Rotherham sign Williams on short-term deal
Rotherham United have signed former Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams on a three-month deal after an extended trial. The move gives the 26-year-old a chance to restart his career and adds defensive cover for a side close to the League Two relegation zone.
Williams played more than 50 times for Manchester United and had loan spells at Norwich City and Ipswich Town before joining Hull City, where he made one appearance last season. He left Hull by mutual consent in February, after a suspended prison sentence for dangerous driving in May 2025 and 20 months out of the game. Rotherham manager Alex Bruce said Williams had worked hard since pre-season and earned the opportunity; the club have won two of 12 league matches and sit one point above the relegation zone.
In short
- Brandon Williams has signed a three-month deal with Rotherham.
- The defender earned the contract after an extended trial.
- Rotherham are one point above the League Two relegation zone.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Signing Williams on a short-term deal gives Rotherham defensive cover at a difficult point in the season while limiting the club’s commitment if the move does not work out. After an extended trial, the manager says Williams earned the opportunity, and regular football could give a player who has been out of the game a route back into his career.
The case against
Rotherham are taking a risk on a player with very little recent match experience, so he may not be ready to help a side fighting relegation. Given his dangerous-driving conviction and suspended sentence, some supporters may also question whether offering him a high-profile return is appropriate, even if the deal is short and follows a trial.