Exclusive: Fred Onyedinma set for Millwall exit – and Tom Elliott could also leave this summer
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Fred Onyedinma is set to leave Millwall this summer – and Tom Elliott could also be heading out the Den exit door.
Lions manager Neil Harris is planning a major overhaul of his squad after they just scraped home in their Championship survival fight.
And attacker Onyedinma, 22, appears to have no future at the South London club.
He was recalled from his loan at League One Wycombe Wanderers at the start of January but then only featured once – as an 82nd-minute substitute against Sheffield Wednesday.
Onyedinma was not even on the bench for 10 of Millwall’s final 11 matches.
“With regards to Fred, it is very unlikely he will be at our club next year,” said Harris. “I talk about players earning the right to be in the squad and committed to the shirt.
“There are certain elements of Fred that would’ve been a real positive for us this season, certainly in the second half of this season – but it wasn’t to be.
“I build my Millwall team around characteristics – players who want to go that extra yard for the shirt and put their team-mates first. They really deserve the opportunity to play.
“I think Fred will be busy behind the scenes, with his agent, trying to find a fresh start somewhere else next season.”
Onyedinma has a deal at Millwall until June 2020.
And the Lions will not just cut the player loose.
“Fred is contracted and has got ability and potential to be a good player at this level,” said Harris. “Fred has got a value for this club.”
Centre-forward Elliott, 28, has activated an extra year on his terms but Harris is keen to bring in at least two strikers this summer.
And there is likely to be League One interest in the former AFC Wimbledon man.
“Tom had an option which was triggered by playing games earlier this season,” said Harris. “Tom is under contract with us.
“But Tom is a player who has had frustrating spells in the team and out of the team with us. I’ve had some really good conversations with Tom about his future.
“Tom is one who could be with us next season, because he is under contract, but he might want to go somewhere to play a lot more football, to be a real regular in the team.
“Tom had a lot of off-the-field issues this year – family-wise – and had to do some travelling backwards and forwards to Leeds. There is an element now that he might want to be closer to his family.
“There are things there for him to mull over this summer. He is just one of a few players we have to decide what is best for the player and the club.”
There have also been questions over club captain Steve Morison’s future. He turns 36 in August and only started 15 of the 41 league games he played last season.
“Moro’s always had the understanding he is going to be here next year contractually,” said Harris. “But there are grey areas – how much involvement will he have in the playing squad?
“He has shown his quality over the course of the season at certain times. He helped carry us over the line with his commitment and making sure players were at it.
“The ball is in Steve’s court – where he sees his future.
“I enjoy having him at the club and I think the club needs a Steve Morison figurehead around the changing room. But we also have to start thinking about his coaching career as well, his pathway in the future is going to be that.
“I’m pretty sure he will be with us next season. It’s just working out a capacity that ticks all boxes for Steve Morison and us as well.”
With Lee Gregory leaving this summer – bound for Stoke on a free transfer – it means Millwall will need to bolster their frontline.
“We will be looking to bring in at least two centre-forwards and more attacking options in the wide areas,” said Harris.