Rotherham United have completed two more summer signings, bringing in free-agent midfielders Ossama Ashley and Jamie Jellis on one-year and two-year deals respectively. The Millers, who finished 23rd in League One last season with a goal difference of -30, are rebuilding under Alex Bruce after a tough campaign that left them 62 points behind league leaders Lincoln.

What’s the move?

Ashley arrives from Salford City, where he made 66 appearances across three seasons before his release at the end of 2025-26. The 26-year-old joins on a one-year contract. Jellis, 25, joins from Walsall after scoring six goals in 80 league games for the Saddlers this summer. He has signed a two-year deal with Rotherham.

Their arrivals take Rotherham’s summer recruitment to four, following the additions of forwards Aaron Nemane and Fabio Tavares. The Millers kick off their 2026-27 League One campaign with a home clash against Sheffield United on 25 July 2026.

Why does it matter?

Rotherham’s league standing of 23rd last season — 41 points from 46 games, with a goal difference of -30 — left them 62 points behind Lincoln. Their recent form has been poor: they lost their last two matches, including a 3-2 defeat at Wycombe on 2 May 2026, and have just one point from their last five games. The new signings are part of Bruce’s push to steady the ship and mount an immediate return to mid-table safety.

Ashley and Jellis bring Championship-level experience despite their League One exile. Ashley’s versatility in midfield could shore up Rotherham’s leaky defence, while Jellis offers a goalscoring threat from deeper positions. Both players arrive as free agents, easing the financial strain on a club that conceded 71 goals last season.

What’s next for the Millers?

Rotherham’s opening-day clash against Sheffield United on 25 July 2026 is a statement fixture. A strong start could shift momentum after a campaign where they lost their last two matches and managed just 10 wins from 46 games. With only 41 goals scored and a -30 goal difference, Bruce’s side needs defensive solidity and midfield steel — qualities Ashley and Jellis will be expected to provide.

The new duo join Nemane and Tavares in a reshaped squad aiming to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles. Rotherham’s next steps hinge on whether these signings can translate Championship pedigree into League One success, starting with a competitive showing against their Yorkshire rivals.

Rotherham United currently sit 23rd in League One with 41 points from 46 games, 62 points behind leaders Lincoln, and have lost their last two matches.