Alex Neil has already told Millwall he wants to keep loan player who has just left the club
A look at the future of Josh Coburn as Millwall prepare their summer transfer plans.
Millwall have now confirmed their retained list after an impressive season that saw Alex Neil take the Lions to within a whisker of the play-offs. It was a season few expected, and especially after Neil Harris left his job during the season, a move that threatened to derail any progress managed since Harris took Millwall away from the relegation battle last season.
Neil has done a superb job so far, and there will surely be plenty of excitement for next season as a result, although recruitment will be vital to any promotion bid, and some tough decisions have already been made.
The Lions confirmed on Monday that Shaun Hutchinson, Murray Wallace, Duncan Watmore and Aaron Connolly have all been released at the end of their contracts. The Hutchinson departure will be felt the most by fans, with the centre-back having been the club’s captain.
Director of Football at The Den, Steve Gallen, said: "On and off the pitch, Shaun has been a fantastic leader for many years and a great servant to Millwall Football Club. As we enter into our ninth consecutive Sky Championship season, his goal against Bristol Rovers to secure the Play-Offs must always be remembered as one of the biggest in our history. We would all like to thank him for his outstanding contribution over the past nine years. Shaun will always be welcome at our football club."
Elsewhere, Millwall have said goodbye to their loanees for now, and it will be interesting to see whether they make a permanent move for one or more of those players, with particular expectation around a possible deal for striker Josh Coburn.
What Millwall have said
As it always the case at this stage, Millwall have confirmed the departure of their loan players who have, at least for now, returned to their parent clubs. The retained list statement read: “Josh Coburn, Zak Sturge, Ryan Wintle and Calum Scanlon all return to their parent clubs at the end of their loan spells, with Adam Mayor, Kamarl Grant and Kevin Nisbet set to return to SE16 at the conclusion of their loans at Bromley and Aberdeen.”
Coburn scored six and provided one assist in 25 games across all competitions for Millwall.
What Neil has said of Coburn
Neil has already made it clear he would like to keep Coburn long-term. He said of the striker in March: “I’d absolutely love to keep him here. I don’t think that’s any secret with Josh. I think he really enjoys it here, and I’ve changed things because of him.
“I very rarely play with two players up front, it’s never really been my shape as a coach, but when you’ve got someone like Josh, it’s worth playing him as part of a two because your goal threat goes up by doing that.”
What Michael Carrick has said
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick was asked about Coburn’s future in mid-April. He said: “There's always a decision. The way the season has gone for him, he's done well. He went there to play games and he has done when he's been fit. I'm really pleased it's gone well for him. I like Josh, he's a good lad, he's got a great attitude. I'm pleased for him.
"He's scored goals and been a big presence for them in his team when he's been fit. It's been a stop, start season for him but he's doing well."
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