‘Flexibility’ key to Millwall player earning fresh contract offer

Ryan Leonard’s versatility has helped earn him a new contract offer from Millwall.

The Lions revealed last week that the former Southend United, Sheffield United and Plymouth player, who is due to be a free agent at the end of June, has been offered the chance to extend his Den stay.

Scott Malone and Mason Bennett have both been released.

Leonard, 30, was restricted to 18 appearances in the last campaign due to injuries.

But the midfielder has also shown he can play at right wing-back and on the right of a back three.

“When Lenny played he was very influential and performed really well,” Rowett told the South London Press.

“The slight caveat is on how many games Lenny was available for and that is probably one of the reasons he has been offered a new deal with probably a slightly different structure.

“There’s a reasons behind some of these decisions. They are not all the same decisions – to offer Lenny one and not Scottie or Mason. It’s not that way. We felt there was value there within the group with his (Leonard’s) flexibility and ability to play three or four different positions.”