New Millwall boss Gary Rowett on the urge to be in the dugout again – and how media work has kept up his Championship knowledge
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Gary Rowett reckons his media work covering the EFL this season has helped keep his Championship knowledge topped up – but admits the start of this season only increased his urge to get back into management.
The 45-year-old was appointed Millwall boss on Monday evening.
Rowett had been a pundit for Sky Sports and Quest since being sacked by Stoke City at the start of 2019.
“When you are out for eight months the first couple are quite nice, because you can reflect on your experiences previously – and what you’ve learned,” said Rowett in an exclusive sitdown with the South London Press.
“You look at how you can move forward as a better manager, and I also spent time with my family – which is great, away from the 24-7 nature of being a manager.
“And then the season starts….and you just feel that urge to be back on the touchline and feel that atmosphere.
“That’s what we all miss.
“I love football. I’d watch countless games, even if I’m not involved in football. To be given this opportunity and here now, having got everything sorted, is really exciting.
“I can’t wait to start and I also feel this club is a really good fit for me. I hope I’m a good fit for them.”
Rowett also did radio work for BBC Radio Derby and BRMB after retiring from the game in 2007.
“When I finished playing I was probably around 30 at Charlton – it was quite early through injury,” he said. “I quite quickly went on to do some media work.
“I’ve always done it if I’ve been out of the game, and you enjoy doing it. The beauty of this is that I’ve watched nearly every Championship side this season, whether that’s live or not live.
“It maintains your ability to read the Championship and keeps you involved in some capacity.
“But, listen, this is my day job. This is what you want to do, and what you hope you do best.”
SEE FRIDAY’S SOUTH LONDON PRESS FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GARY ROWETT
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