Smallbone’s Millwall Loan Cut Short Amidst Contract Dispute
Will Smallbone’s loan spell at Millwall has been abruptly terminated, with Southampton manager Will Still confirming the player’s return to St. Mary’s in January. The decision, reported by Sky Blue Sports, comes amidst a contractual dispute between Smallbone and Millwall, threatening to derail the young midfielder’s career.
Smallbone joined Millwall on a season-long loan on September 1, 2025, with the intention of gaining valuable first-team experience and developing his skills in the Championship. However, the arrangement has soured due to alleged non-payment of wages, leading to a breakdown in relations between the player and the club.
Speaking to reporters, Southampton manager Will Still expressed his desire to bring Smallbone back to the south coast. “We’ve agreed with Millwall to cut short Will’s loan deal,” Still confirmed. “We want him back in January. It’s important for us to have him around the squad.”
The situation has been further complicated by Smallbone’s threat to terminate his contract with Millwall over the alleged non-payment of his wages. Such a move would have significant legal and financial ramifications for both the player and the club.
The exact details of the contractual dispute remain unclear, but it is understood that Smallbone has not received his agreed-upon salary for a number of weeks, leading to growing frustration and a breakdown in trust.
Millwall are yet to publicly comment on the situation, but it is believed that they are working to resolve the issue and avoid further legal action. However, the damage has already been done, and Smallbone’s loan spell has been brought to a premature end.
The news will come as a disappointment to Millwall fans, who had hoped that Smallbone would make a significant contribution to the team’s push for promotion. The midfielder had shown glimpses of his potential during his time at The Den, but ultimately failed to establish himself as a regular starter.
For Smallbone, the situation represents a major setback in his career. The loan move to Millwall was intended to provide him with valuable playing time and help him develop into a first-team player at Southampton. However, the contractual dispute has derailed his progress and left his future uncertain.
As Smallbone returns to Southampton in January, he will face a battle to force his way into Will Still’s plans. The midfielder will need to impress in training and prove that he is ready to compete for a place in the first team.
The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in professional football, particularly when it comes to loan deals and contractual agreements. Both Millwall and Will Smallbone will be hoping to put the dispute behind them and move forward with their respective careers.
