Holmes is heading back to his native Scotland after playing for eight years in England with Carlisle United, Bournemouth and most recently Rotherham.

The 6ft 2ins striker made 33 appearances for the Millers last year, weighing in with 11 goals.

The departure of Holmes leaves a gap in the Millers strike force that they will be eager to fill because as well as his goalscoring feats he was a physical presence up front.

Rotherham's pre-season preparations are well under way and they are set to play against Paul Jewell's Derby County next Saturday.

Derby, relegated from the Premier League last year, will be the most challenging of the club's pre-season games.

The Millers also play Scunthorpe on July 22nd and from there the League Two side will go on to face FA Cup semi-finalists Barnsley in a South Yorkshire derby at Don Valley Stadium.

The club are hoping that reduced prices will bring in a bumper crowd for what is the highlight of the pre-season campaign for Rotherham, with tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

The Millers will also host games against Bristol Rovers and Hartlepool, as well as games at UniBond League neighbours Sheffield FC on July 21st and Stocksbridge PS on July 28th.

United are still waiting for a decision on whether or not they will be deducted points when they come out of administration, but new owner Tony Stewart is confident the club can avoid a 15-point penalty when they do.

The club's lawyers and administrators are still working towards paying off the Millers' creditors via a Company Voluntary Agreement that is required under Football League rules.

Stewart said: "We want blue skies ahead when we come out of administration. People have come through a lot of adversity at this club, the manager is upbeat about the playing prospects and so much is looking better.

"The talks continue over the CVA matter and we are doing the best we can."

Stewart has also made moves to ensure that the team will be back playing in Rotherham following their move to the Don Valley Stadium.

The club has been ordered to pay the Football League "an irrevocable bond" of £750,000 in order play at Don Valley next season.

The Football League have insisted on the financial commitment to go alongside the club's word that they will be ready to move into a new purpose-built stadium within four years.