Coburn has debut to remember as Lions seal first win of the season

Millwall secured their first win of the Championship season with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

Josh Coburn, making his debut, opened the scoring, while Duncan Watmore added his fourth goal of the season, and Jake Cooper rounded off the day with a late header.

Neil Harris made one change to the lineup that played out a goalless draw against Hull City last week. With Tom Bradshaw sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered against Leyton Orient, deadline day signing Coburn stepped in to lead the line.

The Lions began the match on the front foot, with Romain Esse, who  signed a new long-term contract in the week, having an effort blocked in the 12th minute. Two minutes later, George Honeyman’s free-kick was headed over by Japhet Tanganga, and Esse continued to look lively, seeing another shot blocked in the 19th minute.

In the 58th minute, Millwall finally broke the deadlock. Honeyman played the ball into Duncan Watmore, who delivered a delightful pass to the back post, where Coburn was waiting to score his first goal for the club.

Millwall doubled their lead in the 71st minute. Joe Bryan’s corner found an unmarked Watmore at the back post, and he calmly slotted home his fourth goal of the season.

As the match neared its conclusion, Millwall added a third goal. George Saville’s searching pass found his midfield partner Casper De Norre, who delivered a pinpoint cross for Jake Cooper to head home, sealing a comprehensive win for the Lions.

This victory marked a perfect afternoon for Millwall, who head into the international break on a high note after securing their first three points of the season.

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Bermondsey Bergkamp departs Millwall

Zian Flemming has departed Millwall to join Championship rivals Burnley on a season-long loan deal, which includes an obligation to buy next summer.

Flemming initially arrived at Millwall in the summer of 2022 for a club-record fee and made an immediate impact, scoring 15 goals in 44 appearances during his debut season. Despite his efforts, the Lions narrowly missed out on a top-six finish after a dramatic 4-3 loss to Blackburn Rovers on the final day.

Last season, Flemming contributed 8 goals in 48 appearances, as Millwall struggled with consistency before Neil Harris returned to guide the team to Championship safety.

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The deal sheet – What is it and how does it work?

The transfer window is into the last hour and deals around the country are still being completed.

Just because Big Ben strikes 11, it does not mean that the business is done as deals can still be completed.

There are many deals that have been agreed by the time of the deadline but personal terms and other arrangements have not always been sorted by that time.

That’s where the deal sheet comes into place.

What is a deal sheet?

A deal sheet is an important document that must be filled with the either the Premier League or the EFL before the deadline.

It must contain a signature from the buying club, the selling club and the player that is moving.

If this is is filed with the EFL or Premier League by the time of the deadline and thee is other things that still need to be sorted then extra time can be granted to seal the deal.

The most important thing is to get that deal sheet to the relevant people.

Famously Real Madrid had failed to file a deal sheet in time to sign David de Gea despite all terms being agreed the sheet was not with the relevant parties by the deadline, this meant the move failed.

 

 

Deadline Day LIVE!

It’s Deadline Day!

We will be following all the stories from Deadline Day as Millwall and all the clubs across the country look to get their deals done and completed.

Sheffield Wednesday eye Holgate 

Millwall’s upcoming opponents this weekend are reportedly targeting a move for Everton defender Mason Holgate. The 26-year-old was initially set for a transfer to French side Lyon, but that deal has seemingly collapsed. According to Sky Sports Danny Rohl’s side have now entered discussions with Everton to bring Holgate in.

If he is signed he will not be able to play against the Lions tomorrow as the registration deadline was at midday.

Burnley Fail in Bids for Morgan Whittaker

Burnley are still actively seeking to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes, but their pursuit of Morgan Whittaker seems to have hit a dead end. Plymouth Live reports that Plymouth Argyle have no intention of selling Whittaker due to the limited time left to find a replacement. The Clarets initially made a loan offer with an obligation to buy, which was rejected. A subsequent bid for a permanent transfer was also turned down by Plymouth.

Tom Cannon Joins Stoke

Stoke City have secured the services of Tom Cannon on loan from Leicester City. Cannon, who had a successful loan spell at Preston last season, finds himself down the pecking order at Leicester and will look to make an impact with Stoke in the Championship.

What’s Happening Around the Country?

  • Raheem Sterling: The Chelsea winger has received offers to leave the club, with Arsenal emerging as a potential destination. Negotiations over personal terms are ongoing.
  • Ivan Toney: Brentford’s star striker is close to completing a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli for £40 million.
  • James Ward-Prowse: The West Ham midfielder is on the verge of joining Nottingham Forest on loan, bringing his experience to Forest’s midfield.
  • Jay Stansfield: The young forward, who impressed on loan at Birmingham City last season, is in talks to return to the Blues on another season-long loan. He recently scored against Birmingham in the EFL Cup.

Latest on Aidomo Emakhu

Millwall are considering loaning out Aidomo Emakhu to ensure the young Irishman gets regular game time. The decision hinges on whether the Lions can bring in another winger before the transfer window closes. Manager Neil Harris didn’t rule out a loan move after the recent match against Leyton Orient, leaving the situation fluid depending on Millwall’s incoming transfers.

10:45 Update

  • Mihailo Ivanovic: The Serbian striker is undergoing a medical ahead of his club-record move to Millwall from Vojvodina. The deal, expected to be around €3 million, is set to be finalized this afternoon.
  • Josh Coburn: Millwall are close to completing a season-long loan deal for the Middlesbrough striker. Negotiations have been ongoing, with Middlesbrough needing to secure a replacement first, reportedly Leicester’s Tom Cannon. Coburn’s move could be finalized soon.
  • Millwall’s Transfer Activity: The Lions are also working on securing two additional signings before the transfer deadline.
  • Zian Flemming: Burnley’s pursuit of Millwall’s Zian Flemming continues, but the Lions have already rejected one bid. This is a situation to keep an eye on as the day progresses.
  • Potential Loan Departures: Millwall may see some players leave on loan, depending on how the rest of their transfer business unfolds today.

Who is Martial Godo?

Millwall have been linked with a move for Fulham’s Martial Godo, with the South London Press confirming the link this morning.

Here’s a closer look at the player.

Martial Godo is a 21-year-old left winger who joined Fulham in 2022. He began his career at Dartford in 2019, progressing through their youth system before moving to Margate on a dual registration deal. Godo made a strong impression at Margate, scoring his first professional goal in a 2-1 victory over Cray Wanderers in 2021. During his time with Margate, he made 18 appearances and scored three goals.

In the summer of 2022, Godo went on trial with Fulham, where he impressed enough to earn a spot in their U21 side. He made his first-team debut for Fulham as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Crawley in the EFL Cup in August 2022.

Godo continued to develop his game and played a significant role in Fulham’s 2023/24 Premier League 2 campaign, scoring five goals in the first month. His performances earned him the PL2 Player of the Month award for August 2023. He then moved on loan to Wigan, where he continued to make an impact despite a couple of injury setbacks.

During his loan spell at Wigan, Godo provided an assist on his debut in a 2-1 win over Cambridge in September 2023, and two weeks later, he scored his first goal for the Latics in a 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth. Overall, he made 37 appearances for Wigan, scoring four goals.

If Millwall were to secure Godo’s services, he would offer strong competition for the wide positions in their squad, adding depth and potential to the Lions’ attacking options.

Image: Fulham FC

Lions seal Coburn loan deal

Millwall have secured the signing of Middlesbrough striker Josh Coburn on a season-long loan deal.

The Lions have had a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old and have beaten competition from Preston to secure his services with the South London Press reporting the deal is done.

However, it is not yet known if he will be available to play tomorrow against Sheffield Wednesday.

Head Coach Neil Harris has been eager to strengthen his forward line throughout the summer, especially after the departure of Kevin Nisbet to Aberdeen and Tom Bradshaw’s recent hamstring injury, which has left the team short of options up front.

There is no option to buy in the deal.

Image: Middlesbrough FC

Romain Esse signs new long-term Millwall deal

Romain Esse has agreed to a new long-term deal with Millwall.

The 19-year-old forward from Lambeth had entered the final year of his current contract, raising concerns that rival teams might snap him up. However, those worries have now been put to rest with Esse’s commitment to stay at The Den.

Esse, who is involved with the England U20 setup, is widely regarded as a future star. His potential has already started to turn heads, and he is expected to attract interest from bigger clubs in the coming years. So far, Esse has scored four senior goals, all of which have come away from The Den—at Middlesbrough, Coventry, Portsmouth, and most recently Bristol City in Millwall’s second game of the Championship season.

Having been on the fringes of the first team for the past two seasons, this campaign is set to be his major breakthrough. Esse has started all three of Millwall’s Championship games so far this season, signaling just how highly head coach Neil Harris values him moving forward.

Millwall do not disclose the length of their long term deals.

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Serbian striker set to break Lions transfer record

Millwall are poised to break their transfer record with the signing of Serbian striker Mihailo Ivanovic from Vojvodina.

The 19-year-old, who has risen through the youth ranks at Vojvodina, is highly regarded in Serbia.

Ivanovic spent time on loan with Italian side Sampdoria in 2022, making one senior appearance but featuring prominently for their youth team, where he scored six goals in 39 appearances. Back at Vojvodina, he has netted ten goals in 48 appearances, showcasing his potential as a rising talent.

According to reports from SportKlub, the fee for Ivanovic could be around €3 million, which would set a new club record for Millwall.

The need for attacking reinforcements has become even more urgent following a significant setback on Tuesday night when Tom Bradshaw was forced off with a serious hamstring injury. Manager Neil Harris confirmed the severity of the injury, making the acquisition of more firepower a top priority.

In addition to Ivanovic, Millwall are also in ongoing talks with Middlesbrough over a potential loan deal for Josh Coburn, who is expected to leave the Riverside before Friday’s transfer deadline.

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Millwall face Leyton Orient in League Cup clash

Millwall are back in Carabao Cup action this evening as they host League One side Leyton Orient at The Den.

The Lions picked up their first point of the league season at the third attempt against Hull City on Saturday, having lost their opening two games against Watford and Bristol City.

Orient meanwhile, have lost all three games in the third tier this season – the last of which was 2-1 defeat to Birmingham on Saturday.

It will be the first meeting between the sides in 14 years – Millwall won that 2-1 with goals from Paul Robinson and Steve Morison.

Team News

Neil Harris remains without Billy Mitchell and Zian Flemming due to injury. It is likely the Millwall head coach will look to rotate his squad with the likes of Liam Robers, Danny McNamara and Wes Harding all looking for a start. Tom Bradshaw is likely to be rested, giving Macauley Langstaff a start. Alife Massey could also play some part. New arrival Daniel Kelly may also be in contention.

Bristol City also have injuries, Robert Atkinson is missing with a groin strain. Ross McCrorie has a hamstring problem while Yu Hirakawa is missing with an ankle injury.

Form

Millwall’s only win this season came in the first round of this competition – a 1-0 win at Portsmouth. Although, a first point of the season was picked up at Hull last weekend.

It’s similar story for the O’s. Richie Wellens’ side have lost all three league games.

Predicted Millwall Team

4-2-3-1: Roberts; McNamara, Hutchinson, Tanganga, Bryan; Saville, Massey; Esse, Watmore, Honeyman, Langstaff.

 

Image: Millwall FC

Lions claim first point of the season at Hull

Millwall secured their first point of the Sky Bet Championship season at Hull City after a 0-0 draw on Saturday lunchtime.

Tom Bradshaw had the best chance for Millwall in the second half but, couldn’t beat City keeper Ivor Pandur.

A game of few chances means it’s not one that will live long in fans memories but, it gets Millwall off the mark for the season and a clean sheet away from home.

Japhet Tanganga returned to the side following suspension in place of Shaun Hutchinson who dropped to the bench.

The first chance came after just two minutes, George Honeyman’s corner met the head of Tom Bradshaw but he headed it over the bar when he could have done slightly better.

Set-pieces are big part of Millwall’s attack and it was another corner which caused a problem for the home side’s defence. Tanganga on his return was next to have a chance, George Saville’s corner went deep towards the centre-half he took the ball down and fired goal wards but, his shot was blocked.

Hull’s first effort came in the 14th minute, Marvin Mehlem’s free-kick failed to test Lukas Jensen in the Millwall goal.

Millwall’s best chance of the first half fell to Saville in the 19th minute, played through by Romain Esse, his shot was tame but Pandur made a smart stop nonetheless.

The Tigers for the most part struggled to break down a Lions defence that was organised very well and maintained their shape superbly, a massive difference from the opening two games which saw the Lions ship seven goals.

Bradshaw had the best chance for the Lions in the second period. The ball falling kindly for the former Barnsley man but his turn and shot was straight at the keeper.

Hull again found it hard to breakthrough the Lions defence. Their best chance came through Chris Bedia but he was denied by a superb save from Lukas Jensen.

It ended goalless to give the Lions their first point of the campaign ahead of a return to The Den next weekend to face Sheffield Wednesday.

Image: Millwall FC