JOHNNY Mullins says the success of his loan spell last season meant Oxford United were the only League Two club he would have wanted to join this summer.
And the defender, who penned a three-year deal on Tuesday, admits being told he was not in Rotherham’s plans has given him something to prove this season.
Mullins captained the Millers to promotion in April and was preparing for their campaign in League One until late last week.
But after finding out the U’s had made a bid, he was told by boss Steve Evans there were several players ahead of him in the pecking order at Rotherham next season.
A return to League Two was not in his plans, but a productive eight-game loan at United last autumn made all the difference.
The 27-year-old said: “If someone had told me earlier in the summer that I was going to be leaving I wouldn’t have been looking (at League Two), but Oxford were good for me before and I’m hoping I can be good for them again.
“To be told you’re not going to be wanted at a club is not nice, but on the other side,  for a club to put a bid in for you shows they rate you highly.
“I’m very appreciative of that, it’s lovely to be wanted somewhere and it gives you a nice feeling – hopefully I can repay them.
“I didn’t need much convincing, if any.”
Although the move, for an undisclosed fee, was met with delight by U’s fans, many in Rotherham were unhappy with the decision to let their captain leave.
Mullins thanked the Millers fans and players for their backing, but plans to use the way his stay in Yorkshire ended as a source of motivation to help get United into League One.
“(Evans) told me he rates the other players higher than me, so maybe I’ve got a bit of a point to prove,” he said.
“I’m here now and I’m looking forward to repeating what I did last season with Rotherham.
“I came here to win promotion and I want it this season.”