Gary Rowett answers question over Millwall contracts – with Shaun Williams due to be a free agent in June
Millwall manager Gary Rowett will not rush into contract decisions with any of his players.
Experienced midfielder Shaun Williams, 33, is due to be a free agent in June but has started 17 of the Lions’ 22 Championship matches.
When asked about the future of Williams, who recently scored against Forest and Birmingham, Rowett said: “You’re always aware of these sort of things. You don’t want them to rumble on too long, but at the same time we’ve not been in long.
“We certainly won’t dive in – on any player. We’ll try and make the right decision at the right time.
“It’s been full-on with the games, so I haven’t had that much time to think about some of those situations.”
Millwall’s policy has been to only hand out 12-month extensions to players once they move into their 30s.
Williams was signed from Milton Keynes in January 2014 and has played 252 matches for the SE16 outfit.
Ryan Leonard’s knee injury saw him come on against Leeds at the start of October and he has started all 11 matches since.
Rowett said: “In Shaun’s case he was a player we were already aware of – we’ve played against him many times. He’s been a good player at this level for a long time. You judge people on how they perform when you come into a club.
“When a new manager comes in and you play a slightly different way then it is going to suit some player and it might be harder for other players to shine like they have done previously.
“He has given us that discipline in midfield. He has given us that little bit of composure on the ball. We’ve had the likes of Jayson Molumby and Thommo [Ben Thompson] around him to give us that energy, legs and youthful exuberance. Willo gives us that calming effect in the middle of the park, which is so important.
“It is so far, so good. He’s also showed a different side in scoring goals. The one he got against Birmingham gave him a taste for it.
“He’s had a good start under us, let’s hope that continues.”
