Millwall are set to return to the club for fitness testing on the 22nd June in preparation for the new season with a training camp in Ireland to follow.
However, for one player in particular, this return may come too soon.
George Saville has been a core part of Gary Rowett’s side this season having made 39 appearances in all competitions and since the season ended, he has been on international duty with Northern Ireland.
Therefore, the player has had a lack of a break so far and Gary Rowett is keen not to bring him in before necessary as he told London News Online: “The original plan was for him [Saville] to come back ready to travel to Ireland with the team.
“What I think is important for any player is to make sure they’ve had sufficient break, both mentally and physically.
“I’ll check in with him and see if he managed to get away and what his plans are, what he thinks he needs, to find a good solution for him. He would probably have managed to get away straight away [after the season finished].
“Pre-season is looming and everybody needs to be able to spend a little bit of time with the family. That’s important. In an ideal world I want all the players to go to Ireland as a group to get to know each other.”
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The Verdict:
Saville has had a busy time of it since the season finished and it’s only right he has some time to rest. Not only to enjoy his time off but also to make sure he doesn’t over do it before pre-season comes along.
The fact that Rowett is open with the players and willing to discuss the extension to his player’s break is an indication of what he is like as a manager for his players and the emphasis he puts on making sure they’re well looked after.
Saville will no doubt be a core part of the Millwall side again next season as they push for promotion and therefore his manager will want to ensure he comes into the new season in the best possible form.
