Millwall managerial search closing in on a climax – with appointment likely next week

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Millwall are close to reaching a climax in their managerial search with Nathan Jones and Joe Edwards both frontrunners for the job.

Former QPR and Rangers boss Michael Beale has also advanced through the process.

The Lions cut their shortlist of candidates and look set to have Gary Rowett’s successor in place next week.

Former Luton Town and Southampton boss Jones is keen and the 50-year-old was interviewed for a second time on Wednesday.

The former Charlton U21 coach has been out of work since being dismissed by the Saints in February.

Jones looks a good fit for Millwall, putting together a high-tempo and aggressive Luton Town side which – if replicated – should get the seal of approval from the South London club’s fanbase.

The Hatters won automatic promotion from League Two in 2018 before he joined Stoke City.

Jones returned to Luton in May 2020 and was named Championship Manager of the Season in the following campaign as they lost in the play-off semi-finals.

The Welshman had a win percentage of 51.2 per cent before quitting for Southampton in November 2022.

Millwall have also considered going down the route of appointing a young up-and-coming coach, which is where Edwards comes into contention.

He cut his teeth in Chelsea’s academy for two decades before being promoted into Frank Lampard’s backroom staff in 2019 and then stayed on to assist Thomas Tuchel as the Blues won the Champions League in 2021.

Edwards, 37, was appointed England U20 head coach in August.

Adam Barrett, who has been in caretaker charge since Rowett’s exit, is also under consideration.

The former Southend United and Crystal Palace defender will once more be at the helm for the visit of Southampton to a sold-out Den tomorrow.

John Eustace had been an early contender for Millwall’s vacancy but is understood to be settled in the Midlands.

Bristol City and Derby County have been linked with Eustace, who was recently sacked by Birmingham City.