Gary Rowett: ‘This is the most competitive squad I have had as Millwall boss’

Gary Rowett believes this is the most competitive squad he has had in his three years as Millwall boss.

The Lions head into the final four games before the break for the Qatar 2022 World Cup in the top six of the Championship and four points off table-toppers QPR.

Rowett broke Millwall’s record transfer fee [£1.7million] over the summer to bring in Zian Flemming from Fortuna Sittard. 

The Millwall boss also brought in Jamie Shackleton, Benik Afobe, George Honeyman, Andreas Voglsammer, Callum Styles and Charlie Cresswell.

Rowett was able to call upon the likes of Tyler Burey and Mason Bennett from the bench last time out during the 2-1 win against West Brom, with Burey scoring the eventually 90th-minute winner.

“It probably is,” Rowett told the South London Press when asked about whether this is the strongest squad he has had during his time at The Den.

“That’s natural. As you build, you build better squads along the way. It’s like anything, people that haven’t necessarily impacted the team, you replace with players who can impact the team. 

“It’s the most competitive squad we have had. We’re not massive in terms of numbers, but we have got a lot of good-quality players. 

“We probably have 20 players who feel that they should play, whereas in some years, you have 24 or 25 and you’re leaving players out.

“The squad quality is better than it has been.”

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS