Frecklington installed as Rotherham’s new leading man

The development comes just two days after the Millers brought in new goalkeeper Lee Camp and elected to cut short Kelle Roos’ season-long loan from Derby County, with the club, in the words of Steve Evans, being forced to make some ‘tough decisions’ after a difficult start to the season which sees them prop up the Championship.

Summer signing Halford has only been appointed captain on the eve of the new season, with Evans admitting that he made the wrong decision in hindsight to make him skipper.

Evans said: “Over the last week or so I have had to make some tough decisions.

“After meeting with the chairman, he has asked me to do what it takes to continue to move the club forward in the short and long term, and as a result several changes have been implemented.

“It was a really tough call to let Kelle Roos return to Derby County, but the prospect of having a permanent goalkeeper of Lee Camp’s quality on board was too good an opportunity for me to turn down. It was hard on Kelle, but he took the news like the true professional he is, and goes with our best wishes.

“My next tough decision was when I formally offered the club captaincy to Lee Frecklington, which he has accepted.

“I have had many conversations with Greg Halford about the captaincy, and I felt that if we freed him from the extra burden of responsibility then he would have more time to work on his individual game, which would in turn benefit all parties. Greg has accepted the decision like a professional, and knows that his experience is still a valued asset to this squad.

“Lee was first and foremost very humbled to have been asked to lead the team, and didn’t have to think twice before accepting.

“Lee knows the club inside out; he is our longest serving player and has previous experience of leading the team which makes him an ideal candidate for the position.

“With the benefit of hindsight I have to accept I made the wrong decision with the captaincy at the start of the season, but I firmly believe that the changes we have made will benefit players individually and the squad as a whole.

“I have never been afraid to make a decision or to indeed recognise when I have got something wrong.

“When I do I take action, the opposite is to be stubborn and do nothing about it, that will never be something I am guilty of.”