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“The Joe Edwards Debate,” “Millwall’s Relegation Battle”

 

Joe Edwards: Can He Salvage Millwall’s Season, or Is a Change Desperately Needed?

Millwall Football Club are on the brink of relegation. No one at the club wants to admit it, no one thought it could happen and those who hold the power at the club certainly did not plan on it when they appointed Joe Edwards as head coach back in November.

However, the Lions have picked up just 1 point from their last 7 games and have slipped to within just a single point of the relegation zone and the spotlight is firmly on Edwards.

On paper, the move to appoint Edwards whilst a brave one, looked to be a breath of fresh air, out with the old, moving in a new direction, all the typical cliches when this type of appointments are made in football. A young up and coming coach, known for his work behind the scenes at Chelsea, working along-side the likes of Mourinho and Conte, working with the brightest young talent the country has to offer at under 20 level.

Fast forward just 4 months and his job as head coach is severely under threat, with pressure mounting and growing numbers within the fan base calling for him to be sacked, it’s looking it could all end in disaster for Edwards in his first job as ‘the main man’.

Our lads at That Millwall Podcast remain divided over the sacking of Joe Edwards; is it a good decision and have put together the ‘For’ and ‘Against’ arguments…

YouTube Show: Is Joe Edwards the Right Man for Millwall?

Reasons to Replace Joe Edwards

Alarming Form
The club started the new year with a win at Bristol City, which was the 3rd win a row. Sitting 15th in the table and in fact closer to the play-offs (8 points) than the bottom 3 (10 points) things seemed to have settled down for Edwards and the squad. However since then, it’s been a sorry state of affairs. No win in 8 games (inc the FA Cup tie v Leicester), 1 point from a possible 21, 4 league goals scored, 15 conceded…

The list of unwanted stats are racking up for Joe Edwards and when you add into the mix his current win percentage as Millwall manager is 21.05% and ranks as one of the worst in the clubs recent history:

Millwall Head coach Joe Edwards standing on the pitch at the den. with stats regarding the managers win percentages.

Steve Lomas: 25%
Ian Holloway: 22.58%
Joe Edwards: 21.05%
David Tuttle: 18.18%
Nigel Spackman: 16.67%
(Stats from Millwall history)

The faith in Edwards’ ability to turn this situation around is fading quickly and something has got to give.

 

 

 

 

YouTube Show: Where does the blame lie – Millwall Board, Millwall Players or Joe Edwards and his Backroom team?

Lack of Managerial Experience (Especially in a relegation dogfight)
Edwards is facing something he has never had to previously in his career – a relegation battle, with a group of players clearly struggling to carry out his instructions and tactics. Whilst it may be harsh to suggest the players are just not listening to him the fact, he has been unable to galvanise the players over the last 6 weeks is incredibly worrying. The lack of confidence and self-belief appears to be dwindling by the week throughout the club and as the man responsible for trying to set the team up to go out and fight, Edwards is looking to be a little out of his depth and does not have he experience to fall back on that other managers in the Championship have and possibly more importantly the support staff around him who could help him when he needs it the most.

YouTube Show:Millwall 0 – Sheffield Wednesday 2 – Post Match Reaction With Chapz

Tactical Stubbornness and a lack of ‘Plan B’
Joe Edwards has his way of playing, his set up, his style and that is why perhaps he was brought in, in the first place however, it’s just not working. The players at his disposal were predominately brought in by previous manager Gary Rowett to play a certain style and brand of football, which for most parts they were good at. Whilst it might seem admirable that Edwards is trying to get them to play better football and a passing/possession based game, the reality is they just aren’t capable of sustaining it for 90 minutes and are repeatedly being caught out. Yes, the argument that the players are letting him down is a valid one but most people who go to games or watch us on TV can see the players are not good enough to play the way he is asking them to but nothing ever changes and it comes across to some that it’s just a stubbornness that he will play his way regardless. Even in game, when its clearly not working, the game plan never really changes until its too late (which is often when we’re behind and we shift to a back 4) and most teams in this division seem to have just worked us out and ready to exploit us.

YouTube Show:Today’s Match Was So Bad, Even Millwall Stopped Giving Twitter Updates 

Reasons to Keep Joe Edwards

Inherited Troubles – both on and off the field
When Joe Edwards stepped into the spotlight at Millwall, he entered the club off the back of a tough series of events;
Missing out on the play-offs vs Blackburn
The sad passing of John Berylson
The parting of ways with long term manager Gary Rowett

Whilst we could never understand the full extent of the damage those 3 events caused behind the scenes at Millwall, it was clear that something wasn’t right and Joe Edwards took the decision to be the man to try and lift the club and get everything back on track, which was a brave decision considering it was his first venture in club management (albeit under the head coach title).

Add to this, he inherited one of the oldest squads (based on average age) in the division who had been on a terrible run of form over the previous 7 months (spread across 2 seasons) it must have daunting even if that wasn’t the message he was giving out at the time and it perhaps was always going to take a long time for the ‘Joe Edwards era’ to really start to get going and 4 months perhaps isn’t the right time frame to judge him on.

There are also issues away from the football, for example the delay there appears to be in getting the training ground plans moving, the issues with the sponsors that has been rumoured to have gone through to court – whilst they may not be directly issues Joe can deal with, they do hinder the running of the club and have financial implications.

Limited Resources
We can’t imagine that Joe Edwards was promised a huge war chest when he took the job and its likely that the club (and fans alike) expected him to use his knowledge within the youth set up and links back to Chelsea to bring in additions to the squad. Whilst we never went ‘shopping’ at Chelsea in January the players that come in, whilst they haven’t set the world alight, have shown the vision and ideas that Joe Edwards had (younger, pacy, athletic etc) but his hands were still tied massively in terms of funds and limited to players who perhaps we’ve only managed to attract due to previous injuries preventing them from making it at their parent clubs. Its hard to tell but would other managers have been able to do much better in the transfer market? Also, should Edwards stay on as head coach, there is a chance that come the summer when the overhaul will really take place, Edwards could attract several young players to come in and really freshen up the squad.

The Pressure is Mounting! Millwall Face a String of Make-or-Break Fixtures:

Feb 24th: Away to Southampton

Mar 2nd: Home against Watford

Mar 5th: Away to Blackburn Rovers

Mar 9th: Home against Birmingham City

Mar 17th: Away to Leeds United

Mar 29th: Home against West Bromwich Albion

Joe Edwards is in a make-or-break situation. Should Millwall accept these tough circumstances, wait for the tide to turn and hope Edwards can keep the club in The Championship? Or has the time come for the club to pull the trigger in a last ditch attempt to avoid the disastrous drop to League One?

 

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Millwall, where does the blame lie? The Board, Players or is Joe Edwards and his team?

 

Where does the blame lie?

 

In the latest episode of ‘Chat with Chapz’ rather than the usual deep dive into the latest game, ‘Chapz’ looks at the problems both on and off the pitch which have resulted in the lions being 21st in the league with only 4 points keeping us out of the relegation zone.

The debate has rolled on since the damaging defeat on Wednesday night, whether the board, Joe Edwards, the players or a combination of all 3 are the main cause of issues surrounding the club. Chapz points out and goes into detail on;

– The boards lack of nous in the transfer market which has seen us struggling to recoup any transfer funds over recent times and lack of investment in the playing squad

– Joe Edwards and his struggles to implement the style of football he wants to with the group of players at his disposal (and seemingly unable or unwilling to change from that style)

– The worrying statistics that have led to the lions slipping further down the table including one that has gone on over 16 months!

– The worrying form and ability of the playing squad, specifically Jake Cooper, Matija Sarkic and the curious case of Alan Campbell

– The lack of experience in key areas across the club’s management and recruitment teams

Plus, much much more!

The underlying message and tone from Chapz, is one of deep concern and worry that this will be our last season in The Championship, Joe Edwards is perhaps the right manger at the wrong time and there’s substantial evidence and reasoning as to why we are in trouble both on and off the pitch.

Do you agree with Chapz? Is there any one area/individual that deserves take more of the blame right now? Is there any hope left for the lions?

Let us know in the comments below!

 

 

 

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Millwall caretaker boss set to take charge on Saturday as interview process continues

Adam Barrett looks set to take charge of Saturday’s clash with Southampton.

 

The Lions have been without a manager since Gary Rowett left the club on October 18th.

Assistant manager Barrett has been in caretaker charge since Rowett’s departure and has so far taken charge of three games, Drawing two against Preston and Watford while losing one to Blackburn Rovers.

A number of names have been linked to the job most notably, Kevin Muscat, Michael Beale, John Eustace and Neil Warnock.

The latter is reportedly set to make a sensational return to Loftus Road after QPR sacked Gareth Ainsworth following their 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester – their sixth defeat in a row.

Bristol City have also parted ways with their manager Nigel Pearson. It has been reported that both clubs are interested in some of the names on Millwall’s shortlist.

Interviews have already taken place with more scheduled for this week. It is still not known what the timescale is for the Lions hierarchy to make an appointment. They have said that they are determined to carry out at comprehensive search before naming their new boss.

The Lions have two more matches, against the Saints on Saturday and then Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough next weekend before the international break.

Image: Millwall FC

 

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Hornets score stoppage time leveller to deny Millwall- Post Match Report: Watford 2-2 Millwall

Millwall were denied an unlikely three points after a stoppage time equaliser for Watford at Vicarage Road.

 

Just as at Preston in their last away day the Lions started in calamitous fashion. Just five minutes in, It was a shot from Edo Kayembe that was spilled by Bart Bialkowski and Yaser Asprilla was on hand to deflect home the ball for the opening goal.

But just as they did at Deepdale, the Lions hit back. Zian Flemming heading home after Casper De Norre’s cross had been headed on by Tom Bradshaw.

Millwall thought they had sealed the most unlikely of wins in the 85th minute when Wes Harding headed home George Saville’s corner.

But, in stoppage time. Mileta Rajovic broke free and headed past Bialkowksi  to ensure a point for the hosts.

The opening exchanges were tentative. Both sides had spells of possession, Flemming forcing the first save of the day from Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann on his 100th appearance for the home side.

Just two minutes later, the home side were in front.

Millwall have conceded some interesting goals, this being the worst of the lot. Bialkowksi would have been very disappointed with the fact he was unable to hold Kayembe’s shot. Cooper also will feel he should have done better. He should have shielded and allowed his keeper to smother rather than try to clear which lead to Asprilla deflecting it in.

 

Millwall’s response was good. They did not allow themselves to become too frustrated. They settled down and created a good equalising goal.

Danny McNamara combined well with De Norre, the Belgian crossing for Bradshaw to head onto Flemming was well executed. Flemming’s finish was also a smart one. It’s two goals in two away games now for him as well. It’s also four for the season.

After the early excitement the game began to settle down. Both sides having periods of the possession but not causing any real problems. That was until the 26th minute. A Hornets corner was poorly dealt with by the Millwall defence and the ball fell to Asprilla, he was denied by a stunning stop from Bialkowksi.

Vakoun Bayo would have been disappointed he didn’t give the home side the lead before the break, his header from close range failed to test Bialkowksi.

The home side started the second half strongly. Bayo again in the thick of the action. His charging run towards goal ended with his shot deflecting off Wes Harding and past the near post.

Kayeme had caused problems in the first half but this time Bialkowksi was equal to his shot and the home side continued to press for that second goal.

However, Millwall’s ability to stay in the game meant they would always get a chance at some stage. Flemming was presented with a chance, some decent build up play on the left allowed the ball to reach the Dutchman who curled an effort over the bar just after the hour mark.

Two minutes later, a strong run from Norton-Cuffy saw him break into the box, the ball came to substitute Ryan Longman but couldn’t direct his effort on target.

In the 74th minute Matheus Martins was denied by Bialkowski, not in the most convincing way parrying the shot right back into the danger area but the Watford man could not convert the rebound. Imran Loser then pulled a shot wide from Norton-Cuffy’s clearance.

Out of nowhere Millwall took the lead.

For all of Watford’s efforts they were behind. Saville’s corner was headed home by Harding in front of the away end to send the fans into delirium. Moments later Harding should have had his second but his header hit the crossbar as Watford descended into chaos.

However, just as we entered stoppage time Watford got their equaliser. Millwall’s passive defending down the right was exploited. Louza’s cross was headed home by Rajovic after he broke away from Cooper and headed easily past Bialkowksi.

The result see’s Millwall extend their unbeaten away run to five games.

Image: Millwall FC

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Watford 1-1 Millwall LIVE!

Millwall are back on their travels this afternoon as they head to Watford looking to extend their unbeaten away run.

 

The Lions are unbeaten in their last four away games – taking four points from the last two. They head to Watford looking to bounce back after a 2-1 home defeat to Blackburn in midweek.

You can follow all the action with Alex Grace in our live blog.

 

Image: Millwall FC

 

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Alex Grace’s verdict as Gary Rowett departs Millwall.

Gary Rowett has left Millwall after he and the club ‘mutually agreed to part company”

 

The former Birmingham, Derby and Stoke manager leaves the club three days short of his four year anniversary. He was the second longest serving boss in the Championship, behind Coventry’s Mark Robins.

Lions chairman James Berylson said “We greatly appreciate Gary’s efforts throughout his time in charge and he departs with the best wishes of everybody connected with the club. While my time working directly with Gary has been short, I have thoroughly enjoyed all our interactions and feel that he leaves us having enhanced the club’s on-pitch status during four successful years in charge.”

Rowett himself said in the statement. “Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for all their support during my time at the club. The atmosphere they create is truly unique.

 “I have thoroughly enjoyed being manager of Millwall and depart with a feeling that the club has progressed during my tenure. As is sometimes the case in football, the time just feels right to part ways.

 “I would like to thank John Berylson, James, Steve Kavanagh, Alex Aldridge, my backroom staff, and everyone behind-the-scenes for their hard work and support.

 “Finally, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the players, who I thank for the blood, sweat, and tears they have put into their efforts. It has been a successful and enjoyable four years.”

Anyone who is not associated with the club or anyone who doesn’t follow Millwall will look at this and think it’s a strange decision.  However, any of us that follow the club will not be surprised. The only thing that has surprised me is the timing of the announcement three days before the end of the International break.

Looking back on the last four years, Millwall have improved. I don’t think there is anyone who will say that Rowett has not taken the club forward. A team that used to be a bit of floater between the Championship and League One are now an established top half Championship team.

 

Rowett took the team on from where Neil Harris left off in 2019. The last four years have been successful. The League finishes of 8th, 11th, 9th and 8th show just how close the Lions have come and how consistent the former Burton manager has made the club.

He leaves with a record of 196 games, 76 wins, 57 draws and 63 defeats. That’s a win percentage of 38.8. You compare that to Kenny Jackett and Neil Harris who both had long stints in charge. They both managed to secure win percentages of over 40 – however, both had two seasons in the third tier.

Rowett will go down as one of Millwall’s most successful managers in the second tier and rightfully so. He has done very well to get the club into play-off contention year after year considering the budget and the standing of the club in the middle of their Championship rivals.

People will ask where did it go wrong? For me, it was the Blackburn game at the end of last season. That took a lot of out not just the team but the manager too. He has not been the same since that game. He has not looked the same, the energy was not the same and the motivation looked to have gone slightly and it only takes that motivation to fall tiny bit for the wheels to come off.

This season started so positively with that win at Middlesbrough on the opening day but things have turned quite a bit since then. The 4-0 defeat to Reading in the League Cup followed by the Norwich game and what happened at Carrow Road left everyone waiting to see when not if there would be a change in the dugout.

In terms of what happens now, the club say “a comprehensive recruitment process is underway.” This is only the sixth time in the Berylson ownership of Millwall that they have had to search for a new manager. If you look at previous five recruitments the club have always taken their time before making these appointments.

Adam Barrett is taking caretaker charge until a new manager is appointed. I would say this decision was taken due to the fact we are now heading into a three game week – a sign that this process may not be that quick and that the club will take their time appoint a new manager.

Image: Millwall FC

 

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Millwall vs Hull Team News – Rowet name unchanged side.

Gary Rowett has named an unchanged side from the one that beat Plymouth on Tuesday to face Hull City this afternoon.

 

The Lions were 2-0 victors at Home Park on Tuesday night and the manager has decided to stick with the same eleven that started in the South West on Tuesday night.

Danny McNamara and Joe Bryan keep their places at wing-backs. Despite scoring the second goal at Plymouth George Saville starts on the bench.

Tom Bradshaw is back in the matchday squad at the expense of Ryan Longman, he is unable to face his parent club.

Millwall team to face Hull: Bialkowski; McNamara, Leonard, Harding, Cooper, Bryan; Campbell, De Norre; Watmore, Flemming, Nisbet.

Subs: Trueman, Wallace, Mitchell, Norton-Cuffy, Saville, Esse, Honeyman, Emakhu, Bradshaw

Here is the Hull side.

Image: Millwall FC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Team News: West Brom vs Millwall

Gary Rowett has made one change for this afternoon’s game at West Brom

 

The one change is enforced, Kevin Nisbet was forced off against Rotherham on Wednesday, he is replaced in the starting eleven by Duncan Watmore.

Other than that it is as you were from Wednesday night.

The formation remains the same, Watmore will play up top with Tom Bradshaw, the latter alongside Zian Flemming opened their scoring accouts for the season on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, West Brom make five changes from their draw at Watford. Former Lion, Jayson Molumby starts while another former Lion in Jed Wallace is on the bench.

Millwall: Bialkowski; Norton-Cuffy, Wallace, Cooper, Leonard, M Wallace; Campbell, De Norre; Flemming Watmore, Bradshaw.

Subs: Trueman, McNamara, Adom-Malaki, Emakhu, Mitchell, Saville, Esse, Bryan, Harding.

Here is the West Brom team

 

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TMP LIVE: Millwall vs Rotherham United

Millwall host Rotherham United tonight looking to bounce back from Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds United.

 

Gary Rowett has mad one change from that defeat. Zian Flemming has returned to the starting lineup in place of Billy Mitchell, he drops to the bench.

Rotherham arrive in SE16 having not won any of their last 18 away matches.

The Lions won 3-0 when the teams last met.

You can follow all the action here in our live blog.

 

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TMP Team News: Rowett makes one change as Flemming returns for Millers clash

Gary Rowett has made one change for this evening’s match against Rotherham United.

 

Zian Flemming returns to the side after starting the defeat against Leeds last Sunday on the bench. He replaces Billy Mitchell – he drops to the bench.

Allan Campbell retains his place in midfield but moves deeper to partner Casper De Norre with Flemming taking up the advanced role.

Joe Bryan is fit enough for a place on the bench.

Millwall: Bialkowski; Norton-Cuffy, Wallace, Cooper, Leonard, M Wallace; Campbell, De Norre; Flemming Nisbet, Bradshaw.

Subs: Trueman, McNamara, Watmore, Emakhu, Mitchell, Saville, Esse, Bryan, Harding.

Here is the Rotherham team

Johansson, Lembikisa, Blackett, Clucas, Hugill, Onyedinma, Rathbone, Humphreys, Tiehi, Revan, Nombe.

Subs:  Phillips, Eaves, Green, Kelly, Odoffin, Appiah, McGuckin, Douglas.