Millwall boss confirms defender set to leave

Gary Rowett has admitted that it is unlikely that Millwall club captain Alex Pearce will still be at the club next season.

The Lions skipper is out of contract this summer – after his initial deal in South London was extended by 12 months last summer.

The former Derby defender has made 64 appearances for Millwall in all competitions over two stints at the club.

Rowett told the South London Press: “I spoke to Pearcey and it will be difficult for us to offer him anything for next season. He’s typified our season, he’s been absolutely incredible.

“He’s led when he hasn’t played loads, he came in against Coventry and was absolutely phenomenal as a leader. There’s not many players like Pearcey.

“What I would say is that there should be a lot of clubs out there looking at Alex Pearce because what he can do is galvanise your dressing room, show leadership.

“He is one of very few players left [like that] and he’s also a very good footballer so he’ll have options this summer but for every team you sometimes have to move forward in a different way and Pearcey understands that.”