“Unbelievable” – Gary Rowett reckons Millwall team spirit is best he has ever experienced

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gary Rowett has described Millwall’s team spirit as the best he has experienced – following a number of his players who have made the same claim.

The Lions have been in hugely impressive form since the former Stoke, Derby and Birmingham boss took over the managerial reigns at The Den.

And Rowett spoke about the way in which his players helped to smooth Ryan Woods’ settling in process after a season-long loan deal was completed on Friday.

Woods, signed from Stoke City, went straight into a Millwall starting line-up for today’s 2-0 victory over Reading.

Rowett said: “It’s a difficult game to come into. He’s only signed on Friday and trained once with the group. But it’s such a good group.

“We put Woodsy in a hotel near Bromley and Jed said: “Why don’t you put him in the same hotel as me and Pearcey? We’re going out for some food – we’ll take him out and look after him.’

“That’s the kind of group we’ve got . Players will step up for each other.

“You probably saw 70 per cent of Ryan Woods, because he has not played much football. But he can pass a ball, he can help to control a game. He can make tackles, he’s feisty and can play tactically very well.

“It freed up Jayse to go a little further forward, which he did very well. He’ll only get better.

“It isn’t the easiest pitch to play on so it’s more difficult to receive the ball from the centre-backs and get forward quickly.

“Some do because they are professional and don’t want to travel in on the day of a game. The point I’m making is they could have left him on his own, quite easily. But people like Jed, they step up. People don’t see that leadership side with some of these players.

“We know Pearcey steps up but someone like Jed always does the right things. He’s a really good character. They welcome everyone into the group.

“The spirit is unbelievable. It’s probably the best I’ve ever seen at any club.”