Former Birmingham City, Newcastle United and Millwall star free agent at 32

Former Birmingham City loanee Shane Ferguson is on the search for a new team after his club told him they wouldn't be renewing his contract.

Rotherham United published their retained list on Tuesday and Ferguson was among the 11 players who were told their services were no longer required. The Millers, who will be playing in League One with Blues have allowed returning boss Steve Evans to put his stamp down on the squad and he does not see Ferguson in his plans.

The 32-year-old was limited to nine appearances in the Championship this season and didn't play from August until February. Ferguson recovered from injury and featured sporadically under Leam Richardson, but only played a minute under Evans, and that came as a substitute in their final game of the season against Cardiff City.

Explaining the decision, first-team manager Steve Evans said to the official club website: "There have been some honest and open discussions with players in and out of contract and we have had to make some really difficult decisions, but each one of those has been made with the future of Rotherham United at the forefront of our priorities.

“I’d like to place on-record that everyone in the building has been a pleasure to work with since I walked through the door and those departing the club do so with our very best wishes."

The 57-time Northern Ireland international departs the New York Stadium after three seasons, having made 82 appearances for the club. He was a part of the 2021/22 side which won promotion by finishing second.

Ferguson began his career at Newcastle United and had two separate loan spells with Birmingham City in 2012/13 and then the following campaign. He appeared 34 times for them, helping them finish 12th and 21st. During his time at St James Park, he made 32 appearances but departed the club for Millwall in 2015, spending six years as a player at The Den.

He isn't the only player to be leaving Rotherham United with a Birmingham City connection. Grant Hall, who was on loan at St Andrew's in 2014/15 and made nine appearances was also let go.