‘Millwall have delivered what the fans asked for’ – Billy Mitchell on a quality summer for the South Londoners

Billy Mitchell reckons Millwall have delivered nearly everything on the fans’ wishlist this summer.

The 21-year-old midfielder signed a new long-term contract last weekend with Murray Wallace, the reigning Player of the Year, following suit on Tuesday.

The Lions, who kick of their Championship campaign at home to Stoke City tomorrow, also broke their transfer record with the £1.7million signing of Zian Flemming in June.

And Millwall also secured last season’s top-scorer Benik Afobe on a 12-month deal.

“It makes me laugh because you see on Twitter what the fans are asking for – the kind of positions they feel we need more players in, or more strengthening, and two days later there will be a signing in that position,” said Mitchell, whose younger brother Zach, 17, has put pen to paper on a three-year professional contract at Charlton.

“I feel like this year we seem to have ticked every box they have kind of asked for. Hopefully now everything comes together.”

Defender Wallace has scored 11 goals in 142 matches since joining from Scunthorpe United in 2018.

“I love Muzza,” said Mitchell. “He is one of those players who really gives you confidence every time he goes into a 50-50 that he’s going to come away with it.

“As a midfielder, if the ball goes over your head and you seeing it going towards Muz you can take a deep breath and think ‘we’re going to get possession here’.

“He’s a physical lad. He’s big, quick and good in the air. But he’s probably under-rated on the ball.”

Mitchell played 42 league matches last season for his boyhood club and the result of his progression has been improved and extended terms.

“Millwall have always been good at that – whenever they see a player do pretty well then they tend to reward them,” he said. “That’s a pretty good incentive. It shows if you play well and do well for the club then they are going to have your back.

“I felt like last season was a pretty good one for me. They felt it was time to sit down and have a conversation. My last deal was okay, good for where I was at that time, but perhaps circumstances had changed. I really got into a flow and that comes from playing games back to back.

“It will be a lot more difficult this season. We’ve signed a lot more midfield players, I imagine there will be a bit more rotation but I’m prepared for that.

“I want to have as good a season as last, if not improve on it.

“I’d say my targets this season are moving away from appearances and more towards the technical and tactical stuff – how can I improve? That perhaps could be more assists.

“I understand my strengths lie further back, breaking up play and doing the more simple things. But it never hurts to try and improve your numbers in terms of how you’re going to affect games. It’s about working with the staff to play more penetrating passes.”