Millwall boss explains why fresh move for Ryan Woods was a no-go
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Millwall manager Gary Rowett has explained why a third loan deal for Ryan Woods was never an option in this transfer window.
The midfielder, 27, had spent the last 18 months with the South London club while he was on Stoke City’s books.
Birmingham City completed a permanent deal for Woods earlier this week. The former Brentford man has signed a three-year contract with Lee Bowyer’s side.
Woods played 64 matches for the Lions.
“Woodsy did fantastic for us and I’m really pleased for him that he has got a long-term deal at a club,” said Rowett.
“He is Stafford-based, so this is a lot closer to home for him.
“I thought another season with us would have been difficult, for a number of reasons.
“George Evans will play that holding midfield role for us in a slightly different way and I also thought it would be hard for Woodsy to be travelling down again for another season.
“He has got a really good move to a good club. It has worked out really well for him.
“Woodsy wasn’t one we were actively pursuing. But I love Woodsy and I’ll be wishing him good luck in the next few days.”
Ryan Leonard is set to be missing for the start of pre-season as he recovers from ankle surgery. The 29-year-old midfielder, who even adeptly filled in as a right-sided central defender in the 2020-21 campaign, has not played since February 6.
Millwall report back on July 1 as they build up to the Championship opener at QPR on August 7.
Rowett said: “Because Lenny ended up having an operation towards the back end of the season, to get to the bottom of his problem, he is going to be a little bit behind.
“I would expect Lenny to join in training with the other players probably three weeks into pre-season.
“It is a little bit disappointing but, at the same time, we have got to tread a little bit carefully.
“He’s had a little bit of an issue for a while but hopefully that has been sorted now that he has been operated on. It’s better that we wrap him up in cotton wool a little bit.”
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