What Middlesbrough chiefs told Josh Coburn about his future before sealing transfer to Millwall

Add as preferred source on Google

Josh Coburn has opened up on leaving Middlesbrough to join Millwall permanently this summer.

With Emmanuel Latte Lath and Tommy Conway competing for a starting berth early in 2024/25, Middlesbrough decided to loan out Josh Coburn.

The striker showed glimpses of quality in the Carabao Cup for the Teessiders, but it seemed unlikely he would get enough regular minutes if he remained at the Riverside.

Coburn went on to enjoy a solid season with Millwall despite some injury issues limiting his game time.

He’s since decided to join the London outfit on a permanent basis, going into 2025/26

Middlesbrough fans have been left split by the transfer, with some of the opinion that he could have been given a chance in pre-season for the Reds.

What Middlesbrough told Josh Coburn about his future

Now, the player himself has opened up on his decision to depart the North East outfit.

Rob Edwards became Middlesbrough manager shortly before the Englishman was sold.

However, as Coburn shared in his interview with the Northern Echo, the transfer was largely already completed before Edwards arrived.

The number nine also revealed that he spoke to Kieran Scott, who told him Middlesbrough wanted him to stay, but he would face competition.

Coburn said: “It was sort of already done before the new manager came in,” explained Coburn.

“I spoke to Kieran at the end of the season and he said I’d done well this season and it was up to me what I wanted to do.

“He said Boro would like to keep me but they have a competitive squad and at that stage we didn’t know the manager situation.

“But it felt like the right time for me. I’d already made my mind up to go out and play games.

“No matter who the manager was going to be, I’d spoken to Kieran and made it clear and he thought it was for the best in the end.”

Josh Coburn in contact with former Middlesbrough manager

Coburn made his debut for Middlesbrough in 2021 and scored during his second appearance against Sheffield Wednesday.

Neil Warnock was manager at the time, and the attacker also shared he remains in contact with the veteran boss.

He added: “He [Warnock] still gets in touch.

“He sends a text every now and again when I’ve scored. It’s nice to keep in touch and always lovely to hear from him.

“He was amazing for me. I loved working under him.”