Former Millwall manager turned pundit Ian Holloway has told EFL on quest that his wife was responsible for helping to bring Lee Gregory to the New Den during his time in charge of the Lions. 

Now at Derby County on loan, Gregory's career for the Rams has got off to the best possible start after he notched his first goal for the club at the weekend in the victory over Middlesbrough.

Of course the nimble striker previously signed for Millwall back in the 2014/15 season from non-league Halifax Town and went on to register 76 goals in over 230 games for the South London club before departing for Stoke City in July 2019.

Looking back on when he brought the player to the Championship side, Holloway was quick to admit the following:

“When I was at Millwall, my wife actually saw Lee Gregory’s stats when he was at Halifax and said why you don’t you sign a player like this, so we did.

“Unfortunately, at the time it was too big a step for him but I knew he would go on to score goals. I’m delighted for him.”

Gregory now has just a few months remaining on his current deal with the Potters, so will be keen to make an impact under Wayne Rooney at Pride Park.

The Verdict 

Gregory is a player who blew both hot and cold during his time at Millwall and many fans will feel that the manor of his departure from the club back in 2019 has left a sour taste in the mouth.

As Holloway rightly states, he took a while to get going for the Lions but did eventually live up to his early billing and contributed heavily for the club during his spell there.

The fact that they never received a fee for the striker is pretty scandalous and will be seen as an opportunity missed by some at the club.

However the 32-year-old has struggled to hit the heights he achieved at Millwall since leaving and may perhaps regret departing when he did.