Rotherham fan pundit reflects on “vital” January development concerning Middlesbrough, Millwall and Swansea | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Chiedozie Ogbene was the subject of intense transfer speculation during the January transfer window.

Championship rivals Swansea City, Middlesbrough and Millwall were all reportedly interested in making a move for the Rotherham United forward.

But the Millers did not budge on their valuation of the Irishman, who remained at the club beyond last Tuesday’s deadline.

FLW’s Rotherham fan pundit Tom Eyre was surprised to see the 25-year-old stay at the club.

However, he has revealed his delight at the decision to keep Ogbene given how impressive his performances have been in Matt Taylor’s side of late.

Despite having just six months remaining on his current contract, this Rotherham supporter is looking forward to seeing what the versatile attacker can do to aid the team’s battle against relegation from the second tier.

“I’m not entirely surprised that no one came in with a big enough offer for Ogbene,” Eyre told Football League World.

“I think he’s a player a lot of teams will be looking at in the summer, especially if he’s on a free if he doesn’t sign on.

“But I’m extremely glad that he’s here, he fits our system perfectly now.

“Very dangerous player, very, very dangerous.

“And he would’ve been hard to replace on such short notice, so I’m incredibly pleased to have him until the end of the season.

“He’s dynamic, exciting again and brings the team up the pitch with him.

“He’s becoming a leader on that pitch as well, which is something that we needed.

“He’s loved in the dressing room, so keeping him was vital as well and very, very happy for it.”

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Richard Wood Jamie Lindsay Conor Washington Chiedozie Ogbene

Rotherham had cashed in on Dan Barlaser in January, who found himself in a similar situation to Ogbene with his contract set to expire later this year.

But the club opted to keep Ogbene despite concrete interest early in the winter window.

Ogbene has contributed six goals and two assists in the league so far this season.

The Verdict

Ogbene could very easily leave the club as a free agent in the summer so this is a big risk Rotherham are taking by not cashing-in on his value.

But the forward could be key to keeping the team in the second division, which could be worth more than any potential January sale.

Ogbene hasn’t publicly pushed for a move, which has helped the situation.

The player has been very professional throughout this process, which indicates he will continue to give everything he can to help the team survive in the Championship.