The Millers were able to finally agree a loan extension with Tottenham for Ward, who also penned a new deal at White Hart Lane, until the end of the season, ending a will-he-won't-he saga that lasted most of the month.
Ward's desire to stay at New York Stadium was never in doubt and only technicalities with the administration of his loan held up the extension.
Having started the last 17 games under boss Neil Redfearn, he sees the Millers as the perfect place to continue his development.
“It’s taken a bit longer to
get done but I’m very happy to have extended my loan until the end of the
season.
“Since the gaffer has come in
I’ve started more games and that’s important and I’m starting to see the
progression in my career which I need at my age.
“The fans have been really
good to me since I’ve been here and that started in pre-season. That’s been
massive for me and it’s given me a lot of confidence.
“I think there are about 17
games left and the aim is to stay up and I can’t see any reason why we can’t do
that.”
Maguire could only wish he was that popular with Redfearn as he agreed a termination to his contract, allowing him to join Oxford where he had enjoyed a recent loan spell.
He played only 123 minutes under Redfearn and never got his Millers career started after arriving a week before the season started unfit and overweight.
The former Sheffield
Wednesday man, who turned down a new deal at Hillsborough in the summer,
said of his move to League Two Oxford: "I enjoyed my time here and am very
happy to have signed.
"There is a real buzz about the club right now and I am
looking forward to being part of it once more."
Redfearn would have liked one more in through the New York Stadium door as he chased a central midfielder, but was unable to get a deal done in time.
However, with the loan window re-opening next week, the Millers will not have to wait long before they can start doing business again.
And they will hope that resumption will also include departures for Greg Halford and Emmanuel Ledesma, who remain at the club but with no future.
