Millwall boss hoping Adam Barrett stays at Den despite Southend United vacancy

Gary Rowett is expecting Adam Barrett to stay at Millwall – even though his assistant manager has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Southend United.

Sol Campbell left the Shrimpers by mutual consent at the end of June.

Former Southend defender Barrett is a fans’ favourite at Roots Hall and had been linked with a return before Campbell took the job.

The Essex outfit have been relegated to League Two.

Barrett stepped up to number two in Rowett’s backroom team last month after Callum Davidson took charge at St Johnstone.

The 40-year-old also had a spell in caretaker charge of Millwall following Neil Harris’ resignation.

Rowett said: “Adam’s done a really good job since I’ve come in.

“It’s sometimes hard when you come into a new club for the staff who have been there for a while and have been loyal to the previous manager Neil [Harris].

“But they’ve become almost like our own staff. We don’t feel any different about them – Adam and the rest of the guys have been brilliant.

“He’s really good at his job. He’s dedicated to the club in terms of if you ask him to do something he prepares really, really well and does a meticulous job.

“I spoke to Ad about it and said: ‘Look, from my point of view, I want you here for a long time – you’re a huge part of what we’re doing’.

“I think he’s really enjoying it and is really happy. It’s slightly different methods we use, but sometimes for a coach that is good because you see a different way of working.

“I hope he’s happy enough to resist any overtures from anywhere but I can understand why there would be an interest. Particularly Southend – because that’s been his club for a long time. I know how hard that is to resist.

“I believe he’ll still be here next season.”