Wednesday 4th July
The speculation begins as Sheffield Wednesday announce that Coughlan has had his contract terminated by mutual consent thus ending a two year stint at Hillsborough. Wednesday are keen to extend their thanks for his services. A club statement read: "Sheffield Wednesday would like to express sincere gratitude to Graham Coughlan for his dedicated survice during his time at the club and wish him all the best for the future.".
The MillersMAD message board was sprung in to life with many immediately citing the Irish man as a perfect signing.
Thursday 5th July
Millers boss Mark Robins says he would like to add another defender to his squad. He tells the Rotherham Star: "There's three of four in our sights but one in particular we like.". MillersMAD moles announce that the 'one' is Coughlan and that the club have spoken to the defender.
Meanwhile, the press in Swindon report that Coughlan has been in talks with the Wiltshire club with a view to joining up with his former boss, Paul Sturrock who signed him for both Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday. Coughlan does admit that he has other options and is talking to clubs from the Championship, League One and Scotland.
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Friday 6th July
Financially stricken League One club Leeds announce that Coughlan is one of eight trialists who will play for the club in a friendly against Shelbourne the next day. Coughlan also reveals that he will enter a second round of talks with Swindon and with no news coming out of Millmoor, the chances of him coming to Rotherham appear to be slipping away.
Saturday 7th July
Despite playing for Leeds in a friendly match, the national press report that the 32 year old has signed for Swindon but Coughlan refutes the claim and hints that having to uproot his family could rule a move down south out. "I've not put a time frame on my decision, but obviously I want to get it sorted out soon, for my own piece of mind and for my family.
"It's not just a football decision, because there's also the financial and geographical aspect. I've got a wife and two children to think of." he told the Swindon Advertiser.
Tuesday 10th July
Still no news about talks with Rotherham. Former Millers centre half and summer target Guy Branston reveals he turned down an offer to rejoin the club and vows to fight for his place at Peterbrough. The hunt for a central defender continues.
Wednesday 11th July
The story takes a big twist as Mark Robins admits that the Millers have lost out on the signing of Coughlan despite being very close to getting him. The Millers gaffer admits it would have been a great signing. "We were very close and he would have been an outstanding signing.
At one stage I thought he was coming and we were very close. There have been prolonged talks and we were looking forward to bringing him in because he was one we wanted. It would have been quite a capture.
But there was a spanner in the works and it was not to be. A decision had to be taken and we will look to move on. However, I will not be rushed into anything. We'll take a further look at what's going, and there's something planned to take a look at a player." Robins told the Rotherham Star.
Thursday 12th July
On the back of the Millers seemingly missing out on Coughlan, who turns 33 next Wednesday, it is reported that the club have offered a trial to Congolese defender Asami Mulongothi, who has a German passport and plays for Hertha Berlin's B side.
Friday 13th July
In an amazing turn of events, Rotherham announce of signing of Irish defender Graham Coughlan on a two year contract just 48 hours after boss Mark Robins declared the deal dead.
Fans are delighted with the signing and immediately declare the team as promotion candidates.