THE overhaul of Millwall’s squad during the January transfer window has diffused “tension” at the club, captain Alan Dunne has revealed.
Dunne believes the Lions are better-placed to avoid relegation after Ian Holloway made significant changes to his playing staff.
The Millwall manager also sat down with each out-of-contract player to inform them whether they were in his plans for the future or were free to depart.
And Dunne feels those clear-the-air discussions have lifted the mood in the dressing room.
Holloway’s January cull, which was prompted by the Lions’ embarrassing FA Cup thrashing at Bradford, saw eight players leave The Den.
“Bradford was a poor night and a disappointing result,” Dunne told the News. “Since then the manager has made some big decisions and the chairman has brought forward the club’s plans for the summer.
“Players know their futures now and since then there hasn’t been as much tension around the place because everyone knows where they stand.
“You could say that’s helped and the spirit is definitely better. The new faces coming in have freshened things up and brought something different to the table. We look a lot better for it.”
Dunne, whose contract at Millwall expires in the summer, was among the players called into Holloway’s office for a chat.
That happened just days after he played in the 4-0 defeat at Bradford.
“I wouldn’t say I was worried about it,” he added. “I know what I can offer and what I bring to the club.
“I’m a big part of Millwall and the team needs me. When players needed to stand up and be counted last year, when times were tough, I stepped to the plate.
“The manager needs players like that. So seeing the manager wasn’t about my future, it was more about how I could help him pick up results, and quickly.
“My future will always sort itself out if I’m playing well so the conversation wasn’t really about my contract.
“It is nerve-racking going up to any manager’s office but I know what I’m capable of.”