Millwall winger grateful to boss for handing him new deal during Covid-19 lockdown
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Shane Ferguson signed a new Millwall contract last week – and appreciated manager Gary Rowett taking the stress out of his situation.
The 28-year-old Northern Ireland international could have been a free agent this summer at a time when the Covid-19 outbreak has left many football clubs feeling the financial pinch.
But Ferguson has revealed that Rowett got in touch a couple of weeks into lockdown to make it clear that the versatile left-footer was in his plans moving forward.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign,” he said. “I first found out about it a couple of weeks after the football stopped and I assumed we were probably just going to leave it until the end of the season.
“But the manager phoned me and wanted to reassure me that I was going to be here.
“Millwall have been brilliant with me. At the time there was a lot of uncertainty because of the situation and there are a lot of players who will be out of contract. When the manager called me it was one less thing to worry about. I could get my head down, keep fit and be ready for when we came back.”
At the start of last season then boss Neil Harris told Ferguson that the Lions would not stand in his way if he could secure a move which would land him more regular game time.
But the former Newcastle winger went on to make 42 appearances for the South London club in all competitions.
Ferguson has featured 29 times this season .
“When Neil spoke to me about leaving the team had done really well [finishing eighth in their first campaign back in the Championship] and it had been hard for me to get in.” said Ferguson.
“But he told me if no moves came about and I stayed then I could fight for a shirt. I got in the team and played quite a lot of games. It was probably my best season – I played my most matches and also produced my most consistent performances.
“There were probably some things [in terms of interest from other clubs] but I really didn’t want to leave.
“I felt I could play at this level and wanted to prove people wrong.
“I wanted to try and help the lads as much as possible and I’m so glad about the way things have worked out.
“I look back and think ‘jeez, imagine if I’d left and had to drop down a league’. I’d have been kicking myself. It’s worked out and that’s also credit to my team-mates, because they have helped me.”
Even if Millwall fall short in their play-off pursuit, something that looks more likely after Wednesday’s 2-0 home loss to Middlesbrough, Ferguson is convinced the future is bright under Rowett.
“He is not afraid to give young players a chance. He brought on Billy [Mitchell] on at Charlton – a massive game for us. For the young players looking in it must be great for them to have that bit of confidence and see the likes of Billy coming through and playing.”
Millwall’s form at The Den has dipped in 2020 with no victory there since mid-January. They have lost three of their seven fixtures on home turf.
Ferguson had hoped that when football returned it would be with supporters present, but the pandemic means the 2019-20 campaign will be completed without them in stadiums.
“It’s definitely different,” he said. “Especially at Millwall. A lot of clubs don’t like coming to The Den with the support we have. A lot of teams are beaten before they get out there. The fans are massive for us.
“But everyone’s in the same boat now and we have to work that bit harder, without the motivation of the fans as well.
“I’m hoping next season that things can get back quickly to normal. Having all the fans back will be great for us.”
Millwall ensured their 24-year run without defeat to Charlton continued on Friday night.
The Addicks did not allow a Lions’ flag in the away end. Asked if that was used as extra motivational fuel, Ferguson replied: “I think it would be.
“It’s them trying to put you off, some teams do that.
“I wish people could have seen what it was like after the game in the changing room. All the lads were absolutely buzzing.”
