Lions hunting players who can really impact their team in January transfer window

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Joe Edwards has described next month’s transfer window as “really complex” with Millwall looking to make quality additions that can majorly impact their Championship campaign.

The Lions are in urgent need of reinforcements after taking one point from a possible 15 to leave them perched just above the bottom three and about to face Huddersfield Town and QPR – two of the four clubs below them – in their next two home matches.

Edwards is gearing up for his first recruitment window since he was appointed head coach in November.

“This one is talking about bringing in players to make an impact,” he told the South London Press. “For those ones who can really make an impact then you’re normally talking about players who have been elsewhere in the first half of the season and really standing out.

“It then becomes a really competitive market. You get other clubs that, sometimes if they have a bigger budget, are able to trump you.

“There are other situations like the rate of injuries continues to grow – across the board. Therefore clubs have got players in their squad that although they are not getting loads of game time – I’m sure the player would want to get out and play – some managers will simply just be scared to leave themselves short.

“Then you have got the African Cup of Nations (which runs from January 13 until February 11).

“If clubs are losing players to AFCON for a period of time then again that will impact players who it would make sense for them to go out and make appearances. They will be needed to cover the holes in their squad for AFCON.

“It’s really complex. We’re doing our best to have plans and contingency plans but, at the same time, if we do make any moves they have to be the right moves. It’s tricky but we’re working on it.”

Edwards, 37, has endured a tough baptism as Lions boss since a 4-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday in his first match at the helm.

The only other point came at The Den, a 1-1 draw with Sunderland on December 2.

“You learn stuff every day being around players at the training ground and you learn every game – what you have got in your group,” said Edwards.

“Particularly in the run that we’re in, where we’re finding it hard to win games – it probably does point out things more clearly that would be good additions to the team.”