The Advertiser's Rotherham United Player of the Year, plus what fans have had to say about him

HE was so good that even a man as undemonstrative as Matt Taylor gave him a big hug.

Rotherham United had just guaranteed their Championship survival when their manager took it upon himself to share a heartfelt embrace with goalkeeper Viktor Johansson on the pitch at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Typically, the Swedish shot-stopper had made a stunning save in the dying minutes to make sure the home side maintained their 1-0 May 1 lead over Middlesbrough and stayed up.

The 24-year-old had been making stunning saves all season. So much so that many observers rated him the best keeper in the entire division in the 2022/23 campaign.

He missed only three league matches, kept his team in games on so many occasions and won his first senior international call-up.

“Viktor, by a country mile,” said Taylor when asked earlier this month who the club’s top performer had been.”

We agree. The Viking is the Advertiser’s Player of the Year.

Meanwhile, not many people knew the name Cameron Humphreys when the Millers took the former Manchester City youngster from Belgian football last summer.

A lot more know it now.

The centre-half has enjoyed a superb first year at New York and is the Advertiser’s runner-up.

On the ball, he was so assured, and he learned more and more to embrace the ‘ugly’ side of his responsibilities as the campaign wore on. By the end of it, he was the complete package.

To complement those silky skills there was a bit of steel and heart too. Humphreys never missed a game from Christmas onwards even though he was carrying a knee condition that required regular treatment and limited his training regime.

There were 38 league outings in all, 24 of them coming consecutively towards the end of the season when the pressure was on and his club really needed him.

Third: midfielder Ollie Rathbone (38 league appearances). Fourth: winger and ten-goal top scorer Chiedozie Ogbene (40 league appearances).

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FANS’ VIEWS

We asked supporters on Twitter what they thought about Rotherham’s number one.

We wouldn't be playing Championship football next season without his heroics. Long live the (Vi) King.

@mexbromiller

He is the heart and soul of the team. His passion resonates with the fans.

@Chris_M_RUFC

Super, Super Vik! Most consistent player this season. Wouldn't be in the Championship next season without him.

@Crookesy1015

Viktor is the type of bloke who would pull off a world-class performance then meet you in the pub for a pint straight after. Love the lad.

@Baldwin306Shaun

Best Millers keeper I've seen.

@worrallc

My hero because he made me appreciate more what keepers do. I play in goal.

@luke_wassell

I have found myself buying a Swedish GK shirt.

@mdyer23

Best keeper in the league by a mile.

@rufctom_

It's like falling off your bike as a kid and looking up to see, through the floods of tears, your daddy coming to make it all better.

@Key_147

He represents everything I love about my club!!!

@pjprober

Unbelievable onsistency.  The fact that he happily signed a new contract and loves being at the club adds to his relationship with the fans.

@BushbyIain

The most personable footballer I’ve ever encountered. I recall Cheltenham away last season and my seven-year-old grandson's first away match. Viktor warming up still found time to offer a selfie.

@AxholmeMiller

Viktor has been consistent and a superstar in between the sticks. He has inspired my two boys in their goalkeeping too.

@MillersMum1986

First name on the teamsheet. First name in the stands. First name to put pen to paper. Oh Viktor, what a man

@MillerSince74

He's committed, he plays with a smile on his face, he's good for the team and he's a top, top keeper. We love him being at Rotherham.

@AGardener108

My first match was in 1978. In that time the club's best two keepers have been Ray Mountford and Viktor. I would go as far as to say he kept us up. His passion is infectious and that’s why everyone loves him.

@rufc_uk

He's an absolute superstar. We'd be lost without him. Super-Vik!

@wenuwood

It’s simply in his heart - he’s a Miller. He loves the club. We love him. He makes us proud. He’s one of the best goalies in Europe!

@Paul15271959

Only one word needed. Loyal.

@RossMoffat12

An unbelievable keeper and the epitome of a proper Rotherham player. Gives everything, passionate and committed.

@sparklydiamond

We’re truly appreciative of his unwavering loyalty and remarkable performances.

@Dec_Martin7