Millwall SACK manager Gary Rowett after four years in charge with Lions languishing in 15th spot in Championship

MILLWALL have parted company with Gary Rowett this evening with the club sat 15th in the Championship.

The 49-year-old spent four years at The Den having taken over in October 2019.

The club narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season but their start to this season has been mixed.

Despite their league standing, the club are still only three points behind Birmingham City in sixth.

Rowett's last game in charge came in a 2-2 draw at home against ninth place Hull City.

His four year stint at The Den made him the second longest-serving manager in The Championship behind Coventry’s Mark Robins.

Rowett, 49, led Millwall to two eighth place finishes, one ninth place and also 11th.

The club released a statement announcing Rowett's departure, saying: "Millwall Football Club can confirm it has mutually agreed to part company with first team manager, Gary Rowett.

"The 49-year-old has been in charge of The Lions for four years after taking over as boss in October 2019.

"During that time Rowett has elevated Millwall’s standing within the Championship and led the club to top-half finishes in each campaign, regularly challenging for a place in the Play-Offs along the way."

On his departure, Rowett said: "Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for all their support during my time at the club. The atmosphere they create is truly unique.

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"I have thoroughly enjoyed being manager of Millwall and depart with a feeling that the club has progressed during my tenure. As is sometimes the case in football, the time just feels right to part ways.

 "I would like to thank John Berylson, James, Steve Kavanagh, Alex Aldridge, my backroom staff, and everyone behind-the-scenes for their hard work and support.

 "Finally, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the players, who I thank for the blood, sweat, and tears they have put into their efforts. It has been a successful and enjoyable four years."

Club chairman James Berylson confirmed that Adam Barrett, Rowett's assistant, will take charge of the club while a replacement is found and he will be assisted by former Millwall defender Paul Robinson.

Berylson said: "In Adam and Paul we have two excellent coaches who I know fans will really get behind during their time in caretaker charge.

"They have my full support as we take the necessary time to secure the appointment which is in the best interests of the football club."

Millwall fans on X - formerly known as Twitter - generally reacted positively to the decision for the club to part ways with Rowett, with many feeling he had taken the club as far as he can.

One fan said: "Good luck Rowett, never disliked him and done a half decent job but he took us as far as he could. Too defensive and his football lacked any proper effort. Right decision but should have been done sooner."

Another wrote: "Whatever happens. He done a great job for the club. Don’t expect him to be out of work for long & this could be one of the reasons he’s left mutually."

While a third wrote: "Although the football was dire to watch at times you can't take away our finishes at the end of the season battling for a playoff spot. Good luck Rowett."