Millwall striker Lee Gregory is a top Championship performer – Lions boss offers his opinions why
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Lee Gregory is one of the Championship’s top-performing strikers – with Tom Bradshaw’s arrival at Millwall aiding his goal spike.
That is the verdict of Lions manager Neil Harris after the Sheffield-born forward took his tally for the campaign to seven with a brace in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Gregory only had two goals at the same stage of the last Championship campaign and is well on course to surpassing his best haul at this level – 10.
His starting spot has come under greater threat since Millwall paid a seven-figure sum for Bradshaw at the end of the August transfer window.
But the ex-Barnsley man has been left waiting for a sustained slug of first-team games.
“Lee Gregory’s form coincides with Tom Bradshaw coming to the club,” said Harris. “Tom is an excellent player and a top striker – he’s got great movement around the box and is a great finisher.
“Gregs knows he has to play at his best because he is under pressure. Tom wants to play.
“Gregs has added goals to his game in the six-yard box and that’s what I’ve wanted from him for a long time now, because he has got the ability to do that. He’s such a strong player and clever with his movement outside the box.
“The way we play – our game – suits Lee Gregory. Yes, we recruit players who suit how we want to play at this football club.
“Lee Gregory epitomises that. He wants to run the channels and link the play – get on the end of crosses and in the six-yard box after a set-play.
“He won’t find a better club to play for than us and the way we play.
“I’m delighted with his form. It’s not just the goals. His all-round game is impressive – better than it ever has been.
“He is in the best form of his career. He scored 27 goals in League One for us one season I’m talking about his all-round game in terms of the middle of the pitch, final third movement and the timing of his runs.
“He is right up there as one of the best strikers in the division.”