Millwall boss Gary Rowett on decision to release Mason Bennett and Scott Malone

Millwall manager Gary Rowett is not completely ruling out a contract offer eventually being made to Mason Bennett.

The Lions announced at the end of last week that they would not be retaining Bennett or Scott Malone when their contracts expire at the end of June.

Rowett, who brought the pair to SE16, admits that releasing the pair were “very, very difficult decisions”.

“Scottie came in and did really, really well – in particular that first season when he was outstanding in the wing-back role,” the Millwall boss told the South London Press. “He’s a really good lad.

“I really like him and Mason. I get on with both of them as people, first and foremost.

“Sometimes it comes to that point where you have to make that decision for both the club and the player to play more regularly. Scottie didn’t play as much, certainly second half of the season, maybe down to the switch of formation. That’s quite difficult to keep people fresh and happy.

“He was brilliant. Up until the last time he gave everything he had. He’s a fantastic footballer.

“Mason is not one we’ve completely ruled out – but what we’ve had to say is that it’s unlikely we can offer you anything.

“Mase will probably say the same, that’s it’s been really difficult for him to play regular games back to back from both a selection point of view and a fitness point of view. It gets to the point where maybe he needs that fresh challenge.

“He’s one I think we would revisit if perhaps targets don’t go as we think. I don’t think we would rule that one out, of getting back to the table. But sometimes you’re better to have that clarity of where we are and so therefore both those players go with our best wishes. They’ve both been brilliant in the training ground and around the group – they’ve played a massive part in the club’s success over the last three or four years.

“It’s not nice decisions to have to make, I’ve got to say that.”