A player who left Sheffield Wednesday in the summer is now shining in League One, likely to the surprise of Owls boss Danny Rohl.
Danny Rohl has certainly shown that he can be quite ruthless when it comes to who’s in his Sheffield Wednesday plans, and who’s not.
Last season saw several come in and out of favour under the German boss who eventually steered the Owls to a 20th place finish in the Championship.
Lee Gregory was a key example: he couldn’t get anywhere near the team last season but has since shone for Mansfield Town in League One.
Meanwhile, Will Vaulks has struggled with Oxford United since joining them in the summer, despite being a key performer for Wednesday last time round.
Another who wasn’t favoured by Rohl is Reece James. The left-back joined Wednesday on a permanent deal following the Owls’ promotion from League One, but would make just eight appearances in the Championship last season.
James left Sheffield Wednesday as a free agent in the summer and joined Rotherham United.
Reece James shining for Rotherham United after Sheffield Wednesday exit
James showed a lot of class during the promotion-winning 2022/23 season, becoming a well-liked player among fans after featuring 28 times during that campaign.
But he could never get a look-in under Rohl. He and Cameron Dawson joined the Millers on free transfers in the summer, and whilst Dawson has had mixed fortunes at Rotherham United, James has prevailed.
The 31-year-old has featured 14 times in League One for his new club. Whilst he hasn’t claimed any goals or assists, he has caught the eye.
Some Millers fans on X have described James as ‘underrated’ and ‘solid’. Meanwhile, another Rotherham fan said of James earlier in the season: “One of the shining lights of the season so far. Very good player.”
Per Sofascore, James is Rotherham’s fifth-highest average-rated player in League One this season.
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Reece James’ Rotherham United stats so far this season
James’ stats this season certainly suggest that he’s been a consistently solid performer for Steve Evans’ side, despite their overall struggles in League One.
Defensively, James averages the second-most tackles-per-game of any Rotherham player in League One (1.9), the second-most interceptions (1.3) and the fourth-most clearances too (1.9).
James also has ranks fourth in the whole side for average key passes-per-game (1.1), key chances created (four), accurate passes-per-game (22.5), and accurate long balls-per-game (2.4).
Rotherham United are at home to Bailey Cadamarteri’s Lincoln City on Tuesday night.