SOUTHEND United legend Adam Barrett has taken control of Millwall on a temporary basis after the Lions announced the departure of Gary Rowett by  mutual consent.

Millwall are 15th in the Sky Bet Championship, just three points off the play-off places, but Rowett said “the time just feels right to part ways”.

Current assistant manager Barrett and first-team coach Paul Robinson have taken charge on a temporary basis, the club announced.

The Lions said on their official website: “Millwall Football Club can confirm it has mutually agreed to part company with first-team manager Gary Rowett.”

Chairman James Berylson added: “We greatly appreciate Gary’s efforts throughout his time in charge and he departs with the best wishes of everybody connected with the club.

“While my time working directly with Gary has been short, I have thoroughly enjoyed all our interactions and feel that he leaves us having enhanced the club’s on-pitch status during four successful years in charge.”

Former Burton, Birmingham, Derby and Stoke manager Rowett, 49, was appointed Millwall boss in October 2019, shortly after Neil Harris had resigned.

Millwall acknowledged they had made progress under Rowett, adding he had “led the club to top-half finishes in each campaign, regularly challenging for a place in the play-offs along the way.”

Rowett added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being manager of Millwall and depart with a feeling that the club has progressed during my tenure. As is sometimes the case in football, the time just feels right to part ways.

“I would like to thank John Berylson, James, Steve Kavanagh, Alex Aldridge, my backroom staff, and everyone behind the scenes for their hard work and support.”

Barrett, who made 354 appearances across two spells with the Shrimpers, was also caretaker manager of the Lions back in October 2019.