Rotherham United confirmed the arrival of Sheffield Wednesday’s Cameron Dawson earlier this week.
The goalkeeper brought an end to his 14-year spell at Hillsborough, having turned down a new contract with Sheffield Wednesday.
Dawson racked up 129 appearances for the Owls, failing to earn himself a consistent place in the starting line-up on more than one occasion.
The 28-year-old lost his spot to James Beadle in the second half of last season, while his position looked in even further jeopardy when it was reported that Ben Hamer would join the club.
Despite his lack of game-time, Wednesday offered him a fresh contract at the end of the campaign.
It was soon reported that Dawson was set to turn it down though, and it has now been confirmed that he will make the short journey across Yorkshire to Rotherham.
Why Dawson decided to leave Sheffield Wednesday
The boyhood Owls fan has now explained why he made the difficult decision to leave the Championship club.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Dawson said: “It’s a club that’s given me an awful lot, but I was absolutely certain that this was the summer that I needed to step away.
“I had a fantastic relationship with the manager there and the staff that came in. They offered me a contract to stay, but I knew it was time. I was ready for a new challenge. I was ready to go out and spread my wings and get stuck into something new.
“I’m just so happy that it’s Rotherham and I’m delighted to be here.”
The goalkeeper’s exit is bittersweet
Dawson had become a hero at Wednesday, but had never managed to make more than 26 league appearances in one season.
It came as a surprise when the club chose to offer him a new deal, but it makes complete sense that he has turned it down.
The Owls are eager to bring Beadle back to the club and now have an experienced professional in Hamer to act as an understudy and a mentor.
Dawson deserves to play regular football, and his previous heroics in winning promotion will certainly help out Rotherham next term.
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