Rotherham United: Millers record signing Jon Taylor sets his goal target

The prolific winger bagged 13 goals for League One Peterborough last season and believes he can continue his exploits in the Championship with the Millers who paid around £500,000 for him earlier this week.

“I am exciting. I like to excite the fans,” he told The Star. “Even though I am on the wing, I love to score. That’s always the aim going into games.

“There’s no reasons why I shouldn’t score, because I am going to be in the positions to get chances.

“My aim is to get in the team, firstly, then looking to get into double figures with goals scored.”

The speedy attacker’s ambition has been to play in the second tier, and he didn’t need to think twice when Rotherham boss Alan Stubbs made his move.

“I was sat at home, and got a phone call from Barry Fry (Peterborough director of football) saying the deal had been agreed with Rotherham and would I like to go?” he revealed. “The deal was done within, literally, minutes. It was the easiest decision ever.

“They are a Championship team, with a great stadium, a great manager. He’s a fellow Scouser, someone I used to watch playing football and someone I would love to work for. I have heard a lot about him, as a coach and manager, and know he will improve me as a player.”

The fee for the 24-year-old eclipses the Millers’ previous biggest layout - the estimated £400,000 it cost to sign striker Jonson Clarke-Harris two years ago - but the only figures that interest Taylor are his goal tally.

“I didn’t know anything about being a record, to be honest,” he said. “I still don’t know now. I don’t want to know. I don’t need to.

“There’s no pressure, I will come in and work hard. The fans will, hopefully, love me. As long as I work hard, there’s no pressure on me. I can’t let the fee affect me in any way, good or bad. I just have to get on with my job.

“My aim was to come and play in the Championship. I am glad to get the chance. It’s a great opportunity.”

Taylor could make his debut this afternoon in the opening-day clash at home to Wolves after Rotherham fought off interest from rival second-tier sides to land him.

“The Peterborough manager told me the club were trying to make some money out of me as I played well last year,” he said.

“After the season finished, there was loads of speculation. My phone didn’t stop. I heard there were bids turned down - I don’t know who from - and that there were clubs interested in League One and the Championship. But as soon as I heard about Rotherham, it was sorted within minutes.”

The former Shrewsbury Town flier can also operate in ‘the hole’ and turned in one of the best displays by a visiting player ever seen at New York when the Shrews drew 2-2 with the Millers in August 2014.

“I played as a ‘No 10’, just behind the striker, and scored a header,” he recalled. “I slipped in the box and was on the floor, but luckily I got up in time.

“I remember it was just a great game and I really enjoyed it.

“Now I am going to be wearing the Rotherham kit and just can’t wait to get started and put on performances like that every week.”

Stubbs still wants to add a striker, a winger and two full-backs to his squad. Swedish forward Christoffer Nyman, 23, is a target, but he would have to reduce his wage demands for any progress to be made.

Stubbs is looking to send out Darnelle Bailey-King and Kuda Muskwe on loan so the promising youngsters can gain experience.

Click here for Kelvin Wilson v Greg Halford