Paul Warne's delight at '˜massive signing' for Rotherham United

Billy Jones, in action for Sunderland against Sheffield Wednesday last season, signed a two year deal with Rotherham United on Friday

Experienced defender Jones joined the Millers on Friday on a two-year deal.

And the former Sunderland right-back filled a hole which Warne had been desperate to plug with no recognised player in that position on the books.

“He’s the perfect acquisition for us – so I am really pleased to have signed him,” said Warne.

A number of other clubs were understood to be interested in signing 31-year-old Jones, who started his career with Crewe and went on to play for Preston, West Brom and more recently the Black Cats.

But Warne got his man with a fortnight to go before the new Championship season and made Jones his fourth new signing of the summer.

“I’m glad to have got the deal over the line before someone stole him from us to be honest,” admitted Warne.

“It’s a massive signing for us. He’s got good pedigree. He’s played at Crewe and Preston, in the Premier League with West Brom and then went to Sunderland.

“No one says anything bad him and he’s played over 300 games in the Championship, so he’ll bring a great deal of experience to this great group we’ve already got.

“I’ve signed him predominantly as a right-back, but he can sit in midfield, play left back and centre half, so we’ve got options.

“Certain players can play various positions, which is what the best players do.

“You do need that flexibility, so it does help, but I’ve not signed him for that. I’ve signed him because he’s an excellent footballer and he really buys into what we want to do.”

Blackpool duo Clark Robertson and Kyle Vassell have signed for the Millers this summer, while Zak Vyner has joined the club on a season-long loan deal.

And Warne revealed more signings could be imminent as the club hone in on a goalkeeper.

Fulham’s Marek Rodak is set to return for a second loan spell at the club having impressed throughout last season’s promotion run, but Warne revealed that they have had a bid for Accrington Stanley striker Kayden Jackson rejected.

Former loanee and midfielder Richie Towell could return on a loan deal, while three players are expected to leave on loan.