White recruited to help Reds in relegation fight

Rotherham's Aidy White, pictured holding off the attention from QPR's Karl Henry, has joined Barnsley on loan

The Rotherham United left-back has signed on an emergency loan for the Reds until January 3.

He could be pitched straight into action on Saturday at Oldham, where he played on loan from Leeds United in three spells from 2010, scoring his first goal in senior football on his debut against Dagenham & Redbridge.

The Otley-born 24-year-old is a product of Leeds’s academy and has over 150 career appearances to his name from time spent in League One and the Championship.

Voted as Leeds United’s Young Player Of The Year in 2009-10, White was loaned to Sheffield United in 2013-14 but, ironically, he returned to Elland Road after injuring an ankle against Oldham on Boxing Day.

A fractured foot, sustained in a pre-season friendly, meant he did not play last season until he came on as a substitute in the final game against Rotherham, whom he joined in June on a one-year deal after Leeds decided not to renew his contract

“I’m ready for the challenge. I think we are in a bit of a false position and I’m sure I can help us move up the league table,” said White, who has made nine appearances for the Millers. He joins a club aiming to avoid equalling a club record ninth successive league defeat at Boundary Park.

Reds head coach and former Oldham chief Lee Johnson said: “Aidan is a young but experienced full-back who I feel will help us down the left-hand side.

“He’s made a very similar progression in his career from youth football to competitive football, just as George Smith is striving to make at present.

“George has been one of our shining lights since making the step up and I feel bringing in Aidy will only help him along at this stage of his career. Aidy is a great addition for us. He’s quick and can play anywhere down the left.”

Millers and former Leeds chief Neil Redfearn said: “It is important that the players who haven’t had a clear sight of the first team get regular competitive football.

“If that means going out to get some games then so be it, because if we need to be able to call on them, we know that they have been out playing at a good level. Aidy has done that and we will be keeping a close eye on his progress.”