MILLWALL manager Gary Rowett believes Adam Barrett will still be with the Lions next season.

Southend United legend Barrett had been among the front-runners to replace Sol Campbell as Blues boss at Roots Hall.

But Rowett does not expect Barrett, who is assistant manager with the Championship club, to leave.

“I believe he’ll still be here next season,” Rowett told London News Online.

“He’s really good at his job.

“He’s dedicated to the club in terms of if you ask him to do something he prepares really, really well and does a meticulous job.

“I spoke to Ad about it and said: ‘Look, from my point of view, I want you here for a long time – you’re a huge part of what we’re doing’.

“I think he’s really enjoying it and is really happy. It’s slightly different methods we use, but sometimes for a coach that is good because you see a different way of working.

“I hope he’s happy enough to resist any overtures from anywhere but I can understand why there would be an interest. Particularly Southend – because that’s been his club for a long time. I know how hard that is to resist.”

Millwall are currently ninth in the Championship, two points outside the play-off position with three games to go.

It is also understood the Lions would knock back any attempts to speak to Barrett who won three promotions with the Shrimpers, his hometown club, during his playing career.

The 40-year-old had two spells with Blues and made a total of 354 appearances for the club.