What Middlesbrough Chiefs Told Josh Coburn About His Future Before Sealing Transfer to Millwall
Josh Coburn has shed light on the conversation that led to his permanent departure from Middlesbrough and the decision to make Millwall his new long-term home.
The 21-year-old striker officially completed his switch to the London club this summer, following a season-long loan that allowed him to gain valuable experience in the Championship. Despite flashes of promise in cup competitions with Boro, it became increasingly clear that first-team opportunities would be limited at the Riverside heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
Coburn, speaking candidly following the announcement of his permanent move, revealed that Middlesbrough’s coaching staff had been upfront with him about his place in the squad. With Emmanuel Latte Lath and Tommy Conway locked in a battle for the starting striker role, the Teessiders felt Coburn’s development would be best served elsewhere.
“They were honest with me, and I respect that,” Coburn said. “There was a lot of competition up top and they couldn’t guarantee regular minutes. As a young player, that’s what I need the most — consistent football. That’s when Millwall came in and showed belief in me.”
The forward had initially hoped to break into Michael Carrick’s plans after making a handful of appearances in the Carabao Cup early last season. However, with Lath’s strong form and Conway’s arrival from Bristol City pushing him further down the pecking order, the writing was on the wall.
Coburn’s loan spell at Millwall offered mixed fortunes. While injury setbacks limited his availability for chunks of the season, he still managed to score seven goals in 26 appearances across all competitions. More importantly, he impressed with his work rate, hold-up play, and attitude — all of which endeared him to manager Neil Harris and the Millwall faithful.
“I didn’t get to play as much as I wanted last season due to injuries, but I loved every minute I had in a Millwall shirt,” Coburn added. “The fans were brilliant with me, and the manager has a clear plan for how I fit into the team. That made my decision easy.”
Millwall were eager to make the deal permanent once the season ended, and after weeks of negotiations, the transfer was finalised earlier this week. The deal is believed to include performance-based add-ons, reflecting the belief both clubs have in Coburn’s potential.
As Coburn now looks ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, he does so with a renewed sense of purpose.
“I’m ready to kick on,” he said. “It’s a new chapter for me and I want to repay the faith Millwall have shown. I’ve learnt a lot from my time at Boro and I’m grateful for everything the club did for me — but now it’s time to make my mark in South London.”
For Middlesbrough, it’s another case of a talented academy product seeking opportunity elsewhere, and for Millwall, it’s a gamble on a young striker with clear potential. Only time will tell who comes out on top.
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