple operations before returning to fitness.

Rotherham United have wasted no time in preparing for the League One season ahead, appointing Steve Evans as manager to replace Leam Richardson. The former Stevenage boss has already deemed the ex Lions man surplus to requirements.

Explaining the release list, Evans said: “There have been some honest and open discussions with players in and out of contract and we have had to make some really difficult decisions, but each one of those has been made with the future of Rotherham United at the forefront of our priorities.

“I’d like to place on record that everyone in the building has been a pleasure to work with since I walked through the door and those departing the club do so with our very best wishes. It is clear that this summer is an important one in terms of recruitment but we are already well underway with the process and excited about the challenge that lies ahead."

Ferguson came through the Newcastle United academy as a youngster and went on to make 32 first team appearances for the Magpies. He had loan spells at Birmingham City and Rangers before coming to Millwall on loan in 2015 - that deal was then made permanent in 2016 and Ferguson stayed at The Den until 2021.

In that time, the Northern Irishman racked up 217 appearances for Millwall, scoring 12 goals and registering 23 assists. He helped Millwall win the 2017 League One play-offs to secure a return to the Championship.

Ferguson worked at Millwall during Neil Harris' first stint at the club. On leaving the club, he said: “It was really emotional leaving. I never thought I’d be here for six years. I definitely wouldn’t change that for the world. I’ve got so many good memories and met so many good people – it’s always hard saying bye to that.

“It just felt natural [to leave now]. I didn’t play much this season and I want to be playing. I didn’t feel I could do another season of that, it wouldn’t be good for my career at all. I had a good chat with the manager, we were both really honest where we were at with it. I’m looking forward to what happens next, I’ve left that to my agent."