Championship outfit Millwall have put National League clubs on full alert, following a transfer decision regarding one of their out-of-favour players.
Alex Neil’s side have suffered a slip in form over recent weeks, dropping down to 16th in the table after just one victory in their last six league games, including back-to-back three-nil defeats against both Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion.
The club are fast approaching the busy festive period, but find themselves six points outside of the play-off places and face difficult matches against the likes of Queen’s Park Rangers, Stoke City and Wolverhampton Wanderers over the coming weeks.
However, a development on Monday has confirmed that for one player, their time with the Championship side has already came to an end.
Millwall confirm exit of National League target
Back in September, clubs across the Premier League and EFL were asked to submit their 25-man squad’s for the first half of the 2026/27 campaign, with some clubs opting to leave individuals off their lists in order to make space for other arrivals.
For Millwall, one player that missed the cut was experienced goalkeeper Joel Coleman and now his time with the football club has ended, after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
However, his hopes of finding regular first-team football could be set to take a dramatic step forward, after journalist Pete O’Rourke confirmed that the goalkeeper is the target of several National League clubs, ahead of a potential move.
The 31-year-old failed to make a competitive appearance for the Championship outfit, meaning you will need to go back until April 2024 for his last competitive appearance – which came for Bolton Wanderers during a 5-2 victory against Reading just weeks before their play-off heartbreak at Wembley Stadium.
No clubs have currently been mentioned as a possible destination, though his experience throughout the EFL is likely to make him a sought-after target in the coming weeks.
Which National League clubs could make a move?
Coleman began his professional career with Oldham Athletic, but has since played for clubs in Yorkshire, London and the North-West of England – suggesting that location may not be a significant dealbreaker in terms of deciding upon his next move, following his Millwall exit.
Recently, Forest Green Rovers confirmed an injury to goalkeeper Luke McNicholas and despite recalling Fiachra Pagel, they could find themselves in the market for another experienced goalkeeper – after losing Harry Isted during the summer.
Elsewhere, several clubs like Sutton United and Kidderminster Harriers only have loan goalkeepers at present and may be under pressure to find a permanent cover who’s good enough to step up as first-choice, should they lose their keeper through a January recall.
Aldershot Town have suffered a disappointing run of form and may look to replace Nick Hayes, whilst Halifax Town lost Sam Johnson to Solihull Moors and therefore could be in the market for a replacement – a move that would also bring Coleman back to Yorkshire once again.
