‘A bit crazy’ – Millwall defender admits Gary Rowett’s departure left hectic build-up to Preston clash

Jake Cooper has revealed that he and his teammates are focused on delivering results and performances for their caretaker manager Adam Barrett.

 Barrett has begun his second stint as interim boss following Gary Rowett’s departure last Wednesday and will lead the team in tomorrow’s clash with Blackburn Rovers. 

 “Ads is a very popular person in the football club,” said Cooper. 

“We’re all focused on trying to get results for him and the fans who have travelled up here today.

“When we go back on Tuesday, that will be our main focus.

 “I’ve worked closely with Adam all the time I’ve been at the club.

“Obviously he used to work a lot on the defensive side with me – he does a lot of set plays that we used to do.

 “He’s very passionate, a very positive person and very easy going and very easy to approach and he’s a great character to have around the football club.”

 Rowett’s departure was announced late on Wednesday evening, meaning the build-up to Saturday’s draw at Preston was affected but most of the planning had already been done. 

Despite this, the vice-captain admitted it had been a difficult few days.

 The 28-year-old added: “It’s been a bit all over the place if I’m honest, it’s been a bit crazy. Not knowing what’s going on and all that sort of thing. 

“But Adam came in on Thursday and told us how it was and how he wanted to go about it and the lads have bought into that.”