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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
The Scots 'Mountain' who won over Millwall hardnuts tells his story after seven years in The Den
Murray Wallace typified everything the working-class London outfit expected Millwall fans are notorious throughout British football. In their own words: 'No one likes us, we don't care.' Thankfully for Murray Wallace, the diehards adored their adopted Scot. Wallace has just blown the whistle on a magnificent seven years at The Den. The towering defender amassed more than 260 appearances for the Lions, popping up with 16 goals. A quick glance at social media after his exit was announced tells you how highly he was rated. Wallace typified everything the working-class London outfit expected, a Braveheart who wore his heart on his sleeve. And the former Falkirk stopper said: 'It's lovely to see and hear and get all the warm messages. 'All the hard work and stuff you've put in over the years, it's nice to see this appreciated. 'My time at Millwall wasn't plain sailing, I signed there as a centre-back and had to force my way into the team as a left-back and then wing-back and stuff. 'So I think the fans appreciated everything that I gave to the club and I really appreciate their support. 'I played there a few times on the opposite team when I was at Scunthorpe and Huddersfield. 'It was quite hostile, but when you play for them, it's actually alright! 'Some of my best moments are playing in front of a packed house at The Den.' Wallace will forever be remembered for his part in one of the most famous nights at The Den. The 32-year-old etched his name into FA Cup folklore with the added-time winner to beat Everton 3-2 in 2019. He said: 'Playing against Premier League teams, we packed the house out and it was really special. 'Just the way the game went, going behind, then going ahead, getting pulled back and scoring a last-minute winner, it was really special.' Wallace, who then got the only goal against AFC Wimbledon before the Lions were knocked out by Brighton, smiled: 'I was thinking I was going to score in every round all the way to the final. To score two winners in two rounds was brilliant.' Affectionately nicknamed 'The Mountain', the versatile Wallace was a mainstay as the club teetered on the brink of promotion to the Premier League. But the one painful regret is that his standout displays never led to a Scotland call-up. He reflected: 'It's always been an ambition of mine to play for Scotland, to even get one cap would be so special. 'Playing regularly in the Championship, when the team's doing well, you're playing well, just missing out on the play-offs on the last one or two games, I thought I might have a chance of a call-up. 'But unfortunately it's never quite materialised, and I'm obviously disappointed about that. 'But you've got to respect the decisions that are made, so that's fine.' A free agent for the first time in his career, Wallace will take his time to weigh up his future as he eyes a move closer to home after 13 years down south. He said: 'I started my career off in Scotland and it's brilliant to see the likes of Falkirk get back up. 'I've seen Scotty Arfield back there and that's brilliant for him. 'Obviously, there will be interest from teams up in Scotland. We've just got to see what's best footballing-wise and what's best for me and the family. 'There have been a few conversations with a few different clubs, but there's nothing concrete or anything ready to sign at the minute. It's just a bit of a waiting game.' Wherever he ends up, Millwall will always take a special place in his heart. Wallace added: 'I was there a long time and it just feels like so much had happened. 'You had some really surreal moments of the Covid season playing in front of no fans, and you had the highs of the FA Cup runs and scoring winners and stuff like that. 'You had the lows as well. Our chairman tragically passed away in my time there. Our keeper passed away as well at the start of last season. 'Some really massive moments, not just in terms of football but in life there. 'I married my wife whilst I was at Millwall. I've had all three of my children whilst I was at Millwall. It's a massive part of my life.'
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Millwall release eight stars including club legends Murray Wallace and Sam Hutchinson after narrowly missing playoffs
Some players' next clubs have already been revealed ONE IN A MILL ONE IN A MILL Millwall release eight stars including club legends Murray Wallace and Sam Hutchinson after narrowly missing playoffs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLWALL have released eight players after narrowly missing out on the Championship playoffs. The Londoners finished eighth in the table, just two points off sixth-place Bristol City. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Millwall have released eight players including long-time captain Shaun Hutchinson Credit: PA 4 Murray Wallace is also heading out of The Den after years of service Credit: Getty Club legend Neil Harris saw his second spell come to an end 11 days before Christmas. Alex Neil took the reins with Millwall in 11th place. And he has gone on to win 13 of his 26 games at the helm. But the Scot is now looking to shake up his squad in the summer market. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL GUNNER GUESS Ex-Arsenal star so unrecognisable even Sky Sports commentator 'can't name him' It means no less than eight players have been shown the door following the end of the season. And among those departing are two icons who have become synonymous with The Den. Captain Shaun Hutchinson, 34, is the biggest name to depart on a free transfer. He joined Millwall from Fulham in 2016 and went on to make 256 appearances. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Joining Hutchinson out of the club is fellow defender Murray Wallace, who is also out of contract. The 32-year-old moved to south London from Scunthorpe in 2018 and clocked up 207 games in the process. Millwall fan is beaten up by gang of Crystal Palace supporters after confronting rivals in Selhurt Park stands 4 Duncan Watmore is moving on just 18 months after arriving Credit: Alamy 4 Aaron Connolly only joined Millwall in January but is departing this summer Credit: Getty Two more stars are leaving Millwall when their deals expire at the end of the month. Forward Duncan Watmore, 31, joined Millwall 18 months ago from Middlesbrough and scored 12 goals in 59 outings. Meanwhile, 25-year-old striker Aaron Connolly also departs just five months after a move from Sunderland which saw him net once in 14 games. And four loan stars will also return to their parent clubs, with 22-year-old forward Josh Coburn heading back to Middlesbrough after four goals in 12 outings. Midfielder Ryan Wintle, 27, is returning to Cardiff City after 16 games. Defender Zak Sturge, 20, will rejoin Chelsea following five appearances. And full-back Calum Scanlon has gone back to Liverpool after four matches.
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Millwall release eight stars including club legends Murray Wallace and Sam Hutchinson after narrowly missing playoffs
MILLWALL have released eight players after narrowly missing out on the Championship playoffs. The Londoners finished eighth in the table, just two points off sixth-place Advertisement 4 Millwall have released eight players including long-time captain Shaun Hutchinson Credit: PA 4 Murray Wallace is also heading out of The Den after years of service Credit: Getty Club legend Alex Neil took the reins with And he has gone on to win 13 of his 26 games at the helm. But the Scot is now looking to shake up his squad in the summer market. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL It means no less than eight players have been shown the door following the end of the season. And among those departing are two icons who have become synonymous with The Den. Captain Shaun Hutchinson, 34, is the biggest name to depart on a free transfer. He joined Millwall from Advertisement Most read in Championship BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Joining Hutchinson out of the club is fellow defender Murray Wallace, who is also out of contract. The 32-year-old moved to south London from Scunthorpe in 2018 and clocked up 207 games in the process. Millwall fan is beaten up by gang of Crystal Palace supporters after confronting rivals in Selhurt Park stands 4 Duncan Watmore is moving on just 18 months after arriving Credit: Alamy Advertisement 4 Aaron Connolly only joined Millwall in January but is departing this summer Credit: Getty Two more stars are leaving Millwall when their deals expire at the end of the month. Forward Duncan Watmore, 31, joined Millwall 18 months ago from Middlesbrough and scored 12 goals in 59 outings. Meanwhile, 25-year-old striker Aaron Connolly also departs just five months after a move from Sunderland which saw him net once in 14 games. Advertisement And four loan stars will also return to their parent clubs, with 22-year-old forward Josh Coburn heading back to Middlesbrough after four goals in 12 outings. Midfielder Ryan Wintle, 27, is returning to Cardiff City after 16 games. Defender Zak Sturge, 20, will rejoin Chelsea following five appearances. And full-back Calum Scanlon has gone back to Liverpool after four matches. Advertisement
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Aaron Connolly set for Millwall departure
Millwall have confirmed the departure of Ireland forward Aaron Connolly who will leave The Den at the end of his contract next month. The Lions announced the club's retained and released list following the end of the Sky Bet Championship season, with Alex Neil's side having finished in eighth – just two points from the play-offs. Connolly only signed for Millwall in January, and scored one goal in his 14 appearances for the south London club. Millwall also confirmed talks over new contracts continue with several players, including former Ireland Under-21 international, Danny McNamara.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Could child-friendly co-working spaces fix the childcare crisis?
Being a working parent in the UK isn't easy. Childcare costs are among the highest in the developed world, employers are pulling back on flexible working, and nursery places are increasingly scarce. For those lucky enough to secure a spot, strict policies around days and attendance can make it hard to balance work and childcare, leaving many parents under serious financial pressure. These challenges hit mothers especially hard. Women are more likely to put their careers on hold, accept lower pay, or take roles far below their skill levels in order to manage childcare responsibilities. But amid these escalating problems, a newer, more modern set-up is growing in popularity — co-working spaces with creches for children. When she needs some quiet time to work, PR specialist Claire* and her daughter set off for The Den, a flexible, drop-off creche in Leeds. Her daughter can play games, read stories, and interact with qualified childcare experts called "play buddies" while Claire fires off emails and enjoys the free coffee and biscuits. 'I pay £15 per session, instead of more than £100 for a full-day of nursery,' she says. The Den, which caters for children aged three months to five years, was set up in 2021 to offer working parents a lifeline. With no monthly or membership fees, you can book as and when you need some space — to work, or to have a well-needed rest. 'The purpose of the business was to offer affordable flexible child care, pockets of time, where children can play, interact and have fun in a safe, quality playroom with fully qualified and enhanced DBS staff,' says Christine Barraclough, the owner of The Den. Read more: How 'mum brain' stigma is holding women back at work 'Their parent or carer can use our lounge to relax, work, sort out life admin, or alternatively they can head out to a meeting, interview, get a hair cut, or go to appointments,' she says. 'Full daycare is expensive and sometimes you just need a few hours rather than a whole day. You get peace of mind that your child will be cared for in the best way possible while you focus on work.' The emergence of such spaces comes as the cost of childcare in the UK is spiralling. Even with the 15 free hours, a part-time (25 hours) nursery place for a child under two costs on average £3,667 per year in England. In Scotland, the figure rises to £6,364 and £8,062 in Wales. From September 2025, all eligible working parents of children aged under five in England will be able to claim 30 hours free childcare. But with the recent rise in employer national insurance contributions, 96% of nurseries are set to raise their fees. There are many reasons why parents choose nurseries and preschools. In high quality early years childcare, babies and young children learn key developmental social skills via play. Parents can work, knowing their children are safe and happy. But for many, the extortionate fees absorb the majority of their pay checks. 'Nurseries do not want to be in this awful situation where they are forced to either significantly increase their fees to parents or face an uncertain future, with 14% of nurseries saying their business is at risk,' says Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association. 'We are left with a situation where they are increasing statutory employment costs, which impact hugely on nurseries because staffing makes up 75% of their expenditure — but not taking these increases into consideration when paying for childcare places.' With more women opting for flexible options like self-employment to manage work and childcare, co-working-come-creche spaces offer a cheaper alternative. Karina de Sousa is the CEO of Work+Play Hub in Edinburgh. She says the idea for the child-friendly co-working space began when she saw her friend, a mum of two, hunched over a laptop trying to finish some work in a coffee shop. Read more: How to ask an employer about flexible working without explicitly asking 'Work+Play Hub was set up in 2024 in response to what we saw as a growing gap for working parents, particularly mothers, who are juggling demanding professional lives without access to affordable, flexible childcare,' says de Sousa. 'Our founder, a working mum herself, saw friends and colleagues regularly forced to choose between earning an income and providing care. We knew there had to be a better way.' Their model is pretty simple: it's a space where parents can work and children can play. 'Children are safe, engaged, and nearby,' says de Sousa. 'And because we recognise the enormous stress and isolation that working parents — especially those in lower-income households — can face, we also offer tailored mental health support to help parents navigate modern life's complexities with resilience and confidence. It's a lifeline, not just for productivity, but for wellbeing.' Of course, the set-up may not suit everyone. It can be hard for children to adapt to an unfamiliar environment, whereas going to nursery or childminders can provide a routine. For parents who need privacy for their work, these busy spaces may be challenging — although some have meeting rooms that can be booked in advance. And, co-working spaces may not be suitable for some children with additional needs. But for many parents, these spaces offer a lifeline in the form of a moment's peace. 'We believe this is about more than just convenience,' says de Sousa. 'It's about economic inclusion, gender equality, and mental wellbeing. And we're proud to be building something that's genuinely changing lives.' Read more: How to manage 'time blindness' at work if you have ADHD Can body doubling make us more productive at work? How to work multiple jobs without burning outError while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
