Rotherham United: Mike Pollitt to guide search for new keeper

Rotherham United goalkeeping coach Mike Pollitt will play the lead role in recruiting a new number one to the club.
Mike Pollitt (right) with Millers assistant manager Richie BarkerMike Pollitt (right) with Millers assistant manager Richie Barker
Mike Pollitt (right) with Millers assistant manager Richie Barker

The Millers are searching for a new goalkeeper to fill the spot left by Marek Rodak, who spent the last two seasons on loan from Fulham.

Rodak played a big part in the club's success over the last two years and improved considerably under Pollitt's coaching, with the Cottagers now wanting the Slovakian to be involved in their squad.

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Pollitt is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement and his first choice will be the target Paul Warne pursues.

“Whichever goalkeeper he wants, as long as he ticks the attributes that we want from a goalkeeper, will be the one we try and get,” boss Warne said.

“Obviously, it's a big deal. Polly has his list of who he wants and we've still got Pricey (Lewis Price) and Laurence (Bilboe) here, so they will definitely still be competing with whoever I bring in.

Rodak caused panic in the Millers fanbase when he first arrived at the club in 2017 as he had a tendency to punch routine crosses he could have caught, but under Pollitt he became a more rounded goalkeeper, who also had excellent distribution.

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Warne has admitted to liking his number ones to be “maverick” and hopes Pollitt again eyes someone like that.

“All options are available but I do like the modern goalkeeper,” he added.

“When I say that, I mean the U23s coming through, who are very good with their feet, brave coming the ball and hopefully make the odd save.

“I think the goalkeepers that we are looking at will be of a similar ilk to Marek. I thought he was excellent for us for two years and he had to be, to keep the likes of Pricey out of the team.

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“We're trying to improve all the time but that is the sort of ilk of player we're looking to bring in.”

Meanwhile, teenage defender Jake Cooper has been handed his first professional contract.

The 18-year-old Republic of Ireland youth international, who joined the club at 14, has impressed in the youth team and reserve set-up and has been rewarded with a one-year contract.

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