After what has proved to be one of the most drawn out transfers over the summer, Tom Bradshaw’s move from Barnsley to Millwall is inches from completion.
Bradshaw has been a key figure at Barnsley these past two years and who would have thought that the club would be better off without the wantaway, while in League One. Daniel Stendell has the Tykes playing their most attractive and effective football in recent years, with the Yorkshiremen picking up 10 points from a possible 12 in the league.
As for Millwall, they have a 6″ striker who his better with his feet than his head, a real technically gifted footballer who is versatile enough to play anywhere across the front three. As Barnsley fans will say, consistency has been a major issue for Bradshaw, his glimpses of brilliance were the reason he was touted for a Championship return, but he hasn’t always found this cutting edge.
The current Millwall side under Neil Harris is the true definition of an underdog, they lack household names but the team cohesion and togetherness within the squad is nothing short of admirable. Many of the stars you see now at the Den are the stars from Millwall’s time in League One.
The positive energy and home dominance that comes with playing at Millwall will allow Bradshaw to thrive, and for the Lions, he offers an alternative to Lee Gregory and Steve Morison. The flair and positivity Bradshaw shows on the ball will give Millwall a different outlet upfront, as opposed to their current two target men.
Harris has proved his man management skills in the past, having all but resurrected Morison’s career after a torrid time at Leeds United. He has also turned the likes of Jed Wallace and Jake Cooper into two of the brightest players in the league, players who were surplus to requirements at Wolves and Reading respectively. If his handling of players in the past is anything to go by, Harris will be sure to push Bradshaw to his full potential.
With Bradshaw’s deal up in the summer, he comes at a cut-price of around £1.2m, which will be made permanent in January following the loan that is in place.
