Jamie Shackleton has returned to Leeds United where he faces an uncertain summer, following the completion of his loan at Millwall. The midfielder spent the entire campaign in the Championship with the south Londoners, making 37 appearances in all competitions and helping Gary Rowett’s side compete for a play-off spot for much of the season.
Unfortunately for Millwall, their hopes of winning promotion to the Premier League were dashed on Monday as a 4-3 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at The Den ensured they missed out on a place in the top six. As a result, Shackleton’s spell with the Lions has come to an end and he will now return to Elland Road, where his future is every much unclear.
The 23-year-old has just one more year left to run on his current contract with the Whites at present and with game time being far from guaranteed, irrespective of what division United find themselves in next season, it seems both the club and the player could have a decision to make. Shackleton’s agent Hayden Evans has already suggested a move away from his boyhood club might be on the cards this summer and the player will be considering his options over the coming weeks and months.
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Before his future comes into focus, though, Shackleton has taken the time to thank Millwall and underline his belief that the club can compete for a spot in the top flight next time around.
“Thank you to everyone at Millwall for your unbelievable support this season,” he wrote on Instagram. “The players, staff and fans at the club made my first loan move in football an amazing experience and I can’t thank you all enough.
“I’m gutted we couldn’t get over the line and achieve what we set out to do back in July but have no doubt the hurt and disappointment will push everyone at the club to go one better next season.”
Shackleton made his first-team debut for Leeds back in 2018 after being brought off the bench by Marcelo Bielsa in a 4-1 win over Derby County. He has gone on to make 79 appearances in all competitions, finding the back of the net on two occasions.
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