After months of waiting, Rotherham United have signed Brandon Williams, although the former Manchester United left-back is unlikely to make his debut in Saturday's League Two game at home to Shrewsbury Town.
Williams is a free agent having been released by Hull City last winter.
He has been training with the Millers since pre-season but priorities were elsewhere as they juggled their budget. Now, circumstances have aligned.
"I'm really pleased he's a Rotherham player," said coach Alex Bruce of Williams.
"He's worked really hard with us since pre-season. He's shown a great attitude. He's shown an appetite and a hunger to come in every day without getting paid."
Williams career has floundered since he was involved in a car crash that saw him charged with dangerous driving and driving without insurance in 2023.
Released by Manchester United at the end of his contract in 2024, the 26-year-old has made one substitute appearance since.
"I think he's had to face the reality of that's where his life was at," said Bruce.
"(Head of football) Steve McClaren and (coach) Richard Hartis know him as well. He looks a hell of a lot better than when he first arrived for pre-season, that's for sure."
Williams has signed a short-term contract until January 23.
As to when he might be seen in the first team, Bruce said: "He's not played an 11-a-side game for a number of weeks so it might be a little bit unfair on him to throw him into a competitive game. We've got reserve games over the next few of weeks, we've got cup games."
The Millers switched from a back three to a four in the second half at Fleetwood Town, and continued at home to Newport County.
"I just felt as if we needed a bit more in wide areas and a bit more of an attacking threat," said Bruce of why he used it on Tuesday
"Aaron Nemane and Jili Buyabu are the only real out-and-out wingers available we've got at the moment. Aaron Nemane in particular did very well, took his goal well."