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Gregory’s move to Stoke one of the worst-kept secrets, says Harris

Posted on July 18, 2019  in Stoke

Millwall manager Neil Harris has said that Lee Gregory’s move to Stoke City can be regarded as one of the worst-kept secrets in football. The 30-year-old had already made the decision clear to leave Millwall after running down his contract last summer and he has now penned a deal with the Potters with a view to potential promotion next term.

Speaking to reporters, Harris said that Gregory was always expected to join the Staffordshire outfit and his situation can be compared to the ongoing saga associating Frank Lampard with the managerial role at Chelsea, he told: “I think it was one of the worst-kept secrets in football! It’s like I’ll be amazed if Frank Lampard doesn’t go to Chelsea – that could be another one. Lee going to Stoke ticks all the boxes that Lee Gregory desired in the conversations we had.

“It is an opportunity for Lee, first and foremost, to be near the family home. He has a young family and that is hugely important to him. His record in a Millwall shirt and the Championship the last couple of years will have served him in getting an opportunity to move to a club hoping to challenge for automatic promotion.”

Gregory has not been a prolific scorer since returning to the Championship two years ago but he has still proved a valuable member with 10 goals scored in each of those campaigns. In comparison, the Potters lacked a single player, who crosses double figures in terms of scoring last term and based on that, Gregory should prove an upgrade for the role upfront.

Stoke had a dismal end to the previous campaign with their tendency to regularly draw games and much of that came about from the failure to find the scoresheet. Alongside Gregory, winter signing Sam Vokes could ease the concern next term after getting time to adapt to the club’s style of play during the second half of last season.

Frank Lampard, Neil Harr, Sam Vokes