Former League One golden boot winner Jonson Clarke-Harris has been released by current club Rotherham United by mutual consent after a poor season for the Millers. 

The 30-year-old re-joined the club on a free transfer from Peterborough United in the summer of 2024, which was seen as a coup by many including then boss Steve Evans.

The striker had picked up the golden boot on two occasions, with his former club (2020/21 and 2022/23) before dropping down the pecking order after the Posh attempted to sell him as he entered the last year of his deal.

But his return to Yorkshire did not go to plan and after 33 appearances he was only able to contribute eight goals, less than teammates Sam Nombe (15) and Mallik Willis (10) and only one more than midfielder Hakeem Odoffin.

It is fair to say his impact was not what many at the club had hoped for and after the departure of Steve Evans the writing was on the wall.

Jonson Clarke-Harris Career Stats

Despite the poor return last season, Clarke-Harris’ stats do still look impressive on paper over his career. He has played 489 games and contributed 156 goals and 30 assists. His most prolific periods came during his time at Bristol Rovers (27 goals in 52) and Peterborough United (87 goals in 189).

His trophy cabinet is also impressive, two Golden Boots, an EFL Trophy as well as a Player of the Year award.

His CV boasts the likes of Southend United, Coventry City, Oldham Athletic, MK Dons, Doncaster Rovers, Bristol Rovers and Bury.

Where Next for Jonson Clarke-Harris?

Despite a poor campaign last season, Clarke-Harris is still an experienced and prolific forward. There will understandably be links to former clubs Bristol Rovers and Oldham Athletic amongst others.

But the question will remain as to whether he is willing to drop down into League Two as he enters his 30s.

The player will only have a couple of contracts left at the top of his game and could hold out for a move in League One before considering dropping into the fourth tier.

People will also likely draw links to clubs such as Doncaster Rovers, not only his former club but also his former manager in Grant McCann. Paul Warne, his former manager at Rotherham is also looking to rebuild his former club MK Dons so there are links up and down the leagues.

For now there are very few links or notable reports and it could be interesting to see where he heads next.

Journalist’s View

Clarke-Harris can be unplayable at times, but you have to play to his strengths. If you want a quick forward that is going to stretch the defence and run the channels, you may need to look elsewhere. If you want a player that is strong and will battle in the penalty box he could be exactly what you need.

That does limit his options as more clubs are favouring quicker more mobile forwards. There are still clubs that can utilise similar talents, like Bradford City do with Andy Cook. At 30 years old, and on the back of a poor campaign he will need to find a club that will give him a home again for a year or two and a drop into League two may well be the best thing for him to recapture some of that confidence.

There will likely be a host of suitors, its just whether they are the right fit for what the player needs. A wrong move could see him dropping further as he enters the twilight of his career. His next contract is very important.