Neil Harris has admitted that Lee Gregory will be a huge loss for Millwall, with the striker set to leave the club at the end of the season.

It was revealed last week that the striker is "unlikely" to sign a new deal at The Den, meaning that his appearance in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Wigan on Sunday looks set to be his last for the club.

Gregory has scored 77 goals in 238 appearances for Millwall since joining from National League Halifax in 2014, and speaking about the striker after that defeat, Harris told South London Press: “I can only thank him for his efforts while I’ve been in charge. 

“Not just his goal-scoring record, but his quality as a person. 

“He is hugely, hugely popular in the changing room, massively popular with the staff because of his honesty, his trust, his performances and his work ethic. And he’s a fan favourite as well.

“We’re going to miss him immensely at the club."

It has been reported that Stoke are close to completing a deal for the striker, and speaking about the impact the 30-year-old could have at his new club, the Millwall boss added: “He goes with complete blessing from me to the future playing for a club further up north. He’ll be a great signing for somebody."

Gregory's 10 league goals this season have seen him finish as Millwall's top scorer this season, with the club finishing one place and four points clear of the relegation, having struggled to follow up last season's play-off push in the current campaign.

The verdict

It's hard to argue with what Harris is saying here.

Millwall have relied on team spirit just as much if more than they have on quality this season, so to lose such a presence in their dressing will likely hit them hard.

Given how close they came to a return to League One this season, facing that battle again without Gregory will be a big concern for the London side.