Millwall striker Matt Smith: Keeping maverick Jed Wallace was vital for our season

By Daniel Evans

Striker Matt Smith admitted that Millwall hanging on to Jed Wallace was “absolutely massive” after the Lions winger stayed put on deadline day.

There were no concrete proposals for the Den talisman towards the end of the transfer window – despite the 27-year-old starring for the Lions over the past three seasons.

The winger has been vital since signing permanently after two loan spells in 2016 and 2017 and has topped the scoring charts for Millwall with double figures over the last two years.

Wallace showcased his talents once again in the 2-1 win over Blackpool with a stunning 25-yard free-kick before his assist for Jake Cooper’s late winner.

That takes his tally to three goals already this term after just five games.

And Smith was in no doubt over just how big a coup it was to keep Wallace in SE16. “It was absolutely massive that he stayed,” said the Lions striker.

“He’s our maverick player so to speak – you only have to look at Blackpool to see what a hole he dug us out off with that bit of magic from 25 yards. He’s done that time and time again for us.

“Any successful team will always have that mercurial, maverick type who can really produce moments of magic from nowhere and Jed is definitely that for us.

“He really galvanizes the team and has such big energy on and off the pitch. So, it was a major coup that he stays with the group. “I know how much he loves it here. He loves the club and the lads, so he’ll be determined to mount an even better season than the previous ones now.”

Pictured: Jed Wallace celebrates his equaliser in the 2-1 win over Blackpool on August 28

• See Friday’s South London Press for an exclusive interview with Matt Smith