NEW MILLWALL signing Gregg Wylde is looking forward to challenging himself in a higher division after signing for the Lions last week.
The 25-year-old agreed a two-year deal from League Two Plymouth Argyle, and will officially join up with his new team on July 1, when pre-season training starts.
Having joined the Pilgrims from St. Mirren on a one-year-deal last summer, the Scotsman revealed he had been offered a new contract but the lure of competing at a higher level was something he couldn’t possibly refuse.
“I first heard about the interest from Millwall after the League Two play-off final against Wimbledon,” Wylde said. “I had a few offers as well but the only place for me was to go to Millwall and speak to the manager.
“I had other offers from clubs down south in the same division but I knew I only wanted to come to Millwall after speaking to Neil Harris, they are a big club.
“I was offered a new contract at Plymouth but Millwall is a step up and it was also a financial decision as I have a family to look after, but it is a challenge for me and a step up in division for me to try and better myself and my career.”
David Worrall and Shaun Hutchinson are the other two new summer signings Harris made prior to Wylde, and both cited the Lions boss as a key reason for joining the club.
Having spoken to Harris, and having watched his new side on several occasions, it’s a sentiment the Kirkintilloch-born man shares.
Wylde will meet his new team mates on Friday. He is looking forward to getting started and has told fans what they can expect from him next season.
“I spoke to Neil and he came across very, very well,” Wylde explained. “What I liked about him is he didn’t lie, he told me the truth and what he expected of me, and hopefully I can pay him back with some good performances and results.
“They were really good last season when we played them in the JPT, they were really well organised and had a good following of fans with them.
“They were well set up, we matched them in the first half but the longer the game went on they became the better side.
“I watched them in the League One play-off final and the two semi-finals against Bradford – they were solid and really organised in those games.
Wylde added: “I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads, I don’t know them personally, only having played against some of them. I’m looking forward to playing with the strikers to try and help them score more goals.
“David [Worrall] and I were at Bury together and I’m looking forward to linking up with him again, I know him very well so hopefully we can work well together again. I also know Shaun Hutchinson from playing against him.
“I expect myself to go on one-on-ones and take players on. I like to get the ball in the box and pop up with some goals. I’m hoping I can chip in with some assists too and help the strikers out.
“I’ll work hard every day in training and get my head down and see where it takes me. I can only work hard and try my best and hopefully I can do well.”
The 25-year old has thanked Lions supporters for their messages of support on social media after his signing was announced.
And he is hoping he can help his new side go one better than last season and gain promotion to the Championship.
“Hopefully we can go one step further and get promoted,” the winger explained. “Or, hopefully, go one better and finish in the top two after we were beaten in the final last year. The aim is promotion.
“It’s a nice step up for me in my career, I was in League Two last year and it’s a huge step up to play against teams like MK Dons, Bolton and Charlton.
“I’m looking forward to playing in these kind of games, and even the first game of the season against Oldham will be exciting – I can’t wait to get going.
“It was pleasing to get all the messages of support from the fans before playing – hopefully I can reward them for their positive messages with good performances throughout the season.”
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