Millwall boss Rowett not expecting sales in January -as he discusses chances that new Cardiff chief Harris will try and land either players or staff at Den

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Gary Rowett knows that Millwall have got players that new Cardiff manager Neil Harris will admire – but has confidently stated that he expects none of his squad to be leaving in the January transfer window.

Harris resigned as Lions boss at the start of October and was appointed by the Welsh side, who will have a far more significant budget, over the weekend.

It also raises the prospect that Millwall staff could be in his sights. Harris has appointed David Livermore as his assistant – a role he also performed in SE16 – but he quit at the same time.

Rowett brought in Callum Davidson as his assistant manager and also Joe Carnall as technical coach. Adam Barrett, who had been in caretaker charge as the Lions interviewed candidates, reverted to first-team coach once Rowett took on the top job.

“When someone has worked somewhere four years and had such a good relationship with people – including the players and staff – of course there is a possibility that he might be looking at one or two thinking ‘I’d really like to work with them again’,” admitted Rowett.

“Are we in a position where we want to let anyone go? Not really. I’ve worked really well with the staff so far.

“It was made quite clear when I came here that they [Millwall’s board] felt they had a really good group of staff. I can see why that was the opinion because everyone has worked incredibly hard and taken on board some of our ideas.

“It’s impossible to answer [if there will be any approach from Cardiff]. You deal with it – if and when it comes. If someone gets the opportunity to move forward with Neil – and desperately wants to go – then of course it is something you have to look at.

“But we have no real plans that have been mentioned. I don’t anticipate them being mentioned.

“Neil knows the players here and what they are all about.

“I’m sure there would be one or two that might interest him in an ideal world – but we’re not in a position where we’re looking to sell any player really in January, whether that is Cardiff or any other Championship or Premier League club.”

Rowett is still in a period of assessing the players at his disposal.

And he says that the chance to impress is there for all of them – even the likes of Tom Elliott.

The former AFC Wimbledon striker has had an injury-hit campaign but seemed to be totally out of the picture under the previous regime. Millwall had hoped to sell in the summer – with the big frontman heading into the final year of his contract. Instead he is battling to get fit.

“I’ve seen plenty of Tom before and always thought he was a real handful to play against,” said Rowett. “He’s got mobility and is good in the air. He’s an all-round tough player to play against, particularly in home games.

“But when you’ve had those repetitive injuries – hamstrings – the focus for Tom is to get fit first and then when he’s fit he’ll be the same as everybody else – he will get the chance to show what he’s all about.

“It’s difficult to answer after four weeks on any player – in the sense of where you see them long term – because every player has a chance to stake a claim to stay longer or to get in the team.”
Jayson Molumby could be an injury doubt for tomorrow’s match at Swansea after coming off in the Republic of Ireland U21s’ 4-1 victory over Sweden on Tuesday night.

The on-loan Brighton midfielder had missed the previous match against Armenia due to suspension.

Millwall already had depleted options in the middle of the park with Ryan Leonard (knee) at least another fortnight away from a first-team return.