‘There are not players about like him – he knits the squad together’ – Millwall boss on re-signing Alex Pearce

Millwall manager Gary Rowett reckons it is difficult to find players in the mould of Alex Pearce.

The 32-year-old centre-back has agreed a 12-month deal extension which will keep him in SE16 until the summer of 2022. The former Derby and Reading man had due to be a free agent at the start of July.

“I’ve got a really good relationship with Pearcey and it is not easy to find those type of people to work with to help create what you want to create,” said Rowett. “It is an important signing for us.

“He understands his opportunities to start games frequently is probably going to be a little reduced and that his important role could be closing some games out for us with his experience and knowledge.

“But he has still got that passion and fight to want to prove he can be in the team.

“He is the total package. There are not many players still about like Pearcey, who know those standards behind the scenes.”

Pearce has made 331 Championship appearances. He was handed 20 starts in the 2020-21 campaign .

“Pearcey is someone we wanted to keep because he has got incredible leadership skills,” said Rowett. “He knits the players together.

“Everyone talks about how great the culture is, you’ve got people like George Evans signing and saying it is a brilliant place – part of that is down to people like Pearcey doing the right things and maintaining standards – it is not just managers and staff who do that.

“In some games last season we have seen his importance as well.”