Former Rotherham United record signing Freddie Ladapo was among 45 free agents participating in the final Professional Footballers' Association camp this week, with several ex-Millers players seeking new contracts. The event at Champneys Springs in Leicestershire featured multiple players with past connections to the New York Stadium as they look to extend their careers.
This comes as Rotherham United currently sit 18th in League Two with 5 points from their opening five matches, having scored 6 goals while conceding 7. Their next challenge is a home fixture against 15th-placed Salford City on September 12, a game that could help them close the 7-point gap to league leaders Bristol Rovers.
Which former Rotherham players attended the camp?
Freddie Ladapo, the 33-year-old striker who became Rotherham's record signing in 2019, was the most notable former Miller at the event. The Rotherham Advertiser reported that "The Millers paid Plymouth an initial fee of around £400,000 for him" back in 2019, with add-ons potentially taking the total close to £500,000. Ladapo played 123 games for Rotherham, scoring 41 goals before leaving for Ipswich Town in 2022. His most memorable moment came in March 2021 when he scored a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 Championship victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. He ended last season at League Two club Chesterfield.
Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman also participated, along with midfielder Josh Benson who made 25 appearances for Rotherham in the 2025/26 season before being released in May. Benson had a trial with Chesterfield this summer that didn't lead to a contract. Forward Kyle Vassell, who played and scored as a trialist in Rotherham's 1-1 friendly draw at Matlock Town in July, was another participant.
What opportunities did the PFA camps provide?
The week 11 event marked the final installment of the PFA's free agent camps designed to help out-of-contract players find new clubs. Forty-five players participated in the Leicestershire session, which included training sessions and match opportunities designed to shows their abilities to scouts. The camps have served as a important platform for players released at the end of last season who are still seeking employment for the current campaign.
Max Thompson, who had a summer trial with Rotherham, was among those taking part. Winger Arvin Appiah and forward Andre Green, both with past Millers connections, also participated in the final match. The structured environment allowed players to maintain fitness while demonstrating their skills to potential employers.
How have other ex-Millers fared after the camps?
One player who has already secured a move following the camps is former Rotherham centre-half Angus MacDonald. The defender joined National League side Kidderminster Harriers after participating in the PFA program. His successful transition demonstrates the camps' effectiveness in helping players find their next opportunity.
For those still seeking clubs, the coming weeks will be important as teams assess their squads following the early season fixtures. The current Rotherham squad, which fans can view on our squad page, has shown mixed form with a record of one win, two draws and two losses from their opening five League Two matches.
What does this mean for Rotherham's current season?
While former players seek new opportunities, the current Rotherham United side faces its own challenges in League Two. With just 5 points from their first five games and sitting seven points behind the leaders, every match becomes important. Their recent form reads LDWDL, indicating inconsistency that needs addressing.
The team's defensive record shows 7 goals conceded against 6 scored, suggesting both ends of the pitch need attention. Supporters tracking the team's progress can check the latest standings as the season develops. The home game against Salford City on September 12 presents an opportunity to climb the table before a run of games you can check on our fixtures page.
Rotherham United's next League Two fixture is at home against Salford City on September 12, 2026.
