Contrasting fortunes for popular Portsmouth title winners amid mass exodus at relegated League One club
Sean Raggett registered 239 appearances for Pompey during a hugely-successful five-year stay at Fratton Park.
Sean Raggett’s disappointing two-year stay with Rotherham United has come to a close.
The former Pompey favourite has been told he is free to leave the New York Stadium at the conclusion of his contract following the Millers’ relegation to League Two.
The 32-year-old is one of 11 players set to depart the Yorkshire outfit as ruthless boss Lee Clark conducts wholesale changes to his squad, which finished 23rd in the third tier.
Raggett has been released alongside Cameron Dawson, Zak Jules, Liam Kelly, Reece James, Jordan Hugill, Josh Benson, Duncan Watmore, Josh Kayode, Ben Hatton and Ciaran McGucking.
Pompey title winner part of mass exodus at relegated League One club
It brings to an end a frustrating injury-hit stay for the defender, who made the move to Rotherham in 2024 following his emotional Pompey exit.
Serious knee and quad issues heavily restricted the League One title winner to just 19 appearances in all competitions during his two-year stint at the New York Stadium.
Despite Neil Harris’ side’s success, it was another frustrating stint for the ex-Lincoln City man, who was limited to just three league outings for the Us.
The centre-back spent large parts of his Abbey Stadium stint on the sidelines as an ankle issue suffered during training in March ruled him out of the final eight matches of the season.
Raggett’s trio of appearances all came from the bench and totalled just 50 minutes of match action.
The former Fratton favourite is now on the hunt for a new home this summer as he looks to put his injury woes behind him.
New Rotherham deal for ex-Pompey favourite
The right-back had a 12-month option triggered on his contract, after amassing enough appearances during the season to activate a fresh extension.
The 32-year-old featured 48 times in all competitions for the Millers this season, with the skipper now poised to lead the club into League Two.
Rafferty joined Raggett at the New York Stadium in May 2024 and has gone on to register 92 appearances to date.
Speaking in April, Rotherham boss Clark lauded the ever-present full-back after earning his fresh deal.
He told our sister paper, the Rotherham Advertiser: ‘Joe has triggered the option in his contract. I'm delighted for him. He's a top pro. You don't have the career he's had and still be playing in his age bracket if you're not a good pro.
‘There have been a couple of times where he's been left out and he's still been a top pro. I can't speak highly enough of him.’
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