Byfield finally goes

Last updated : 29 August 2007 By The Merry Lion
Darren Byfield
Bye bye Byfield
Darren Byfield's brief flirtation with Millwall is finally over after the club agreed an undisclosed fee with Bristol City to take the want-away striker off our hands.

The 30-year-old spent just a single season with The Lions, scoring 16 goals in an injury-hit campaign, but has wanted to move since last Christmas when a small minority booed the player on his return.

The situation worsened over the summer, culminating in a fight with a fellow teammate, believed to be Richard Shaw, on the club's Scottish tour.

"I said before the season that what I want here is a group of players who are totally committed to Millwall and to each other," remarked manager Willie Donachie.

"I didn't feel Darren displayed that level of commitment and I'm pleased for him and for us that this deal has been done so that both parties can move on.

"Darren scored some vital goals for us last season, and strikers like that are not easy to replace, but we are trying very hard to bring in a player who will help make us a better team.

"There are no guarantees because everyone is looking for quality strikers but we have been talking to one or two people and I'm hopeful of getting something done by the end of the week."