Millwall boss Rowett discusses Championship transfer approach during pandemic
Gary Rowett reckons plenty of Championship clubs have reined in their spending in this transfer window – and has revealed how it has affected Millwall’s approach.
The Lions have loaned three players – Troy Parrott, Scott Malone and Ryan Woods – along with a permanent deal for Mason Bennett.
Championship clubs only finished the 2019-20 campaign at the end of July due to the Covid-19 pandemic – playing behind closed doors – and faced a truncated break. A limited number of fans will be allowed to attend fixtures from October.
Rowett said: “We had a young left wing-back on our list who probably would have cost us £1million and very similar wages to what we’re paying Scottie.
“At the moment that player would probably take six months to develop, so the team would probably not be as good initially and we’d have a player we need to do a lot of work with.
“I think a lot of clubs will do the same – put longer-term plans to one side and try to maximise what they have got to spend and how they impact the team.
“Don’t forget we were in the running for Kieffer Moore and Jamal Lowe – John [Berylson, owner] would have 100 per cent invested in those players if we felt it was the right deals. But we had to get good value out of the deals we did as well.
“Hopefully that is what we’ve done. I say hopefully because it’s easy to feel you have done good business but only time will tell once we’re into the season.”
Rowett also feels League One clubs voting for a wage cap has also hampered the ability to loan certain players to that level.
There is also the possibility that similar spending measures could come in for the Championship.
“Everyone is conscious of a budget coming into this level at some point – so I don’t think anyone wants to go mad,” explained the Lions chief. “Clubs haven’t had income from the fans, so that’s had a big impact.
“What’s also made it difficult is that certainly League One teams can’t take many Championship players on loan because of their budget connotations.
“It’s been a difficult window. Teams have struggled to get rid of players who perhaps are not part of their plans and have had no income and no-one knows when that will come back fully.
“I don’t think anyone wants to spend lots and lots.”
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I should imagine Junior Tiensia would be mightily disappointed to hear that young left wing back was being considered; I think this is the year when he really needs to push on and start to realise his potential.