Rotherham United have unveiled defender Zak Jules as the club’s latest signing, joining on a two-year deal from Exeter City according to the club’s official website.
Following their relegation to the third tier after what can only be described as a truly shocking season in the Championship, Rotherham have not wasted anytime in improving the squad for the forthcoming season. Jules is the club’s eighth of the summer window and he brings proven experience in League One with him.
The central defender would start 39 times for Exeter, who will now face Rotherham following the latter’s relegation, and was everpresent at the heart of the defence. Despite a rather notable wobble midway through the season, the Grecians would still keep 13 clean sheets and ended the season strongly to climb up the table to a 13th place finish.
Nonetheless, of the two, it is the Millers who seem to be the more ambitious club which has no doubt tempted Jules into a move this summer. He’d end up spending just a single season at St James Park having signed from MK Dons the season prior.
During his time with the Dons, Jules would rack up 73 appearances, the majority of those coming in League One. Despite being a part of the side who were relegated to the fourth tier, the Englishman was deemed good enough to earn himself a move to Exeter and he’s now made another step in his career.
Rotherham are building quite the squad currently and new manager Steve Evans is very much transforming the squad. Having re-joined the Millers right towards the end of the season, this will be Evans’ first window back in charge of the club and he’s wasting no time to bring the players in that he wants.
It’s unknown what sort of role Jules will play next term but he should be competing for a spot in the starting eleven. Having also played on the left hand side, his versatility may well be utilised and he looks to another good signing by Evans.
Writer’s View
Exeter’s loss is Rotherham’s gain as they manage to pick up yet another proven League One player. After all of the signings that they’ve made so far this summer they’re one of the obvious favourites for promotion and could make an immediate return to the Championship.
Jules has looked strong in recent years for both Exeter and MK Dons and now 27, should be coming into his prime years. He may well be able to take a further step up joining the Millers could earn himself a place in the starting lineup for the first game of the season.
Senior Editor
