In years gone by, the defeat against Portsmouth would have derailed Millwall’s bid for a top six finish. However, the response they have shown since that defeat is another indicator that this year is different.
Alex Neil was one of the first to admit that result against Pompey was a reality check. A reminder that if you drop your levels just one bit in this league you will get punished.
What Millwall have done in recent years is not learn from those mistakes. Cast your mind back to March 2023, the Lions were looking set for the Championship play-offs. We all know how it ended but with that heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Blackburn on the final day but it was a home defeat to Huddersfield Town that began the derailment of that campaign.
That defeat sparked a run of just two wins in their final eight games that went onto cost them a place in the play-offs.
The reason I mention this is because there was no reaction that season. Gary Rowett and his team were that rocked by that defeat that they failed to even score in four of their next five games.
After the defeat to Portsmouth, the response has been excellent.
Neil got his team selection and tactics spot on for the win over Birmingham on Wednesday and stuck with the same team for this weekend’s win at Preston. A win that means the Lions are at the time of writing just one point behind second placed Middlesbrough and within touching distance of the automatic promotion places.
The victory over Birmingham was one of the most professional performances I have seen from the team this season. There was no hangover, it was simply back to business and with full focus to win. The Lions boss has made it very clear his side will not dwell on defeats and will not get too high after winning.
The Lions remain the firm underdogs in this promotion fight, everyone, myself included expect Ipswich to go on and take that second automatic promotion spot behind Coventry. But, it’s worth saying that Town have to face both Middlesbrough and the Lions.
Millwall will go about their job in a professional manner, this year it all feels that bit different. They look a confident side, they are playing attractive football and they fully merit being in this position. There have been other pushes of course, you go back to 2023 and even last season, but, this year it feels like there is an expectation that this will happen rather than a hope it will happen.
The win at Preston oozed confidence and calmed nerves. Preston’s play-off charge has wilted in recent weeks but a result on Saturday would have put them back in the picture. The fact the Lions were able to go there and effectively ease past their opponents shows the level they are currently at.
Tougher tests will of course follow. Hull next weekend is again another huge game. The Tigers face a tough trip to Ipswich in the week whereas, it’s a clear week for Neil’s men. With Saturday’s clash being an early kick-off there is a real chance that by the time the Lions leave the MKM on Saturday they are in the automatic promotion places, at that point no one could argue with their prospects and that achieving a place in the play-offs, should be a minimum expectation.
Alex Neil has made sweeping changes to his Millwall side following their 4-0 defeat to Coventry City at The Den on Wednesday night.
Seven new faces come into the starting XI, with Ryan Leonard, Zak Sturge, Femi Azeez, Ballo, Massimo Luongo, Will Smallbone, and Josh Coburn all starting.
Those making way are Wes Harding, Joe Bryan, Camiel Neghli, Aidomo Emakhu, Luke Cundle, Derek Mazou-Sacko, and Mihalio Ivanovic, who all drop to the bench.
Only Steven Benda, Jake Cooper, Tristan Crama, and Billy Mitchell keep their places from the side that was heavily beaten by the Sky Blues.
Millwall were handed a second successive home defeat after a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Wrexham.
Kieffer Moore once again proved to be the tormentor, netting his fifth goal in 11 games against the Lions to give the Welsh side the lead. Lewis O’Brien struck late in stoppage time to confirm Wrexham’s first league win since their promotion last season.
However, the victory was overshadowed by serious concern for goalkeeper Danny Ward, who required ten minutes of treatment on the pitch before being substituted in the final moments.
Wrexham arrived in SE16 still searching for their first league victory of the campaign, while Millwall looked to make their home advantage count. The Lions were the brighter of the two sides in the opening half, with Camiel Neghli twice testing the Wrexham defence, though his efforts were blocked.
The visitors’ best chance came when a deep cross from the right drifted over Tristen Crama and fell kindly to Moore, only for Benda to rush out and close the angle. Millwall nearly broke the deadlock when Aidomo Emakhu’s delivery found Ivanovic, but the forward couldn’t steer his header on target.
The second half began with Millwall pushing forward. Coburn, Ivanovic, and Zak Sturge all came close, the latter denied by a smart save from Ward. Yet, against the run of play, Wrexham struck first. Max Cleworth’s cross was met by Moore, who beat Benda to the ball and sent the travelling support into celebration.
Millwall responded with pressure of their own, Emakhu blasting into the side netting before Kevin Nisbet spurned a golden opportunity in stoppage time after Ward spilled a cross. In the aftermath of that incident, Ward was seriously injured and required prolonged treatment before being replaced.
With the game stretched, Wrexham took advantage. Lewis O’Brien pounced in stoppage time to secure all three points, sealing a memorable away victory for the newly promoted side.
Trial by Media: Liam Roberts, the BBC’s Free Pass to Parish, and Clickbait Vultures
Football’s a brutal game, and goalkeepers always seem to get the worst of it when the spotlight burns bright—especially when it’s live on the BBC and the media decides to pick a side. On March 1, 2025, at Selhurst Park, our Millwall man Liam Roberts went in high on Crystal Palace’sJean-Philippe Mateta during the FA Cup fifth round. Six minutes in, a red card. Mateta stretchered off, 25 stitches, a hospital stay—all broadcast in real time. The FA took the initial three-game ban and stretched it to six, calling it “insufficient.” Rules are rules, fair enough. But what’s followed isn’t justice—it’s a media execution, fueled by unchecked rants and clickbait vultures. And while the headlines scream, no one’s asking: how’s Liam handling this? How’s his family coping?
This wasn’t just a controversial moment—it was primetime drama. The BBC’s live coverage meant Roberts’ challenge was dissected instantly. Jonathan Pearce and his crew hammered our fans for the “let him die” chants, but here’s the twist: in the 27th minute, Palace fans chanted the exact same thing at a Millwall player. Funny how that didn’t make the cut. No replay. No outrage. When our lot did it? Headline news. Then came the real kicker: Palace chairman Steve Parish, given a live halftime platform to rant unchecked.
“The most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen,” he fumed, telling Roberts to “have a long hard look at himself.” And the BBC just let him roll. No pushback, no balance—just a chairman, mid-game, using the national stage to tear into an opposition player. Should Parish have had that platform, no questions asked? No chance. A chairman’s job is to run his club, not play judge, jury, and executioner on live TV. But his rant set the tone, and the media lapped it up.
The Daily Mail’s Kieran Gill demanded the book be thrown at “boorish, beastly Millwall” and our “reckless keeper” (source). Oliver Holt compared it to Schumacher’s infamous 1982 World Cup challenge—seriously? Chris Sutton piled on in Mail Sport’s podcast , Richard Keys and Keith Hackett weighed in on Football Insider, and The Guardian, The Athletic, The Independent, Express.co.uk —“reckless Kung Fu kick”—kept the fire burning. SPORTbible called it “nasty”. Even the Second Tier Podcast, the self-appointed voice of the Championship, cashed in—turning Roberts’ nightmare into clickbait gold. Everyone had an opinion, but not one of them checked on the man himself. Not one called out Palace fans for the same chants they condemned us for.
Other coverage has been just as relentless:
The Guardian: Millwall’s Liam Roberts hit with six-match ban for challenge on Mateta
The Sun: Jean-Philippe Mateta breaks silence after being rushed to hospital with horror injury during Crystal Palace vs Millwall
Let’s rewind to 1982: German keeper Harald Schumacher clattered into France’s Patrick Battiston in the World Cup semi-final. Hip-first to the face—out cold, three teeth gone, vertebrae cracked. The media went wild: French papers called him an “assassin,” British headlines branded him “brutal,” even German outlets questioned his head. But no red card. Just a free kick the other way. Madness. Death threats followed, his reputation trashed, and barely anyone asked how he was coping. It scarred him for life, but the press didn’t care—they just needed a villain. Sound familiar?
The BBC’s live cameras turned Roberts’ moment of misjudgment into a national scandal. Palace fans chanting “let him die” at 27 minutes? Ignored. Millwall fans doing it? National disgrace. Parish’s unchallenged halftime tirade? The matchstick that lit the fire. Should the BBC have let him rant like that without a counterpoint? Absolutely not. That wasn’t balance—it was a free pass to stoke the flames. The FA doubling the ban, the Mail getting banned from The Den for their character assassination, the pile-on from pundits—it all snowballed from that skewed coverage. And Second Tier Podcast? They just saw an opportunity to milk it for views and likes.
Roberts isn’t Schumacher. There was no intent—just a split-second misjudgment at Selhurst Park, as Millwall have made clear from the start. But the playbook is the same: the media picks a villain, pundits and clickbait merchants jump on board, and the human being at the center of it all gets lost. The club has called out the “abhorrent online abuse” Roberts has faced—death threats, hate messages, the lot. Imagine it: you’re 30 years old, doing your job, make one mistake in front of millions, and suddenly you’re a pariah. Your family scrolling through all that venom. Your mental health in freefall. Where’s that story? Nowhere. The BBC aired the tackle, but they won’t cover the fallout—or the hypocrisy. Second Tier just wants engagement.
Where’s that story? Nowhere. The BBC aired the tackle, but they won’t cover the fallout—or the hypocrisy. Second Tier just wants engagement.
This isn’t about dodging responsibility. Roberts took his ban. We wish Mateta well in his recovery. But while his stitches heal under the spotlight, Roberts is being buried in silence. Goalkeepers walk a tightrope—one mistake, and you’re done. Schumacher carried his for decades. Roberts is carrying his now, amplified by Parish’s microphone and the BBC’s stage. Yet the verdict is already written: reckless thug, case closed. No one’s asking how he’s sleeping, how his family is coping, or what it feels like to be football’s latest scapegoat while rival fans get a pass and pundits cash in on the outrage.
As Millwall fans, we’re used to the hate—it’s part of the territory. But this? This is different. So here’s our message: punish the act, not the man. Liam Roberts is one of ours, and he deserves better than this trial by media. Parish shouldn’t have had free rein on the BBC, Palace fans shouldn’t get a free pass for the same chants, and Second Tier can shove their clickbait. We want the full story—someone ask how Roberts is actually doing. Keepers have been through this before, and the press never learns.
What’s your take, Millwall fans? Drop your thoughts below or join us for our Live episode, where we’ll break it all down live.
No one likes us, and we’re fine with that—but we won’t let one of our own drown in silence.
⚽ Football Fans: Know Your Rights – Avoid Arrests & Banning Orders! 🏟️🚨
Are you a football fan who loves the matchday experience? Whether you’re in the home end or following your team away, it’s crucial to understand the laws that can impact your game-day experience.
In this special edition of That Millwall Podcast, host Micky Simpson sits down with Robert Perkins from Football Law Associates, a specialist solicitor in football arrests, banning orders, and fan rights.
📺 Watch the Full Video Here:
🔴 What You’ll Learn in This Video:
✅ Football Banning Orders Explained – What they are and how they affect fans
✅ What Happens If You Get Arrested at a Match? – Know your rights in police custody
✅ Cocaine & Alcohol Laws at Football – The truth behind new regulations
✅ Pitch Invasions & Pyrotechnics – What could get you banned?
✅ Police Surveillance & Facial Recognition at Matches – Are you being watched?
✅ Social Media & Football Violence – How posts can be used against you
🚨 Did you know? A single mistake – like stepping onto the pitch, throwing an object, or unknowingly carrying 0.1 grams of a banned substance – could land you with a criminal conviction and a multi-year football banning order.
⚠️ Don’t Risk It – Know Your Rights!
If you’re a match-going fan, this video is a must-watch. We break down everything you need to know about football policing, the Football Spectators Act, and how to protect yourself from unfair bans.
🔗 SHARE THIS VIDEO with your football mates so they don’t get caught out!
📞 Need Legal Advice? Contact Football Law Associates for expert support:
📲 0333 939 0063
📧 mail@football-law.co.uk
📍 254C High Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5LA
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer if you need support.
Hull City have set their sights on Millwall defender Murray Wallace as they look to strengthen their squad for the crucial battle to avoid relegation – according to Scottish Journalist Alan Nixon.
The Glaswegian defender, 32, has made over 200 appearances for Millwall since joining from Scunthorpe United in 2018. However, he has seen his play time decrease over the past few seasons due to injuries and falling down the pecking order.
Wallace has history in that part of the country having played Huddersfield Town between 2012 and 2016 making 51 appearances for the Terriers. A switch to the MKM Stadium could offer Wallace the opportunity to increase his game time, Millwall currently have, Jake Cooper, Japhet Tanganga, Shaun Hutchinson, Wes Harding and new signing Tristan Crama as centre-back options, meaning it is likely there will be outgoings. Wallace’s contract ends this summer.
Wallace has made 11 Championship appearances this season, starting eight, the last being the 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on January 4th.
Just when things looked to be going in the right direction a late goal hampers it all.
Alex Neil looked set for his first league win in charge of Millwall on Tuesday night when goals from Calum Scanlon and Casper De Norre gave his side a 2-0 lead against Cardiff City.
It was a great night for Scanlon who has just come back from a back fracture which saw him miss 20 games and have to return to Liverpool for treatment, however, he has come back and looked like a good attacking outlet for the Lions considering his natural position is a left back.
He came forward well, it took just 61 seconds of this contest for the first goal to arrive, Duncan Watmore’s charging run – we saw a similar one against Hull last Saturday, this time he got his head up and found Scanlon, he controlled the ball well got past his man and fired a powerful effort past Jak Alnwick in the Cardiff goal.
By the 20 minute mark, Lions fans were doing something they have not done since September, celebrating a second home goal in a game. The trickery of Ra’ees Bangura-Williams set up a third goal of the season for Casper De Norre. The brilliance of the former Tooting and Mitcham player was on show for everyone to see, he could become a key player for Millwall and what a time for him to emerge following Romain Esse’s departure to Crystal Palace.
However, the Lions have not won a game of football in the league since the 21st December – a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. They could have had the game wrapped up midway through the first half as Cardiff were offering very little not just going forward but in the contest.
But, as we know in football one moment can change everything.
Ryan Leonard and Jake Cooper seemed to get in each others way trying to make a simple clearance, in the end Cooper ended up playing the ball straight to Chris Willock who brought the Bluebirds back in the game with a fine effort that left Lucas Jensen with no chance.
A panicked moment from two senior players and suddenly it becomes a very different half-time team talk and atmosphere inside the stadium. All of a sudden Cardiff have something to play for in the second half.
In truth, the second half drifted. Neither side created an awful lot but the vital thing for Cardiff is that they hadn’t conceded a third goal and were still in the game. As time went on their confidence grew.
Millwall would be dealt a double injury blow with Leonard and then his replacement Danny McNamara forced off – the latter’s injury looking like a potential ACL – a season ending injury.
All of that increased the visitors hopes and that was boosted even further when seven minutes were added. Yousef Salech warned the Millwall defence in the 95th minute, a cross into the box, he was left free but failed to get his header on target.
Just when we thought it was done, Billy Mitchell’s clearance in midfield fell straight into City possession, the ball came into the box, Cooper lost his dual with Perry Ng and Salech got the better of Japhet Tanganga to fire past Lukas Jensen to deny the Lions all three points.
On the whole, he did a good job at PNE. There were some fantastic spells and some lower moments but he’s highly thought of by the majority of supporters and most would’ve embraced him back with welcomed arms when there was a vacancy for us earlier in the season.
•Did the team demonstrate progress or improvement compared to his predecessor’s era?
Interesting question. On the face of it, Simon Grayson had us 11th for our first two seasons back in the Championship and Neil only bettered this twice. However, we built on the excellent foundations that Grayson left and we managed to develop the style of play to become a more enjoyable watch, whilst giving us genuine hope of a top six finish.
•What were the standout moments, both high and low, during his time in charge?
Our first season in 2017/18 was immense. We pushed the teams at the top right to the end and eventually, missed out on play offs after the last game of the season. The so called ‘Covid Era‘ was a tougher period and this eventually led to his dismissal whilst we were 16th in the league – which is by no means a dreadful place to be in when you consider our budget.
Playing Style
•What was the defining style of play for Preston under Alex Neil’s management?
Intensity. It was a good watch, with plenty of energy and fight. The team was willing to press and be direct, which will go down a treat at Millwall.
•Did he stick to a specific tactical philosophy, or was he adaptable in his formations and strategies?
Throughout the majority of his reign we played a 4-2-3-1 although towards the end he tinkered with a back three. He was always insistent on North End being proactive rather than reactive to in game situations.
•Are there any memorable matches or performances that best illustrate his tactical approach?
PNE 3-2 Blackburn – This game epitomised North End’s strength in local derbies during AN’s tenure. We went in at break 2 down but there was a ‘never say die’ attitude and we once again defeated Rovers. He recognised the importance of the rivalries to supporters and we always prepared well and usually won.
PNE 2-1 Fulham – Another particular strength during Neil’s time in charge – was our ability to upset the apple cart. This was a star studded Cottagers side but we were on top throughout and didn’t give them any respect.
Player Development
•Which individual players showed the most improvement during Alex Neil’s tenure?
Jordan Hugill was sold on for 10 million – which he looked light years away from when Neil joined the club. Paul Gallagher was probably his strongest player in a quarterback role – just conducting play. Think Barry Bannan (with excellent penalty taking too).
•Were there notable success stories involving young players thriving under his guidance?
The aforementioned Hugill was sold for 10 million. Callum Robinson was sold on for 7 million. We should have got a lot more for Ben Davies and Ben Pearson but we let their contracts run out. All four of them haven’t reached these levels since leaving Deepdale.
•How effective was the team in utilising transfers and loan deals during his time in charge?
This is one area that he got a bit of scrutiny for. There were far too many lacklustre signings that flattered to deceive, although the recruitment can’t be solely on the manager at any club. We had Lukas Nmecha and Anthony Gordon on loan – the latter infamously didn’t play so much.
Fan Relationship
•How did Preston’s fanbase perceive Alex Neil throughout his tenure?
For 3 years – he was loved by pretty much every PNE supporter you could find. It was exciting on the pitch and off it, he talked with his feet on the ground and he was not lost in the world of hyperbole. Towards the end, the fanbase became split – which is natural when the performances and results start to teeter off at any club. Some felt it was time for a change, I like others would’ve liked us to rebuild and reset in the summer with a coach who doesn’t become a failure overnight.
•Did he establish a strong connection with the supporters, or was there a sense of detachment?
Now, this is a key one. For me, I hate this modern day hysteria over the incumbent in charge flamboyantly throwing his fists in the direction of a begging crowd of supporters, chasing materialistic adoration. A connection should be built on the pitch and any manager that is willing to play aggressive football of high intensity will be liked at Deepdale. He doesn’t come over and play up to the crowd; he may even head to the tunnel after a game, which I’m sure will frustrate a section of your supporters!
Club Expectations
•To what extent did Alex Neil meet or exceed the club’s expectations when he was appointed?
Naturally, some supporters will point to Grayson delivering two top half finishes – suggesting the expectation would be to push closer to the top six. However, the budget during Neil’s 4 years in charge was consistently in the bottom six every year. The expectation would have been to raise our ceiling and to provide a competitive Championship side.
•Were there signs suggesting he could elevate the team to new heights, particularly in pursuit of promotion?
In his first and third season we came close. We sat in the play off spots when the season was curtailed for Covid-19 and most felt this knocked our momentum as we headed towards the dying stages of the campaign.
•How close did Preston come to securing a Premier League spot under his leadership?
The general feeling is that the 1-0 home loss to Frank Lampard’s Derby cost us in the 17/18 season. We had the chance to score from the spot and we had 19 shots to their 2. If we’d have won that we should’ve made the top six and pipped County to the final spot.
End of Tenure
•What were the key factors that led to Alex Neil’s departure from Preston?
Poor form. 1 win in 9 and it was just 16 months beforehand, that we found ourselves top of the Championship table. He was sacked in 16th which shouldn’t be looked at as some sort of failure.
•In hindsight, was it the right time for him to leave, or was his departure premature?
I would say premature. There was the feeling that we were in danger of the drop, when in reality we could have got zero points from the final eight and still survived. Some will say that it was time for a change but I’m a big believer that managers don’t become bad one’s overnight. We had sold three of his best players in January and we gave him seven weeks to find a way of playing with a new bunch of players. It’s the one major gripe I have with the club since our return to the Championship.
•How did the club perform in the immediate aftermath of his exit?
Frankie McAvoy – his long time assistant was given the job and after a short manager bounce – it was a pretty tough watch. There were some enjoyable moments of Frankie’s reign and he was a lovely bloke but I think in hindsight he’d have preferred to stay in the background continuing the good work he was doing on the training pitch.
Comparison
•How does Alex Neil’s tenure stack up against other Preston managers in recent years?
Ryan Lowe came after McAvoy’s removal and he had us finish 13th, 12th and 10th. He did a good job in terms of results but we we’re not as enjoyable as a watch as under Neil, there were far too many one sided defeats and he rubbed up supporters with his abrasive comments at times. It is too soon to properly judge Paul Heckingbottom but it feels he is a good blend between Grayson’s fatherly warmth and Neil’s tactical ingenuity.
•If given the chance, would bringing him back be a viable option for the club?
He would’ve been considered when Ryan Lowe resigned in August. I think the fact that it would’ve upset a minority of supporters probably went against him and it was best starting afresh with a manager who also has a Championship promotion on his CV.
Adam Barrett’s departure from Millwall marks the end of a richly significant chapter for both the man and the club. Over nearly eight years at The Den, the 45-year-old has been an integral figure in SE16, embodying the grit, passion, and progress that defines Millwall Football Club.
Barrett, who joined The Lions in 2017, will be remembered for his pivotal role in Millwall’s journey from League One to becoming a consistent force in the Championship.
As part of the coaching team that engineered that unforgettable Play-Off Final victory, Barrett played his part in restoring Millwall’s status in English football’s second tier. His transition to assistant manager underlined his growing influence as the club flirted with Championship Play-Off positions in subsequent seasons.
Key to his legacy is his development of Academy graduates into first-team regulars—an often-overlooked but vital contribution to the club’s sustainability and competitive edge. Twice entrusted with caretaker duties, Barrett’s tactical nous and composure on the touchline were evident, with the famous 2-1 victory over Leeds United in October 2019 standing out as a high-water mark.
Barrett Millwall’s official website : “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work at this club for nearly eight years. I leave proud and full of gratitude. We’ve experienced the joys of promotion from League One together to now being an established, competitive Championship side. I have learnt so much throughout, and now feel the time is right to pursue my aspiration of becoming a head coach or manager elsewhere.”
Reflecting further, he added: “The club has been so supportive of my desire to step into management. It’s a role I have enjoyed twice in the interim at Millwall, and that only fuelled my hunger to take the next step in my career. Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank James and the entire Berylson family. Their support and care for the club is unwavering, and I appreciate everything they have done for me personally. The club is in excellent hands under James. I have so many great memories here and want nothing but success for it in the future. Thank you, everyone.”
Millwall Chairman James Beryslon paid tribute to Barrett with warm words of his own: “Adam has fulfilled a number of roles during his time here and always conducted himself with the utmost professionalism. It has been clear to see why my father, players, club staff, and past managers have had so much respect for Adam—I share that feeling wholeheartedly.”
Alex Neil is set to be confirmed as Millwall’s new head coach, succeeding Neil Harris at The Den.
The Scot has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal and will take charge of the Lions for the first time against Oxford United on New Years Day.
Neil, 42, has been out of management since leaving Stoke City just over a year ago but brings a wealth of experience to SE16. His managerial career includes notable successes, such as leading Norwich City to promotion from the Championship in 2015 after a play-off final victory over Middlesbrough. In May 2022, Neil secured another promotion, guiding Sunderland back to the Championship with a win over Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final.
After Sunderland, Neil moved to Stoke City but departed the club less than a year into his tenure. Prior to these roles, he enjoyed a nearly four-year spell as manager of Preston North End, achieving 72 wins in 191 matches. His managerial journey began at Hamilton Academical, where he also had a successful playing career and achieved his first promotion as a manager.
While the full structure of Neil’s backroom team is yet to be confirmed, interim head coach David Livermore and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall are expected to remain part of the setup. Martin Canning, who previously served as Neil’s assistant at Sunderland and Stoke and was a teammate at Hamilton, would be an expected addition should Neil want to bring any of his own staff into the club.
The former Norwich boss is expected to be in the stands at the CBS Arena this afternoon as the Lions face Coventry.
