Released Rotherham United striker joins Harrogate Town on permanent deal

The 22-year-old academy product was freed by the Millers at the end of last season after coming through the ranks at the South Yorkshire club.

The Pontefract-born player struggled to make an impact at Rotherham and spent a number of loan spells away from the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

McGuckin had stints in the National League with Yeovil Town - twice - and Eastleigh while also having loans at non-league Scarborough Athletic and Irish outfit Dundalk.

His last temporary spell with Eastleigh ended in December when he was ruled out for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign with a knee injury.

He signed a one-year deal with the Millers last summer with the option of an extra 12 months, but the club elected to move him on.

On joining Harrogate, McGuckin, who has represented Northern Ireland up to under-21 level, said: "I’m really happy to be here, the gaffer has outlined everything about the club and why my profile is a good fit here.

"I’m really grateful for my time at Rotherham, they brought me in as a youngster and made me the man I am today, but I’m fitter, hungrier and ready to go now.

"The most important thing for me now is to be playing regularly and showing people what I’m about, how I can excite fans and change games of football.”

Head of player recruitment Lloyd Kerry continued: "He’s a young, hungry lad and one we think can really develop here.

"We want to be an energetic team and he brings high energy, presses well and leaves everything out on the pitch."

The arrival of McGuckin follows on from the earlier signing of Gateshead midfielder Will McGowan.

Town will host Doncaster Rovers in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 25, with a noon kick-off.