Rotherham United announced the loan capture of Sheffield Wednesday striker Mallik Wilks yesterday, as controversial manager Steve Evans puts the final touches to his squad.
The Millers kicked off the season in typical Evans style, with him charged by the FA for his reaction to the referee and controversy as he refused to shake Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell’s hand at the final whistle. The game ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Millers, which they bounced back from, albeit in unconvincing style, by beating League Two side Crewe 2-1 in the EFL Cup.
Wilks will now add some pace to their forward line. The attacker began his career at Elland Road, advancing through the Leeds United Academy to sign his first professional contract in 2016. During his early years, the 25-year-old gained valuable experience with loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Grimsby Town.
His time at Doncaster Rovers in 2018 marked his emergence as a key talent. His standout performances during the 2018/19 season saw him play a key role in Rovers’ attack, scoring and assisting goals. Wilks made 55 appearances across all competitions, netting 11 goals.
He then switched to Barnsley, followed by a loan move to Hull City, which was made permanent in 2020. His strong performances for the Tigers, where he made over 70 appearances, caught the attention of Sheffield Wednesday, who secured his services to bring him back to South Yorkshire. Last season, Wilks featured in 18 matches across all competitions for the Owls, but played a minor role in keeping them in the Championship.
Rotherham have made a host of big signings over the summer as they look to make an immediate return to the Championship, but as with Evans, there’s always more to come. As usual, Evans was effusive in his praise for the player, telling local press, “Mallik needs to be playing football. He needs to be loved, he needs to be all the things I associated with him when he was a young professional at Leeds United when I was first-team coach there.”
Evans also revealed that he has no patience with negotiations, and had he been involved, Wilks most likely would not have arrived at the New York Stadium. Instead, director of football recruitment Rob Scott took the reigns, ensuring a smooth arrival.
“We’re immensely grateful to the Sheffield Wednesday chairman and everyone there for the last three or four days. They’ve been outstanding in trying to help us make it happen.
“I made some comments that if it had been me negotiating, I’d have got out of it ages ago. I have no patience!”
Rotherham fans have been delighted with the capture, but fans of rival clubs have also popped by the club’s X feed, expressing their views not so much on the transfer but on Evans and his incessant antics. In particular, Owls fans have made their feelings on the player known, with some respectful and some not quite so helpful.
The pick of their reactions is below.
i bet steve evans didn’t even shake his hand in the media photos
— Cole ▯ (@swfccom) August 15, 2024
Might be proved weong but thats just signing someone for signings sake.
— Tom Stanley (@stanley_co) August 16, 2024
Hasn’t been great for Wednesday, been injured too. Hopefully this move gives him a good boost. Definitely got the talent, perhaps not the attitude.
— Andy McElwaine (@andymcelwaine) August 15, 2024
Good luck to the lad. Not worked out for him at all at Hillsborough. Best for everyone that he moved on.
— Sir Veggie Kray (@veggiekrays) August 15, 2024
What a truly truly awful signing for you
— V-Bull (@VanceBulla) August 15, 2024
Can you imagine when Evans calls him out publicly for his attitude. He won’t be seen again this season.
— Ben Mellor (@BenjMellor) August 15, 2024
There’s a player there – but for some reason it just didn’t click at Hillsborough. I think hell do well at Rotherham.
— Jim (@Jim1867) August 15, 2024
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