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.
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.
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.”
Millwall ended their three game losing run with a last gasp 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.
Mihalio Ivanovic’s second goal for the club secured a first win since November 6th.
The win moves the Lions up to tenth in the Championship table.
Dave Livermore made two changes to the side that lost 1-0 in Neil Harris’ farewell at Middlesbrough last week. Joe Bryan and Aidomo Emakhu came back into the side in place of Danny McNamara and George Honeyman.
It was a scrappy start with neither side really managing to get control of the football or have any sustained pressure. That was until the home side grew in confidence. Joe Bryan crossed for Romain Esse in the 17th minute but the youngster’s effort was blocked. Two minutes later, he was denied again this time by a superb block from Danny Batth.
Blackburn’s best effort of the first half arrived in the 23rd minute. Todd Cantwell’s corner was headed towards goal by Hyam but deflected off one of his teammates and dropped wide.
The games’ first shot on target arrived in the 35th minute, George Saville’s shot looked to be gong wide but keeper Pears parried it into the path of Langstaff who on the turn placed the ball into the side netting.
Pears was called into action again in the 37th minute, Femi Azeez’s powerful shot was batted away by the keeper, thew rebound came to Japhet Tanganga, his shot came into the path of Langstaff but the effort was cleared off the line by the Blackburn defence.
In the 52nd minute, a great chance came the way of the visitors. The Lions were left short at the back from a corner and Amario Cozier-Duberry was through on goal but a superb 60 yard sprint from Azeez and a stunning recovery tackle stopped the forward having a shot at Lukas Jensen.
Substitutes Andi Weimann and Ryan Hedges combined in the 77th minute but the formers shot was straight at Jensen.
The game looked to be heading towards a goalless draw, Ryan Leonard’s cross was headed in by Ivanovic to send the Den wild and end a three game losing run.
Millwall have confirmed that David Livermore will take over as Interim head coach while the Lions search for a new head coach.
Livermore was Neil Harris’ trusted assistant during both his spells as Millwall boss, Harris stepped down from his role as head coach following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.
Livermore played over 300 games for the South London club and will now get the chance to serve the club as head coach even if it’s only in the interim.
Speaking about the devlopments Liver ore said to Millwall’s official website
“I feel privileged to be entrusted with taking temporary charge of the first-team.
“I care deeply about this football club and with the support of Adam, Kevin and Andy, three experienced coaches, our sole aim and focus is preparing the players for this weekend’s League fixture against Blackburn Rovers at The Den.
“We know this squad of players very well and have great relationships with them all. We look forward to working with the team and the support staff to achieve a positive result for the football club this Saturday.”
Millwall’s Director of Football, Steve Gallen added “David and I have held really productive conversations about this interim period and we are grateful to him for stepping into the role as well as Adam, Andy and Kevin for their assistance during this period.”
“He has a great relationship with the current squad and support staff and provides an excellent foundation in the interim whilst our recruitment process for a new Head Coach continues.”
Former Millwall manager Gary Rowett has shared his reaction to the news that Neil Harris will step down as Millwall’s head coach after Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough.
Speaking on Sky Soccer Special, Rowett expressed surprise and praised Harris’s contributions to the club.
“I think it’s a surprise to most people,” Rowett said. “When you look at Neil’s stature at the club, coming back for a second spell as a manager, he’s been there as a player, he’s held in really high esteem by everyone at Millwall. He’s very synonymous with the club.”
Rowett, who succeeded Harris in 2019 after a four-and-a-half-year spell by the Lions legend, acknowledged the significance of Harris leaving on his own terms this time around.
“I think it’s always one of those where you want to go on your own terms, you want to try and protect that legacy,” Rowett explained. “Coming back and keeping the team up in a very difficult position last season and getting the team into a really good position this season.
“For whatever reason, he obviously feels that he’s on a high. He leaves with his head held high because the previous time it probably ended maybe not on his terms, and that’s important. I think he’s done a fabulous job. I think the club are in a position now because of the work he has done, they are able to move forward in a slightly different way. He’s obviously done it for his reasons.”
When asked about the direction Millwall might take under new leadership, Rowett highlighted the club’s focus on sustainability.
“I think they have spoken publicly about being a bit more self-sustainable,” he said. “When owners and people at football clubs say that, it means they want to start producing players of value and have a player trading model. I think that’s something perhaps the club hadn’t done previously under James Berylson’s dad, John. I’ve worked with both people—they are both great people, the family are fantastic. I feel maybe that is the route they might look to go down.”
On whether he would consider a return to The Den, Rowett was noncommittal but lighthearted.
“I think I have managed them once before, I’m sure I have,” he joked.
With Wycombe manager Matt Bloomfield emerging as an early favorite for the role, Rowett weighed in on the potential appointment.
“I think the Matt Bloomfield one is a really difficult one because, obviously, he’s had a really good spell with Wycombe in that division,” he said. “But it’s a tough club to manage, it’s not an easy club to manage. It’s in a great position, and there will be so many people who will want that job. But I think it’s so important to get it right because of the work that’s been done and the foundations that are there. Can you take it on to the next step? That’s going to be the biggest challenge.”
Neil Harris has confirmed he will step down as Millwall’s head coach, with Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough set to be his final game in charge.
The club announced the news on Tuesday, accompanied by an open letter from Harris to the fans, in which he reflected on his time at the club and explained his decision.
Harris described the choice to leave as a difficult one, given his deep connection to the club.
“This isn’t an easy decision, as everyone knows this club is more than a job to me, it’s my club, and always will be,” he wrote. “Being here always felt like home, as a player, as a captain, and as a manager. We are a family, and it’s been my life for so many years. But I always said when I returned that I would leave when the time felt right, and now is that time.”
Harris returned to the club last season and played a key role in some memorable moments as the Lions who looked destined for League One roared to Championship safety which he said will remain highlights of his career.
“Coming back last season and all the highs that came with it will never be rivalled. It was one of the highlights of my career. We fought together as a team, as fans, and as a united football club,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the squad’s potential for future success, praising the players’ character and determination.
“We have some special characters in this team. They are dedicated and hungry to do well. With the right encouragement and support, I’m sure they can achieve great things,” he added.
Harris extended his gratitude to the club’s staff and owner James Berylson, highlighting the strong relationship they had built during his tenure.
“I would like to thank all the staff at the club for their loyalty and support and especially the owner James Berylson, for welcoming me back. He’s been superb to work with, and I will always be grateful for the great friendship we shared,” he said.
Finally, Harris reserved heartfelt words for Millwall’s passionate supporters, emphasising their unique spirit.
“We have the most passionate fans in the country, and your support has meant the world to me. We are often misunderstood, but the uniqueness of Millwall is also what makes us so special.”
“I wish all of my friends at Millwall Football Club the best for the rest of the season, and I will see you soon.”
