New arrival Chris Dawson has potential to be star for Rotherham United, says Neil Redfearn

NEIL REDFEARN has confirmed that new Rotherham United signing Chris Dawson will come straight into his first-team thoughts after arriving on an 18-month deal following his exit from Leeds United.
Chris Dawson, making his debut for Leeds United in April 2013.Chris Dawson, making his debut for Leeds United in April 2013.
Chris Dawson, making his debut for Leeds United in April 2013.

The Dewsbury-born midfielder, 21, left the Whites by mutual consent earlier this week with his current deal expiring in June and former head coach and academy boss Redfearn was quick to secure his services on an 18-month contract with the option of another year.

Dawson has struggled for first-team action at Elland Road for various reasons, seeing several of his academy team-mates step up to be regulars. Redfearn believes he can now do the same at Rotherham.

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He has become the third ex-Leeds player to join the Millers this month following the signings of Luciano Becchio and Alex Cairns with Redfearn surprised that his old club have let him go.

On his readiness to be involved quickly at first team level, Redfearn added: “No danger, he has played for Leeds United first team. He has got everything going for him as a player.

“He is an exceptionally talented young player and on his day, he can unlock defences. “

Dawson’s arrival has taken the Millers’ number of January recruits to seven following hot on the heels of the signing of Andrew Shinnie.

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Redfearn is also hoping to do further business before Monday’s deadline, with one key transaction involving finalising Grant Ward’s loan extension.

On retaining Ward, who has progressed impressively under the watch of Redfearn, the Millers chief added: “It crossed borders between it being a normal loan and a youth loan so it had to be done in a certain way to get it to January.

“There is an agreement after that. It’s just about fine-lining the agreement and getting hold of the relevant people.

“Spurs have been good with us. The sooner we can sort it out, the more settled Grant can be.”

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One piece of outgoing business that the Millers are hoping to conclude is the exit of Greg Halford, who has again made his feelings known on his situation at the club via social media after being told he can leave.

Redfearn, who has identified a candidate at another club who he hopes will replace Eric Black as his No 2 – added: “Greg had a meeting with (chief executive) Paul Douglas and the situation was explained to him.

“We’re trying our best to get him fixed up. There is no malice in it.”