Following the speculation linking Millwall manager Neil Harris with a loan move for Derby County defender Jason Shackell, that deal was confirmed yesterday.
The former Burnley captain adds cover in the backline for the remainder of the 2017/18 season and he leaves Pride Park with 111 appearances for the side across two spells.
The 34 year old is out of contract come the summer so he’ll be looking to impress, get game time and earn a deal you would imagine.
He comes in ready to potentially debut this weekend as we host Rochdale in the FA Cup fourth round, but he is ineligible owing to the terms of the loan spell when we face Derby next Tuesday evening.
Speaking to the official site Harris said of the deal.
‘I am really pleased Jason Shackell has come in. We have been chasing an experienced centre-half over the course of this transfer window. People might look at it and think ‘that’s unusual for us to go and sign a 34-year-old,’ but I have done it because he is hungry. He is a really good one for us to bring in. I love what we are currently doing here at Millwall; we have a great group of lads and some good young kids coming through, but I felt like we maybe need a bit more experience. You can never have too many experienced players in the team or in the squad to lead. I felt that in the back-line we maybe needed another voice and some guidance. If we want to keep progressing as a team, as a squad, as a club, then our standards have to keep right up there. By bringing in senior players who have been there and done it in the Premier League, as well as at the top of this division, can only guide us as a group.’
Shackell himself was delighted with the move and he’s hoping to hit the ground running.
‘I’m really pleased to put pen-to-paper – really happy. After speaking to the manager, I’m excited to get going at a great club. I’ve overcome some injuries in the last year, so I’m now fighting fit. Millwall have done really well recently and have a good squad with some good players and that’s something I’m super excited to be a part of. We’ve got some experienced people here and I’m looking to try and add to that group. I’m very vocal on the pitch and I will do my best to get my messages across to the younger lads.’
He went on to say.
‘I try and keep it simple like most people in my position do! I try my hardest to play well and talk to organise the team. I’ve been to the top of this division with Burnley, as well as a little bit with Wolves and Norwich. Its a tough division where anybody can beat anybody – the lads have done really well so far this season and I’m happy to be here and help. I’m hoping to be involved in some capacity this Saturday against Rochdale in the Emirates FA Cup. It will be nice to get that buzz back again regarding being in a matchday squad.’
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