Millwall midfielder likely to be weighing up move options in January transfer window
Gary Rowett expects Ben Thompson to weigh up his options in the January transfer window if he is still out of the first-team picture at The Den.
The 26-year-old midfielder has played 174 matches for Millwall after coming through the club’s youth ranks but has featured once in the Championship this season, as an 89th-minute sub against Blackpool in August.
Thompson has not made the Lions’ matchday squad for 12 of their 17 league fixtures – failing to make the cut for the most recent nine.
The likes of Billy Mitchell, 20, and Maikel Kieftenbeld, 31, have both been selected ahead of Thompson, who has opted to keep his fitness up by playing for Kevin Nugent’s U23s.
Thompson’s contract expires at the end of June and a further lack of football in the second half of the campaign could hinder his move prospects.
“It is pretty clear Thommo wants to play football – he has always had that mindset,” Millwall boss Rowett told the South London Press.
“I’ve chosen to speak to him on a couple of occasions, just to have a conversation about where we are.
“He has been a really, really good player for this club and wants to play in the U23s if he is not in the first-team. His attitude is fantastic.
“He has been really good in those games and has helped a little bit with his leadership around the younger lads. I can’t say enough good things about him.
“Until January he will continue to be available for selection for the first team. If January comes around and he hasn’t played or featured much then I’m sure he’ll be no different – he will want to play football.
“I’d be more worried if a player was sat there and didn’t want to play or get in the first-team. Those wouldn’t be the right attributes.
“Thommo has shown all the right things and should be commended for that.”
It is a similar scenario for Jon-Dadi Bodvarsson. The Icelandic international turned down loan options in the summer transfer window.
Bodvarsson, 29, has not played a minute of Championship football, only making the bench for the September trip to Swansea City.
Thompson started in the EFL Cup ties but the forward has only had an 18-minute cameo in the win over Cambridge United.
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Thommo should be playing – he is better than some of the MF Gommo’s that get picked week in and week out – Yet another example of the manager not knowing what he is doing!!
Better than Saville Evans – miles better than Kieftenbeld (then who isnt!!) AND Mitchell – although Mitchell has youth on his side.
Rowett talks about buying Afobi – complete waste of time and money – look at his track record – Its a bit like Rowetts – not very impressive
And I thought Holloway was bad!!
I am going to be straight up with you and say that Thommo should definitely be playing in the 1st team his a hell of a player and he doesn’t even get into the 1st team . He is a lot better than some of the other players that are in the team. I have been a Millwall supporter all my life..But I’m not happy with the situation with a few of players either not in the 1st team or literally on the verge of losing them.Sort it out .We have a great chance to get into the play off position.Sort it out. ….