During Rowett’s tenure as manager, Millwall finished in the top half of the Championship every season
Gary Rowett has left Millwall by mutual consent, the club has revealed. Rowett had been in charge of the Championship team for four years, taking them to top-half finishes in each of those seasons but failing to qualify for the play-offs.
His team went into the last day of the season knowing a win would be enough for a top-six finish, and they led Blackburn 3-1 at halftime, but they slumped to a stunning 4-3 defeat to miss out on promotion to the Premier League for the second time.
Millwall are presently 15th in the rankings, having won four of their first 11 league games. Rowett’s final game in command ended in a 2-2 draw at home against Hull.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank the fans for their unwavering support throughout my time at the club,” Rowett said in a statement.
“The atmosphere they create is truly one-of-a-kind.” I have truly enjoyed my time as Millwall manager and leave with the impression that the club has progressed during my term.
“As is sometimes the case in football, the time just feels right to part ways.”
Rowett joined The Den as a substitute for Neil Harris in October 2019, and he left just three days before the fourth anniversary of his employment. Rowett coached Millwall for 196 games and signed a new contract in the summer of 2022, with the club not stating the length of the deal.
“We greatly appreciate Gary’s efforts throughout his time in charge and he departs with the best wishes of everybody connected with the club,” Millwall chairman James Berylson said.
“While my time working directly with Gary has been short, I have thoroughly enjoyed all our interactions and feel that he leaves us having enhanced the club’s on-pitch status during four successful years in charge.”
When Millwall travel to Preston for a midday kick-off on Saturday, assistant manager Adam Barrett will take charge of the first-team players as caretaker manager, and he will be assisted by coach Paul Robinson.
“In Adam and Paul, we have two excellent coaches who I know fans will rally behind during their time in caretaker charge,” Berylson continued. “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.”
